Time to reflect

Sisay, Bishoftu Utility Worker

The trip has been inspiring to me, too. Seeing Steph and Sisay, the Bishofu utility worker, discussing pipes, wrenches and more importantly life and dreams with so much passion (albeit via a translator) was really nice. It was a testimony that regardless of where we come from - socially and economically - we are still fellow human beings with so much in common.

You know I travel a lot across Ethiopia and meet with locals, spend a night or eat in their house sometimes. Before I take any picture or video, it's my duty to explain what the images will be used for and when I mention the words, "supporters" or "donors", I see that user communities wonder, "why would people care about people they never saw or even heard about before?". It's not easy to explain, the generosity. But when I saw Steph in Woliso town talking over lunch with a health extension worker about the latter's recently killed brother, with so much sympathy, and when two other health workers put a pair of ear rings on Steph's ears, that question began to become very simple to answer. We are all fellow brothers and sisters divided only by waters and mountains, and by borders that are increasingly fading away everyday.

Exchanging gifts!

Looking forward to seeing and making more friends from YW.

Best,

Behailu

Voices From The Field Officer - Ethiopia