Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010: Spotlight on New York Team Abay

Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010: Spotlight on New York Team Abay

With the soccer event being watched by thousands for who gets the world cup, there is another soccer event that should also be televised. The Ethiopian Soccer Tournament based on Ethiopian players in different regions of the US. This year it is the 27th anniversary being held in San Jose, California. I went when it was held in Washington DC and I tell you, it was a lot of fun. The vendors really made the event extra special with authentic jewelry and souvenirs and yummy tasting food and treats. This just in: according to the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA), The winner is LA Stars Division I and Las Vegas Division II. Kansas will also be entering the tournament for the first time for the 28th Annual Event. Last year this event was held in Chicago. I wonder where it will be held next year? Check out the link above for a more information or ESFNA. Happy 4th of July.

My Alumna Address

It was awesome. I had such a good time. Looking out at all those young faces. Future graduates that would go out and make a difference. The Keynote speaker was great! He was a Champion Fencer and member of the United States Fencing Association Hall of Fame. He did an excellent job. I presented the Alumna Address. I was so nervous but by the middle, I was confident.

It was held at Maritime College in a beautiful outdoor arena. Parents were taking pictures continually. Students were fanning themselves, the teachers and advisers were cheering the students on. The Principal did a great "Go out there and get them" speech. Some had fancy shoes too high for me to walk in and others wore high top bright colored sneakers. Guys wore their cool shades while the Principal asked one young man to take the tooth pick out of his mouth. All I thought about was my graduation from this school and what it was like to be young and adventurous.

They announced all my previous work and accomplishments just before I went up with "graduate of class of 1986". The crowd repeated with giggles. They looked around for this old lady. Where could this old prune be. I must admit I looked fabulous with a lime green top with sparkles around the V-neck, a cute knee high black ribbons of chiffon skirt and shiny black leather high heels. My hair was a cascade of curls with my sun glasses to hold back my hair. I stepped up to the podium and announced "yes it is I, graduate of 1986". Everyone who knows me says I look young so they were shocked when I started speaking.

It was one of the greatest day for me as I have dreamed about giving back to my former high school. I have always wanted to inspire them for greater things. I really enjoys motivating our youth as they are our future professionals. I encourage you to go out there and make a difference for our young people. They need to know that those before them believe that they can do even greater things than us. You can see my speech below or here. My husband helped me to modify it a bit. I spoke to them about Opportunities and Obstacles, Failure and Success.

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