With only one week to go until we return to Australia for 3 months (yay! Our adoption visas were approved!) I thought I would take the opportunity to reflect over the last 5 years we have been in Ethiopia and share my thoughts with you. It has been a journey of great joy and sadness, laughter and tears, sacrifice and reward, hardship and blessing. We have been faced with many struggles and obstacles, yet the whole time never once regretted the decision we made to move here. It has changed us, grown us and blessed us beyond measure.
As you read about the things Ethiopia has taught us I want to thank you for sharing this journey with me xxx...
Friendship surpasses language barriers.
Sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you.
When someone invites you for a coffee, you cannot simply squeeze it in. It is normally a 2-3 hour ceremony.
There is no such thing as washing your hands too much! (but this is not practised in general)
Anywhere is a good place for a man to urinate.
Never say 'maybe' as it is sure to be taken as a yes.
A corn field is not just to produce corn, it can also hide beds and other possessions during home visits.
Get petrol when they have it in town, you never know if it'll be there next week.
When hearing a life story, do not expect the truth the first time.
People are generous and will give, beyond what is thinkable, just because.
It is easier for a mother to put slits in her dress to feed her child than to work out another way.
Never eat with your left hand.
It is quite normal to pick your nose, no matter what age.
People will lie for any reason and not understand what is so upsetting.
You can be very happy in a mud hut and no shoes.
People have the right to tell you what they think, even if you have never met them before.
Don't riverwalk on weekends unless you want to see a bunch of naked men bathing.
There are many differences in the cultures and religions in Ethiopia, and until you try to understand and respect them, you won't get very far.
Cockroaches are not as bad as I always thought they were (though are still pretty gross).
A greeting can go on for a few minutes, or longer.
The use of the car horn is not considered road rage, rather a considerate act to let someone know you want to pass.
There are zebra crossings, but people still do not know how to use them.
You can fit up to 18 people uncomfortably in our Grace mobile.
Recharge your computer when you have the chance. Electricity is unreliable, especially during the rainy season.
Living without hot water is hard, but not impossible.
Living without a fridge is hard, but not impossible.
'When construction is given a time frame, pay no attention.
It is rude to refuse food or beverage when visiting someone's home.
A person with a heart condition has little chance of survival in Ethiopia.
Not too many people want to stay in their country Ethiopia to make it a better place. But the ones that do... wow, they are more loyal and dedicated to their cause than anyone.
Loud sorrowful moans that sound like serious childbirth labour commonly means that someone has died.
A funeral will last up to 40 days. But it is not expected that you mourn a child's death more that 3 days.
Ethiopians do not like to have sugar with their tea, rather, tea with their sugar.
If someone spits on you, it may be a blessing rather than someone displeased.
Wear a long skirt when travelling long distances. This is necessary for the side of the road toilet stops.
When you stop on a deserted roadside, people will appear from nowhere.
It is a sign of respect to be on time for a meeting, but do not expect that the person you are waiting for will arrive on time.
A kiss on the neck is given in a very fond greeting.
Men hold men's hands and caress, without it meaning anything more than brotherly friendship.
Rejecting a 'gorsha' (someone handfeeding you injera and wat from their hand to your mouth) can be highly offensive, it can also lead to giardia or typhoid, but accepting can lead to honour and good friendship.
In rural areas it is much more appropriate to show a breast, than to show a shoulder or thigh.
It is also appropriate (but not!) for small children to drink alcohol and hot coffee.
Animals, bikes and pedestrians have right of way.
A used cardboard box is a suitable new bed for someone sleeping on a dirt floor.
Don't drive a bajaj (tuk-tuk) in a dress.
Fat is good. It is a sign of health and prosperity.
It takes practice to sit on a squat toilet and go without it splashing back up on you.
Always keep toilet paper and antibacterial close by.
Everything is about relationship; people won't truly listen to you before they know you really care.
Never underestimate a woman who believes she can!
Never put off a birthday or family photos when a sick mother is involved.
Death and sorrow are unavoidable... so is the beauty in life here...
Appreciate everyday you have.
This is wonderful ... after just experiencing my second time there I have experienced many of these things. Many blessings to you and your family! I purchased allot of jewelry to give as gifts and my friends love it. Please convey this to the ladies that are creating it.
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