Settling in and reconnecting

Hi all,

Finally- Ethiopia- Have I mentioned how much I love it here????

There are a few changes to the roads, more mini-busses and they have the regular rotating power and water outages for this time of year- only they seem more often than last year.

This week has included:

1) my first bout of laryngitis- something I seem to get frequently and a bit of Dysentery but being here and my happiness outweighs how I am feeling these days- (which might I add is the same physical experience I had last year- minus the hospital visit thank goodness).

2) I have not taught this week because of my lack of voice but my arms have been full with these amazing children, my cheeks kissed, my hair braided and played with and well- it's just been amazing to be back. My first day here I went back to school and it felt much like our wedding. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much and I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. As I write this my eyes are wheling up just thinking of the wonderful feeling I had.

3) most exciting moment is the likelihood that I've been on Ethio TV.
Laugh. The school put on this big presentation to some Canadians that are visiting and they asked me to talk about Ethiopia and it's culture while I introduced Dances-etc. It felt like a Media Frenzy- and was a Delightful day! Full of the children dancing, competitions (1 competition included running with a raw egg on a spoon - the spoon is in your mouth, and 2) a bread eating competition. The bread is tied to a string, your hands are tied behind your back and you have to eat the bread. 3) and something like Pinata- but you are hitting a coffee pot. and of course-lots of Ethiopian food.

4) Friends and Family are by far the biggest reason I come here and having the opportunity to spend time with them- has brought be the greatest joy. I am so rich with friends and family here in Ethiopia that it is hard for me to think of leaving again- although I do miss you all very much- I am grateful, thankful and very much enjoying being in my second home.

Being that I have not been feeling very well- and there is a group travelling with our agency this past week- I have held off visiting our Daughter until next week- so hang in there- and next week- I'll talk a bunch about meeting Debritu!!!

Have a wonderful week!
Ciao!
Kimberly