Bati Kitchen Resturant-NYC

Of all the things my husband wanted to do for Father's Day, there was no other predictable response except to dine out at an Ethiopian Restaurant. We had visited once before when it first opened and they did not have a liquor license. It was the Saturday before Father's Day and we were hoping to see a college associate whose a sweet young lady and works there while finishing up her biochemistry degree.

It is a quaint little restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY called Bati's Restaurant. The food was even better than the first time and they currently have their liquor's license. The Tej was great although my husband thought a bit weak. The mood and atmosphere is conducive to great conversation and has such a great mixture for customers. Although the restaurant is small, the service is very good with a calm atmosphere.

I love supporting our communities. One fun way is through visiting restaurants that we love. Taking time to even visit their site, make comments, and spread the word!

A Father's Day Tribute

Tomorrow is Father's Day and my girlfriend is helping me to make a collage for my children to present to Mike. They have the cutest pictures attached to Ten Things I Love About My Dad.

1. I love daddy because he plays with me. (They role play around the house enacting the characters of Star Wars. (Guess who they always make me?)
2. I love daddy because he takes me to Target.
3. I love daddy because he took me to Addis Ababa and met family and his favorite friend, Fluffy (The dog).
4. I love daddy because he lets me wear two different socks. (From my youngest).
5. I love daddy because he takes us camping every summer. (For a week! I get to do whatever I want. It's my heaven on earth for a 7 days : )
6. I love daddy because he helps me with my homework.
7. I love daddy because he bought us our Wii.
8. I love daddy because he takes care of us. (I love him for this also).
9. I love daddy because he helps me to catch fireflies.
10. I love daddy because he is cool. (I second the motion. He is one of the coolest dads around).

A New Ethiopian Program

Mike met one of his uncles this weekend. They met at a family gathering and found out they would be meeting up at the a big event later that evening. They talked for a long time as Mike was so intrigued with what he has been doing. I was dieing to get into the conversation but knew he would tell me later.

When later came he gave me the details. Apparently his uncle has a very stressful job but found the time to apply for a grant and was recently approved. The grant is paying for a program where Ethiopians in DC travel to Ethiopia and for native Ethiopians to travel to DC. It is a foreign exchange of Ethiopians to and from Ethiopia. How awesome for Ethiopians who live in DC to travel to their country and to give back in some way. How amazing for Ethiopians to visit DC to be educated and empowered.

I love stories like these because so many people want to do these acts of virtue. It is the example of people like Mike's uncle, which shows you, that you can do it. I'll keep you posted on the development of this new program. Please, follow through with your dreams.

Surprise Them and Yourself

I will be speaking for my Alma-Mata High School Graduation! I have always wanted to to be the Keynote speaker at my former HS but waited three years until I was ready. It is one of my impossibles on my impossible check list, which I believe everyone should have. On June 28th I will be able to check it off. I am so psyched and nervous at the same time. I entered my candidacy and now I feel like what have I gotten myself into.

I felt if anyone should do a graduation speech it should be me. I have been to so many. I even found a way to go to a graduation where I got in but didn't know anyone. That's how much I love them. They are so inspiring. Anyway I will try it out on you first. Tell me what you think?

My Speech

To the graduating class of 2010, when you leave here today you will have many obstacles. After graduation is when the real work begins. There are two sure things I want to speak about today. Failure and Success. First you are expected to Fail. People will judge you by your name, where you grew up and even the color of your skin. But you surprise them. When elephants are trained in foreign countries they are made to wear shackles that will cut their flesh if they try to escape. After some time they believe they cannot get away. The shackles are then substituted for a red string. Although, they can leave, in their minds they are held captive. Do not let anyone label you that you can't do something and worse of all do not label yourself. In your mind you have no limitation.

Secondly Success is all how you view life. Travel, go make a difference. I learned this from Fatima who I held at an Orphanage and then died three days later. She needed insulin and there was none in the country. Our organization had insulin flown in that helped so many others. She taught me how precious life is an how precious my life is. A very rich man took along a very positive companion who always says, "This is good". (Anyway the story is funny and illustrates the point for positive thinking). That even in difficult situations you should be able to see the good. So remember to surprise them, surprise yourself, make a difference and everything is good. All the best in everything you put your hands to.

Well, wish me luck and I hope you were inspired as well. I'll let you know what happens.

Young Man in Addis

We met up last week with a friend we had met while in Addis. He is an American of Phillipino decent. He was in NJ on furlough visiting with family. He is a volunteer with the Peace Corps and has been working in Awassa, Ethiopia the last two years and has one more year to go. He has learned a good amount of the language (Amharic and probably some Afaan Oromoo). He has been doing Network Administration work at the University. He told me he wants to do a cross continent, from East Africa to South Africa, bike ride after he finishes his stint in Ethiopia. He's thinking of extending his mission in Ethiopia also after his biking adventure. It seems he's 'smitten' by the country. I am totally amazed by his courage and sacrifice. People like him are very rare. He has a good education and comes from a good family. He could be in a good job with a family in the US, but he's decided he wants to do something different, something more with his life. He could've have gone to work or help in the Philippines! Instead he decides to go to Ethiopia. He couldn't have chosen a more ill-fitted location. At least it may seem to others. He has adjusted to life in Addis and the country side. I am amazed at his attitude about some of the situations he's been in and some hardships he's faced. He takes it with a stride and understanding. I hope to be able to keep in touch with him while he's there. He's planning to get a wireless card for his laptop so he can get on the Internet. I don't know if he can get online in Awassa. In any case I was totally amazed by this young man, out on an adventure, making a difference.
-Mike