WOMEN OF ETHIOPIA

...from Ambo to Burayu Mariam, Ethiopia, Africa 2003 to 2007

Meheret (Mercy) our first helper: housekeeper & cook when arriving to Ambo, Ethiopia,  She was our special interpreter, and guide to acquaint us with her country. She was a tremendous blessing to us. 

Meheret walking "Blondie". 

Meheret with her family traveling on muddy road in Burayu Mariam ....

 

Meheret, a single mom and her son "Micky"

Forgot when he was born, but this was dated Nov 10, 2004....

Guenet 

       ...with family; Bamlach & Yeabsira and machine embroidery work - Dec 2004

 

Both sitting on our front porch.... 

Yeabsira was a very anointed child - one day led us in an impromptu "Allelujah" chorus in our residence.   Him and "Blondie" were so funny together.   Many people in Ethiopia are not used to having dogs as "pets"!  Because probably of his mother's living conditions, he would get sick.  Eventually, Guenet placed both him and Onesimus in an orphanage or something.
This is the reality of Ethiopia.

Center: Guenet hold her baby on her back - Onesimus - 3rd child.

Paul making a fence - working with what was available and limited resources for a leased property -for Guenet's garden to keep the cows, goats and donkeys out. June 2004

Attaching latch to gate

Paul taking a break in the shade...

 

Paul showing  a hoe which  snapped in two.

It sure doesn't take long for it to produce...

Bamlach - we celebrated her 4th birthday at Meheret's family house. For Meheret this was the FIRST TIME they ever celebrated a birthday party!

Many Ethiopians DO NOT CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS like we do in America.

Bamlach's graduation on July 17, 2005, and her 5th birthday. 


This is new school under construction - stick & mud with straw (adobe) 

When Guenet and her children visit our home, Blondie like to kiss & play with the children. Bamlach is not too excited about it.

Walking down a pathway in Ethiopia ....Yesbsira prefer to walk by himself.

Maazi -

...became our second helper: housekeeper and cook.

She took classes and prepared excellent Italian and Ethiopian food from our small kitchen. 


 


 It was wise to boil the water in Ethiopia.   Even boiling and filtering.

Maazi in gangway outside her house. She lived with her mom, and two sisters in this shack (in Addis Ababa) made with mud and straw and tin sheets, with bathroom, which they shared with neighbors. Not a pretty sight to see or use.




Maazi's mom and Evelyn with friend.











< Peek a boo...

Heading back home we have to walk through narrow entrance to get to the main road.
 

Celebrated Maazi's Birthday at her family house. You probably do not know that Ethiopia's calendar is different.  They are about seven years and 8 months behind our calendar.

More single mothers' with children

    
Tigist with son

She said she "ran into a door", but it could have been her 'boyfriend' who caused her face to be bandaged.   HARD TO GET THE "REAL STORY" IN AFRICA.  It takes time as people will only let you into their lives "so far" until a strong relationship is established.

SAHAI ("Sun") and her daughter Bethlehem. Many African names have meanings.

Bikeytu, another young lady whom we reached out to.  She came to our house one day, having been beat up for resisting a man's advances.  Women like her need a REFUGE where they can be safe from rampant male exploitation.  BIG PROBLEM IN AFRICA!  Too many "civil rights leaders" in America shamelessly ignore abuse and exploitation perpetrated by African men!!!  TEENAGE GIRLS LIVING ON THE STREET IN AFRICA NEED TO BE RESCUED!!!  She made beautiful weaved baskets.