Settling In

12/4/09

Settling into routine here in Dire Dawa. I have a few projects I’ve been working on. One of them is recording the stories from the fourth grade English workbook on to a CD so that the children can practice pronunciation. I’ve just finished with the 24 chapter/ stories and am now picking out vocabulary words to record.

I wrote an essay on Success and confusions people abroad may have about America. It’s written in a general sense or I would have to write a whole book. The subject itself is broad and so I only touched lightly on the subject at hand.

I have been given a local cell phone while I am working here. I wash my clothes in my sink; I eat all my meals with the Brothers and Abbas. Misrak and I go out sometimes to walk. A few nights ago there was a huge feast (on the roof of the building I am staying at) for three bicyclists from Switzerland. They rode their bikes all the way to Ethiopia as a fundraiser for water. A penny per Kilometer was what sponsors pay.

After the feast I was talking with Philippe one of the bicyclists about our current adventures. We turn to head in for the night and realized we’ve been locked out. It’s too far to jump and all three doors are locked. Philippe says, “Well I guess we’re spending the night outside.”

I wont hear none of that and pull out my cell. I hear Philippe sigh in relief and call Abba Worku to bail us out. Worku laughs and laughs and within minutes someone comes to unlock the door apologizing.

Abba Petros (the 93 year old Bishop) always makes us laugh at the dinner table. He always has some joke or funny comment. Before we eat he says the evening prayer and ends it with “and may god bless me with the appetite of Brother Simon.” He likes to say how every one is Oromo in one way or another. Then he laughs a belly laugh and his white teeth gleaming. Even I am some how of the Oromo tribe (although I’m not sure how.)

Misrak and I went to her favorite place called The Jungle. It’s three birr to enter ($1.00 = 12 Birr.) It’s in comparative to a very small Zoo (including the cages they are kept in.) The first cage has only pigeons. The second, third, fourth, and fifth have different types of birds including pheasants, roosters, and geese.

The next dozen cages have different types of monkeys, baboons, and a hyena. Then there are peacocks, and an ostrich.
We have a seat and drink juice. The juice comes in three colors one on top of the other. Mango, ambusha (a local fruit), and avocado; they make up the colors of the Ethiopian flag. When we leave I notice there are flags up now.

Malaria

11/28/09

Here in Dire Dawa the old bishop is 93 years old, but still as sharp as a razorblade. He says that Obama is from the Oromo tribe. “But his family is from Kenya.” Abba Worku says. The old bishop explains something about Kenya people originating from the Oromo tribe, which makes him Oromo. “He is our brother.” He says in Amharic with a 93-year-old grin. Ethiopians like Obama VERY much. Actually the world is happy with him for the time being.

It has actually rained today which I think is unusual for the dry season. It was a light shower but outside smells fresh and the ground eagerly and selfishly has devoured whatever rain it touches.

I am introduced to Misrak (It means “East” in Amharic.) She is 23 years old and graduated from law school last year. She is now working as Worku’s secretary in the peace and justice department of the Catholic church here. I like her very much and know we will spend much time together. She is intelligent, funny and from the Groggy tribe.
Before I return to my room after dinner the brothers, Misrak, and I watch Ethiopian Idol.

The mosquito netting swallows my bed in neon green, and hangs about like the bed is made for a princess. Queen of Sheba perhaps? Ah alas it is only I at the moment sleeping in such settings.