Settling In

Our second week in Ethiopia has been a great time of settling-in and new beginnings of relationships. For this update we'll focus on how we have been blessed to connect with some friends, relationships with people in our neighborhood, and growing connections at work.
We have already been able to build connections with a small group of friends who meet on a regular basis. Our first friend in Ethiopia, Antoine, who just finished teaching at Andinet, kindly introduced us to members of his small group. This Friday we were able to attend the group and meet many people from around the world—the US, Germany, Norway, Ghana, and of course Ethiopia. They are very friendly and welcoming and we feel immediately connected. We were also invited to a celebration for a new baby in the group, who happens to be a perfect tracker for how long we have been here—she was born on our arrival day. So on Saturday we ate tremendous Ghanaian food, much of which was meat...one of a long list of things that is available but expensive in Addis.
We have also settled in a bit to traveling around the city. Today, Sunday, we went on our first mini-bus trip alone! The main mode of transportation around Addis is antique blue and white Volkswagon vans. We've ridden them several times with others, which has been helpful to learn location names, prices, and simple things like how to say "stop" when it's our stop. Today we finally ventured out on our own. It went quite smoothly and greatly increases our confidence in getting around and even our general comfort level. On the bus people were friendly, so we felt safe and only slightly out of our element! Soon we will be venturing our more and more!
This past week was orientation at Andinet, Keegan's international school. The orientation was basically a quick covering of all kinds of topics related to education for all of the teachers and staff of the school. It provided some good opportunities for getting to know other teachers. We've been able to start relationships with many of the staff, who are all very friendly and will be fun to work with. Keegan is especially excited to work with a small group of teachers at the campus for older students. Hopefully this coming week will provide further chances to get to know people.
Perhaps the highlight of our week was getting to play with many of the kids in our neighborhood. We decided to entice them using our Frisbee. After a short time of tossing it between us, kids began showing up, and soon we were playing a full game of "ultimate" in the narrow street beside our house. We've only learned a few names but have been able to play with some of the same kids a few times. We see them allover our neighborhood, so our walks are no longer lonely! Even the adults in the area are recognizing us and greet us as we pass. We're excited to build on those small beginnings with the kids and adults of our area. We need to begin working hard on our Amharic to facilitate real conversations!
Addis remains far from feeling like home. While the idea of being here two years is still frightening, we're settling in well and feel much safer and connected with each passing day. Thank you for your thoughts and remembering us as we are away in Ethiopia. We miss everyone so much, yet are excited by the many relationship possibilities we are finding in Addis.