Blogs from Ethiopia, Africa - page 11

A gallery of friendship moments from 2013. Human contact is woven into life here in a way that would likely be considered "different" or uncomfortable at home. It starts with infants being carried on the backs of mothers, or when, mothers are occupied, the backs of older siblings. Boys and girls alike hold hands and even adults (including soldiers on public patrol) out for a stroll hold hands. So putting one's arm around the shoulder of a friend and affirming, "you are my friend" (guar-dane-ya in Amharic) is an every day occurrence. I go most places by foot, although a 3 wheeled bajaj (better known as tuk tuks in India where they're manufactured) is handy for longer trips into Gondar's main square (the piazza) where North American staples like corn flakes and Snickers bars can be ... read more

It's been a while! Since my last blog I have been pretty busy. I won't bore you with all the details but will highlight a few recent events... I went to Bahir Daar for a weekend (see photos) which was great – a refreshing change from Gondar. The town is situated by lake Tana and has the Blue Nile falls and source of the Nile close by. We visited monasteries and even saw a hippo in the lake! Went to an “Asmari bet” one evening which is a place where they have traditional music and dancing. I got dragged onto the stage and had to dance with the professional dancers in front of everyone. It was so embarrassing. Then disaster struck – I ran out of dental floss (no joke!). I promptly booked a flight home ... read more

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 For years I have been speaking up for the children in Kenya, before that it was Romania…now it is both. However, I am compelled to speak up for another group of children of whom I just learned about. They are refugee children living in camps in Ethiopia. I heard their story and I must share it. If I were those children I would hope that those that have the power to help would hear my story and respond. On Tuesday I was in a class called, “Perspective on the World Christian Movement” (www.Perspectives.org). I saw pictures of children that live ... read more

My darling brother in law has requested that my next blog entry is about weekend trips away and Ethiopian food rather than face masks and suction catheters so here goes…. Ethiopian staple food is “injera” which is a sour pancake with a consistency of a wet face cloth. They eat this with various sauces called “wot.” They also have meat dishes called “tibs.” When they kill a goat, they keep the gallbladder and bile and serve it to their special guests. I am so glad I don’t eat meat! The vegetarian food is tasty but I wouldn’t be able to eat it every day. Wednesdays and Fridays are fasting days – they don’t eat until the afternoon and even then they only eat vegan food. At the guest house I have made a few concoctions consisting ... read more

The time is currently 21 39 on Friday 8th November 2013. In Ethiopian time this is 03 39 at night and the date is Friday 29thOctober 2006 which is written as 29/2/06 as September is the first month of the year. Confusing or what! I have been in Gondar for 10 days now. It feels like forever. It’s hard work out here. I am still staying in a hotel but am hoping to move to the “university guest house” tomorrow. The “guest house” consists of a collection of flats about a 30-40 minute walk from the hospital. I have a choice between: Apartment 2 – no running water at the moment but has good natural light and is in reasonably good condition. There was however a rat in the flat above!!!! Apartment 5 – dark and ... read more