1/25/10 Monday
Misrak and I went shopping for a cultural dress this weekend (Friday.) I found one that I liked and fit. We didn’t buy it then since they would charge me more for it just because I am a ferengi (foreigner.) The next day Misrak and Meaza bargained and bought the dress for me. I also got one similar to mine for my sister Arielle. The fabric is hand-woven cotton with hand-stitched designs.
Friday evening I went with Mesfin to the Peacock Café. We met with his friend Anbesa for drinks and to hang out. Anbesa also won the DV lottery and is moving to Texas with his aunt and uncles that have been there for over 15 years already. I showed his how to write an American resume and some things to expect when he gets there.
Anbesa is upset because his family is encouraging him to marry an American when he gets there. He has a beautiful fiancé that I met on Saturday afternoon when Mesfin and I were invited to Ambesa’s house for coffee. He says he will find a way to bring his fiancé over as soon as he has his paperwork finished.
The conversation turned to love and the three types of love that physiology has broken down in to. It is best described using Greek term broken down to these three classifications:
“Agape” is the Greek word for divine, unconditional, self–sacrificing, active, volitional, thoughtful love. Greek philosophers at the time of Plato used it in a way that suggested a universal, as opposed to a personal, love; this could mean love of truth, or love of humanity.
“Philia” meaning friendship in Modern Greek, a dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle. This love is what one has towards their family and friends.
Lastly, “Erotic Love”; conjugal love is involved in erotic love as well, and is understood as a sexual love.
We decided you need all three of these in a relationship. Since that was the conclusion of our discussion we finished that with these things involved in Anbesa’s relationship, he and his fiancé will be able to be patient until arrangements can be made to bring his fiancé to Texas with him.
Yesterday (Sunday) for lunch the Abbas and I were invited to Assumpta’s house. We brought our lovely 93-year-old Abba Petros. It’s the first time I’ve seen him leave the Catholic Church Compound.
Assumpta has a very large family. After I greeted her whole family we were lead into the living room (they call it the salon.) We sat down and one of the sister’s brought water to wash our hands. The other sisters rotated with different dishes of food filling our plates.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kojo- The False Banana
‘Kojo’ is a food typical of the south (where Injara/ Teff is hard to get.) of Ethiopia made from the ‘False Banana.’ The False banana tree is just what the name describes. It looks like a banana tree only it never produces fruit. Kojo is typically eaten with ‘Kitfo’ (a meat dish.)
The outer layer of the tree is chopped away and the inner part is mashed. The locals mash the inners with their bare feet. (Most people in the countryside don’t wear shoes and their feet can be pretty gross.) They burry the mash in the false banana leaves underground for a few years while it ferments.
Once the mash has fermented it is unburied and by this time has grub larva within the muddle (the locals say if there are no larva in the mash it has not fermented enough.) again the mash is pounded by bare feet and again it is burred for some time.
Finally they unearth the mixture, pound it one last time, and cook it into a flat gray chewy slightly sour mass of what is called ‘Kojo.’
The Bishop was here today for lunch. He is very funny. During lunch he was telling jokes. One of these was:
Two priests go to dinner they begin drinking. They drink and drink until one of the priests points across the room and says to the other “you must stop me when those two priests over there become three.”
The other priest replies, “but father, there is only one priest sitting over there.”
There was an Ethiopian priest instructing an older Ethiopian man why he shouldn’t drink at his age. The man was arguing and in his defense asked if the bible discouraged it. The Ethiopian man thought he could distract the older man by going in order with books so that the older man might give up on the search.
The Ethiopian priest says to the older man, “Go ahead and start with the Amharic alphabet first and then read so on, and so on.” The older man agrees and picks up the book with the Amharic alphabet.
It begins like this, “HA, HU, LE, LU, ME, MU SE, SU, KE, KU, TE, TU…” at that moment the priest is interrupted by the older man and the man says, “can you repeat that?”
The priest says, “TE, TU…” Again the older man asks the priest to repeat. “TE, TU” says the priest. “See!” the older man says rejoicing. “Even the Amharic alphabet says ‘to drink!’ ” (Tetu = to drink in Amharic)
One of the children new to the catholic school asked Brother Simon, “Why do you wear that dress?”
Brother Simon replied, “It’s not a dress it’s a ‘habit.’
The boy then said, “Well, it looks like what they wear in my Karate class. Is that rope to hit me with when I’m bad?”
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hello, Hello
1/21/10
I went to an Ethiopian modern wedding reception on Sunday night with Misrak. It was more or less the same as an American reception. Yesterday was The Ethiopian Epiphany “Timket” Misrak, Meaza, T’sehey, and I went to the Orthodox Church in our area and marched with thousands of Ethiopians to another Orthodox Church.
It took us about two hours. We were in a sea of people wearing mostly white cultural clothes. I was the only white person there, but it didn’t seem to be intrusive. People here are really good and respectful here in Dire Dawa.
Police made a barrier to keep people from the popes and bishops leading the crowd. They were highly decorated. One group had multi colored umbrellas with reflective mirrors decorating them. Another group were tribal dancing with wooden staffs. It was really a great spectacle to witness.
Afterwards we stopped at The Jungle to have some juice and cool off. I had spaghetti at Misrak’s house, went back to my room and had a nice nap. Mesfin called and invited me out for dinner and we met up near the school he works at.
We talked about family, goals, and life in general. He is the youngest (27) of five children. A sister (married to a British guy and living in Dubai) a brother that died of Leukemia, and two other brothers (one married, and one still living at home with his mom.) His dad died of a failed liver.
I woke up yesterday and realized that the bimbi’s (mosquitoes) had eaten me raw. I look like I have chicken pox on my arms, chest, and waist. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I spent most of the day reading and finishing up a few art projects I started. Had my Amharic lesson and learned a few more words. Had dinner with Mesfin again and now here I am writing this blog.
The next week or so should be easy going as I have finished most of my duties for HCS. The last project is to hold a Report writing workshop for the staff. I also have to finish up the HCS brochure. Worku put together the picture he wants for the cover I just have to touch it up with Photoshop. Really I think if he were given the opportunity he would make a great architectural artist. I’ve seen some of the models he’s done in his spare time and they’re really impressive for someone with no formal training.
I went to an Ethiopian modern wedding reception on Sunday night with Misrak. It was more or less the same as an American reception. Yesterday was The Ethiopian Epiphany “Timket” Misrak, Meaza, T’sehey, and I went to the Orthodox Church in our area and marched with thousands of Ethiopians to another Orthodox Church.
It took us about two hours. We were in a sea of people wearing mostly white cultural clothes. I was the only white person there, but it didn’t seem to be intrusive. People here are really good and respectful here in Dire Dawa.
Police made a barrier to keep people from the popes and bishops leading the crowd. They were highly decorated. One group had multi colored umbrellas with reflective mirrors decorating them. Another group were tribal dancing with wooden staffs. It was really a great spectacle to witness.
Afterwards we stopped at The Jungle to have some juice and cool off. I had spaghetti at Misrak’s house, went back to my room and had a nice nap. Mesfin called and invited me out for dinner and we met up near the school he works at.
We talked about family, goals, and life in general. He is the youngest (27) of five children. A sister (married to a British guy and living in Dubai) a brother that died of Leukemia, and two other brothers (one married, and one still living at home with his mom.) His dad died of a failed liver.
I woke up yesterday and realized that the bimbi’s (mosquitoes) had eaten me raw. I look like I have chicken pox on my arms, chest, and waist. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I spent most of the day reading and finishing up a few art projects I started. Had my Amharic lesson and learned a few more words. Had dinner with Mesfin again and now here I am writing this blog.
The next week or so should be easy going as I have finished most of my duties for HCS. The last project is to hold a Report writing workshop for the staff. I also have to finish up the HCS brochure. Worku put together the picture he wants for the cover I just have to touch it up with Photoshop. Really I think if he were given the opportunity he would make a great architectural artist. I’ve seen some of the models he’s done in his spare time and they’re really impressive for someone with no formal training.
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Aftermath
1/16/10
So, Christmas was good. It was an all night thing. Church started at 11:00PM and didn’t end until about 3:30AM. There was singing, tribal drumming, praying and the likes. In conclusion we walked around the block singing and drumming, and holding candles until 3:00AM. It was very beautiful, an angelic experience. I like the fact that I couldn’t understand the language it made the experience all that much better some how.
When I got in the car I realized why we were so early to leave. The Bishop was visiting and taking some guests out to a fancy restaurant/hotel for dinner. The guests were Americans. They work for a Catholic church in Minnesota and fund many of the projects for HCS (the charity I am volunteering for.)
It was a wonderful dinner. Afterwards Abba Negash and I walked home for our nightly walk. Abba Worku has been in Harar. He comes back a forth from Harar to Dire Dawa. I stay in Dire because I like it here the best. I know people here now, have friends, my work, and my things are all in Dire.
We stopped in a small desert village to buy some coffee for the compound and the people there only spoke Oromo… The only one who could understand and communicate was Abba Negash (he is Oromo.)
I walk every night with the Abbas. This morning Abba Petros said, “I must die today.” I asked him ‘why’ and he said, “Because I am too old! (93) I am tired of this earth. I want to be with Waga (Oromo pagan god.)” I told him that his ‘room is not ready yet.’ Abba Petros said, “I will wait until I can visit Obama in America, then I will die in America.” He has a big belly laugh and says, “Be” (Eat (F) in Amharic.) It’s just the way he says things that make me want to laugh he gets really serious and then laughs.
He didn’t have the opportunity to go to school growing up and had to work as a farmer to support his family. The Abbas some how met him and took him to work in the compound here in Dire Dawa. He has been here working for them for three years. The Abbas gave him the opportunity and he now attends night school. He loves it and learns very quickly. He says he loves to read and especially has an interest in History and English.
People here crave education. I have decided that I want to come back here to Ethiopia in the future. I think it might be possible in two years. Meanwhile I will work, save money, help my momma out, and organize some goals.
So, Christmas was good. It was an all night thing. Church started at 11:00PM and didn’t end until about 3:30AM. There was singing, tribal drumming, praying and the likes. In conclusion we walked around the block singing and drumming, and holding candles until 3:00AM. It was very beautiful, an angelic experience. I like the fact that I couldn’t understand the language it made the experience all that much better some how.
I have been very busy finishing up my projects. The English classes are now over and I just finished writing up a 14-page report for HCS. I was invited to Meaza’s (Misrak’s roommate) birthday party and really enjoyed myself. We had cake, candies, fruit, and wine. We danced and talked and just had a really great time.
Thursday, I hung out with Mesfin (A Mathematics teacher at the high school here in Dire Dawa.) We had juice at Salaam Hotel, watched Ethiopian Idol, and talked about our lives. He is fun, the same age as me, speaks perfect English, and teaches me some Amharic. We have a lot in common.
I got a call from Abba Negash to say I was needed for dinner early. It was unexpected as it was only 6pm and we usually have dinner at 7:30. They came to pick me up from the hotel. I apologized for leaving in such a rush and left for dinner with the Abbas.
When I got in the car I realized why we were so early to leave. The Bishop was visiting and taking some guests out to a fancy restaurant/hotel for dinner. The guests were Americans. They work for a Catholic church in Minnesota and fund many of the projects for HCS (the charity I am volunteering for.)
It was a wonderful dinner. Afterwards Abba Negash and I walked home for our nightly walk. Abba Worku has been in Harar. He comes back a forth from Harar to Dire Dawa. I stay in Dire because I like it here the best. I know people here now, have friends, my work, and my things are all in Dire.
Yesterday Misrak, T’sehey, Abba Negash, and I went on a bit of an adventure. We drove for over an hour to see Legoda and caves that has paintings over 7000 years old.
We stopped in a small desert village to buy some coffee for the compound and the people there only spoke Oromo… The only one who could understand and communicate was Abba Negash (he is Oromo.)
All the women from the village came to our jeep. I felt like an alien that had just landed. They all looked at me with wide eyes. They spoke to each other and to us but none of us could understand them. Abba Negash was not there to interpret since he got out to buy the coffee. So we just stared back at them. One of the oldest women poked my arm, and then she pointed to my eyes. She really seemed astonished by my appearance. I felt like an animal at the zoo.
I walk every night with the Abbas. This morning Abba Petros said, “I must die today.” I asked him ‘why’ and he said, “Because I am too old! (93) I am tired of this earth. I want to be with Waga (Oromo pagan god.)” I told him that his ‘room is not ready yet.’ Abba Petros said, “I will wait until I can visit Obama in America, then I will die in America.” He has a big belly laugh and says, “Be” (Eat (F) in Amharic.) It’s just the way he says things that make me want to laugh he gets really serious and then laughs.
Today I had T’sehey teach me Amharic while I taught him some English. He speaks 4 languages including Geez, but doesn’t have much English. He is 25, but is in high school. I asked him why? He told me how he grew up in Gondor. His Father died when he was young and his mother is very poor and sick.
He didn’t have the opportunity to go to school growing up and had to work as a farmer to support his family. The Abbas some how met him and took him to work in the compound here in Dire Dawa. He has been here working for them for three years. The Abbas gave him the opportunity and he now attends night school. He loves it and learns very quickly. He says he loves to read and especially has an interest in History and English.
People here crave education. I have decided that I want to come back here to Ethiopia in the future. I think it might be possible in two years. Meanwhile I will work, save money, help my momma out, and organize some goals.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Does Your Heart Need Persuading? - Poem
1/12/10
Sometimes you can only understand a soul’s worth by touching someone. Inspiring them in some way to know then that they are awake and listening. Not just listening but also understanding. Not just understanding but putting to action. Not just putting to action but inspiring others. Do you dream in black and white or color?
Poetry holds my hand as I let my soul pour out, and soak into the sand beneath my feet. The peek of your existence is upon you. Your umbilical cord is trying to pull you back to where you were created. Though most wear life on their sleeve, many wear costumes that come to life and consume them. Be true. Know thy self.
Aspire to inspire. Put out the hearts you see on fire. Give peace to souls. Pull them out of the water, when they don’t know how to swim. Empower people within. I see all things in my dreams. Whether you believe it or not, they come true. Trust in yourself. Do what you say. Strive to evolve. Knowledge is the way. Take action, but always listen to your heart.
Onward go my hands in empowerment. My mouth shall pour forth all the secrets of Wisdom and Counsel. After those days in places where I had seen that which is hidden. Wisdom my Mother, Counsel my Father. My Mother had borne me towards the west. There mine eyes saw the secrets to become. You shall rouse Wisdom from her throne, so she may break forth as a lioness from her lair, and as ravenous Hyenas among their flocks. So open is the door. Have you hands to receive?
Be in the light of the sun, but do not forget the moon, for you are of the earth and persuaded by both. Bath in the light of the moon and she will revive you when you are weak. Baste in the light of the sun and you will prevail still. Retrieving what you seek.
Those who worship their egos will perish in the abyss of psychosis. Leviathan who dwells in the depth of the ocean, Behemoth resting in the waste will come for those who lay in ruin. Salvaging what’s left I gather the broken and the lame. Teaching to retrain the mind.
The world has a long way to go and I am searching continuously, but closer I get to the smell of all things universal. I inhale and breathe a new. I inhale and exhale truth. I am the living presence of all things. My conscious and existence is proof that all things are possible. All things are relative, all things sacred.
We are naked in the eyes of the universe. We can only hide for a time, but will always be found of our true nature. I have no room for guilt anymore. So I buried it with the past. I am looking forward. I am looking at you. Your eyes sparkle and glitter when I speak your name.
Come and be light with me. Apart we are only a whisper in the world, but together a pillar. Pull me close. Wrap me in your strength. Embrace me with your presence. Let us be one and strong. Let us empower the young and old. Let us give and in return receive in abundance the fruits of our labor.
Does Your Heart Need Persuading?
Sometimes you can only understand a soul’s worth by touching someone. Inspiring them in some way to know then that they are awake and listening. Not just listening but also understanding. Not just understanding but putting to action. Not just putting to action but inspiring others. Do you dream in black and white or color?
Poetry holds my hand as I let my soul pour out, and soak into the sand beneath my feet. The peek of your existence is upon you. Your umbilical cord is trying to pull you back to where you were created. Though most wear life on their sleeve, many wear costumes that come to life and consume them. Be true. Know thy self.
Aspire to inspire. Put out the hearts you see on fire. Give peace to souls. Pull them out of the water, when they don’t know how to swim. Empower people within. I see all things in my dreams. Whether you believe it or not, they come true. Trust in yourself. Do what you say. Strive to evolve. Knowledge is the way. Take action, but always listen to your heart.
It all circles back to our bones.
The hand comes out of the mountain.
Ribbons around the mind.
Bare bones.
Fingers around time.
I am a queen of wands,
And I am not afraid to use my power for good.
Onward go my hands in empowerment. My mouth shall pour forth all the secrets of Wisdom and Counsel. After those days in places where I had seen that which is hidden. Wisdom my Mother, Counsel my Father. My Mother had borne me towards the west. There mine eyes saw the secrets to become. You shall rouse Wisdom from her throne, so she may break forth as a lioness from her lair, and as ravenous Hyenas among their flocks. So open is the door. Have you hands to receive?
Be in the light of the sun, but do not forget the moon, for you are of the earth and persuaded by both. Bath in the light of the moon and she will revive you when you are weak. Baste in the light of the sun and you will prevail still. Retrieving what you seek.
Those who worship their egos will perish in the abyss of psychosis. Leviathan who dwells in the depth of the ocean, Behemoth resting in the waste will come for those who lay in ruin. Salvaging what’s left I gather the broken and the lame. Teaching to retrain the mind.
The world has a long way to go and I am searching continuously, but closer I get to the smell of all things universal. I inhale and breathe a new. I inhale and exhale truth. I am the living presence of all things. My conscious and existence is proof that all things are possible. All things are relative, all things sacred.
We are naked in the eyes of the universe. We can only hide for a time, but will always be found of our true nature. I have no room for guilt anymore. So I buried it with the past. I am looking forward. I am looking at you. Your eyes sparkle and glitter when I speak your name.
Come and be light with me. Apart we are only a whisper in the world, but together a pillar. Pull me close. Wrap me in your strength. Embrace me with your presence. Let us be one and strong. Let us empower the young and old. Let us give and in return receive in abundance the fruits of our labor.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Festivals
1/4/10
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! I have been traveling a lot and haven’t had the chance to put my thoughts down until now. Not only that but I’ve been having trouble getting things to post. Grrrrr Internet in Ethiopia
January 1st is World Peace Day and January 9th is Christmas in the Ethiopian calendar. So between my holidays and their holidays you can imagine how busy it’s been. Especially with each of the schools preparing their own ceremonies and events for the occasions.
I visited the Elementary/Middle School for their English class two Saturdays ago. Wondimu is an excellent teacher, engaging the students in his class. He has many activities for the students so they do not get bored. He loves to teach. You can tell he really enjoys what he does.
After the morning class he invited Brother Simon and I for a Buna ceremony (traditional coffee) we talked and laughed, watched Ethiopian Idol and took pictures. I had a great time.
After the afternoon class Wondimu also invited us for dinner. We went to an Italian restaurant. We had some great conversations. I learned that Wondimu won the DV Lottery and has received a visa to live in America.
For those of you that didn’t know (Even myself) The DV Lottery are run between our government and Ethiopia to give people from the country to experience America. Everyone’s name in the country is entered in the lottery. When a person’s name is randomly picked they must provide valid documents and go through an interview process.
Wondimu was this year’s lucky pick. He plans to stay in New York with a friend of a friend. I may try to persuade him to come to Texas though. He is extremely smart and I’m sure I could help him find a job teaching English or something similar.
We drove to Harar for their World Peace Day event. I went on a bus with some of the high school students from Bethrai Catholic School here in Dire Dawa. The bus was filled with energetic students singing, and joking around.
The children of the Harar Catholic School prepared a wonderful program including Peace Dramas, Music and singing, Traditional dancing, a Poetry contest, an auction to raise money for the school, and award ceremony.
After the program we had lunch at a restaurant in Harar. On our way back we stopped at a huge lake that had become dry from the drought. The bus driver told everyone to get their energy for the journey back to Dire Dawa.
Everyone flew out of the bus in one big gush and began to run down the hill into the dried up lake. Running, doing cartwheels, forming big circles and holding hands while singing. We played little games, and chased each other. It was a lot of fun.
Some of the local boys soon were watching from a distance giggling and pointing at all of them. Then we all piled back into the bus and drove home.
I took Abba Negash, Abba Mengesach, and Brother Simon out for Christmas dinner at their favorite restaurant. It seems that the best restaurants are the Hotels. I ended up getting sick the next day and spent the next day in my room near my toilet.
Once I was better Abba Worku, Misrak, Mesfin, and Yumisrach drove to Jijiga for their program. When we arrived we met with Abba Johnny an Old Italian priest who loooves to shout and yell. We all like him but at times jump at his commands. It’s really funny though when he shouts, “EAT! EAT!”
Jijiga’s program had all the elements of the program in Harar including a fashion show for the little kids, and acrobats!
I was invited on stage with Abba Worku and one other person. We were all given live doves and on the count of three (And, Hulet, Sost!) we all opened are hands in the air and the three doves flew up, up, up together and circled the arena before flying away! It was beautiful, amazing, and awe-inspiring!
Jijiga by far had the best program. All the students attended. Unfortunately Jijiga is not a stable city and none of the parents were invited for the program.
Jijiga is located very close to the Somali border. Somalia is a desperate country full of pirates, thieves, and terrorists. Because of this they have strict rules in their city that is populated with many Somali people.
At 4pm no one is allowed to drive. By 7pm everyone must be off the streets. Everywhere you go you are padded down for weapons and a lot of soldiers with riffles guard the streets. The day before we came there was a shooting and the day we were there was a terrorist bombing. We were safe staying with the sisters.
That night the sisters surprised me with an Italian cake they prepared for me for World Peace day and my New Years! We celebrated together with the delicious pastry and local beer.
At midnight Misrak threw the lights on in our room and shouted “Happy New Year!” I was confused at first but realized she had set up a whole celebration for us without me ever suspecting! Misrak is amazing! She had popcorn, chocolate, and decorated the floor with white flowers. She gave me a gift. It’s a traditional woven container to hold food for long journeys. It’s the smallest of its kind and made of woven reeds and goatskin. I love it! It’s absolutely beautiful!
After Lunch the following day we got out of Jijiga and drove straight back to Dire Dawa only stopping in Harar for Tea. The next day I was sick again. Luckily this time I was able to get some medicine and didn’t have to wait it out. I am fine now.
1/3/10
The World Peace Day event In Dire Dawa. The program at this school wasn’t planned out as well as the last two programs. There was music, speeches, and the poetry contest. There was an exibit two of the students put together with bios of all the Noble Peace Winners including the most recent (Barak Obama.) After the program I had lunch with the Abbas and Brother Simon.
I was then invited by Mesfin (the Math teacher at the Dire Dawa School) for juice and a tour of some of the Hotels in the area. Seems the Hotels are nice here, with clean swimming pools. Mesfin informed me that really the only place you can go swimming is at the Hotels.
Hotels are much different in use than in the states for the most part. Here a hotel provides a clean swimming pool, safe food, and nice sports bars. A lot of people in the city go to hotels for their amenities not to rent a room (that is of course unless they are renting a room.)
1/5/10
Getting ready for an Ethiopian Christmas! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve here and there are many programs planned. At 6pm there is a program at the train station, and then I’m going for Pizza with Mesfin for dinner. At midnight everyone meets at the church for a Christmas program. I’m not sure what all is involved, but it lasts until 4am.
So as soon as I’ve had the experience I’ll be sure to give you all the details.
Leave me a comment and tell me how you spent your Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, and or New Years?!
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! I have been traveling a lot and haven’t had the chance to put my thoughts down until now. Not only that but I’ve been having trouble getting things to post. Grrrrr Internet in Ethiopia
January 1st is World Peace Day and January 9th is Christmas in the Ethiopian calendar. So between my holidays and their holidays you can imagine how busy it’s been. Especially with each of the schools preparing their own ceremonies and events for the occasions.
I visited the Elementary/Middle School for their English class two Saturdays ago. Wondimu is an excellent teacher, engaging the students in his class. He has many activities for the students so they do not get bored. He loves to teach. You can tell he really enjoys what he does.
After the morning class he invited Brother Simon and I for a Buna ceremony (traditional coffee) we talked and laughed, watched Ethiopian Idol and took pictures. I had a great time.
After the afternoon class Wondimu also invited us for dinner. We went to an Italian restaurant. We had some great conversations. I learned that Wondimu won the DV Lottery and has received a visa to live in America.
For those of you that didn’t know (Even myself) The DV Lottery are run between our government and Ethiopia to give people from the country to experience America. Everyone’s name in the country is entered in the lottery. When a person’s name is randomly picked they must provide valid documents and go through an interview process.
Wondimu was this year’s lucky pick. He plans to stay in New York with a friend of a friend. I may try to persuade him to come to Texas though. He is extremely smart and I’m sure I could help him find a job teaching English or something similar.
We drove to Harar for their World Peace Day event. I went on a bus with some of the high school students from Bethrai Catholic School here in Dire Dawa. The bus was filled with energetic students singing, and joking around.
The children of the Harar Catholic School prepared a wonderful program including Peace Dramas, Music and singing, Traditional dancing, a Poetry contest, an auction to raise money for the school, and award ceremony.
After the program we had lunch at a restaurant in Harar. On our way back we stopped at a huge lake that had become dry from the drought. The bus driver told everyone to get their energy for the journey back to Dire Dawa.
Everyone flew out of the bus in one big gush and began to run down the hill into the dried up lake. Running, doing cartwheels, forming big circles and holding hands while singing. We played little games, and chased each other. It was a lot of fun.
Some of the local boys soon were watching from a distance giggling and pointing at all of them. Then we all piled back into the bus and drove home.
I took Abba Negash, Abba Mengesach, and Brother Simon out for Christmas dinner at their favorite restaurant. It seems that the best restaurants are the Hotels. I ended up getting sick the next day and spent the next day in my room near my toilet.
Once I was better Abba Worku, Misrak, Mesfin, and Yumisrach drove to Jijiga for their program. When we arrived we met with Abba Johnny an Old Italian priest who loooves to shout and yell. We all like him but at times jump at his commands. It’s really funny though when he shouts, “EAT! EAT!”
Jijiga’s program had all the elements of the program in Harar including a fashion show for the little kids, and acrobats!
I was invited on stage with Abba Worku and one other person. We were all given live doves and on the count of three (And, Hulet, Sost!) we all opened are hands in the air and the three doves flew up, up, up together and circled the arena before flying away! It was beautiful, amazing, and awe-inspiring!
Jijiga by far had the best program. All the students attended. Unfortunately Jijiga is not a stable city and none of the parents were invited for the program.
Jijiga is located very close to the Somali border. Somalia is a desperate country full of pirates, thieves, and terrorists. Because of this they have strict rules in their city that is populated with many Somali people.
At 4pm no one is allowed to drive. By 7pm everyone must be off the streets. Everywhere you go you are padded down for weapons and a lot of soldiers with riffles guard the streets. The day before we came there was a shooting and the day we were there was a terrorist bombing. We were safe staying with the sisters.
That night the sisters surprised me with an Italian cake they prepared for me for World Peace day and my New Years! We celebrated together with the delicious pastry and local beer.
At midnight Misrak threw the lights on in our room and shouted “Happy New Year!” I was confused at first but realized she had set up a whole celebration for us without me ever suspecting! Misrak is amazing! She had popcorn, chocolate, and decorated the floor with white flowers. She gave me a gift. It’s a traditional woven container to hold food for long journeys. It’s the smallest of its kind and made of woven reeds and goatskin. I love it! It’s absolutely beautiful!
After Lunch the following day we got out of Jijiga and drove straight back to Dire Dawa only stopping in Harar for Tea. The next day I was sick again. Luckily this time I was able to get some medicine and didn’t have to wait it out. I am fine now.
1/3/10
The World Peace Day event In Dire Dawa. The program at this school wasn’t planned out as well as the last two programs. There was music, speeches, and the poetry contest. There was an exibit two of the students put together with bios of all the Noble Peace Winners including the most recent (Barak Obama.) After the program I had lunch with the Abbas and Brother Simon.
I was then invited by Mesfin (the Math teacher at the Dire Dawa School) for juice and a tour of some of the Hotels in the area. Seems the Hotels are nice here, with clean swimming pools. Mesfin informed me that really the only place you can go swimming is at the Hotels.
Hotels are much different in use than in the states for the most part. Here a hotel provides a clean swimming pool, safe food, and nice sports bars. A lot of people in the city go to hotels for their amenities not to rent a room (that is of course unless they are renting a room.)
1/5/10
Getting ready for an Ethiopian Christmas! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve here and there are many programs planned. At 6pm there is a program at the train station, and then I’m going for Pizza with Mesfin for dinner. At midnight everyone meets at the church for a Christmas program. I’m not sure what all is involved, but it lasts until 4am.
So as soon as I’ve had the experience I’ll be sure to give you all the details.
Leave me a comment and tell me how you spent your Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, and or New Years?!
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