Amharic

Sorry if I repeat myself on this blog. I am not actually able to login
to the blog site, or even look at it. I'm thinking that it is blocked
in this country for some reason. I will explain when I get home. So, I
am emailing to the blog and it automatically posts. But, sometimes I
may end up repeating myself, so please forgive me.

I have been working on learning Amharic these last few days. I have
memorized most of the characters, but now I need to learn all of the
variations. Which number about 300 I think. So, it may take some time.
But I think that certainly by next year when I return I will have the
alphabet memorized and the pronunciations as well. Then, it will be
much easier for me to learn words and how to speak and read. It will
be very nice when I am able to speak it, because right now I often
feel out of place when people are speaking. I think the experience
here would be much richer if I knew the language. So, for now, that is
priority number one.

Tomorrow I am going to another wedding. The wedding is of someone who
is part of Frew's organization (Yenoh Merkeb, which mean Noah's Ark).
It should be a nice time, because I will know more people at the
wedding and I won't feel as much out of place as the one I went to the
other day. Also, I am sure that the injera and wat will be very good
there (though, all of the food I have eaten so far has been
wonderful).

I have been drinking the water with no problem, in fact I just had two
glasses at lunch a few minutes ago and I feel fine. You don't realize
how much you take things for granted until you cannot have them. So,
when I thought that I had to only drink bottled water it was a huge
burden. I was always having to make sure that I had enough around for
drinking, brushing teeth, etc. Even taking a shower was difficult
because I thought that I would not be able to swallow even a few
drops.
Another thing that was something I realized I was taking for granted
back home was showers. Many of you are probably laughing because you
realize that I don't shower everyday. But here, the shower happens
once per week. So, I had not taken a shower since I arrived here until
last night. And even then I almost didn't get to take one because the
hot water had run out. But more came rather quick so I was able. Right
now it is very dusty and dry here, the rainy season ended about 3 or 4
weeks back and it has been rather hot since then, so it all dried up
in the city. Although, the country is still a bit more wet than here.
Because it is so dusty, it is impossible to stay clean. We had the car
washed, and the next day it was extremely dirty again. Even driving
around you are constantly breathing in dirt and dust.

I have been thinking a lot about the things I don't even think about
at home, things I take for granted. The ability to communicate with
99% of people you come in contact with, fast and reliable internet,
knowing the customs, having easy access to water (the water has been
shut off in this part of the city all day today). It is amazing how
easy we have it in America, and we don't even realize it! Trips to
Ethiopia are a constant reminder of this and I believe that it has
given me a positive perspective in which to live.

I think thats about it. I hope you are all enjoying Autumn. It is my
favorite season, especially the month of October. So, I am a little
bit sad that I am missing it. Although I can't complain, the weather
here has been extraordinary. Cool mornings, hot days, cold nights.

Dehna hun, Dehna huni

p.s. Mike and Donna, the muzoch (bananas) have been awesome. I wish I
could bring some back for you guys.