Lucy Natasha overwhelmed by Ethiopia’s love as country set to usher in 2019
By Valerian Khakayi, September 9, 2026Reverend Lucy Natasha has expressed her gratitude to Ethiopia after receiving what she described as an overwhelming display of love, honour and hospitality during her visit to the country.
Natasha, who was in Ethiopia for a ministry assignment, shared an emotional message reflecting on her experience and thanked those who welcomed her during her visit.
“Thank you, Ethiopia, for the overwhelming love, honour and unforgettable hospitality. My heart is truly full!” she said on Wednesday, September 9,2026.
The Reverend also extended special appreciation to Dr Eyu Chufa, Ethiopia’s First Lady, and members of the Christ Army International Church for welcoming her and making her visit memorable.
“A special thank you to Dr Eyu Chufa, the First Lady, and the entire Christ Army International Church family for receiving us with such grace and making this Kingdom assignment so impactful,” Natasha said.
She added that her experience in the country had left a lasting impression, expressing her affection for Ethiopia.
“Ethiopia, you will always have a very special place in my heart,” she said.
In another message, Natasha thanked Ethiopians for the warm reception and reflected on her time ministering and fellowshipping with them.
“Thank you for the incredible love, hospitality and warm welcome. It has been an honour to minister, fellowship and experience this beautiful nation,” she said.
The Reverend concluded her message with a blessing for the East African nation.
“God bless Ethiopia,” she said.
Natasha also expressed her love for the country in Amharic, writing: “ኢትዮጵያ እወድሻለሁ ” which translates to “I love you, Ethiopia.”
Why Ethiopia is set to usher in 2019
Ethiopia is preparing to celebrate its New Year on Friday, September 11, 2026, when the country will enter 2019 according to the Ethiopian calendar.
Known as Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year marks the first day of the Ethiopian calendar year and is traditionally celebrated on September 11, except during a leap year when it falls on September 12.
The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month known as Pagume, which has five or six days.
The New Year also comes at the end of the country’s main rainy season and is associated with the appearance of yellow daisies known as Adey Abeba, which are considered a symbol of the new season.
Ethiopia has been observing the days leading to the New Year through various activities, with September 11 marking the official start of 2019 in the Ethiopian calendar.