Q&A

In February, I asked for questions about my life in Ethiopia.  Here are your questions and my answers!

What's your favorite ethnic food from Ethiopia & why?
The traditional food of Ethiopia is injera, but I have not grown accustomed to the taste.  They ferment a grain called ‘teff’ for three days and they turn it into a sour sour dough thin pancake.  You use it to scoop up the different ‘wats’ that they put on top.  I usually just use bread or a tortilla to scoop up the wats and that is quite nice! I do love macchiatos.

How long is the sun/ daytime light out there?
It is similar to back home.  The sun comes up around 6:15 and stays out until about 7.

What is the hardest thing to have to get accustomed to (aside from language & being away from home)?
Right now, the hardest thing is that I always stand out when I leave my compound.  People are constantly calling you a foreigner, asking you for money, or practicing their English. You can never blend in.

How much does it cost to get a plane ticket to see you? 

Depends! :) I found one for about $800 the other day!

What is your favorite part about the culture of Ethiopia? 

My favorite thing about Ethiopian culture is the simplicity and love. People live a much simpler life here.  Time doesn’t mean the same thing.  Walking is easier than driving. Food is fresh. Roads are made of dirt. And people are quick to love.

Are there any other young people about your age working there? If so, do you get together with them for fellowship and study?  Yes, there are several people my age that work at Bingham.  We do things together almost every weekend.
 
What kind of things do you do for fun over there?

I get to hang out with kids all day! That’s pretty fun! Besides school, I enjoy taking walks around my neighborhood, painting, watching movies, grocery shopping, or going out to eat.

How has working and living in an international community taught you new things about God and his character? 

I’ve been learning a lot about God’s love. Sometimes it can be hard to love people when they constantly yell at you outside the gate. It can be hard to love the child that is constantly in trouble and looks at you with defiance.  I find myself having to take a step back and remember who made these people and who loves them. I pray that God will continue to show me ways to love his people.

What is the funniest sounding word, in your opinion, in Amharic and what does it mean? 

The funniest word to me is ‘feet’… It means ‘face’.

To how many odd foods have you been introduced?

Several.  Injera and all that goes on top is very different from food that we eat in the US.