Adventures in Africa: Mo & Bo Visit Ethiopia


View of the mountains in Lalibela

I was so excited to have my first (and only) visitors from home come to see me in Ethiopia a little over a month ago. I feel very blessed to have parents who are brave enough to travel halfway across the world to this crazy place to visit their firstborn and favorite child. I am so happy that I got to share my Ethiopian life with them, and that they could see firsthand all of the things that I have been talking about for the past year and a half. It was wonderful to introduce them to my friends, co-workers, and students- the people who have become my family away from home. Even I was overwhelmed by the welcome that my mom and dad received in Ambo. The generosity and hospitality shown by my community for me and my family was lovely and affirmed to me that my life and work here in Ambo is appreciated. The following blog was written by my parents about their time in Ethiopia. Enjoy!


Exploring the ancient rock-hewn churches in Lalibela

We will always remember the day in March three years ago when Alicia announced to us that she had decided to join the Peace Corps... Once we got over our initial shock (I think that Bob and I were both speechless for a few minutes) we encouraged her to pursue her passion, and we told her that we would find her and visit her wherever she was sent. Well, that is exactly what we did!

We left Boston on December 21, 2013 for Ethiopia and spent 12 amazing days visiting with Alicia! We celebrated Christmas, Alicia's birthday and New Years together! We were blessed with the opportunity of learning about a new culture, meeting so many wonderful people and getting such an insight into their schools, workplaces and their everyday lives. We traveled from Addis Ababa to Debre Zeyit to Ambo to Lalibela to Gonder and back to Addis. We enjoyed visiting museums, shops, restaurants, the country side, rock-hewn churches, palaces, schools, and hiking the Simien Mountains.

Preparing coffee at our Welcome Party

Our favorite part of our trip was visiting Alicia's town of Ambo, where she lives and works. We visited two of her schools, and we were overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown by the students and the staff. Each of the schools gave us a Welcome Party complete with cake, soft drinks and coffee made in a jebena (a traditional clay coffee pot) over hot coals. In addition, a few teachers and Alicia's landlord invited us into their homes for lunches and dinners. It was interesting to observe that the hostess did not eat with us, but waited on us hand and foot. As soon as our plates began to look empty, she was quick to add more food. Luckily, Alicia taught us the word “bak’a” which means enough. Although, the hostess may or may not accept that you have truly had enough food, and she will most-likely try to persuade you to add more. All of the food is so good, and we really appreciated being invited into these folks homes! It was so wonderful to get an everyday view into the lives and culture of Ethiopian families. When walking through Ambo, we also got to meet a few of the shopkeepers that Alicia does business with. It was clearly made known to us how well respected and loved Alicia is here! They appreciate her for living and working with them, learning their language and treating them with respect as well.

country side home

We also got to meet some other Peace CorpsVolunteers. They ranged in ages from 22 to 62 and come from all over America. It was interesting to talk with them and discover what motivated them to become PCVs, and to discuss their living and working conditions, their goals, progress and frustrations. We are in awe of these people who volunteered to move so far from home, willing to go without necessities we take for granted (electricity, running water...). Each one has such an amazing attitude and is so sincere in their belief that they are making a significant difference in their community, that it is worth it all. We know that they have made such a positive impact on our lives and we are so grateful for them!

Ethiopia is a beautiful country blessed with a rich heritage and people, but like every country it has its share
of problems. Poverty is a way of life for so many people. It is both overwhelming and heartbreaking to see. Every day is a struggle for so many people living in Ethiopia. But, progress is being made. Roads are being built, a new train system is being developed, the importance of good health and nutrition is being taught. The country is poised to continue to make great strides, economically and developmentally in the coming years.