The daily (1/16/2009)

Life here has caught onto a routine, which is nice. I play with the kids, teach class, and hang out around town. Its pretty sweet. Everyone I come into contact is just so nice...very considerate...even the beggars. It is such a wonderful city...massive though...I swear one taxi ride takes 30 minutes...for me that is a lot of driving through pebbled alley ways, and dysfunctional highways with no traffic rules...but it gets us where we need to go. We have taxi driver we call up all the time, named Getu...he is hilarious. On his dashboard is a light up neon crucifix, and on the back window is a silohoutte of a very voluptuos woman...naked...haha! He is great!
Anyways, last night he drove us to Yad Abyssinia which is a traditional cultural restaraunt. They have a program of dancing and singing while you eat. During one part they bring a up some customers to the stage...and they chose me. So I had to dance and eat on stage for 10 minutes...sweet and embarassing. But i had a blast. Now i can shake it like a HABASHA (Ethiopian).
Its really funny...people here don't know what to make of me. In the volunteer group...there are 3 white americans, one girl from Finland but was adopoted from here, so she look Ethiopian and then there is me. The other Americans look like (ferengi -foreigners) and the people here love pointing that out. When you walk past them...they just say ferengi! thats it...the little kids love it...they want to shake your hands. For me, its a little different. They give me the inquisitive eye. I am brown like them...but my features are different...so they are puzzled. At cafes...you can hear an entire conversations behind our table based on what my nationality/heritage is. And when the finally decide to ask...they can't belive I am American and have no idea where Nepal is...its hilarous. Sometimes I get Arab ferengi or western Ethiopian (which are people who look like they are from Saudi, supposedly) I have a fun time toying with people.
This past weekend we got to go to Awash Natural Park. The park itself is split by a road. On the left side of the part are the Afar people, which is a tribe... and they live in the park (which is about 30-60km off the main road) On the right side are the Aromo people, which is another tribe. The two tribes always fight, so the entire time we were in the park we had two armed gaurds - who were extremely nice. They let us hold their guns!!! I have never helded a gun... so it was a new experience. Anyways we saw these massive waterfalls...and a whole bunch of animals...a lion, oryxs, lesser kudus (which look like deer but have thin white stripes on their backs -gorgeous) baboons, grovet monkeys, warthogs - yes, like the one from Lion king, camels - though it was a herd with the Afar people and weren't wild, a crocodile, dik-diks(which looked like mini deer/hairless rabbits). The birds were small but had beautiful coloring on their wings...a deep turqouise. Also, the butterflies were amazing. The just flitted and floated around...and and each one was different...just amazing...they were actually my favorite part. That night we stayed at a small hotel...which was overpriced since we were non-habashas. We ended up drinking on the roof...which was blasting tradtitional music. We danced the night away Gin and coke or wine and coke...The local wine here is very good...and is made to be mixed with coke or pepsi...very nice. Its not what we think of wine...but still does the job! All in all...it felt like a friday night back in Eugene! haha
THe next day we went to a natural hot spring...freakin hot...but looked like an oasis and chewed on the local drug of choice...chet. It is just a local leaf that stimulates the body. We were all just super excited. I had to give it a try...my excuse, it is part of the culture and thats what I am here to experience! haha.
Anyways it was 4-5 hour drive...and the driver, Allum played the 90's classics...over and over...I don't think I can handle Celine Dion, or the Backstreet boys for a while.

back at the children's home today is a going away party, for Genet and Awaris. Genet is 17yrs old and her brother Awaris is 15. They are leaving for Camas, WA (very close to portland) to live with their adopting family. They already have two brothers there and sister who were adopted two years ago, so it will be a big reunion for them. So, today all the kids will have cake and soda. Its is a very bitter sweet moment. But I am looking forward to it.

miss ya...and hope all is well!

(1/9/2007) I'm in LOVE...

...with a 10 year old. His name is Abenezer and I want to adopt him and his sister. Her name is Tsion. I had no idea that they were related until today. All the kids are just AMAZING! So many beautiful eyes, open hearts and loving smiles. They have so little but give so much. For example, some kids have siblings in AHOPE, which is the children's home for kids who have HIV/AIDS. On Christmas Day, which was Jan 7th, the siblings from AHOPE came over as a surprise visit. They normally get to see each other once in 2 weeks for only an hour. But since it was Christmas, the volunteers thought it would be a nice thing to bring families together. Anyways, the kids at the place I volunteer only got one gift from Santa, since there are a 150+ kids. But the all the kids gave their one gift they got to their siblings from AHOPE...my heart melted at this generosity. One brother and sister is Yubsika and Kidist. Yubsika is only 10 or 11, and he is the best big brother I have ever seen. He absolutely adores his little sister, and treats her like a princess. He traded his air soft gun(?) for a Barbie, so he could give her a present. Since he only gets to see her once in two weeks, he is always asking about her and how she is doing...it is the most adorable thing I have seen. Thankfully, a family in WA has adopted them and soon they will be living under the same roof. Every moment with them is so rewarding, and eye opening. I wish I could adopt everyone there.

Today, my boss - IVY...who is a tough petite women from New Jersey, and is the complete Jersey girl, including the Jewishness and biker chick look with a sensitive soul, adopted her first son today - Alazar (2yrs old). It was really exciting being here for that, since so many other volunteers have known her, we get to experience this transition phase with her. So , last night we decided it was going to be her last night as a single lady...since tomorrow she will have a short bald man as the apple of her eye. We went to Aladdin restaurant and ordered about 16 dishes btwn 7 of us. We shared everything which was so much fun. Afterwards, we headed to the Black Rose, a bar. It was tight....dim lighting...w/ candles and cushions everywhere. We ordered drinks, and being a klutz - I broke a glass...embarrassing...oh well! Anyways after some dancing, and Icelandic men scarring the shit of me, we called the night in and headed home. We blasted 80's music in the van, and sang our hearts out...even to Free Fallin' by Mr Petty...it was awesomeness.

Back the children's home, I have been just getting to know the kids and vice versa. They have nicknamed me HaNi (which is my name backwards...they think that is hilarious) and Oregon...since thats the state I'm from. When you meet the kids...they ask you two questions
1)What is your name?
2) What is your state?

The second question is pertinent since all the kids are adopted into one of the 50 states. Once they get a family...they try to get to know everything about their state. We have a lot of children going to WA, MI MN and MO. One sibling set is going to Salem, Oregon...yeah! However, Abenezer still doesn't have a family...but it shouldn't be too much longer. I hope its in OR or WA so I can visit. I love his spirit. He is so compassionate and wild. He just comes up to me, and grabs my hand to put around him. He also jumps on my back without warning, punches and kicks me like no other and loves to play anything with me. But the best part is when he just sits on my lap...or shoulders and doesn't say a thing...just sits their...holding on to me. I absolutely adore him.Every morning he runs up to me a plants a soft Papi(kiss) on both of my cheeks and does the same when I leave...I love that too. His sister is like that too...but just a little more outspoken...a wild child! haha. She loves being held...and is just the most adorable 6 year old with beads in her hair ever. I know when she is jumping onto me because the beads make some noise...but yet she always tries to surprise me.

Outside the children home, all the people are just wonderful. Right across the street from the home is a cafe - Serene Cafe and all you need shop. The cafe has become our little hangout, when we need to take a break from the kids. Kind of like out Central Perk from the FRIENDS show. I love the coffee here! I know...you thought you would never hear me say that - I love Coffee! its literally 20 cents a cup. Now thats what I call a good deal. The cafe owner - Ahmed is super chill and chats with us all the time. Sammy, a loitering customer joins in on the fun...and the children home teachers come and drink with us too.

Anyways...tomorrow is my first weekend... and I am off to Awash Natural Park...to hike a volcanic mountain, check out the animals...and see the country side, with the volunteers and Gutu ( the music teacher) ! yeah! It will be a blast.

Hopefully, later next week I will meet up with Alula - Alex ( a local friend/contact) and check out more of the city!

Miss y'all and keep me updated on all the hot gossip.

XOXO - HaNi/ Oregon girl

jk- Niha

Dena Nesh? (HOW ARE YOU? -Amharic) or Salam! - 1/7/2009

I reached Addis safe and sound after a grueling 16hrs plane ride. On the first flight, Angelique (from the dorms)+ a girl from a SGH + a girl from high school were on the flight....weird coincidence. I got here at about 11pm, and went straight to the volunteer house(my sleeping room) The electricity and water was out, so I pretty much settled in by candle light, and managed to cinch my hair 3 times...I am still a klutz half way around the world. the next day was Sunday, so we had breakfast at Kaldi's Coffee, which is a restaraunt version of Star bucks. The logo is copied straight from the Settle chain. It was hilarious. I ordered fries...not very Ethiopian of me. haha. Then we spent the rest of the day at the children's home. It was so much fun. They all are so gorgeous and heart warming. I made friends with some by playing a seriously amazing game of UNO, sadly I lost..haha. The girls and I just talked...well as much as we could do to the language barriers....the house moms which are just locals...can't believe I am not married. It took them convincing that I was single. they cracked me up.
Yesterday was my first official internship day...and I taught 2 classes of math...they taught me was more like it. I totally forgot about improper fractions and what 3 x 3 is...I need to go back to elementary school.
After school I cut onions and folded sheets with them (it was chore time). Then I just played with them... two little boys...dawit and abenezar think I am punching bag and always want to fight with me. The girls, lydia and yordanos want to play with me...dress up...or just girl talk. It is pretty amazing. I get to teach America, Activities and Religion class (about Hinduism...I am guest professor is what we call it) me a professor...haha!
Today is super exciting...it is Christmas here and we have a huge celebration. The kids get traditional ethiopian garb and presents and we get to see 4 goats get slaughtered for the feast...the boys are so excited by that.
I finally got to take a shower today since I arrived...I was lathering up the deodorant till now. The water finally came through the taps and shower heads and toilets. YEAH!!!

The walk to the layla house is about a 20 minute jaunt thru town. We first start on the pebble like road passing these huge mansions surrouded by brick fences (like it is in Nepal). Each house has a gate and security gaurd...love the style! Then we turn left on the street with pink house where the road is cemented. On this street are all the embassy's possible. From the DRC to the EU, AU, to Norway's, Mozambique to the every other country. After that stretch we make a left past the goat herd down a hill, cross the main street and the layla house (children's home) is just there. I love the walk to and back. Yesterday I got to kick a few times in a street pick of game of soccer! It was pretty tight - would have made you proud!

All in all it is laid back here...and I am loving it....
let me know how it is goin' with yall...but do it on my wall...it takes for ever with dial up to get to the message section of facebook.

miss ya...
Niha

Ethiopia Bound!

So, I am off to far away land called Ethiopia. I started badgering my parent to let me study abroad since 10th grade. After multiples of NO NO NO, college rolled around but my desire to go abroad was still there. With papa Gates on my side, I shopped around...Greece, Madagascar, Scotland...but my final selection was Ethiopia. Somehow I applied...and now within 10 hrs I will be on plane there. My stomach is half butterflies, half can of worms. I don't know what I am feeling. nerves, possible vomit
(seems to be what i do best on planes), or just fear. Fear of not knowing...ugh...I feel like I am back in 3rd grade, my first day boarding school...when my parents left. I was alone. All my roommates had older siblings doors down, and I was lost, confused, and wondering where my folks were. I did not have any control. It feels like that. i know my intern at the Layla House will be phenomenal. The cultural will be so refreshing and the people just welcoming, but I still feel lost. The airport is not going to help either. Hundreds, thousands of people pretending to no where they are going, speaking in some unintelligible language. When actually they are like me, lost in crowd just waiting for the damn sea to part and the path to be shown. I talked to Jenny. She calmed my nerves. It was not too long of a conversation, but definitely needed. Rachel sent some music and I am definitely going to need that back up on the plane. Buwa and Ama have been great the past two days. Helping me pack and all. They seem to be getting along...which has put my nerves at ease somewhat. Raj is as usual....work...sleep...eat...computer...with some interaction. I hope when I get back we can spend some time together....mini golf??? We played another two rounds of cards....my worst nightmare...but everyone else enjoys it. The game Marriage, just didn't float my boat, neither does the real concept of Marriage...at least for now.

But still...I am do not feel brave enough. Its 2:00 am and I am the condemned building right before a giant wrecking ball hits it. I just want to get there, and put the idea of airports, and no control behind me. I am worried about getting there...when I should just think about the fun experience ahead! I know its time, and I should be ready. There is just a good, learning time ahead...So I have decided to kick back and let the good times roll!!! Here I come Layla House, Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia...braver than I actually am...OM MANI PADME HUM!!!!
PS- even though I am so confused...I am extremely thankful...Ama/Buwa...and will miss everyone...expecially the Cougs! I'll try to blog...and keep and touch....see you in the spring!

Winter Holiday 2008

I am back at home, and have been for the past three weeks. Its been a little awkward, since I don't know what to do around my folks. My parent reunited (they never split unofficial, but were giving each other the silent treatment), but I am still having issues with their dilemma. I have kind of kept distant, but in the next 2 days, I will be far away in Ethiopia...so space is no concern. Some good things have happened these past three weeks. I spoke to PAM! yeah! She has been absent from my life for a long time, but we finally spoke. It was a relief to hear her voice. We did not actually meet up, but I heard her voice. Another cool thing is I found a long lost gift. I knew I always had it, but now I know I have it...it relaxes me to know that it is always close by. haha! Finally I have made numerous friendship bracelets. About 3o. My hope is to make on for every orphan at the Layla house in Ethiopia. I have 120 to go...yikes! I have also been keeping myself busy with all the scholarship, and internship essays due in February. And since i will be gone till April, I have been doing it all now. almost done!!!!
The internship in Ethiopia is exciting. I am finally getting out of here...far away. It has been 6 years in the waiting. I can't wait to leave and see the world. I will have to through three airports...and I hate airports. After the Denver airport experience, which was after 9/11 I feel watched and watched for my every step. I am dreading this part of the journey. However, I am excited about the Layla House. I know I will make the most out of the trip. I am trying not to have expectations, so I can just thoroughly enjoy my time with the kids.
My friends from college have been oh so very nice. Rachel send me 3 mixed CDs with some of our favorite music...very thoughtful! I am sure it will be a great pleasure to listen to on the 16 hour flight. I know will miss the Cougs (jenny, rachel, amelie, anna and caitlyn) but I need this journet to regain perspective on my being, my goals and identity. It will be helpful to have this new experience.
Anna has connected me with a family friend in Addis Ababa name Alula (alex). He sounds very enthusiastic about meeting up with him and his friends. He seems like a very genuine guy. I am excited what he has to show us about his home country!!!!
Its been a very up and down holiday season. It snowed 1 ft. Trapped in the house. Christmas was just another day, and tonight (new year's eve) will be just another night, but day after tomorrow...i will be on my way out...out of salem, out of Oregon, out of the USA, and to a new and unkown culture....its finally here...yeah!!!!!

A Lost Soul

Last night I came upon some sad and horrible news. A friend and high school mentor had passed on. He wasn't a close friend, in fact other than being Thespians and Peer Mentors we never really hung out. But we had good times...laughing, playing around the basement of SSHS with all the other peer mentors and acting on the Theater stage. We had good times together. He, Ben Gerling, was a jovial, upbeat and a kind hearted soul. I remember him being super nice and welcoming to everyone, and was all ways the heart of the party. Whoever he was with, he made them smile...including me. His passing was in May... We weren't in touch other than facebook, and I didn't really hang out with him since our lives took different paths after high school. But I have to say, that this news has impacted me deeply. I remember hearing about through the grapevine, but thought it was just an absurd rumor. But now, I know its the truth. I think I was not ready to deal with it earlier, since it hits close to home. Knowing that such a inspiring person can be in such trouble and pain and no one knew...including me. His departure isn't unnoticed, and his presence will always be with us...always. He was an active man...ROTC-airforce, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and was senior at Oregon State, just a few weeks shy of graduation. A man of his word and lived what he valued...a man that everyone should srtive to be. His absences just makes me a little more confused, and more of a lost soul.

Ben- I shed a few tears, cried a little stream, but in the end I came out smiling...just i always did when I was with you...it always has been smiles, and everytime I think of you, it will be just so. I am blessed and thankful that I had the chance to be part of your life. Om Mani Padme Hum!

An Eventful Weekend

It has been a fantastic weekend. Quite stressful, but yet eventful. I help raise 1250 dollars for the AIDS treatment cause in Rwanda, in honor of Worlds AIDS Day. I wrote 27 pages for three different classes, and crocheted 3 hats. Also taught Amelie how to crochet. It was legitimately a productive weekend. Now I am done with finals, and have four months of interning in Ethiopia ahead of me. No paper, no exams and no homework...just working in my passion. I can't wait...hopefully my check from Bill Gates will come before i leave...or i am pretty screwed. woops!
All i have left is to pack up and move out of 1518 Kincaid...and say bye to all me friends. SAD!