7 September 2012
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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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