The first few days

We have only been here three full days and yet it feels like several weeks. It is hard to know where to begin when describing a world entirely new. I could write for pages, but I know that as I remain here I will continue learning and my perspective will change again. So how about just a few observations?

The children here are incredible. They are kind, respectful, helpful and yearning for love. They will stop what they are doing in an instant to help you out and in this week, I have not heard one word of complaint or argument yet. I spent a couple of hours working with a few of them on their 6th grade homework assignment on air and water pollution. I was explaining to them in english, simply and slowly. When one would understand what I was saying that child would begin spewing out a long explanation in Amharic to the others. The others all would begin taking short little gasps and raising their eyebrows with a giant smile. No, they weren’t short of breath – in place of saying “uh huh” or “yes” or “go on” Ethiopians will take a little gasp and raise their eyebrows. Needless to say, my first tutoring session was one I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I’ve never seen kids so eager and excited to learn.

The days thus far have been long and very busy. Morning begins with a disorganized choir of rooster crows a bit before 5, soon to be followed by the Muslim call to prayer which is proceeded by Orthodox chants which is followed by a lengthy sermon broadcasted from the protestant church. Ethiopians would think you were crazy if you tried to instate “noise pollution” laws. And I kinda like it; no time wasted on getting angry over the things that really aren’t a huge deal. Just takes some getting used to…

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, donkeys, goats and cows do mix quite nicely. Especially on busy roadways.

Whether it is due to a cultural standard, or the result of a life of difficulty, Ethiopians are passionate about their love for God in a way we don’t understand. Outdoor churches are pact all day on sunday, weekday afternoons and most of the day on saturday. Sam and I were honored to be part of the children’s own evening (daily!) service that they lead and run entirely on their own. I was moved to tears at their passion for reading the bible, praying for each other, the content of their sermon (an entire chapter of Ezekiel) and the vitality of their singing. Nothing like being in a room with clapping, swaying, singing children worshiping in their language. Not your typical American sunday school with Veggie Tales and Ritz crackers.

The community of Ex-pats here is great. They have been incredibly welcoming in opening up their homes and helpful hands to us. They also have a perspective on life, hardship, service and adventure which generates very interesting conversations. Evening dessert conversations tend towards strategies for solving mass starvation, how to keep a service-minded mindset amidst frustration, the best safaris in africa, whether to amputate when it must be done but means loss of meager income for a laborer, or how to survive the unavailability of ice cream.

Blessings,
Noah

~ by nfrank04 on November 15, 2009.