Dear Ethiopia,
I leave Guatemala in just under two weeks. And I am very comfortable right now. And I’m very scared you’re going to take that away from me. I have a comfy bed here. Warm showers. Wifi is only 30 minutes away. At night I can hear cars going by, and it reminds me that the world is still going. But the things I’ve heard about you are really starting to scare me. We will be living 4 hours away from Addis. I’ve heard questionable things about the comfortability of the base. I’m trying not to set my expectations low, because you could be the best thing to ever happen to me. It’s just hard because I’ve already left my home and family behind, how much more uncomfortable can It get? I don’t really want to know the answer to that question.
I’m at a point in my life where I don’t want to avoid things I’m scared of. I want to take on what I’m scared of. When I get scared a pit forms in my stomach. And I’m tired of going through life just being okay with the pit in my stomach. In order to get rid of the pit in my stomach, I think I need to revisit the reasons I chose you in the first place.
The thing that brought you to my attention- years ago- was the adoption of my cousin Zeri. Zeri is the strongest child I have ever met- and by this I mean she is strong willed, as well as physically strong . She is the best sister to Elijah and Caleb. She completed my Uncle Bryce and Aunt Haleys life. And she was exactly what my family needed. Throughout her adoption I became aware of you and became very interested in your culture. I have been interested ever since she was adopted. I have always wanted to see where my cousin is from. So Zeri was the number one reason I chose you.
The second reason I chose you was the people! I have heard that Ethiopian hospitality is unmatched. I wanted to take a break from the fast paced life of the United States. I wanted to go to a place where people invite you into their homes even if they don’t know you. I wanted to experience that type of community.
My next reason for picking you was the muslim culture. Muslims are some of the most kind hearted people on earth. I wanted to go for restoration of the muslim culture. Muslims are very misunderstood. I want to experience the muslim culture and the people.
These are the biggest reasons I chose you. And I’m still excited to meet you. Just as it’s gotten closer I’ve become nervous. I know It’s going to be okay. I know I’ll love you and I know you will change me. I’m sorry I’ve been doubting you. I’m going to continue to lean into the reasons I chose you. You are beautiful and I can’t wait to meet you.
Lovingly,
Madi Carter
