Ethiopia / on the town and a conversation

This evening (Saturday, July 11) we headed out to dinner around 5. We were told it was better to eat early and be in before dark since we have to walk everywhere. Tonight we decided to explore a bit.

We only have a driver to take us to the far away tourist attractions, which has actually been good for us as we’ve been able to see life on the streets for ourselves. Tonight Jenna and I admitted to ourselves that it’s not easy being stared at and seen as the rich Americans. We have been treated like royalty for sure, which actually has become embarassing at times.

Tonight we headed into a cafe that was overcrowded, but the pastries looked so good that we decided to stay. We thought we’d have to wait for a table, but a waitress came over to us, brought us over to a table, and told the people sitting there to move over to make room for us.

We thanked the man for giving up part of his table. As we were chatting, he said, “Your accents are from US. I lived in Texas and went to school at UT.”

After much back and forth about his studies, he eventually told us a story of his wife’s brother who was shot at a Dallas 7-11. He could only work the night shift. The place was held up. He was a casualty. Now, his wife hates the US; and has vowed never to return. This gentleman was sad. He loved the US and hopes to emmigrate permenantly one day. His wife won’t even talk about these plans.

It’s a shame when racial steriotypes come true. I think we helped him see that we’re not all bad. I hope that his wife will change her mind.

We had a great time eating our meal with this man. He was warm and kind and had much to share about his life. I honestly feel blessed to have heard his story.