When we arrived at Kolfe, Sunday after church,
I noticed that Emnatu's bed had been
turned sideways, and there was a
bag of grass on the floor by his bed.
(more on this later)
I wanted to ask what was going on,
but there wasn't time for answers,
because we were ushered into Room One
for another Graduation Ceremony...
This one put on and attended by only the boys.
 |
| Solomon |
There is a deep, deep pride
that runs through Kolfe, when one of them
achieves something academically.
Academic achievement
is key to an orphan's future.
Solomon (above) wasn't a graduate,
but they had him "fill in" for a boy
who wasn't at the ceremony.
At first, I thought this was odd,
but then realized that
the boys were so proud of Yonas,
that they just wanted to be able
to say it publicly, even if he
wasn't there. There was fendisha
and crackers, cake and soda
for the graduates and a few
select others, and
a traditional Ethiopian drink,
and speeches... this one didn't
bother me so much,
since it was just the kids...
but I did make them
uncomfortable again by crying a bit.
Crazy American woman...
Sunday evening, the boys threw a
traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.
"Ethiopia's coffee ceremony
is an integral part
of their social and cultural life.
An invitation to
attend a coffee ceremony is
considered a mark of
friendship or respect
and is an excellent
example of Ethiopian hospitality."
~ Emily D*oyle
 |
| Gizachew, master of the ceremony |
This was an honor that I didn't take lightly,
even though I had been thoroughly
stuffed that day.
Breakfast at the guest home,
lunch at the restaurant,
cake, popcorn, crackers and soda at the
graduation ceremony in room 1,
and then this...
After not eating much all week,
I felt like I was being stuffed like a pig.
Sacrifice was the word that kept coming
to mind as they boys struggled
to get the loose wires on
the heating element to connect so that
the coffee could be prepared.
Sacrifice... they do so much of this.
These boys share everything,
and sacrifice much
to make others feel loved,
welcomed and treasured.
- - -
Emnatu's bed was moved,
the grass collected...
because they once again were
preparing to sacrifice...
- - - -
How often do we give
abundantly
out of our wealth?
- - -
That's what I love about the Ethiopian people,
and honestly, Africans in general.
(our Burundi friends are no different)
They have it figured out,
while we still hold on tight to what
isn't even our's to begin with.
Command those who are rich
in this present world
not to be arrogant
nor to put their
hope in wealth,
which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in
God, who richly
provides us with everything
for our enjoyment.
~ 1 Timothy 6:17
You can see the traditional grass on the floor,
and the classic Ethiopian coffee set up...
and Biruk, trying to hog the fendisha!
 |
| Some of the crew.. I love these kids. |
I looked up from my skirt
full of popcorn at one point,
to see that 7 boys had entered the room,
most of whom I hadn't spent much time with
standing with their arms linked and
looking like they were up to something.
They made me laugh as they proceeded to
do a choreographed
dance/cheer routine for me.
I guess they had thought of everything. :o)
 |
| Tamrat, Emnatu, and Ephrem |
Funny story...
I actually HATE coffee (buna)
can't stand the smell, and have always assumed
I would feel the same about the taste.
Turns out I was right.
I was offered the leftover coffee from
Cherrie's coffee ceremony at her
friend Sumer's house
within my first 2 hours on Ethiopian soil.
I actually had hoped to get through the whole
week without having to face that issue.
God has a sense of humor...
- - - -
Have I mentioned that it is believed that
coffee originated from Ethiopia??
It's an even bigger deal
over there, than here!
When I saw Kolfe's coffee ceremony,
I started to get nervous,
the traditional coffee ceremony
means that you need to drink
3 cups. With each cup having
it's own name and blessing.
- - - -
If invited into a home to take part, remember -
it is impolite to retire until you have consumed
at least three cups, as the third round
is considered to bestow a blessing.
Transformation of the spirit is said to take place
during the coffee ceremony through the completion
of 'Abol' (the first round), 'Tona' (second round)
and 'Baraka' (third round). ~ Emily D*oyle
- - - -
Turns out I didn't have anything to
worry about... they remembered.
So, while Emnatu heaped three VERY large
handfuls of my favorite food onto my skirt...
no one offered me a drop of coffee.
