Merry Ethiopian Christmas - Melkam Gena

Merry Ethiopian Christmas - Melkam Gena


A little music for the holiday anyone?


http://www.ethiotube.net/video/7285/Selamnesh--Ale-Gena-Gena--Gonder-Music

http://www.ethiotube.net/video/993/Tigrigna-Music--Gena-Gena

Habtamu and Debritu's Great Adventure From Chuko to Massachusetts

In the beginning of December, 2008 (about one year ago this week) our children were relinquested by their family and were transfered into the care and control of Woman's Affairs (a government office) in Ethiopia.  People often wonder the path Ethiopian adoptive children take before they leap or are cuddled up in your arms at home.

Here is what I know of Habtamu and Debritu's great Adventure.

Habtamu and Debritu were transferred from Chuko to Awassa around December 13th then their Aunt Relequished them. The week prior to their relenquishment sounded like a memorable week of love and care as Habtamu will tell you about having dinner with his family, Yeshi (their aunt) washing their clothes and neighbors crying.  They then rode on a horse to the main office in Chuko (southern states) or perhaps all the way to Awassa -then in a car to Addis (the capital).  It seems from Habtamu's stories that is was in Awassa that their Aunt left them for the first time-so I am not sure how many days she was there with them but with in short time they were transferred to Addis.  He tells stories of Yeshi making them fish in Awassa

Habtamu has also indicated that she went to Addis with them- so it is all a little confusing.  I know however-that if it was Awassa or Addis she left- he clearly remembers the moment.  Habtamu will tell you-that the last time he saw Yeshi -that he touched her tears and she turned and walked out the door.
They were later brought to Addis and placed at Horizons House. Initially seperated because Debritu was a baby and Habtamu in the big kids house.   A few months at Horizons house and then the courts changed the way they  were processing Adoptions and they were transfered to AB house.  At AB house (a state run transition home) Yeshi (aunt) visited them and they went to court with her.  Debritu was transferred to Horizons house alone- as they asked for her because I was coming to Ethiopia for some time living there-and later they approved Habtamu as he was not adjusting well without her.  Habtamu has a very special bond with his sister- it's almost like he became her care-taker and it's very difficult sometimes to parent her-with him in the room-laugh.  It's very endearing but also a huge responsiblity for a 3 year old.

A week later I met them. We played together for a couple of months -a few days a week-and then my husband joined me in Ethiopia. We cleared court and Denis made his travel plans. Then- he joined me in Ethiopia and  2 weeks later we came home with the children (in May 2009).

This is their journey to America... Melcome America Habtamu and Debritu.. We are thrilled that you made this long journey to our home.. and look forward to being a part of your story.

Invictus by William Ernest Henley

Got out of the house tonight-with my sweets- woooo hooo--together is something we don't do very often.  

So, what did we do "on a school night"- Since it was my choice- (grin) we went to see Invictus..

Invictus is apparently Latin for unconquered.

It was one of those movies that I came home from and had to look up the title and story to learn a bit more.....

Invictus... by William Ernest Henley...1875 (*but not titled by him)

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Debo Band would like to Return to Africa- check out the link.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deboband/debo-band-returns-to-africa

New Motorist Laws in Addis

Hi all,

I was talking with a friend after calling several times and they didn't pick up-laugh.  Unusual... but I discovered why shortly later when they did finally pick up...

There are new motorist laws in Ethio- but in a culture where there are not enough police and yes- even I have paid off a cop instead of getting a traffic ticket- how will these laws be enforced????  

It'll be very exciting to see how "quickly" this is accepted not only in the Capital- but in the other cities as well... or.. will the local police just have many more ways to line their pockets??? 

But.. there's no time like the present to start.... Cheers to Addis for starting to consider saving their citizens (and guests) lives!

 (from Addis Fortune news: WHAT ARE THE RULES MOTORISTS IN ADDIS SHOULD OBSERVE? http://www.addisfortune.com/addisfortunenews.htm)


WHAT ARE THE RULES MOTORISTS IN ADDIS SHOULD OBSERVE?

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Drivers are not permitted to drive without fastening their seatbelts anywhere in Addis Abeba. So, get used to it.

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The law on mobile phone usage is clear when it comes to using headsets and Bluetooth devices, drivers are not allowed to use their mobile phones while driving.  

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The unconscionable act of watching movies and television while driving is now forbidden.

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If drivers and passengers are accustomed to buying or giving alms on the road or at traffic lights it is time to let go of that custom, as it is the driver who will pay the fine.

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Life is fragile crossing over ring-road barriers and railings as has been evidenced. And now it is an offence to the law.

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The lane lines are painted white to be observed and respected; if these are not obeyed the driver will be charged.

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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is beyond suicidal. It can also be homicidal, so think twice before doing so. It is obligatory.  

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Pedestrians who cross the road disregarding the zebra crossing will be fined for the act.