Abundance

We’ve been running at full-tilt for the last few days.  The cousins arrived from Florida to enjoy a Buckeye Thanksgiving, and the house has been full-to-bursting since Wednesday.  11 people–eating, laughing, playing games, making art and…eating.  It’s a joyous occasion. Nothing illustrates my American good fortune like setting aside half a week to feast with some of the people I love best!

In the midst of all of this celebrating, my Ethiopian friends remain much on my mind.  I think about my friend Tiru, who is celebrating her Thanksgiving with all of her lovely daughters away from home for the first time.  I think about my friend Seleshi, who’s mother is visiting the United States for the first time since he moved here more than 20 years ago.  I think about Demissew, the man I met at the airport in Mekelle.  Every day I  wait for news that he’ll be starting his PhD program this spring at my alma mater, The Florida State University (with full funding, fingers crossed!)  And always, always, I think about dear friends at Children’s Heaven, Lola Children’s Home, and FOVC.

How nice, that in a life that was already filled-to-the-brim with good fortune, I’ve been given the gift of a wider world view.  The people I know, the places I’ve been…I’m an incredibly lucky girl, um, middle-aged woman.

So gifted, that when pressed to name a Christmas wish, I could only think to ask for one thing:  a goat (or a sheep… I’m not picky).  My relatives thought this a fabulous idea, so I know they won’t mind a bit when they receive the same, because really…what more could we wish for?  We all enjoy fine health, lovely homes, terrific kids, happy marriages and abundance. Nothing under my Christmas tree could possibly change my life in any lasting way, but the gift of a goat (or cow, a sheep, or chickens) will make a real difference to my very real friends in Ethiopia.

I’m sure most of you have been counting your blessings over the past few days too.  I hope that like me, you find your life is overflowing with good.  If so, maybe you’ll also ask for a goat for a holiday gift, or maybe you’ll give a gift of livestock instead?   Who wouldn’t like 8 chickens for Hanukkah?

Hoping your life is as abundant as mine,

Paige

Want to fill someone’s stocking with a sheep? Here’s how:

 

Amharic classes in Ohio

Fellow board member Amy Harcar and I spent hours and hours this summer working through Amharic Level 1.  At the end of 10 weeks, I am fairly familiar with the alphabet (all 230+ fidel), have expanded my vocabulary,  can greet and express affection, and most important of all, have a clearer understanding of the pronunciation of Amharic words written in English.

The next Level 1 Amaharic class begins on October 1 (through December 3) 12-3 pm, at 1060 Mt. Vernon Ave.  Check the flyer for all the details!

If you live in the greater Columbus area, please try to squish this amazing class into your schedule!

Paige

Amharic flyer 7 20

Enkutatash: OH-IO style!

Just 2 short days until the Enkutatash celebration in Columbus, OH.  Mayor Coleman will attend, the Kignit Ethiopia Cultural Troupe will perform, and my littlest kid will tackle huge mountains of yemisir wat and gomen in an attempt to celebrate the holiday.  Hope to see you there!

Paige

Amharic lessons in Columbus Ohio

One of the nicest things about living in Columbus Ohio, is the large population of Ethiopians and other East Africans who live in the area. ETSS, the social services agency that serves this community, has worked hard to make Ethiopian adoptive families feel welcome at events and within the community at large.

For years, ETSS has considered offering an Amharic class for non-native speakers, and finally, one has coalesced.

Guess who’s going to know how to say more than ‘thank you’ and ‘beautiful’ when she travels to Ethiopia next fall?

I hope, if you’re in central Ohio, you’ll consider joining us!
Paige

handmade hope

This is the logo to my friends’  brand new Etsy shop.  This talented group of ladies produces fabulous handicrafts.  Unlike most Etsy shops, 100% of the proceeds from each sale will benefit a charity.  Lucky us, they chose Ethiopian Orphan Relief as the first quarter recipient!

Every bit of money raised through the handmade hope shop will go toward meeting the “Buy a Brick, Build a Legacy” goal of 100,000 bricks for FOVC.  This week is handmade hope’s inaugural week . I hope you’ll join me there to make it a grand success!

Thank you, ladies, for finding an amazing way to share your talents with others.  We are so lucky to know each of you.

handmade hope is EOR!

 

just a few of the many terrific items available at handmade hope (baby not included)

Paige

 

The Tribe

 

When my husband and I began the adoption process we hoped we would be blessed with a child.  We waited for a long time compared to many parents I know.  Our journey took two years.  While waiting we met so many wonderful people.  I lovingly refer to our close group of friends as “The Tribe”.   I’m not sure how I would have survived the wait without them.  On my worst days they called and emailed to make sure I was ok.  They even had a surprise “Sprinkling” (a mini shower even before we had a referral) to lift my spirits.  And on great days they share in your joy.

 

Now that our son is home I still rely on them for their words of wisdom and encouragement.  We speak openly and honestly about the trials and tribulations of adoption and parenting with no fear of judgment.   Parenting is hardwork and being able to have this common ground with so many wonderful people is amazing.

Amy

 

Amy!

Please join me in welcoming newest board member, Amy Harcar!

I met Amy more than 3 years ago, at an Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services event for adoptive parents.  Amy & Joel were just starting their adoption journey, but were eager to learn all that they could about Ethiopia and adoption. We became fast friends and co-volunteers as we worked to plan the local Enkutatash celebrations.

In addition to planning Enkutatash, Amy & Joel have always supported the work of EOR, working especially hard to plan the very first Dead of Winter Bash held earlier this month, so I was thrilled when Amy agreed to join the board.  Amy will serve as secretary for EOR.  We are so glad she has chosen to join us.

Thanks Amy (& Joel, and Tesfa).  YOU are EOR!

pictures and popsicles, the afterword…

We had great fun at the 1st annual ‘Pictures & Popsicles’ party.   Lots of art, lots of giggles, lots of popsicles–a winning combination!

Here are some photos of the happy occasion:

a well-intentioned sign points the way to fun, spelling be darned!

Sweet K works hard!

Pretty rainbow from pretty D!

Cupcakes fuel creativity

Cupcake break for Meklit

America’s Next Top Model,  E, stops by for artsy fun

Lovely ladies, hard at work

looks yummy, but leaves a chalky feeling in the mouth…

so thankful to everyone who makes EOR a success!

Can’t wait to do this again next year.  Thank you, friends!

Paige

You sold what?!? on craigslist–the June edition

Remember, I’ve pledged to sell at least one item on craigslist each month, donating all proceeds to the various projects of  EOR.  Some months, the items to sell just seem to find me.  See below:

We have extra black dress mulch (approximately 1.5 -2 cubic yards). It is available for

pick up. 30.00 takes the load– the money will benefit the projects of Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc. (www.ethiopianorphanrelief.org)

This is the remaining pile. Man in picture used to show scale, he is NOT included in the sale of this item!

The mulch pile (2 full loads in an F150!) sold in approximately 39 seconds.  The pile that has blocked the driveway, necessitating a 9 pt turn to get in and out of the garage, for the last 7 weeks—GONE!  Donating the money to EOR took another 39 seconds.  Life is good.

Sell something on craigslist to benefit EOR.    All that stands between you and the orphans who need your help is 78 seconds.

Paige

BiG win # 2–the craigslist edition

“4 terrific wooden dining chairs, manufactured in Newark Ohio, prior to 1940, I think.

The chairs are in need of a refinish, although we’ve allowed them to sport the rustic look for the last few years.

The chair pads (with original webbing) are easy to remove for ease of recovering.

15.00 each, or 55.00 for the set of 4

All proceeds from this sale benefit Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc. http://ethiopianorphanrelief.org/”

These chairs (an accessory to a desired pedestal table purchased on craigslist)  flew out of my house in a hot NY Ohio minute just a week or so ago.    I paid less money than I sold them for, so it was a super score on my end.  The best part of the sale is what I did with the money.  It went to EOR of course, but for something very special.  Want to know what?  Then you should:

Tune in tomorrow…

Paige

*remember to share your craigslist success (along with pictures) if you sell something to benefit EOR.  Thanks!