Saturday, September 8, 2012

Life in a lucid dream



7 September 2012

While waiting at the bus station to see me off to America
Theresa and Orion found this piece of trash that closely
resembles the US... a coincidence? 

Back in Africa, back in Ethiopia, back to reality. While I was in the states for 3 weeks visiting family and friends it felt as though nothing had changed, that my time in Ethiopia was a dream. I had brief instances of culture shock, once at the D.C. airport where I felt like a foreigner and found some Ethiopians to talk to, to help me feel at ease. At grocery stores I was impossibly indecisive. Have there always been this many types of cottage cheese? What’s the difference? Turns out that whole fat, large curd is not delicious and is nothing I’ve ever eaten before. Many things felt different and others, like my nearing-retirement father who is growing out his hair, were obvious difference which were easier to adjust to. Despite some hiccups it really felt as though not much had changed.
Laughing at Charly Parker's awkward "pet me" poses. 

Returning to Ethiopia was more of an adjustment than leaving. I dragged my heels in the Frankfurt airport, hesitant to arrive at my gate, to be a minority among a waiting area congested with Ethiopians. As the attendants spoke on the intercom announcing the seating order of who should board plane first, all the Ethiopian passengers stood up and rushed to the desk. I laughed to myself thinking, typical Ethiopians always in a hurry to go somewhere and not interested in following order and logic. I sat in my chair, stalling, waiting for life to slow down. After I had my ticket scanned and began walking towards the plans entry door I was passed by an older Ethiopian woman headed back to the gate entrance. “Leave her be” said the flight attendants “she doesn’t want to go.” The older lady was alone, obviously overwhelmed with no plan for her escape. She wanted to be return to Ethiopia but was unwilling to complete the journey it would take to get there. A handful of strangers began to inquire what was going on and went to help this grandmother. “Izoch ihuite” (be strong my mother). They told her that she would not be traveling alone because they would be there to help her and ensure her safety. Together the group walked to board the airplane, seconds ago they were strangers but now they were bound as friends, family, as Ethiopians.

Beautiful is the kindness of strangers.

This scenario is quintessential Ethiopia. This is a culture that I love. Suddenly I was ready to board the plane, to embrace my journey once again.


I found a kitten while I was home! and my dad is even
letting us keep it! Someone extra to look forward to
returning home to: Professor Catkins
It’s been 3 days now and each morning I’ve woken up confused. Am I really here? Was I really there? It is the same feeling that I had when I first arrived nearly 11 months before, except with less excitement for the uncertainty. The solution to fix my ambivalence: if I have to be estranged from the people and the places that I love so far away I vow to be as productive as possible, to use my time wisely, to make the most out of my experience and to give myself wholly to help those who live here with me. Ethiopia is a difficult country but never before has change been so rewarding. Thank you to my friends and family who shared my time home with me. I am cannot express my fortune to have such love in my life. My time here is enriched with your continuous support and enthusiasm. Thank you! 

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