our two countries

september 11th.

a day to remember both the tragedy and the triumph of the american people "out of the ashes". i was pretty far removed from direct impact of the events of that day, but it is still a part of me. i vividly remember the images of the burning buildings with people jumping from them to escape the torture. but what is burned in my mind and heart even more is the heroism of that day and the days that followed. i am especially captured by the passengers of united flight 93. ordinary people who banded together and rose up for extraordinary purposes. they inspire this ordinary girl to want to give her life to make a difference.

our homeland. our country. the united states of america...

september 12th.

a day to celebrate the ethiopian new year (enkutatesh). this usually falls on september 11th, but because it is leap year on the ethiopian calendar, it was september 12th this year. so we got dressed up in ethiopian-inspired apparel...

and headed out to celebrate at the local african restaurant...

but it was closed...

i was highly disappointed because leftovers and ben and jerry's ice cream hardly seemed like a suitable celebration. jack and em were THRILLED at the thought of not eating ethiopian food. one of them complained as we were headed out, "why do I have to eat ethiopian food. it's not my country."

but i have a different philosophy. i don't know if it is the right approach, but i say ethiopia is part of our whole family now. we, including luci, are citizens of the u.s. but we have a connection with ethiopia to be treasured and honored. as our kids grow, they will decide how closely they will identify with ethiopia. just like they will make their own decisions about how they view our decisions, our values, and our faith. and lulu will make up her own mind about how she views her two countries. but we want to set a good example of honoring them both...

her homeland. our country. ethiopia.

my new year's resolution is to be a part of a solution to bring about lasting change for ethiopia and for the world. like the passengers on united flight 93, i have a chance to band together with others, rise up and make a difference. i need to pray and i want to act. i don't want to be satisfied just because my kids have a home and my kids have food and my kids are healthy. may i be resolute in my participation, both here and around the world, for physical, emotional and physical needs to be met in the name and power of christ. so that many more may get a chance to have a happy new year.

melkam addis amet.