Introduction

Ethiopia is often an overlooked country, however, there are many bits of intrigue. For starters, it is one of the oldest countries in the world and is the second most populated with over 85 million people.¹ It is believed to be the origin of our species, homo sapiens.² In fact, "Lucy," the most complete human ancestor skeletal remains ever found, is over 3.2 million years old. She was found in the Afar Depression—in Ethiopia. Even though "Lucy" was named after the Beatles song, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," Ethiopians prefer to call her, "dinknesh," or, "wonderful."³

Here at the Paleoanthropology Laboratories of the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia rests the actual remains of wonderful "Lucy."

Naturally, due to the ancient history of Ethiopia, it is also known as a holy land. It is plausible that the elusive Ark of the Convenant, one of the holiest relics known, containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and other remains of Moses, is kept somewhere in Ethiopia. Over time, Jerusalem has constantly received heavy traffic. Additionally, the region has been thoroughly affected by the Holy War and terrorism. It would be irrational to keep an important relic at the "Holy of Holies." Around 4 A.D., Ethiopia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity. By then, the Ark of the Covenant had already been created. Even though it is speculated that the Ark is

All content, media, and related materials Copyright © 2009 Hands Across the Planet to Poor Youth, Inc.
Protection under United States. All rights reserved. Any violation may constitute a fine of up to $250,000.