I have learned during my three months on the race that every culture, for the most part, has something that they are known for, good or bad. Last month, we were told that the Swazi culture is demeaning and women are not respected. This month we have been able to dive deep into the culture of Ethiopia and it causes me to stop and ponder why this culture feels so different. I would say, from what I have seen in Ethiopia, that this country is a culture of pride and respect.
The Ethiopian people are so proud of their country. Many people don’t speak great English, but they know how to say, “How do you like Ethiopia?”, They want to know our thoughts on their country. They care what others think and how outsiders are treated. This is also seen in the way children are disciplined on the street.
Yesterday I was walking back to our guest house when a group of young boys walked past me and pulled my hair. The act was unwarranted so I turned around and ask them why they had done it. Two men passing by stopped the boys, spoke to them in Amharic and then one boy came to apologize. This is not the first time that random strangers have stepped in to make sure that we are all being treated as we should.
One of my favorite memories from the Love Ethiopia Festival was the day that Candace and I had to go around putting up large signs promoting the festival. At one area, there were about 5 guys who live right on the street and as soon as we got there they began helping us. Then before we left they made sure that we knew they were going to guard the sign and keep it safe. The men wanted to selflessly give of themselves and every time we would pass them they would stand up, wave, and smile knowing that they were guarding the sign well.
People help us navigate transportation and are always willing to show us the correct way and prices. This culture of being welcoming and caring for individuals has really got me thinking about what the US culture is known for. The perspective of outsiders is that America is a culture of money. While we all know that this isn’t all that our country has to offer, we are seen as a place with money and never ending financial possibilities. I love America and know that we have a lot to offer as a country, but I really wonder how a foreigner feels visiting our country, on unknown streets, and in unfamiliar territory. It is a thought that I know will only continue to grow as I visit more countries.
I have been to several foreign countries and despite my love for many of them, I have to say that the people in Ethiopia are by far my favorite. They are welcoming, respectful, caring, beautiful and always willing to lend a helping hand. My time here hasn’t been filled with any crazy stories or adventures, but it has been a month to really step back, observe, and soak up all that the country and its people have to offer.
Update on our time in the Philippines!
We leave in exactly 6 days to begin our journey in the Philippines. We will start the month with a short debrief to come back together as a squad and have some time with our amazing AIM Coaches. My team will leave debrief and travel to the southern island of Mindanao, where we will be working with Kids International Ministries. We don’t know much about our ministry yet, but we will be there with Team Ratsah!
Thank you for all your continued prayers. I would love to hear from you all, especially with the holiday season approaching and lots of exciting things happening at home. You can email me at [email protected]!
with love,
sam
