Tefera!

One of the social workers from the orphanage where I worked is now living in DC! He moved here about 2 weeks ago to be here for the birth of his baby and tonight, ignoring my aching muscles and sore throat, I met him and his wife for dinner at Addis Ababa Restaurant. I wasn't hungry but I had no problem scarffing down my fair share of yatakilt wat ("carrots, potatoes, string beans and peppers cooked with tumeric and seasoned with spices") and gomen ("collard greens cooked with onions and peppers")--clarification for those of you not big on Ethiopian food. Yum! Yum! Anyway, it was so amazing to see someone I met in Addis right here in my neighborhood. Surreal, really-- and so much fun. We laughed and connected on such a uniquely special level, being that I have been where he's from and have seen what he does. He is an amazingly warm individual; so empathetic and thoughtful. He relates to the children so well and is trusted and loved by them. They go through such heartbreak and grief and he is there to offer guidance, advice, encouragement and hugs. He really is a special person and it was so good to see him!




Here he is in Ethiopia with one of the kids.