Blogs from Addis Ababa Region, Ethiopia, Africa - page 27

Africa - Ethiopia - Addis Ababa 09/05/08 - 09/15/08 Exploring our roots in Ethiopia Written by Mary Polytaridis (Nico's Mom) It all started as a joke as Nico and Hannah were prepping for their year-long adventure: “Why don't you guys meet us in Ethiopia and celebrate Mary's 50th birthday while showing us your native country?” Both Lakis (my husband) and I were born and raised in Ethiopia, he in Addis Ababa and myself in Dire Dawa, but hadn't been back for over 30 years. What would it look like now? Would we still remember the country we gave so much of our lives to, and more importantly, would we still appreciate it? What about the exorbitant costs of flying to Africa and who would take care of Terra (Nico's dog) while we're gone? After months ... read more

So this may or may not be my last update. This week I've been learning how to respond to the "China!". "I'nay Ethiopia-we" or " Habasha". Which means "I'm Ethiopian" and "Native" respectively. Actually, according to my trusty sources (my Ethiopian teammates), "habasha" is actually one of the tribes in Ethiopia. Now, I haven't mentioned this before but there are around 80 ethnicities that reside in Ethiopia. So my situation at Layla House (where I work), is improving. Whatever was stirred up is slowly settling and I think the slumber party we had for some of the kids were a big part of that. Slumber parties aren't big in Ethiopia, so this was pretty new and exciting for both the kids and the Ethiopian teammates that attended. I think I'm really blessed to work around so ... read more

I just wanted to get some help. Amy's, the trip director from our school, mom has lupus and was doing well before we left. Over the last two days she found out through email that she is now doing very poorly. It's incredibly tough to be half way around the world and have your mom hurting. So I just wanted to ask prayer for both Amy's mom and her. Josiah... read more

Salaam again. I'm still trying to get the hang of this whole internet thing. I just found out my first and my most "insightful" post wasn't even posted. Interesting...which leads me to the rest of this post. Interesting has been probably the most overused (for good reason) word for this trip so far, especially this week. I finished my second full week at the orphanage. With the honeymoon stage over, it was fairly difficult to get through the week-- thinning patience, language barrier, lack of decent sleep. There is definitely lots of personal emotions and issues about matters of my own heart being stirred up as I work at the orphanage. It's refreshing to know where even I need healing and reconciliation; it's definitely not what I came here to do, but I'm glad it's happening ... read more

Salaam again. I'm at an internet cafe in Dembel City. It is so great to actually check my mail and the blog without losing my hair or waiting for some minutes for a window only to realize that it won't open. Regardless, I feel that I've been a bit preachy in the last post. So for those of you that were a bit offended-- please pardon me. I just wanted to voice some questions that have been in the back of my head since I've gotten here. The team is well. There are some difficulties here and there as you all know-- the art of "roommating" is a bit abrasive at times. Ethiopians are very conscientious and soft spoken people. Well... generally. They have been very gracious as we continue to butcher simple Amharic greetings and ... read more