Pre-School

We visited the Naget Kokeb pre-school.  We were met with songs, laughter, pride and Coffee Ceremony!

Three years ago, there was no school here, but Elizabeth has worked tirelessly to make this a reality.  There is no water on this campus for these four and five year old children.

This project feels like a priority on our return.

Life. . .

Today we were taken around the "village", or neighborhood, by the principal of our school, the extraordinary Elizabeth Kebede.  This was one of the most powerful experiences I have had on this trip.  Elizabeth is a true advocate for the students in her charge.  She has started a very unique program that allows students to engage in extra learning while not in school (they only go to school half days here).  They do this twice a week at a home compound, assisted by a student leader.  It was very apparent as we visited student's in their homes that Elizabeth is genuinely appreciated and respected by both the school community and the larger surrounding community.
She is a pioneer.

More on Elizabeth in a following post. . .


Having a glimpse into the lives of the students at Negat Kokeb was eye-opening and beautiful.

Wherever we go here, we encounter beauty and joy.

Ethiopian Wedding

We had the great fortune to be invited to an Ethiopian wedding yesterday.  We were told that it was a mixture of a traditional and modern wedding.  It was held in the courtyard of the Zeru family with an abundance of traditional Ethiopian food, drink, music and dancing.  Our Ethiopian friends have been trying (without a lot of success) to teach us the Eskesta (shoulder dance).

The day was filled with much joy and laughter.

It was a true honor to be a guest at this beautiful wedding.

Saturday

Ahh.  A day of rest.

We started with coffee and a walk around the neighborhood.  We then ventured out to Tedelech's house. Tedelech is a teacher from Negat Kokeb who has been incredibly open and generous with us at every moment.  Her home and family were beautiful and she prepared the most delicious Ethiopian food we have had yet!  There were many traditional dishes and it was evident that she spent a great deal of time and energy to honor us.

After the meal we were presented with yet another wonderful coffee ceremony.

I feel so grateful to have been invited into this warm, lovely home.