Next we headed to the food merchants. We secured 50 avocados for 25 birr. We moved onward to a small grocery store where we bought 10 kilograms of dry pasta, several huge cans of tomato paste, a tub of peanut butter and several cases of soda (the boys felt that soda was something that their Ethiopian brothers and sister should have at the ready). After spying a bread maker a few doors from the grocery store, we made the nice woman's morning when we purchased all 50 of the rolls that she had baked for the day. The rolls were 1 birr each.
Finally, we grabbed 6 soccer balls from a local vendor and headed for the car.
We often have spectators when shopping in Africa and Sunday morning was no exception.
Below, Mabret and Roman carry items through the market and to the car.
Sunday's arrival to the village was a bit chaotic as the local children swarmed the Land Cruiser as we unloaded packages. After carrying the packages into the home of our Ethiopian family, we settled in to offer an opportunity for our Ethiopian family to ask questions about Mabret and the life that he and Roman lead. But first, Mabret was greeted by his sister, Yenu. As the day unfolded, we would come to see the emotional and intellectual similarities that she shares with Mabret but her physical appearance struck us immediately.
As we sat down in the family home for what we hoped would be an opportunity to answer the many questions that we assumed they would have for us, it became quickly apparent that if they had inquiries it was unlikely we would hear them. Instead, each time we requested that Hagirso ask the family what questions they would like answered about Mabret's life, we were met with comments of deep gratitude, eyes pointed up and hands together at their chests in prayer. They would speak in Sidamo and Hagirso would translate that they are thankful that Mabret looks so healthy, well cared for and loved by his family. On behalf of the family, Tariku told us that they are grateful for all of the opportunities that Mabret has been afforded.
While we were sitting together, Yenu was making sure that everyone in the home was comfortable and she watched Mabret closely. Endris was always focused directly on Mabret and working hard to keep a smile. Mabret's siblings' eyes told the story of young people who used all of their strength to ensure that their younger brother felt no guilt about his life compared to theirs. The message was clear...they love him and miss him but do not want him to worry about them.
We took a few minutes to inform them that Mabret is an excellent student, remarkable brother and responsible person who is well-liked and admired by his peers. Beyond that, discussing the specifics of Mabret's life in a meaningful way, if not impossible, is certainly fraught with immense barriers.
The family survives by farming a small area of land behind their home. The YEARLY income from the coffee beans and bananas that they grow is just over $100. In recent years, a well was dug approximately 40 minutes away which cut down the walk from the previous source which was much farther away. The family makes a couple of trips a week by foot and carries the water back to their home and farm. The local school is also a 40 minute walk and is very primitive. There are approximately 60 children in a class and the students only attend for 3 to 4 hours per day because of the distance as well as the chores that must be completed in the village. Endris, Shemelese and Yenu are battling but they are well behind where they should be. A national entrance exam for college is administered if students reach the 10th grade. Children from rural areas such as Aleto Chuko struggle to reach 10th grade and often score very poorly on the exam if they do manage to sit for it. Many of the children we met from Aleto Chuko do not ever attend school. More on that in Part 3.
Mabret and Roman headed outside with Endris and Yenu to distribute the bread to local children who gathered outside of the family home. As the children crowded the boys and pushed toward the food, Endris and Yenu left no doubt with the kids that they should give Mabret and Roman a bit of space to work. Yenu simply flashed a look that I have seen many times from Mabret when his stubborn nature kicks-in and Endris did the same but from the top of his approximately 6'4" frame.
After distributing the food, it became quickly apparent that the local children would crowd Mabret and Roman and unintentionally obstruct their every move unless we organized some activities to keep structure and allow them to enjoy the day.
Kathy drew pictures with many of the kids while Katie jumped into an impromptu English lesson starting with practicing the ABCs.
Mabret and Roman showed Endris their baseball gloves and a baseball. Nobody in the village was familiar with the game or the equipment. They then presented Endris with a very special gift...a cap from the Wallenpaupack Little League All-Stars.
Roman and Endris began a catch that drew a large crowd.
Mabret then threw a few pitches. We found a dirt patch that resembled a pitcher's mound.
After watching Mabret fire a few pitches for strikes Endris asked Mabret to teach him.
While Endris' form needs further refining, the ball came with the pop expected from such a long right arm.
By late afternoon, we were all tired as we headed back to Aregash Lodge for dinner and some sleep.
We will head back for a morning visit tomorrow before heading to Awassa for Xmas at the Haile Resort on Lake Awassa.
Part 3 to come later today.
Merry Christmas.
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