I am Habesha hear me roar!

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."-Dalibunga

I later realized that the guilt and shame stemmed from within. I allowed myself to become uncomfortable because I had grown accustomed to the many privileges I had taken for granted in America. In the following week I would learn more about kindness and love from a family with no bank account and realize that my expensive presents and money would fall short to the invaluable gifts they would teach me.

Day1 contd....I swallowed my emotions for I could not let anything but happiness show on my face, that evening we would be joined by over 20 family members to celebrate my return.

Although I can boast about my extraordinary life in America and happy childhood (as I feel connected to my adopted family as if they were my biological one)…however, seeing the same brown faces looking at me and knowing we have the same blood running through our veins does something to me that is unexplainable. Kind of like the one missing piece of a 1000 piece puzzle, you can see the magnificent picture and it’s practically complete yet there is still one piece missing. I felt as if I had finally found it.

The celebration began with a member of the household washing each person’s hand. A pitcher filled with fresh water and a portable basin (to collect the rinsed water) is used to wash every member. My family does this by age, starting with the oldest as a sign of respect. Since I was the guest of honor, they began with me. I was also the first one to retrieve my food from the immaculate spread of authentic Ethiopian food, filled with the most mouthwatering spices and delectable entrées. I was in heaven . In six days, my family would do this FOUR more times! With each relative taking their turn and hosting me at their house.

In Ethiopia there are more than 200 ethnic groups; my family is Gurage (goorahgae), one of the four main tribes. Each tribe has their own geographical origin, language and culture. Gurages are known to be hard working and good with money and in my opinion the best dancers :P I only say this because after ever meal my family would play Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo(three other common ethnic groups) music and do the associated groups dance but mostly Gurage, which I feel has the best music and best dances (I promise it’s not bias) lol.

(I've realized that one can learn just as much or more from people than a history book)

Emperor Haile Selassie often referred to himself as Gurage. I was told that Haile Selassie was born as (Lij) Ras Tafari Makonnen (hence the name of those who follow him that started in Jamaica and their association with the majestic colors of the Ethiopian flag: RED YELLOW and GREEN. On the flag you will also see a Lion (Lion of Judah). Haile Selassie referred to all his people as Habesha (which includes both Ethiopians and Eritreans).