Cracked Pot
The sermon at church yesterday was written directly for me I believe. The pastor talked about heroes having clay feet and how Elijah’s life fell apart for a little while. He used the illustration of a clay pot. Right now my pot is cracking right down the middle – my life here in Ethiopia is falling apart.
Same
I thought he was different but it turns out that he is the same as her. He warned the nannies to watch me pack incase I stole anything. He told them that when the auditor comes if anything is missing from the house that it will come out of their paychecks. When I found out about this I was so angry. So angry in fact that I took everything that I bought. I was going to leave some stuff that the house needs but out of anger I took everything. I feel bad because I did buy that stuff for the nannies and children but he can replace everything. I have cried more these last two months then I have in all my life combined.
Projects
I moved to the projects. I rented an apartment near Tesfanesh’s brother. It is actually considered ‘the projects’ but it is a really nice apartment. Most of the people living here are families with lots of children. There is no middle class in Ethiopia – you are either poor or rich. Most of the people who live here would be considered mid-lower class.
Mesmore
This means music in Amharic. All of the Christian music sounds the same to me. You could interchange the musicians and their words but never change the melody and music and no one would ever know the difference. Tesfanesh told me that another white person had told her the same thing.
10…9…8…7…
I am counting down the days until I am home – 6 days until I leave and 7 until I am in San Diego. I am looking forward to a time of rest.
One Man’s Trash…
Is another’s treasures. I was invited to visit a neighbor’s house yesterday. When I went inside the mom was sowing (on an ancient machine) strips of fabric together making a shirt for her youngest child. I looked around and noticed that they have 7 people living in a one-bedroom apartment. It reminded me of my childhood. Then I had a brilliant idea. I got all of my clothes that I don’t wear and the twin sheets that I brought that don’t fit and I let them go through and pick stuff out that they wanted. I also went through the clothes that are Elias’ (sorry Autumn) and gave some of them to the little boy. He had been wearing clothes that were too small and for little girls. One of the daughters took a pair of jeans and two shirts as well as two of the sheets. I told her to make a shirt for her dad because he only has one dress shirt. The housemaid took the rest of the clothes. Oh man did it make their day. I had her try everything on and do a fashion show. She was giddy with happiness. It made my day too – now I don’t have to worry about what to do with all the clothes I don’t wear.
Packed
Today I went through all of my stuff and decided what I want to take home and what I want to keep here in Ethiopia. It took me longer than I thought but I rearranged everything how I want it. Now all I have to do is wash my clothes and buy souvenirs.
Conjoe Bet – Beautiful House
I bought a small sofa set today for the living room. After much searching and driving around we found one that wasn’t a fortune and that was actually a decent color. The couches here are very different from in America. They are huge over-stuffed things that are usually an ugly color. I will post pictures of our apartment soon.
Genesis Farms
Today Tesfanesh, her brother’s wife, Mesfin, Hiwot #2 and I went to Debre Zyet and visited this amazing farm. An American and an Ethiopian run the farm and it employs many local people. It has cows, chickens, different vegetables and flowers. I bought a ficus tree for two dollars and other plants for about the same price. We joined a school on the tour around the place and when it was finished I asked the tour guide if he would take us to visit the place where they make cheese. He was hesitant at first but Tesfanesh talked him into it. I learned a lot about how to run a farm – it takes a lot of manpower and hard work. When we got home Tesfanesh’s brother had bought his wife and myself some roses. Since roses are Ethiopia’s third largest export they are everywhere, but most Ethiopians don’t buy them. This family has been so nice to me and treated me so well this is just icing on the cake.
Rules
For having no rules while driving there are rules but only when the police are round. Today I got a ticket. I was nearing one of the few intersections that has traffic lights and none of them were lit – so of course I went through. There was a policeman right there, I didn’t see him until he whistled for me to stop. So I pulled over and I told him in Amharic that I didn’t see any lights on. He told me that the far one on the other side of the street was on. You’ve got to be kidding me. So the two lights that were right in front of me are off but the one all the way to left on the other side of traffic was on. How could anyone see that? Anyways he took my driver’s license and now I have to go tomorrow and pay a $114 birr fine to get it back. I was in a very busy area and everyone was giving me sympathetic looks. One guy yelled to me, “Izosh,” which means, “It will be ok.” I just laughed and drove away.
Things I will Miss
Kenasa – I will miss him coming up and hugging my leg right when I come to the house.
Melkamu – I will miss the way he jokes around and says that his rather fat tummy is because of pasta.
Sentayhu – I will miss the way she loves to help everyone.
Habtamu – I will miss the way he makes funny faces all the time.
Eyob – I will miss the way he preaches to the other kids.
Ebowa – I will miss the way she grabs my face and kisses my cheek for as long as I will allow at bedtime.
Sitota – I will miss the way he smiles whenever I kiss him goodnight.
Halle – I will miss the way she pretends to give you her nose and when you pretend to give her yours she eats it.
Lily – I will miss her laugh when she is tickled.
Yeabsira – I will miss her smile.
Ammanuel – I will miss the way he loves to be held and talked to.
Melaku – I will miss the way he smiles and laughs when I talk to him.
Damenu – I will miss the way she jumps up and down when I talk to her.
Henok – I will miss the way he laughs when tickled.
Ruth – I will miss her laugh when Hiwot talks to her.
Missaye – I will miss her so much. She was my movie buddy. We would stay up late every night and watch either a movie or The Office.
Bellatu – I will miss her gentleness and wisdom.
Tesfanesh – I will miss her friendship.
Hiwot – I will miss her willingness to learn and improve.
Senaidt – I will miss her and her desire to serve everyone.
Meseret – I will miss the way she dances.
Selam – I will miss the way she says my name “Elme.” (L-me)
Reading to the kids at night before bed.
Listening to the kids pray and sing.
Saying Goodbye
I said goodbye to everyone the other day. It was so hard to say goodbye to the kids because I know that many of them will be in America when I get back. They didn't really understand what was going on but I knew exactly what saying goodbye meant. Missaye cried so hard when I hugged her goodbye. Although I will see her when I get back two months seems like a long time to be away from them. My friend G-me (he is a driver that lives in Bethel - same area that I live) said that Addis without Emily is not good. That warmed my heart. My new neighbors had this beautiful coffee ceremony for my at their house. I also threw myself a going away party and there were so many people there. It was hard saying goodbye to my Ethiopia family but I am so excited to see my family that I can't be sad too long.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Blogs 5-18-09
Laugh so Hard
I have never in all my time here seen all of the nannies laugh so hard while watching a movie. Tonight for the first time we watched Dumb & Dumber. They laughed at all the right places but they went hysterical over the bathroom scene. Oh man Tesfanesh was laughing so hard I though she was going to pee her pants. I was laughing so hard watching them laugh – it reminded me of watching it with my dad and doing the same thing with him.
Finally
Today I got my Ethiopian drivers license. It took me all day but I finally got it. First I had to go to the U.S. Embassy and get my Californian drivers license validated. Once I got that I went to the Ministry of Transport and a nice gentleman helped me fill out all the forms and I had to get my picture taken so he took me to a photo house where I was ripped off but since I had to have them I had to pay it. I found out that I had to get the paper from the U.S. Embassy authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And since the Ministry of Transportation was closed for lunch we went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but they were closed for lunch too. So I went to a new restaurant called The Cottage. It was my first time eating a meal by myself and when the waiter said, “Solo?” I was embarrassed. I was the only woman in the restaurant and I swear the white man sitting kitty-corner to me was talking about the fact that I had a St. George. After finishing my meal I went back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and stood in line for 20 minutes. Then I stood in another line to give them my paper.. They gave me a number and told me to sit so I could pay. So the girl next to me and I watched part of Across the Universe on my iPOD. Once I paid I had to wait in another line to get my receipt. Then I left and we went to use the ATM. I saw a ticket from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then it dawned on me that I left my camera with security. So we had to go back (luckily it was on the way). They asked me to fill out a survey – I was honest about the fact that it was a waste of time standing in three lines when only one was required. Who knows if they will change their system - probably not because all of Ethiopia is like this. Then we headed back to the Ministry of Transportation and finally after standing in a very short line I received my drivers license. It is just laminated cardstock with a photo of me on it and a couple stamps. Then the nice gentleman who helped me at the beginning asked me for money. I told him no. He was very angry but I told him that I didn’t ask for his help but that I was very grateful for it. He said that that wasn’t fair. I told him that I thought he was helping me out of the kindness of his heart and not doing it for money.. Then he walked away. Typical. They prey on the white people all over Addis. They come up to you and ask you if you need help when in reality this is their job – they are like vultures and always expect something in return.
Alive
I am still alive after my first day of driving in the city. It took me two days but I found a car to rent. I picked it up this afternoon and drove down Bole Ave. during rush hour. The minibuses scare me as well as Meskel Sq. (the largest intersection I have ever seen – 10 lanes on each side). Mexico Sq. roundabout was difficult to navigate because there were four cars trying to go at one time into one lane. But I made it home without hitting a goat, donkey, person or other car. All of the kids were so excited that there is a car at the house. They all asked to go for a drive but I told them that we would go tomorrow. So tomorrow we are going to go for ice cream. Most of them have never had ice cream so it will be fun for everyone.
Reassurance
Yesterday Mesfin (the man from the new orphanage) called and asked me to come on Saturday and teach them how to care for children. He asked me to teach them proper sanitation, nutrition and health care for the nannies and children. Oh to have someone open minded who is willing to be taught by someone younger. It is very rare here to have someone (especially a man) who wants to be taught the western way. Ethiopians pride themselves on tradition and the fact that they have been a country for so long. It is so refreshing because it is so hard here at the house to try and teach them something new – like putting the boiled milk in the fridge. It just reassures me as to why I am here - I am here serving the Lord by serving the children. And that reassurance makes up for what happened last month.
Road that Never Ends
Last Friday Tesfanesh and I took a road trip to Jimma to visit her family. Even though I was super sick I really wanted to go. Jimma is approximately 350km from Addis and it took 6 hours to get there. It was super easy to find because there is just one road all the way from Addis to Jimma. The first 180km were nice and straight. I only had to slow down for towns, people and cattle. The second half of the trip was a different story. For 60km or so the road was switchbacks up and down mountain sides. We had to go so slow. For the rest of the trip the road wound around gradually. I was getting tired from avoiding the numerous cattle, donkeys, and goats – not to mention all the people. When dusk came around I started imagining that the stacks of wood on the side of the road were people. It was much easier to see when it was fully dark. Finally we made it. I was so excited to get out of the car but there wasn’t anywhere to park at Tesfanesh’s uncle’s house. So we had to park a couple doors down at the Catholic school. The next day there was a different guard who was refusing to let us out - after 20 minutes he did.
Hurricane Jimma
While I was in Jimma it rained every night. Let me correct myself. It didn’t rain – it poured. It poured so hard I had never in my life seen that much rain. It made me think of a hurricane – but without the wind.
Sacrifice
After rescuing the car from the Catholic compound we visited the Jimma Museum, which consisted of old artifacts from the king. Then, we went up to the palace.. The view from the palace was absolutely gorgeous. They were going to charge me money if I took any pictures so I didn’t take any. We toured the empty palace and drove back down the worst road in Jimma. By this time it was around lunchtime so we stopped by Tesfanesh’s Uncle Teka’s house. I didn’t know we were going for lunch or I would have brought some food with me but they knew I was going to be joining them because they had slaughtered a sheep on my behalf. I asked Tesfanesh what I should do and she said that she told them that I don’t eat meat. I felt so bad but they made me macaroni instead. My voice was so deep and it hurt so bad to talk that I just sat there most of the time. I was probably the rudest guest they had ever had in their home before because 1) they killed one of their sheep for me and I didn’t even eat it and 2) I didn’t talk to anyone because I was sick.
First Time For Everything
On our way back from Jimma Teka asked us to stop by his shop - which is around 22km from Jimma. It was market day in that small town so everyone was out and about getting ready to sell and purchase things. The next thing I am about to tell you is neither a lie nor a joke. I was the first white person to walk through town. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered around to watch me. It was a sight to see. I almost took a picture but thought that they wouldn’t appreciate that too much. That was a first for me.
Culture
For the most part I really love the Ethiopian culture. There is one factor of it that I can’t stand. I hate the way they treat their employees. There is a huge social divide between the employers and the employees. Housemaids are treated more like servants. They are at the beck and call of their employer. They work 16 or 17 hours a day for pennies cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and sometimes watching children. Coming from a Western culture this is so foreign to me.
I have never in all my time here seen all of the nannies laugh so hard while watching a movie. Tonight for the first time we watched Dumb & Dumber. They laughed at all the right places but they went hysterical over the bathroom scene. Oh man Tesfanesh was laughing so hard I though she was going to pee her pants. I was laughing so hard watching them laugh – it reminded me of watching it with my dad and doing the same thing with him.
Finally
Today I got my Ethiopian drivers license. It took me all day but I finally got it. First I had to go to the U.S. Embassy and get my Californian drivers license validated. Once I got that I went to the Ministry of Transport and a nice gentleman helped me fill out all the forms and I had to get my picture taken so he took me to a photo house where I was ripped off but since I had to have them I had to pay it. I found out that I had to get the paper from the U.S. Embassy authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And since the Ministry of Transportation was closed for lunch we went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but they were closed for lunch too. So I went to a new restaurant called The Cottage. It was my first time eating a meal by myself and when the waiter said, “Solo?” I was embarrassed. I was the only woman in the restaurant and I swear the white man sitting kitty-corner to me was talking about the fact that I had a St. George. After finishing my meal I went back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and stood in line for 20 minutes. Then I stood in another line to give them my paper.. They gave me a number and told me to sit so I could pay. So the girl next to me and I watched part of Across the Universe on my iPOD. Once I paid I had to wait in another line to get my receipt. Then I left and we went to use the ATM. I saw a ticket from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then it dawned on me that I left my camera with security. So we had to go back (luckily it was on the way). They asked me to fill out a survey – I was honest about the fact that it was a waste of time standing in three lines when only one was required. Who knows if they will change their system - probably not because all of Ethiopia is like this. Then we headed back to the Ministry of Transportation and finally after standing in a very short line I received my drivers license. It is just laminated cardstock with a photo of me on it and a couple stamps. Then the nice gentleman who helped me at the beginning asked me for money. I told him no. He was very angry but I told him that I didn’t ask for his help but that I was very grateful for it. He said that that wasn’t fair. I told him that I thought he was helping me out of the kindness of his heart and not doing it for money.. Then he walked away. Typical. They prey on the white people all over Addis. They come up to you and ask you if you need help when in reality this is their job – they are like vultures and always expect something in return.
Alive
I am still alive after my first day of driving in the city. It took me two days but I found a car to rent. I picked it up this afternoon and drove down Bole Ave. during rush hour. The minibuses scare me as well as Meskel Sq. (the largest intersection I have ever seen – 10 lanes on each side). Mexico Sq. roundabout was difficult to navigate because there were four cars trying to go at one time into one lane. But I made it home without hitting a goat, donkey, person or other car. All of the kids were so excited that there is a car at the house. They all asked to go for a drive but I told them that we would go tomorrow. So tomorrow we are going to go for ice cream. Most of them have never had ice cream so it will be fun for everyone.
Reassurance
Yesterday Mesfin (the man from the new orphanage) called and asked me to come on Saturday and teach them how to care for children. He asked me to teach them proper sanitation, nutrition and health care for the nannies and children. Oh to have someone open minded who is willing to be taught by someone younger. It is very rare here to have someone (especially a man) who wants to be taught the western way. Ethiopians pride themselves on tradition and the fact that they have been a country for so long. It is so refreshing because it is so hard here at the house to try and teach them something new – like putting the boiled milk in the fridge. It just reassures me as to why I am here - I am here serving the Lord by serving the children. And that reassurance makes up for what happened last month.
Road that Never Ends
Last Friday Tesfanesh and I took a road trip to Jimma to visit her family. Even though I was super sick I really wanted to go. Jimma is approximately 350km from Addis and it took 6 hours to get there. It was super easy to find because there is just one road all the way from Addis to Jimma. The first 180km were nice and straight. I only had to slow down for towns, people and cattle. The second half of the trip was a different story. For 60km or so the road was switchbacks up and down mountain sides. We had to go so slow. For the rest of the trip the road wound around gradually. I was getting tired from avoiding the numerous cattle, donkeys, and goats – not to mention all the people. When dusk came around I started imagining that the stacks of wood on the side of the road were people. It was much easier to see when it was fully dark. Finally we made it. I was so excited to get out of the car but there wasn’t anywhere to park at Tesfanesh’s uncle’s house. So we had to park a couple doors down at the Catholic school. The next day there was a different guard who was refusing to let us out - after 20 minutes he did.
Hurricane Jimma
While I was in Jimma it rained every night. Let me correct myself. It didn’t rain – it poured. It poured so hard I had never in my life seen that much rain. It made me think of a hurricane – but without the wind.
Sacrifice
After rescuing the car from the Catholic compound we visited the Jimma Museum, which consisted of old artifacts from the king. Then, we went up to the palace.. The view from the palace was absolutely gorgeous. They were going to charge me money if I took any pictures so I didn’t take any. We toured the empty palace and drove back down the worst road in Jimma. By this time it was around lunchtime so we stopped by Tesfanesh’s Uncle Teka’s house. I didn’t know we were going for lunch or I would have brought some food with me but they knew I was going to be joining them because they had slaughtered a sheep on my behalf. I asked Tesfanesh what I should do and she said that she told them that I don’t eat meat. I felt so bad but they made me macaroni instead. My voice was so deep and it hurt so bad to talk that I just sat there most of the time. I was probably the rudest guest they had ever had in their home before because 1) they killed one of their sheep for me and I didn’t even eat it and 2) I didn’t talk to anyone because I was sick.
First Time For Everything
On our way back from Jimma Teka asked us to stop by his shop - which is around 22km from Jimma. It was market day in that small town so everyone was out and about getting ready to sell and purchase things. The next thing I am about to tell you is neither a lie nor a joke. I was the first white person to walk through town. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered around to watch me. It was a sight to see. I almost took a picture but thought that they wouldn’t appreciate that too much. That was a first for me.
Culture
For the most part I really love the Ethiopian culture. There is one factor of it that I can’t stand. I hate the way they treat their employees. There is a huge social divide between the employers and the employees. Housemaids are treated more like servants. They are at the beck and call of their employer. They work 16 or 17 hours a day for pennies cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and sometimes watching children. Coming from a Western culture this is so foreign to me.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Braggin'
It's Autumn...a guest writer for the day. I just need to brag on Emily a bit. She's been having a tough time. Although she is 100% a volunteer where she works she has hit a bit of a rough patch as of late. Basically even though she has been working her buns off for free her independence is being taken away by her superiors. Certainly everyone whether paid or unpaid should have rules that they must abide by but things have gone a little far. Emily called very upset a couple days ago. A woman who is the director at an orphanage (unrelated to the place she is currently working for) that shall remain nameless called her and asked Emily to come over and teach her and her staff how to care for babies. There are already many children there so obviously it is hugely important that this woman wants to be trained on how to best take care of children. Emily readily agreed and made plans to head over there.
Em called a driver (they use the same 2-3 drivers all the time) and was told a certain someone (who we shall call "D") told the drivers that they are not allowed to take Emily to any other orphanage without first getting D's permission. First of all, this other orphanage is a completely unrelated entity. Secondly, the only reason "D" told the drivers this was to maintain complete control...Emily has done nothing that would in any way harm a relationship between orphanages and the place she works for. Thirdly (is that a word?) Emily has an awesome reputation at these orphanages which shines a positive light on the place she is working for...so awesome in fact that of all the people they could call to ask for help this orphanage called Emily to ask her to train everyone in the basics of childcare.
Emily called home really upset and discouraged. "D" who set these things into place is not returning any of her calls and is refusing to speak to her except via text message. Emily just wants things explained in person or at least over the phone as a lot can get lost in translation 1) because she is in Ethiopia and doesn't speak Amharic and 2) because that's what can happen over text messages.
So...here's where the bragging comes in. Today my Mom got a message from Emily. She got her driver's license, rented a car, and has now officially driven herself on the streets of Addis Ababa. Way to beat them at their own game, Em! I am really proud of Emily for a lot of reasons. She is living a very rough life. She is creatively problem solving. She is incredibly adventurous and brave to get a license in Ethiopia. She is remaining respectful in her communication to the people she is having conflict with despite everything that she must be feeling. Although she is probably discouraged she is still doing what she went to Ethiopia to do... love on the kids and help make their lives better. Now she has been given the opportunity to positively touch additional lives by being invited to train an entire orphanage how to care for their children.
Keep up the good work, Emily! We love you!
Em called a driver (they use the same 2-3 drivers all the time) and was told a certain someone (who we shall call "D") told the drivers that they are not allowed to take Emily to any other orphanage without first getting D's permission. First of all, this other orphanage is a completely unrelated entity. Secondly, the only reason "D" told the drivers this was to maintain complete control...Emily has done nothing that would in any way harm a relationship between orphanages and the place she works for. Thirdly (is that a word?) Emily has an awesome reputation at these orphanages which shines a positive light on the place she is working for...so awesome in fact that of all the people they could call to ask for help this orphanage called Emily to ask her to train everyone in the basics of childcare.
Emily called home really upset and discouraged. "D" who set these things into place is not returning any of her calls and is refusing to speak to her except via text message. Emily just wants things explained in person or at least over the phone as a lot can get lost in translation 1) because she is in Ethiopia and doesn't speak Amharic and 2) because that's what can happen over text messages.
So...here's where the bragging comes in. Today my Mom got a message from Emily. She got her driver's license, rented a car, and has now officially driven herself on the streets of Addis Ababa. Way to beat them at their own game, Em! I am really proud of Emily for a lot of reasons. She is living a very rough life. She is creatively problem solving. She is incredibly adventurous and brave to get a license in Ethiopia. She is remaining respectful in her communication to the people she is having conflict with despite everything that she must be feeling. Although she is probably discouraged she is still doing what she went to Ethiopia to do... love on the kids and help make their lives better. Now she has been given the opportunity to positively touch additional lives by being invited to train an entire orphanage how to care for their children.
Keep up the good work, Emily! We love you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
