After four years of reading virtually nothing other than the Bible or books about the Bible, I am reading a wonderful book that is not about the Bible. I was surprised at how much I like it. It is set in Ethiopia. It is called "Cutting for Stone" and I would highly recommend it. One of my coworkers is from Ethiopia, so I decided to talk with him about the book today.
He showed me a video of Addis Ababa on his computer. The above church is in Addis Ababa, and he said "That was my church!" He showed me around, just like you show a person around your home town. Only it is half a world away, and we were only looking at a computer monitor. But I could feel his homesickness, mixed with his pride. I kept exclaiming - "how beautiful!" and "oh, gorgeous!" He said "Oh, yes, it is so beautiful."
And then, with my characteristic lack of tact, I said "why did you ever leave?" I know him well enough to know that he came from a very wealthy family, and I could see how much he loves his homeland. I know how difficult life has been for him here.
He just looked at me like I had just asked him why he doesn't eat his computer manuals. And said:
"I couldn't stand the communists."
Oh, yeah, there's that.
I wish I took the time to really get to know the people I see every day. I know my life would be richer for it. And I know that God doesn't put us together so that we can give each other the cold shoulder.
What a great story that is! "I couldn't stand the communists." That is a classic line not to be forgotten. That does look like a beautiful church. Is he Catholic? Ethiopia had a lot of Italian influence from colonialism, so I would guess he might be.
ReplyDeletePretty church! I hope you enjoy the book. Perhaps you could try to cook some Ethiopian dishes now that you might have a little spare time. He could probably give you some advice on preparing them. We used to go to a retaurant that had fantastic food, mainly vegetarian but full of flavor and an interesting way of serving it.
ReplyDeleteManny, He is a Coptic Christian.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I love Ethiopian food, but that is one cuisine I will be happy to eat only at restaurants. It is very involved.
What a beautiful Church! It looks like one I've seen in London, but I can't remember whereabouts. As for ethipian food, I'm afraid I wouldn't have a clue as to what it's like, let alone how to cook it. I burn water!!
ReplyDeleteI still haven't unpacked my food processor Christmas prezzie yet, but once I do...........pies and custard will abound!
I bet it gets left to someone, unopened, in my will, which I also haven't made yet.
Right theen, this comment has digressed to it's max, so I shall sign off now.
'ethiopian'
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary-C.
ReplyDeleteIf you get a moment, check out my blog on my one year anniversary of meeting my son.
http://jscafenette.com/2011/05/18/one-year-anniversary/