Advice I’d give

Gut it out.

Suck it up.

It is truly beautiful here, recognize it.

Be patient with the language, learn it.

You will be dirty, get used to it.

Smile to strangers. Befriend other white people, it’s amazing to hear their stories.

Get out and see more.

Be home before dark most nights. Not all.

Try new restaurants.

Go for a walk, get lost.

Hold on tight to your belongings in the merkato. Buy fresh produce there.

Sit on top of Quara and overlook the Piazza.

Sit on top of Goha and take it in, this is your home for a year.

Watch traditional dancing, try it.

Listen to traditional music live.

Don’t give everyone your phone number but give it out.

Find peace, be compassionate, understand, be grateful.

Open. Your. Mind.

A response to "what's your finish going to look like"?

"I came to Kino Hotel for wifi to send somethings from my ipad. The power is out. As I sit drinking my lukewarm Ambo and type through a growing film of dust I feel good. I like it here. This is all coming 8 months too late but it feels good here. The breeze and the sun and now the traditional music with a reggae beat coming from a young man's cell phone.. I will look back fondly and I am so so so glad."

It is nice to hear you say "it's not how you start the game but how you finish," I couldn't agree more. It is very relative to me here and now. Not to harp on the past but it was very difficult. I went for a walk with Dylan and Izzy and we talked about how much you learn from actually living in a place rather than just visiting. I was nervous I'd look poorly upon all Ethiopians because of those that I've been surrounded by here. As we passed Ethiopian immigrants on the streets of Tel Aviv, Max actually made the comment that, "people are a product of their environment". Overall, I think that it is realizing that I choose the way I see things while I am here. And, I am starting to see things in a better light. Granted, I needed a tangible and fast approaching end date in order to alter my view.

In the grand scheme of things, I think it is a lesson on how we perceive ourselves and others and the power we hold to change our outlook on everything in life. 

It is unfortunate how little some teachers care about their profession, they finish teaching the text book and they are finished teaching. On the bright side, it is nice to see the students who do come to class, rain or shine, holiday or not. These kids want to learn, to decipher between right and wrong, good and bad... they want a future based on education. We have made a world of progress with our students and throughout the entire school. Kids raise their hand, they may just be coming to class because it is their day with Max and Elizabeth in class, they read out loud to us and they are more confident in their abilities. The teachers have seen us fulfill our duties and speak with us every chance they get to practice their English or brag about Ethiopian culture or hear about America or even ask for our help to get them books or visas from the states (something that would no doubt lead them to more opportunity but not necessarily a better life. Also something that deeply bothered me, the misunderstanding of a foreign volunteers purpose here, but now I think "how should they know my reasons for being here and on that note, why not give it a shot, I may hand them a visa on the spot").

I leave feeling fulfilled. I would have done things differently, no doubt. My relationship with Max has grown immeasurably, more than possible after years together in America, I think - and I am grateful we leave holding hands and with a better sense of communication and of one another.

I am grateful for this experience. I think it is very cool, I have grown, I have seen and done and eat and danced and all I can see from the past is that I had a really great time. 

Rural Outreach Program May 8, 2013

A bus of six doctors from the Gondar University Healthcare Center traveled along the road towards Sudan to reach two rural primary schools. Three doctors got off at the first stop, Shumargie Primary School, each with a box full of medicine. I joined them here as I had been to Shumargie before and was eager to see familiar faces and learn what plagued them. The doctors assessed the children, listened to their rendition of what ails them, and then spent the time to explain to each and every one what it was exactly that was wrong. Cases of intestinal parasites were diagnosed with de-worming medicine and a thorough explanation of how to take the pills; a case of diarrhea was given oral rehydration salts which we put in a water bottle right then and there for the young boy; head fungus and dandruff were given bottles of anti-fungal shampoo; itchy eyes and ear aches were given drops and ointment and a longer explanation of how to properly wash hands and face. Education was imparted along with mild medicines that can make a world of difference. Mothers and fathers joined their children during their examinations simply for a hand to hold. Some nearby villagers heard of the presence of the doctors and came in a hurry to see what was going on. About ten women with babies showed up to be seen by the doctors, some with simple questions, others with seriously ill children. The group stayed as late as we could and spoke to everyone who was seriously ill. A total of 76 children were seen at Shumargie today and 75 were seen at the second school, Auduba.

I spoke with Dr. Abeynah of Gondar University and asked if he enjoyed visiting the rural areas. He said he, among the others, “really enjoy seeing new things, sometimes there are new issues that we go back and must research. It is very different from the operating room and I feel I am doing a good thing. These are my people, it is important to get out into the community and give health education. I want to reach as many of them as possible.”

Three doctors stations set up outside

Students line up around the school building

Doctor explains the importance of washing hands thoroughly to a girl who has conjunctivitis.

The finger is of a young boy who pointed to absolutely everything and asked me to say it in English. This is anti fungal cream.

A woman from the nearby village heard we were at Shumargie and brought her newborn who was suffering from diarrhea.

Driving through Azezo on our way back to Gondar Town. The chaos in this part of town never ceases to amaze me, today was relatively calm.

Zanzibar

incredible sunsets!

Max and I booked a trip to Zanzibar somewhat last minute. We had heard how beautiful the beaches are there and wanted to see for ourselves. Only a 2.5 hour flight from Addis, we landed in Dar es Salaam and took a 30 minute flight to Zanzibar. We stayed at a beautiful resort, Diamonds Star of the East, which was paradise. We woke up early for the sunrise every morning, had a private pilates session one morning (and then went right back to sleep), went deep sea fishing (caught nothing), snorkeled the most incredible reef during a thunderstorm, ate seafood by the ocean, smoked hookah on a stilted bungalow over the water and explored Stone Town's narrow walkways and spice market. The pictures are on Max's computer so I'll have to share more at another time.

snorkel gear!

Look at that water! View of the seafood restaurant, hookah lounge and entertainment area where we usually watched sun set.

I realize how fortunate I am to travel to all these exotic places, more so, I am grateful to have a companion who appreciates exploring the unknown with me.

sitting down to dinner and a sunset

Kenya with the Sandlers

Well, it's been a while since my last post and it will likely be awhile before my next. I have to catch you up on a few things. First, the Sandler family visited and we explored Kenya together. It was an unbelievably wonderful trip. We spent a night in Nairobi, not enough time to enjoy the city, flew to the Masai Mara game reserve and stayed in tented cabins for 3 nights. It was really neat to be "one with nature" with only a screen separating you from the sounds of the great outdoors. Dylan, Leyla and Jessica's tents all faced a section of river that was full of hippo's. We watched from their room as they snorted and squealed, waddled through the water and flung mud everywhere. It was pretty exciting. Our first game drive of the trip and we saw everything you could imagine. Endless zebra, giraffe, elephant, crocodile, the list goes on, it was very exciting. My first thought was, "if we don't see any animals I will be completely satisfied" because I was in awe of how beautiful it was there. Storybook setting for an exciting trip with very fun people.

Annie with the women of the Masaai tribe

Spotted a leopard, beautiful

sun rising over the river of hippo's

straight out of the Lion King, right?

I was so happy to finally see zebra, they're really awesome looking - no two are alike!

After safari we flew to the east coast, Indian Ocean, where we took a small boat to the island of Lamu. We could tell mid flight that it was going to be scorching, I've never experienced such intense humidity actually. Lamu is stunning, bright flowers pop up between stretches of white buildings set along the teal blue water. The coast is lined with dhow boats waiting to fish or taxi people across the canals. Although it was super hot, we had a good time relaxing in the pool and eating the most delicious seafood and mango, I've really never experienced anything like it.

The view from our roof, boats line where the tide is at it's lowest

Boats at sunset. I took so many pictures, the views kept changing every second of sun set.

Spices in the market in Lamu town

dhow cruise at sun set!

Overall, an incredible trip to Kenya and visit with the Sandler family. I am so lucky to have been so warmly welcomed and included in such a wonderful adventure!