We departed Ethiopia with countless memories and two sons who matured before our eyes as we moved back and forth from Awassa to Dongora Morocho. The image of walking with Mabret as he moved toward his Ethiopian family and friends who were assembled and awaiting his return is one that will remain frozen in time and stay with us forever.
While we always planned to bring food and supplies to the village, we had no gameplan beyond those general ideas. As we came to know Endris, Shemelese and Yenu, they quickly worked their way into our hearts and lives. Each has obvious physical similarities to Mabret and as we got to know and love them each of their personalities reminded us of Mabret.
As you know from reading this blog, we quickly found ourselves working to relocate our three Ethiopian kids to Awassa and enroll them in school. As we spent our last few hours with them, we filled with pride from the sheer bravery they have displayed.
Endris has naturally taken on the role of leader and quickly tosses a look or word in Sidamo should Shemelese or Yenu require a reminder about the rules governing their new life in Awassa. Endris shows his emotions more than the other kids, including Mabret. He was emotional as we reminded them for the final time (for now) that the goal of this move is education first, second and third. While they should work with Hagirso to learn about and enjoy Awassa, their focus is Amharic and English. The tears in Endris' eyes told the story as they waved goodbye from their new living room window.
Shemelese always has a mischievous smile close to the surface and will likely be the leader as the kids explore Awassa. When we walked to the apartment after purchasing some last minute items from the market, Shemelese led the way and we suspect that he has already ventured out on "secret missions".
Simply put, Yenu is Mabret without the Y chromosome.
Goodbye for now, Endris, Shemelese and Yenu. Make us proud!
