Fundraiser Update

It was great. Dr. Ayele was inspiring and surprised to receive a plaque for his work in Health & Community Service. The guests were amazing. We had a Physicist, Computer Wizards, Professors, two Founders of other non-profits, A former UN staff, Business owners, and more. I was very impressed with the quality of people who came to provide support.

The Clubhouse was beautiful. Here's some pictures below:



The Sunroom is on the other side facing the pool. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas and the fire place was lit. The weather was perfect. I was very happy with how well everything turned out. What I loved the most was guests signing up to attend our next staff meeting in January. Thanks for all your support and well wishing.

The Ethiopian Foundation Team
Teru, Solomon, Deju, Lulit, Tesfa, Ermias, Dr. Ayele, Michael & Petrina

Our First Fundraiser

Come Celebrate Our First Fundraising Event.....

“The Making of a Scholar.”

A conversation with Dr. Petros Ayele, MD

December 10, 20ll

@7:00pm Sharp, $30 Fee

The Regents Park Club House and Sun Room

9333 Clocktower Place

Fairfax, VA 22031

*Sponsored by The Ethiopian Foundation

A 501 (c) (3) non-profit Organization

(Proceeds go to Ethiopian Scholarships)

info@theethiopianfoundation.org

Underestimating Voluntourism

Volunteering can get you farther than you think. It is a powerful tool to enhancing your skills while helping others. The majority of people see volunteering as a sweet and nice humanitarian thing to do but it has become a massive force in the business and economical world in general.

People are now taking a second look at humanitarian work. There are so many GOOD non-profits out there that people want to give to financially and labor wise. Have you heard of Voluntourism? There is an article in the NY Metro about how credible it looks to possible employers when they see it on one's resume. You can see the article here: Voluntourism.

I was looking for a job for 14 months and very frustrated. All the time I had been volunteering at my son's school throughout the year. A hiring manager, who is a friend of mine, saw my resume and said you should add your volunteer work on your resume. He had reminded me of the above article and I was hired immediately by the next job I applied for.

We should volunteer to help others, yet an added bonus that is not recognized, is that we are enhancing our skills at the same time to make us marketable for profit and non-profit work. So don't underestimate the power of humanitarian work. Go, volunteer at a shelter, nursing home, children's hospital, etc. Make the most it!

Thank You for Attending!!!

Thank you soo much to those who took the time to comment. I enjoy a good party and wanted to include tradition music and interesting facts consistent with the theme of the site.

I am grateful to everyone who visited and your well wishes. We will continue our humanitarian work through our new scholarship foundation: The Ethiopian Foundation.

Please feel free to press older posts on the bottom of page for record postings in one day : )

You may also be interested in my other blog site for marriage called Live Ever After.

Thanks Again,
I had a blast.
Best in bloggin'.

Happy 2nd Anniversary Our Trip To Ethiopia!

Happy 2nd Anniversary Our Trip To Ethiopia!

I leave you with Aster and Gigi two popular Ethiopian Female singers.

Party Favors

Grab them on your way out and thanks for coming : )

Future Me
It's like the stepping stone to "The Secret".

123Certificates
A certificate maker for your friends, children or even yourself : )

Free Clock
Free clocks from the clock gallery for your web and blog site.

Here I am.

(Teaching young people Tennis)

I just posted a picture of myself on my other blog on marriage and I still haven't gotten over having a picture of myself online. I don't even have Facebook. That's how bad it is. Anyway Thank you all for visiting and commenting. It REALLY means a lot to me. Don't forget to pick up your party favors at the next post and we will end of the party with a traditional popular Ethiopian song. Thanks again for coming.

Stay tuned for the finale, Big Reveal and Party Favors....

Followers #19 and #20 are you there?

We have two prizes left.

Living and Learning

Living in East Africa was the best experience of my life outside of getting married and having children. I started the party with a post "Being a Humanitarian". I still remember so many things 10 years later. Being in somalia and watching baby phatima struggle to live one day and three days later seeing her limp lifeless body. There was no insulin in the country to keep her alive. There is now due to many efforts : ) Then there is the rally for aids awareness in Kenya and the devastation of families due to a lack of knowledge. Djubouti's young girls selling their bodies to make money. And Ethiopia's barefoot children running to every car, begging for small change every chance they get.

It inspired me to come to the states and start my own foundation to provide scholarships and to continue giving to those abroad. I never though I was capable but now I know God wants to answer your most challenging request because nothing is impossible for him. When you see how others live around the world you get a greater understanding and appreciation of the human spirit while you become spiritually enlightened. So if you get a chance to travel do so and absorb every moment. Better yet, bring something, however small or do something to touch the people you will see.




Live & Learn,

Petrina MA, PC/MHC

So Teddy Afro is a big hit in Ethiopia. The video below is of BEYONCE when she had a concert in Addis Ababa. Then the famous singer had a treat for them in the end and played Teddy. Watch how the crowed goes wild! It's also a documentary of her trip.

Then below that is the original song which means "respect and a term of endearment".

We Have Another Prize Winner!!!

ERIN you have won a prize for following this humanitarian blog site! Which blog is yours so that we can post it and please send me an email at mikeandpetrina@gmail.com

Do I hear 19 and 20?

I am shameless I know but now I am two followers away and you know, as bloggers how anxiety provoking this can be : )

Did I mention at the end we have party favors? lol, (shameless)

Ethiopian Food

Have you eaten Ethiopian food? It is delicious. Even the aroma is fabulous. The closest ethnic taste is probably Indian. If you love Indian food you will love Ethiopian food. They have a red powder called Berbere that is indigenous to Ethiopians. They also have kibe which is a spiced butter (not hot) when the two come together it is like the food is singing, lol. Then they have Teff which is the main grain grown in Ethiopia and made into the staple of most dished called Ingera. And you must try their famous drink called Tej which is honey wine. Yes, honey fermented. They have been doing this for centuries. If you like teas they have Chai, nicely blended spices with a great fragrance. Actually you can make it yourself.

Here's how to make Ethiopian Chai:

1) Boil water with Cardimum seeds, cloves and cinomon sticks. Blend to taste for spices to absorb in the water strengthening the taste.

2) Add a tea bag if you like and sweetener.

3) You can reuse the spiced water as the next day it will be stronger.

Check out an Ethiopian Cooking Guide. And below are two of my favorite restaurants in DC. (If in NYC try Sheba Resuarant and Ghenet Restaurant).

Dukem Restaurant
1114 U Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009-4441

(202) 667-8735

Meaza Restaurant

5700 Columbia Pike
Falls Church, VA, 22941
(703) 820-2870

I'm Back. Here's K'naan with friends. They did a great job.

I'm on my way to work and wanted to leave you with something before I get back for the continuation of my Anniversary Blog Party. Stay tuned for more interesting posts, Party Favors and the Big Reveal.....

This is an anniversary blog gift from my husband. He found it on one of his computer geek forums. This dancer is A-may-zing!

These are some of last years favorites:

Ethiopian's in the White House

Voluntourism

American Idol Gives Back

Rice

The Super Model

Surprise Them and Yourself

Address to Graduating Class

Beauty of Adoption

Ethiopian Joke

PRIZE WINNER

Congratulations Judy for following OTTE!!! Contact me at mikeandpetrina@gmail.com for your prize. If you would like to follow and win a prize for the day just click the Follow Button and send me an email. You can see more of Judy's site here.

We will be taking a break soon. You can see the beginning of the party by clicking on" older posts" at the bottom of the page. Stay tuned as we have more music, prizes, and a blog gift from my husband. The Big Reveal.

I love this video as it is extremely moving. It is the essence of what this blog stands for.

The words of Bill Clinton:

Thanks for visiting our 2nd year Blog Anniversary! We will have more interesting posts, music and give aways.

Let's transition into Ethiopian pop music: (takes a few seconds for song to be audible).

These are some pictures I took while in Ethiopia 2009.

Interesting Fact on Ethiopia- "LUCY".

Ethiopia is the land of the origin of the first human species, that is justified with discover of Lucy,
“Lucy” was found in 1974 by an American Paleo Anthropologist and they have been listening to the music called “Lucy in the sky with Diamonds” from where she got her name. Lucy aged 3.2 million years and its scientific name is Australopithecus Afarensis.

In breaking news scientists working in Ethiopia have discovered a skeleton of a three – years old girl “ Selam” who lived 3.3 million years ago, that is 150,000 years before Lucy . It is found in Dikaka area, in North Eastern Ethiopia. Dikika Research Project Paleoantropolgical Research Team Leader, Dr. Zeresenay Alemsegd of the Max Plank Institute in Leipzig, Germany said that “The Skeleton is the earliest and most complete ever found”.

Out of the 14th human and pre-human fossils that have so far been uncovered around the world, 10 are from Ethiopia, this underscores that Ethiopia is the origin of Human kind.

-Students of the World (2010)

"Yes We Can"- Blog Request from Laurie

Prize Winner

*Yeah!!! So far we have Charliesgirl who is a new follower of OTTE. Thanks for signing up with our humanitarian blog! You can see her site, here. To claim your prize, email me at mikeandpetrina@gmail.com

*As a follower, make four comments and you can also win a prize.

The party continues with a musical request from Laurie....

Being a Humanitarian

This site was originally created to document our "Giving" abroad. I have always felt one should help their neighbor in anyway they can. After spending two years in East Africa, I realized I can continue to give anywhere I am. I didn't have to go across the other side of the earth to contribute my time, money, talent and encouraging words.

There are always needs wherever you are. We are just not conscious of it or don't realize the power we have. Look around you. Is there a new person in your neighborhood? Welcome them. Take a day with your spouse or kids to go down the street to the local elderly home or residence and lend a hand. Thanksgiving is coming, help serve food in a shelter or the leftovers you have, package it and give to the homeless. Volunteer once a week at the children's hospital. Or babysit to help a single mother or couple who can use a break! lol!

There is so much each of us can do. You are already a humanitarian as you have resources other people do not have or are unable to connect to. Use what you have to make a difference. Do what you have thought about or said, "This would be a great idea". Make it a reality, for you and someone else. And then you made a huge difference right in your own back yard : ) A missionary or Aid Worker is not about the places you have traveled around the world but where you have traveled in someone else's heart, and world.



Warmly,

Petrina, MA, PC/MHC

(Our Trip To Ethiopia)

Carrie Underwood sings the meaning of life with these two melodies:

Prizes

Follow this site and win a prize for the day. If you are already a member, make 4 comments and you can also win a prize. Then email OTTE at mikeandpetrina@gmail.com

The music continues with Carrie and a Request by Laurie at Honduras Gumbo.

Let's start with Maxwell

Welcome to the

This is the 2nd Anniversary Blog Party for Our Trip To Ethiopia (OTTE). We have prizes, music, last years favorites, dancing, & helpful tips and posts throughout the day. All until 12 midnight! Lets start off with some music....

CNN Heroes 2011

CNN Heroes 2011 is here! They will be choosing this years winner on December 8:00ET/5:00PT.I love this show. I always admire the candidates as they are doing the work we all desire to do and on a bigger scale. They inspire us to be brave, to follow our visions and show consistency in making a difference.

CNN Heroes has been an inspiration to me starting the Ethiopian Foundation. I secretly dream of the day when I can be nominated for just being on the show. I also envision hosting my own award ceremony as I enjoy the process of nominations and recognition of awards given by "the people" for "exemplary humanitarian efforts". For now, I'll keep my head out of the clouds and keep my hands dirty with Aide Work.

And as usual I have more than one person I want to vote for. If you want to vote for your favorites, you may do so now as voting has commenced.

CNN Heroes 2011-Everyday People Changing The World.

The Ethiopian Foundation Update

We have officially, had our first meeting for The Ethiopian Foundation (TEF) at the most meaningful and historical site, The Martin Luther King Jr. Library. Everyone came with their committed hearts and ideas for raising scholarships for Ethiopian candidates.

Nataniel Fikru, our first candidate, spoke at the meeting. He brought his mother who cheered him on and the members of TEF for her son's consideration as a recipient for our "Text Book Fund". He is a wonderful young man with much plans and hopes for himself and his country, Ethiopia.

The Board Members are a dynamic group of Ethiopians, consisting of two Engineer, two Computer Wizards, a Medical Doctor, a former Member of the UN, a Professor, a Business Owner and myself the Counselor/Therapist. We will be having our first fundraiser in the beginning of December. Stay tuned and thank you for your continued support.

-The Ethiopian Foundation Team

Thank You Blog Expat

I have seen this button before from traveling to other blogs, blog surfing to read the latest on blogs similar to my own. I was curious enough to click and glance and read and admire but it never crossed my mind to join. Maybe I thought they wouldn't like my blog.

Well I saw it again and this time I took a chance and filled out the online registration. I was surprised at how quickly I was approved. I must admit, being a part of a community of expatriate bloggers is a wonderful forum to be apart of. I love that it is international and bloggers are single and some married with children, like myself. Plus it will keep me on the edge, reading and reminiscing of my travels through the eyes of other travelers. Did I mention this will be a motivational site to keep me working towards my future goals for helping humanity?

The latest featured blog is Us! Check out OTTE on Blog Expats. Feel free to vote for us as well. Thanks.

Missing Summer

I miss summer already. It's time to get back to work and I am just not ready. We were able to finally launch "The Ethiopian Foundation" which also made this a great summer. It started with our trip back home to New York. We visited family and our old neighborhood. The kids missed each other so much.

We ate well and visited places of meaning for us. We even caught a movie with my nephew. On our way back to the bus terminal. I gave the boys my camera and these are the pictures they took.

My Youngest

My Oldest

Me

and thirteen pictures of this same sky.

My father in law treated us to Kings Dominion in Virginia. We had a blast and a delicious picnic. These are my boys with my husband, skipping eagerly to the entrance.

The boys had fun on the bumper cars.

Driving around,

Talking daddy into taking a 13 story drop,

All of us riding the crazy roller coaster, especially the Grizzly which took you through the woods.

They tried to win a bear for their one year old cousin, which they won.

We enjoyed our pool for the rest of the summer,

Which closed on Labor Day. See you next year, Summer. Now back to work.

Until we meet again......

Meeting Aster Aweke

I was speaking to a friend of mine, Dawit, about meeting the extraordinary songstress Aster Aweke. It inspired me to write about my encounter with her. It must have been about ten years ago. I had no idea how popular she was.

At that time her manager was an uncle of my husband. She had a concert in Atlanta, the same time as the Ethiopian Soccer event. Of course, we got in free, scouted out our front row area for our dancing and listening pleasure. The hall was beautiful but empty. Earlier, we went to the soccer event and stayed for hours enjoying the food, vendors, and the game.

As we waited, out came my husband's uncle and a very beautiful woman who I assumed was Aster. Sure enough she came to meet us as his uncle told her we were eager to meet her. She is the kindest person and soft spoken. We shook hands and made small talk. She was very gracious and seemed to almost bare an angelic, quiet spirit.

The concert started at 11:30pm. Only my husband and I was on the dance floor for about an hour. I started getting nervous for Aster as there was almost no one in the hall except a hand full of people. She sang powerfully and we kept dancing. I felt she was singing for just me so I kept dancing ; ) People started trickling in about 12:30am and the hall was jammed packed. Everyone was doing the eskista and we joined in.

YES, I am pretty good at dancing the eskista. I have had a lot of practice from all the weddings over the decade. lol. Anyway, Aster took a break and addressed the crowd. She said,(my husband translated) "I was waiting for you and thought you had forgotten about me due to the soccer game." The crowd went wild and said "Nooo. Aster, Aster." They started jumping up and the energy was electric. The band started playing and she sang again.

We danced until 4 in the morning. I found a couch downstairs near the ladies room and fell asleep. My husband and his uncle played catch up while checking on me. The music went on until 5:30am. I was too tired to go home to my bed. On our trip back I bragged about what a great time I had and how I had met THE Aster Aweke.

All That Jazz-Ethiopian Style

The DC Tutoring Program

As I have mentioned in the past, we are part of a tutoring program located in DC and the children are simply wonderful. Every now and then all the tutors take the children on trips and that makes all the difference in the world.

They really worked hard this semester. And this is just the Science room. They took breaks

for a quick game of Soccer. Then once we headed out to the Planetarium at

Montgomery College in Maryland. They were so attentive like little Scholars.

We also went hiking on the Potomac River but there are too few pictures as it was quite a challenge and we were exhausted from the 5 hour climb, but we had lots of laughs along the journey.

This is our end of the year picnic and they are playing their favorite game again. This time with the adults. We also played softball and an interactive team bonding game.

But this was the highlight for the day. You could not get them out. It was a great day to be in nature. At the end, the children decided that the next summer event would be at Ocean City in Maryland and they will call all the adults to give them the details. Are these not true leaders?

Brain Drain vs. Paradigm Shift

Last time I posted on Ethiopia as a Tiger Economy but where has all the scholars and professionals gone? Where are the movers and shakers of Ethiopia? It is a common theme in most developing countries, you'll find many of its young people traveling abroad and getting their degrees within the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), yet fail to return to build up their country. Life abroad draws them in, providing comfort, security and safety, in which many would like to enjoy in their native land.

Young and bright eyed, they travel alone or brought by family, they grow up knowing home as two places; an emotional bond of heritage and a future stake in a land of "opportunity". I quote opportunity as everyone's opinion of progress and being productive varies. Here there is both a false sense of "opportunity" as well as the reality of survival. Both a delicate balance on the the teeter totter of a "First World" balance scale.

Ethiopia is no different. The economy is growing but like other places in the world their professional resources are dieing out as the migration is unevenly favoring a one sided slant. There needs to be a "Paradigm Shift" in the other direction for true success as a thriving country. This is the fragile point of interest. People leave, travel and settle abroad for many different reasons. We have to consider age, purpose, trauma, exodus, timing, unemployment, children, education, relationships, deaths, community, health, trends and more.

During my time of residency in college, I knew of two young men who won visas from their respective countries to study in their field of engineering and architecture, on one stipulation. Every summer they must travel to their home country to work and build up its economy and infrastructure. After receiving their degree they had a choice of returning or living abroad. One chose to return and the other chose to live in New York where he found a lucrative job and sent money home. Honestly, in my opinion, they both made good choices.

So this is the fork in the road that we have come to. I decided to write about a much needed "Paradigm Shift" due to an article sent to me and a few other family members by a sweetheart aunt, named Elalu. This article was very impressive and I thought I would share it with all of you. The title of the article is "10 Countries Facing the Biggest Brain Drain", of which Ethiopia is first on the list and experiencing the worst Brain Drain of any other country. Be sure to read "Worst Brain Drain" through Reversal (within the Ethiopia section) written by David Shinn of George Washington University, which was presented to The Ethiopian North America Health Professionals Association. What are your thoughts?

"10 Countries Facing the Biggest Brain Drain"