September 11…. Ethiopian New Year by Cheryl Hartman (Sam’s mother)

What a blessing it was to be here at the orphanage for New Year’s day.  We arrived in Soddo on Friday, early afternoon after the 6 hour drive from Addis (which in itself was an amazing experience of extremes…. from the overwhelming beauty of the countryside to the overwhelming reality of village life in Ethiopia.)  We were greeted by all the children who were singing and clapping as we drove up, and each one ran to give us hugs. There was a feeling of joy and excitement from the children because the next day was New Years Day! They were preparing to welcome in the year 2003, as they use the Gregorian calendar.  The next morning when we went to breakfast, there were beautiful green, long, slim leaves covering the floor of the dining room; and a very small tree on a table, simply decorated.  The nanny nurses had dressed the children in new, bright colored clothes –the girls had hair accessories and bright jewelry on…. such beautiful children.  We heard whispers of “drama practice” later in the morning, and Sam, Noah, Katie and Jamie were also to be surprised!  We were invited to the cafeteria at 5:30 pm and given front row seats to watch the program.  Chu Chu, the dean of students, welcomed everyone and then there was recitations, singing by the little ones and a drama by the older girls.  The singing was my favorite part – the children sang loudly and joyfully as they swayed and clapped, all in perfect rhythm! Michael, one of oldest boys, sat next to me and interpreted the drama –it was all about a mother who became a Christian through her daughters and their friends.  The program was ended with a beautiful Amharic prayer by Chu Chu, followed by an English prayer.  Then everyone moved outside and a huge bonfire was started.  

There was more joyful singing and dancing. Even the cooks and nannies joined the celebration.  Different children would come and stand by us and hold our hands.  Two goats were slaughtered for the celebration feast and the older boys roasted some of it on the fire with long sticks while the singing continued.

Sam brought out his guitar and a girl was drumming on a bucket.  It was all so beautiful and pure. I couldn’t stop smiling!  At one point, I looked up and thanked God for the privilege of being here on this day and prayed that He would protect and bless these beautiful children and the ones who care for them in this New Year in Ethiopia.

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~ by samuelhartman on September 18, 2010.