water, again

So, I've heard that some of you are very concerned with my drinking the water. I'm really not that worried about it. I have heard that the public drinking water in Addis has gotten much better recently. Also, many of my Ethiopian friends have told me that they know many foreigners who have drank the water for a long time and had no problem. I have been drinking it for a few days now with no problem. I know many of you will not agree with this decision, but it's the one I made. With my plans to eventually move here I will have to drink the water at some point as I don't want to rely only on bottled water for a few years. Also, Dr. Frew had suggested that I try it in the first place because he was sure that I wouldn't be sick from it. Given that he is worried about most everything else (I am never allowed out of site of one of the Ethiopians that we work with here, and he is even careful with the food I eat because he doesn't want me to be sick) I am sure that he would not recommend it unless he thought that it was absolutely safe.

Frew told me that the water that was said to be contaminated was kept in unclean containers and this is mostly what causes the bacteria to form. But, the water in the city is chlorinated (I know, you will say it's not enough) and therefore is generally pretty safe. Maybe I will get sick, but what is life without risks? And in all honesty, I'm in Ethioipa - that's a risk in and of itself. So, I'm a risk taker - always have been, probably always will be. Yes, I'm stubborn too. Ha. I appreciate all of your concern, I really do. But this is the decision I have made based on the knowledge I have gained and the knowledge of the Ethiopian's around me (including Drs and nurses). So, pray for me, send me good vibes, whatever you like - I am content with my decision and will continue drinking the water unless I find a significant reason not to.

 

In other news, tomorrow I go to Sendafa for the second time of the trip. We will distribute some wheat to the HIV patients (probably along with some other basic supplies). Frew will see some patients at the clinic. Birhanu will work on the construction of the new church in Beke (Mom - Hanna's dad is the preacher there. Also, I got to say hello to Hanna briefly the other day and I told her that you said hello. She was very excited and said to tell you hello as well. Her father says that she asks about "Vince and Carolyn a lot"). Ruth is coming with us tomorrow, I will most likely work with her and Shewayerged on distributing the wheat. I think Eshete is probably working on micro-financing. So, it will be a very busy day. But should prove to be a pretty nice one.

 

Not sure what else I will do tomorrow, Frew wants me to learn more Amharic (he is a strict teacher), he also wants to take me to a nice restaurant. And I think Ruth wants to take me to the museum where Lucy is displayed (Lucy is the oldest human skeleton that has been found in the world. Actually, Lucy is on tour in the U.S. right now - but they have an exact replica). We will see, should be a busy day regardless. Luckily buna (coffee) is cheap and delicious over here.

 

Time for bed now, ciao!