The kids and I are embarking on another trip together.

This time will be very different than the last time.

Continue Reading "Ethiopia, Here We Come!"

Our Fasika celebration was pretty simple.

Continue Reading "Our Fasika (Ethiopian Easter) in Dalian"

Once again, I feel the love from Addis Ababa.

My Mahiber friends envelope me in a circle of friendship that extends all the way to China.

Continue Reading "Friends Reaching"

So many seem to suffer in this part of the world the past few weeks. First there was the cyclone in Myanmar, now quakes in china, and the bombs in India.

It has been hard to post anything positive.

I am broken hearted for all those parents who lost their ONLY child in the earth quakes. Chinese people invest everything in that one child...

I hear about people giving money and blood in Shanghai and Beijing on the news but around here life seems to go on normally.

Continue Reading "Earth Quake Sadness in China"

Today is Ethiopian Christmas.

Friends (4 of ours and 2 of Ady's plus 2 children) came over to our home bringing our grand total to 12.

We had some wonderful Ethiopian dishes.

Unlike last year, this year most of the food was cooked by my cousin Ady. Buchela was out of sorts the whole day running a fever over a 100 F, so I was busy trying to keep him happy.

Luckily he perked up by the time dinner rolled around and had quiet a bit of fun with his friends Brandon and Hayley.

The evening was noisy, chaotic, and joyous. China is becoming more and more like home.

Continue Reading "Merry Christmas ... Again!"

During my last pregnancy everyone in my life gave me extra leeway for everything. I was hardly ever lonely because I was never really alone. Everyone seemed to anticipate the arrival of my baby as anxiously as I did and when he finally did, there was a huge celebration.

My son splashed into a world of so much love!

Continue Reading "Nostalgia: Take 1"

We Ethiopians are very lucky people. We get to usher in the New Year twice a year. Yes, two opportunities to make those unattainable New Year resolutions!

Today is a special day. Not only it is the Ethiopian New Years Day, but it is also the first day of the New Millennium. Yes folks, year 2000 just got to us.

And of course Buchela partied like it was 1999!

Happy new millennium to all the Ethiopians in every corner of the world.

May the new millennium bring us success and happiness.

May our country and continent prosper.

Enkuwan Aderesashu!

Hugs to all!

P.S. Baheilu, this is for you too. Although we disagreed strongly, no bad feelings man. I wish you to have a happy new year.

For some still photos click on the continue reading link at the bottom of this post.

Buchela Unplugged II

With His Mamma

Continue Reading "Buchela Unplugged: Ethiopian Millennium Moves"

Buchela and I will be traveling back to China. I wish I didn't have to fly.

We are definately going to miss Ethiopia.

But we can't wait to see our main man.

Banana flavored or should it taste like chocolate? How would you like your "French Feelings" served?

Young boys without work get together and set up car washes in street corners where they have water access from storm pipes or other sources that are free of charge.

These car washes, while they could be unsightly, are pretty simple and show initiative and desire to work on the side of the boys.

When I think of a better Ethiopia, I look to these kids.

They are my heros.

Below, the "owners" of Edget Car Wash

Street Sales is a hard job. These guys spend all day out on the street trying to make a living. Potential customers get irritated. People are impolite. But they must still approach customers aggressively each and every time. On top of that, they have to carry around their merchandise with them.

It takes heart to be one.

We must all remember that these kids are trying to support themselves --- we must applaud them. It is with them a brighter future for Ethiopia lies.