New Surroundings

 1.5 weeks in, and I have had the opportunity to participate in Timket (the celebration of Epiphany in Ethiopia; a wonderful time  embracing a new culture and religious traditions, successfully (mostly successfulat least) did 2 loads of laundry in the shower, have played soccer with local children (who are so full of life- you can’t not be happy and feel full when surrounded by these children, speaking Amharic and English, taking photos, and kicking a soccer ball, mango or water bottle.  Finally, I have found myself falling in love with Ethiopia.  This was a piece of advice I got before I came; fall in love with Ethiopia as soon as you can, because when you're in love with someone or something it is easier to forgive the little things.

*Cultural note about Timket;  the night before (on Sunday evening of last week), the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant are paraded out of all of the churches, under magnificent, colored velvet umbrellas, down by the river.  People line the streets and parade through the streets with beautiful white clothing, as children are singing, chanting and clapping.  The replicas stay there overnight and then in the mornings,  there is a large celebration of chanting, singing, a sermon (all of this is in Amharic) and then at the end there is dousing with holy water.  It was so powerful to be a part of this experience.  As ferenji’s we (a group of 13 PCVs who went together) had the opportunity to stand right in front of the main “stage” where the religious leaders and men were standing and where the sermon was being spoken from and also where the holy water was sprayed from.  Standing for four hours without knowing when it would end was a bit challenging, and also being up front and center  but it was worth every minute and every hour, as the religious leaders talked with us after and shared how excited they were that we participated in this important part of their culture.  Truly an experience I will not forget.

Part of the beautiful Timket procession: Notice the incredible clothing and umbrellas!

Playing soccer and taking photos with the fun, and vibrant kids in Addis Ababa!

Things that I have discovered/observed so far;

1.     Ethiopian people are so genuine and kind; always offering to help, or assisting us in practicing Amharic, or bringing us chairs to sit in as we are sitting on the floor talking.  So kind-hearted.

2.     Ethiopia is so diverse in terms of landscape; beautiful pictures I’ve seen from previous volunteers of the four main regions; Lakes, Mountains, green jungle-like areas and more!

3.     Running has gotten immensely easier, but I am looking forward to going down a bit in elevation and away from the city smog.  I will miss seeing the magnificent African Union building on the city line while running, though.

4.     The food is delicious, diverse, and so flavorful.  In case you were wondering if it is a myth; yes, they really do eat injera a lot, practically at every meal. Luckily it is very nutritious and delicious.

The 10 days in Addis flew by, with each day packed full with a morning run, 8 hours of class/sessions on various topics, two bunna (Coffee) breaks, hour-long lunch breaks, evening soccer and/or teaching yoga class to PCVs, going out to dinner or fresh avocado or mango juice (best I’ve ever had. So great.), talking with other volunteers or playing games, and then journaling and winding down for the evening.  While it has been extremely busy, stressful at times, and a lot of change, I have already learned so much; about myself, about Peace Corps, about Ethiopia, about the health sector I’ll be working in, my host family, about Amharic (the official language of Ethiopia) and about the fellow volunteers who I am getting to know more and more, each of us from a very different background and with our own unique stories, but seeing the common thread that led all of our paths to a common ground, PC Ethiopia.  It’s truly incredible.

Tomorrow I will meet and move in with my host family, where I will live until early April.  I am feeling extremely excited, as well as nervous, because I can’t wait for this culturally enriching experience but am nervous because of the language barrier and difference in culture.  I am embracing it all.  I am taking it day by day though, and have found that this is the only way to do it.  Practicing and teaching yoga have taught me to be in the present moment, and this I am truly carrying with me through my PC Journey.  The internet situation is unknown for now, but I will have very limited access if any, and so a note to all; no news is good news! I will be thinking about all my wonderful family and friends and support network back home, and I thank each of you who are reading this blog.  I feel your constant love as I am embarking on this endeavor!

A quote as food for thought, that nicely sums up how I am feeling;

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise, so I am changing myself.” –Rumi

I can’t wait to see the person I am becoming and will become.