For some reason, it’s been challenging to open up about my time in Ethiopia. I think it mostly has to do with the fact that I have NO idea where to start. I’ve spent 3 months there this past year, and the experiences I’ve been through really has so much to do with the person I am writing this. And since I’m still in the process of figuring out WHO this person is (yes, this could easily turn into one of those ‘finding yourself’ blurbs… I digress. I’ll save that for some other time ;]
For those of you just tuning in, my boyfriend Mike lives there serving the Peace Corps. He’s been there since September 2010 and yes, long distance relationships are no cake walk. They are however, pretty amazing in their own right. With our time apart we were able to accomplish so much, yet still rely on each other for support. I really am so lucky to call my boyfriend my best friend. Without physically being with each other, we are forced to communicate… it’s literally all that we have. And the relationship we’ve formed is something I never would have imagined if things didn’t unfold exactly how they did. Everything does happen for a reason! Pushing through your limits is inevitable to get through various stages in your life. If you don’t face fears or obstacles, you can never continue growing… which is really the point while we’re here, am I right?!
Whenever someone asks me about Ethiopia, I always hestiate before I speak. “It is beautiful, so amazing, so colorful!” YES, of course it is all of those things. I really fell in love with this country. Despite it being a third world country, Ethiopians still have nice restaurants, weddings, and go out to bars. The real differences lay in their social interactions with each other. It’s my absolute favorite part of their culture as a whole. “These people have nothing, yet they have everything” is a phrase I like to repeat when I tell others of my time there. They are one of the poorest countries in the world, yet their deep connection with each other holds them all together. When people greet each other, it’s incredibly genuine. So genuine, in fact, that Ethiopians don’t really know sarcasm. It gets pretty hilarious/scary when local kids are being obnoxious and Mike suddenly yells out “mmm…. lij tibs!” (meaning fried children in Amharic). It’s a great way to get some peace and quiet… fast :]
For anything I cannot say, I wish to express through my pictures. And if you still want more words… read this! Chuck Adams is a fellow Peace Corps volunteer who lives in Bonga with Mike. He’s pretty savvy with words, too.
My dearest Mike. He’s pretty cute, huh? :]
Cool post 🙂 found your site looking for Arnwine named sites since ill be changing the name of mine soon. Wish you the best! God Bless.