I'm Back from Africa
Dear Readers:
Yes, I am back from my 16 days in Ethiopia. I had a wonderful, emotionally draining and exhaustive trip, but I must say that my three sons are quite beautiful. Yes, my two older sons are a handful, full of life, and absolutely devoted to their father, my husband, Chris. It seems that the three of them are quite bonded in such a short time frame, and for that I am glad.
We had a great guide while in Addis Ababa and we got to see many areas of Addis that I'm sure we would have missed on our own. Despite the great museums, landscape, lakes and lush green hills, the poverty and absolutely magnitude of those suffering was great. It was an amazing trip but it was also heartbreaking. To think that my sons had once lived on the street, begging for food and clothes tears at my heart.
I encourage everyone who reads this to think of the plight of Africa as a whole and Ethiopia specially. The U.S. and other wealthy countries can do more than just give food aid to Ethiopia. They can also provide technology and training as once our country did for Japan.
I won't get on my soapbox about race, who the U.S. "helps" etc., because I know the answer to Ethiopia's issues just are cut and dry or solitary, but multifaceted and complicated. But I am now a happy, exhausted mother of three boys whose smiles light up my entire day!
Anyway, look for ZEPHYR to be available in trade paperback this month from Lulu.com. Take care!
Nicole
Yes, I am back from my 16 days in Ethiopia. I had a wonderful, emotionally draining and exhaustive trip, but I must say that my three sons are quite beautiful. Yes, my two older sons are a handful, full of life, and absolutely devoted to their father, my husband, Chris. It seems that the three of them are quite bonded in such a short time frame, and for that I am glad.
We had a great guide while in Addis Ababa and we got to see many areas of Addis that I'm sure we would have missed on our own. Despite the great museums, landscape, lakes and lush green hills, the poverty and absolutely magnitude of those suffering was great. It was an amazing trip but it was also heartbreaking. To think that my sons had once lived on the street, begging for food and clothes tears at my heart.
I encourage everyone who reads this to think of the plight of Africa as a whole and Ethiopia specially. The U.S. and other wealthy countries can do more than just give food aid to Ethiopia. They can also provide technology and training as once our country did for Japan.
I won't get on my soapbox about race, who the U.S. "helps" etc., because I know the answer to Ethiopia's issues just are cut and dry or solitary, but multifaceted and complicated. But I am now a happy, exhausted mother of three boys whose smiles light up my entire day!
Anyway, look for ZEPHYR to be available in trade paperback this month from Lulu.com. Take care!
Nicole
