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