As a quick recap: Selamta is a “family project” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is comprised of 11 homes, each home made up of 8-10 orphans and one mother. Eighty orphans, eleven homes, one family.
During our time with Selamta we got to visit four different homes. Each day we visited a home became my new favorite day in Ethiopia!
One of my favorite Selamta memories took place at Tewodros House. We had just finished eating dinner with the family. The electricity was out. We sat in the living room with nothing but two candle sticks breaking the darkness. Mama Menbere was roasting coffee for everyone. We snacked on popcorn, enjoying the show. A true show. Of the two youngest brothers, Surafel and Nati, dancing their hearts out for us. I’m talking everything from the whip to the tango, from traditional Ethiopian dance to choreographed Usher music video dance. As their sister, Etianat, sat beside Mom, shuffling between picking songs for her brothers to dance to and serving coffee after coffee. The two older brothers, Telila and Hailu, sit beside us dying of laughter, whispering tips to the younger brothers of which moves to try next. For over an hour.
Two of these siblings were blood related. All five of them were family.
Another night we got to partake in a Selamta birthday party at Haile Selassie House. Bethlehem, the youngest of her house, was turning the big 15. Getting to see her showered in celebration was the best. Getting to join in the celebration was an honor.
We got to learn more about the mom of Haile Selassie House, Mama Zenebech. Mama Zenebech was married off at the age of 14. Through a series of events and an abusive marriage she found herself alone in Addis Ababa with two children, no clue how to care for them. Then she found Selamta. She was selected and trained to become a Selamta mom and soon found herself with 10 children rather than two. The love she has for these children is overwhelming. The joy she carries from getting to be their mom is inspiring.
My last Sunday in Ethiopia I got to watch a group of Selamta guys play soccer mountain side. As we sat there three different families walked by, each one stopping by to ask if we would like to have coffee at their home. We knew none of them. We looked out on the field, soaking it all in. These weren’t just guys who were apart of the same orphanage coming together to play soccer. These were brothers.
It was then I realized what made Ethiopia so special. In Ethiopia, it isn’t blood that makes people family. It’s choice. People choose to love each other. They choose to invite each other into their lives. They choose to mourn the hard times and celebrate the good times together. They choose to be family.
I’m convinced it’s impossible to leave Ethiopia without forming new family. But I’ve learned choosing family doesn’t have to be an Ethiopian thing. We get to form family everywhere we go.
I am just $2,379 from my deadline of being fully funded!! The fundraising deadline is nearing quick. I cannot thank every who has already joined me in sharing the Good News with the nations. All prayers and financial contributions would be so appreciated!!
To learn more about Selamta and the impact they are making in Ethiopia check out their official website at http://www.selamtafamilyproject.org/
