Today I had the incredible privilege of meeting my family’s World Vision sponsor child Tamirat Kalayu. As the World Vision team and I arrived at the village we commenced a short walk through cactus plants and fields of barley. The sun was shining brightly and the air was fresh. In the distance ahead the World Vision staff pointed out Tamirat’s house and Tamirat walking towards us. At this stage my anticipation of this first meeting was growing rapidly.
I had no idea what to expect but what I was greeted with was very overwhelming. As we approached the family hut Tamirat, his mother, his younger brother and six of his best friends from this village greeted us. The greeting took some time as in Ethiopian culture greeting is very important and photos were a must.
After giving gifts, which I had brought for him from Australia, we proceeded into his house and were served some local food and a coffee ceremony. Ethiopians show respect for visitors by presenting the finest fresh food they can cook and also the fragrant coffee ceremony.
It is very hard to describe in words the feelings and emotions that I experienced during the time we spent with the family and staff. I was particularly moved when Tamirat’s mother produced a photo of Amy and I that was taken the day before our wedding in 2005, just less than ten years ago. I realized in this moment the full weight of what Amy and I had given to this family. To realize that we had provided a person on the other side of the world with a chance to live a better life was overwhelming for me. His mother even remarked that her hope was to one day meet us. Today her hope was realized.
After eating some Injera (traditional fermented bread), local honey and cactus fruit we received a traditional coffee ceremony where I got to pour the coffee for all the guests. We spent time reading letters written by Amy and my two boys Ezra and Amos, and proceeded to play some local games with Tamirat and his friends, using a stick and a small puck made from a melted down tyre. At the end of the games it was time for us to depart, however we would meet with Tamirat the next day to play soccer at his school in Egahamus.
The next day we spent time discovering where he attends school, playing soccer and learning more about his day-to-day life. I was so happy to learn that Tamirat really loves learning and is very thankful for the opportunity to attend school and gain education.
Finally after a morning filled with activity it came time for us to leave and head back to Addis Ababa. As we headed back to the nearest town we stopped by the side of the road just near Tamirat’s grandfather’s house to bid him farewell. Tamirat communicated with me through a translator that he still could not believe how far I had traveled and that he was so grateful for the visit. I also encouraged him to continue his study and thanked him and his family for their warm reception. We jumped back into the car and watched him walk over the hill and back to his village.
It was sad to leave Tamirat but I am glad to know that World Vision is working so hard to ensure he and his community have positive future.
Andy