Ethiopians.

So, our very first Amharic lesson went really well.  Partway through, as Deacon S. was explaining verb suffixes/conjugations, a light began to dawn:  Michael and I realized that, after a confusing and disheartening experience with the Lonely Planet Amharic Phrasebook in Ethiopia, we might actually be capable of learning how to construct simple sentences! It was an exciting moment.  Deacon S. was a great teacher; we're really grateful for the time he is giving us.

We recently made some new Ethiopian friends at Target. We met on the shoe aisle.  Michael realized they were probably Ethiopian and struck up a conversation.  B. and G. have a little daugher, E., who is just a few months older than Ruthie.  B. promptly invited us to coffee--so typical of the humbling hospitality of Ethiopians.  We went to coffee, where B. insisted on paying for ours.  Most recently, we met for Ethiopian food at a restaurant new to us:  Lalibela.  Whereupon B. again insisted on treating us.  (B. is a cab driver and sometimes heads to work at 4am.  Often works til 10pm.  Is taking classes at a local community college.  Yes, he's amazing.  We have been reminded that, while the U.S. is a nation of immigrants,  being a new immigrant is HARD.)  We are thankful to know this sweet family.