Last weekend we were graciously invited over for dinner. The kids played while us parents talked in the kitchen. (We'll just call the mom Allie) Allie breezed around the kitchen pulling out spices and telling Todd and I all about them. We smelled them and she told us how to use them and what types of recipes they would be used. My weakness is anything to do with the kitchen, so I was utterly amazed that real cinnamon comes on sticks. (Yes, I'm that terrible). Todd has the cooking talent (in my opinion) and he really enjoyed the different food and spice combinations lesson.
One staple food in Ethiopia is a bread type called Ingera. It is a spongy like bread pancake and from the looks of it I've always thought of wheat tortilla's. The taste was oh so surprising with a very sour vinegar tart taste. I was polite, but could barely finish one nibble. It was that different. Apparently it is great to calm the heavy spices used in Ethiopian cooking.
The most special time was ending with a traditional coffee ceremony. Allie roasted the coffee beans, ground them, and put them in a traditional pot to boil in water.
She placed a grass-looking mat on the floor to set up the small table that holds the coffee cups. Then poured out the coffee into the cups which were like little tea cups or espresso cups. She made popcorn too and we drank our coffee, munched, and talked some more. Todd and I both really enjoyed the experience. These coffee ceremonies are times to enjoy friends and sit around and chat. There are coffee times for everyday casual friend visits and then other times the coffee ceremony is used to celebrate a special event like a birthday or good news! She gave us some of the green coffee beans and we later filled our home with the lovely aroma of Ethiopian coffee.
I ran a few words and phrases in Amharic language that I have been practicing. She helped me and said not to worry, that English is well spoken there in Ethiopia and that we won't have any troubles communicating with others when we visit. I learned to say: thank you, good, bad, hello, and I love you. It is a difficult language!
All of these experiences are so helpful to us in learning about Ethiopia and it's culture. The friendships with this family are a god-sent as Allie can't wait to meet the new children, translate the language between us, and help them adjust with the food types also.
Feeling very grateful for all the people we have met and continue to meet during our journey of adoption. Thankful for you, your prayers, and for taking the time to tune in with what's new by visiting our blog! Praying for news soon, but in the wait we learn, we grow, and we learn some more! Thanks again for your prayers!
Today could you pray for the adjustment period for the children? I know that's far away, but when I visit with Allie I am reminded of all there is to learn, the similarities, and the differences too. Different smells, tastes, sounds, faces, etc. are so overwhelming to little ones coming home to a new place.
God's Angel to Prepare the Way
Exodus 23: 20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."
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