Well, the day has come that I never thought would. This journey the last 10 months has been an incredible one with lots of ups and downs, and I've definitely learned more about myself that I thought I would. I've realized after living in Ethiopia for 10 months, the sky is the limit. Put me in rural Africa or a huge city like New York and I can make it work. I've learned to be resourceful, how to live without things like water and electricity, how to handle being really sick away from home, and how to make a family away from the one God gave to me.
Saying goodbye to Gondar was one of the hardest things I've had to do. To be honest, it made me question if I was making the right decision to come back to the states to work vs. staying here in Ethiopia for another year. But, I think that living in Africa will come again. Not sure when, or using what avenue but I feel pretty positive this will not be the last time for me to spend an extended time in this continent and that I will see these people again.
I am saying goodbye to one chapter, but hello to another. I have accepted a position at Morris Bye Elementary in the Anoka Hennepin District as a 1st grade teacher and cannot wait. Being a "real" teacher has always been my goal, and now it is reality. As difficult it was to say goodbye, I know that good things are in store for me.
Here are some pictures and descriptions of the people that meant so much to me. These were all taken the last few days.
Last day of section 2 Classroom English. Teaching was a great part of the experience.
The lovely Fikirte- she was my language tutor for the first 3 months I was here and became a great friend.
Melishu, "Anateye" or "Mother dear" This woman was so amazing and we both cried when I left. If I ever needed anything, she was the lady to ask. Couldn't imagine my time without her.
My favorites.
Tigle, Aster, myself, Alaseb and Melishu. These women made my experience in Ethiopia.I believed this before I left, and even more now that I am onto the next adventure, but life isn't about where you are but about the relationships you build and WHO you're with. These women helped to make my experience an amazing one. These women became my family. Words cannot express how much I am going to miss them and how guilty I feel for leaving. There is no doubt in my mind that these ladies were a gift from God to me, to make my homesickness, physical sickness and hardships of living in Ethiopia worth it. Love them so much and it was so hard to say goodbye.
Betty and Aster- my Habesha sisters :) Aster is who I went with for Easter to her hometown in Dessie. Her sister Betty is 15 and such a fantastic young lady. Her English is fantastic. Aster is who I was closest to in my time at Gondar College. I became a part of her family and her mother even called me every once in a while to make sure her frenji daughter was doing ok. So fantastic.
Goodbye Party! These boys are great- 4 guys I got pretty close to during my time. They were Mitch's (my peace corp neighbor) best friends and knew how to have a good time!
Edom.
My favorite 2 1/2 year old in Ethiopia. I am sponsoring her to put her through school because her mother can't afford it. She is so fantastic and walking away from this little girl was so hard. I can't imagine a mother's love for their child, especially when I realize how much I love this little one, and she isn't even mine.
Usman and I at a going away party at Gelane's house :)
This guy has been an absolute God send for me since I've been here. He is a peace corp volunteer with a year left after I leave. He deals with all my crazy emotions and is so great to spend time with. I'm thankful I haven't had to say goodbye to him quite yet, it will be the toughest one to say. We are heading to Italy together for a little R&R for 12 days, so it will be wonderful to spend some quality time together before me heading for US and him back to Ethiopia.
Even after looking at these pictures it is so clear to me how blessed I have been with building relationships in the short time that I've been here. Thankful for what I've been given and what I've been able to build with my time here in Ethiopia. So bittersweet to open the next chapter, but excited to see what is in store :)
<3
