01/10/2006
Well it’s been an interesting day. We had no electricity or running water and haven’t had any phone/internet connection for four days. The electricity has finally just come back up this evening.
Today we got up extremely early (5:15) to go to the Orthodox Church. We couldn’t really understand it as it was all in Amharic. We went with Seleshei and his family (he’s one of the town elders who has taken an interest in us). It takes place in a field around a building (never actually got to go in the building) with all the men on one side and the women on the other. I was blessed by an Ethiopian Priest. We all wore the traditional Ethiopian Natella/Gabi to cover our heads (we have pics). The town literally gathered to point and laugh at us, which definitely brought back some childhood psychological trauma. I mean, we get pointed at all the time, but this was crazy. I’m sure it seemed really odd to see three white girls in traditional dress and although I can rationalize the whole experience, it still feels bizarre.
Ethiopia is an extremely religious country. It’s not so much a matter of which religion, but that you are part of one and believe in God in some way. Especially for Christians, but for anyone who really wants to examine their faith, this would be an ideal place to come. There is so much history and many people who are extremely devout. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is said to be the most similar to the original form of Christianity.
After church we went to Seleshei’s family’s home for breakfast and a coffee ceremony. There is not really a differentiation between meals here. You eat injera at all occasions. This time we had it with eggs and a meat dish with some bread (dabbo) as well. The tea here is absolutely incredible. It is very spicy and not quite like anything I have tasted anywhere else.
In the evening we met with the Tarma Cultural Band, which is a local youth group. They played some music for us and did some dancing. Of all the bizarre things for me to be good at, Ethiopian dancing seems to be one of them. For all of you who have experienced my total lack or rhythm, you will understand what I’m talking about. There is really amazing dancing here that involves a lot of shoulder and head movement. The kids seem to think I’m really good at it, although there is also the distinct possibility that I am so horrible at it that I am amusing them. I don’t really understand 99% of what they’re saying, so I’ll just go with it. I actually have video footage, so you all can decide for yourselves when I get back. We are organizing a talent show of sorts here and have promised the kids that the three of us will do a “North American” dance for them, which should be interesting.
It’s so funny to see which North American cultural things translate here. Somehow, a bunch of the kids have seen last season of Prison Break. They love Michael Jackson, anything Hip Hop as well as Bob Marley (although that one’s not particularly surprising considering Rastafarianism began here and Bob Marley got a state funeral with his corpse on parade in the capital).

02/10/2006
I think I’m starting to adjust a bit better, at least physically; although I would most definitely jump someone on the street for some yogurt and strawberries. Or even just a bowl of Cheerios. What we’re eating is not necessarily good or bad, it just has a very different nutritional content. I am not craving anything sugary, just the stuff I normally eat on a day to day basis. My day is just not the same without a bowl of cereal and glass of OJ. I am having dreams about bagels and cheese. I have to stop thinking about it or I will go insane.
Today was market day (Mondays and Thursdays) so we ventured out on our own to make some purchases. I just picked up a blanket as the mountain air is definitely chillly at night. We have to negotiate as the Farenjis (foreigners) get different prices from Habasha (Ethiopians). It’s sort of a crazy place with people laying out all sorts of goods. We got sort of stuck in the donkey parking lot (literally. There are no cars) for a little while as we were trying not to get trampled.
Right now we are mainly preparing for our classes which will start sometime this week. I’m going to be teaching the oldest group (16 and over). At the moment there are 65 students in this age group signed up, which should be interesting to teach in one class. The dynamics aren’t exactly worked out yet though. We are facilitating a workshop this Saturday on HIV/AIDS, Gender Issues and Family Planning, although the exact details are still very fuzzy. I’m sure it will turn out to be interesting!
04/10/2006
Last night we did the testing and evaluation for the students who will be in our Youth Language/ESL classes. The had to write a test that we graded later. There were tons of students who came out to do the test and I was on duty making sure they weren’t cheating. I will have 20-25 students at this point, although some more may come and it is likely a few will drop out.

In Response to those of you who have emailed me:
On our free time we spend a lot of time with the local kids. They love to sing and dance and play different games. If it’s after dark we just usually hang around the compound with each other.
I’m doing fine without the alarm clock. Most mornings I am woken up unnaturally early by roosters, so it’s really not a problem.