I wanted to get this story "on paper", because it is one worth remembering.
It is hot in Ethiopia. Hot for us mild tempered Oregonians. Riding in the van was very hot. I usually tried to sit next to a window that I could open. We were on our way to the Zoo. I had Mezmur on my lap and I was feeding her a bottle. I had a cute little shorts outfit on her with no socks. Her legs and feet were bare. We were sitting next to an open window winding in and out of traffic. At one point we had slowed down enough for a man to walk across a couple lanes of traffic (after you go driving around Addis you will know just how crazy that is) to close the window to just a crack. I saw him coming. I thought he was going to ask for money. Instead he closed the window to protect Mez from the elements. He closed the window to protect one of "his" babies. After this experience I kept Mez in pants/long-sleeves/socks to respect the culture of Mez's birth country and to show the people of Ethiopia just how much she will be protected.
9 comments:
That's a precious story! So touching!!
That's a great story. So interesting culturally.
Just one of many helping hands along the way. . . They are always out there for us, to see them coming, accept and acknowledge the meaning of the smallest of gifts are what alot of people miss. Your recounting of this to us all shows us about you and also hopefully more about ourselves. What treasures you are creating here and in your life. . . Moments in time are all we really have and I can't thank you enough for sharing some of your precious moments in these pictures and words. . .
Sorry, just your old dad getting deep again and letting your know just how much I love you all. . . Pass out hugs to everyone from me today and have Dan give one back to you from me. . . Love ME
Hah! I can relate!! Micah was sweating the whole trip b/c I was forced to keep his head covered! (And then I got yelled at for him sweating!! :)
This is a real precious story, Autumn. It made me cry. I don't know why - I think I'm hormonal. But even if I wasn't, this still would have made me cry. :)
Very precious.
Lucky little Mezmur. So loved, by so many.
All the pictures of Sam, he is bundled up so completely. Onesie, long sleeved shirt or sweater, long pants, socks. Even the outdoor pictures he is like this. It is been explained to me that (1) a lot of the nannies come from areas where Malaria is common, so the only way to protect the kids is through layers of clothing and (2) it protects them in the sun (which they need for the Vit D.) makes sense when you explain it that way. I felt silly but went out and got a jacket for Sam for our trip...I cannot imagine putting a jacket on him in 100 degree heat, but better that they KNOW we love him and will take good care of him.
Thanks for sharing this story!
I had read this before we left and kept Silas well covered. Despite the fact that the kid was sweating every time we went out....it was worth it out of respect.
Perception is such a special gift. Only those who leave their hearts open really catch those unique opportunities to learn from each other and connect heart to heart. Thank you for taking the time to share your percetions of all the adventures you experience. You have touch my heart.Luv you guys
It must be so weird. When we go there we stand out so much and we mean 100% good, but it must be so weird to them. I can't even imagine what it's like. How awesome...and horribly sad. Like if he was a different age he could have been on your lap getting a whole different life...but he knew it was Mez' turn. And instead of being bitter, he helped her.
Post a Comment