Back home.

Coming back has been pretty difficult. It was great to see my family and friends in Perth. But now I feel like where ever I go I'm going to be away from one of my families, and constantly worrying about all the kids.
In my first week back I also came across two absolute fuckheads that made we want to get a taxi straight to the airport and leave.
A guy overheard me talking about my volunteer experience and immediately lumped me into the category of "voluntourists" such as the VESA programs which spend one week "volunteering" and one week partying. This dude went as far as saying that I had no impact on the kids lives and that was taking jobs from local people. And also that "world vision spend money on giving out bibles."
I was at an absolute loss for words as I didn't think I'd have to defend myself after my last 3 months.
Another was a lady I met out on night. I tried to start a conversation and she just stared straight thew me and walked off. I learnt later that I need to earn her approval and maybe on our 5th or 6th encounter she will be nice to me.
Reverse culture shock isn't something I thought would affect me so much. Coming from a place where the people have so little but are so loving, accepting and appreciative,  to a society where people live in luxury but won't even grant the human decency to talk to one another.

A lot of people have asked what I am going to do now that I am home. Well I have a year and a half left of university studying a Social Justice major. I want to work in international aid and specially involved in childs rights and protection. Hopefully land a position at an NGO next year when I graduate, possibly end up living in Ethiopia!
I'm going to keep this blog going with updates and fund-raising projects for the Mercy Children's Home. Planning on printing my Ethiopia trips photographs in a photo zine and selling it as a small fundraiser for the home.
Will also be starting a new blog as part of my university assignment, taking a look at the current conflicts in the Middle East.

Leaving.

After getting back from the Simien Mountains I only had 2 days left at the home. If I could have extended my visa I wouldn't have left for at least another month. I feel so at home in Ethiopia and can genuinely say these people I've met feel like family to me. I feel so guilty leaving all of them and children behind and returning back to my life.
Mekdi and I had a conversation which was pretty depressing. Her sister in an unskilled worker and moved to South Sudan to find work, now with the troubles in South Sudan is forced to move back. Mekdi asked if I could possible send an invitation or reference so she can get a visa. However it doesn't work like that and would be near impossible for her to get a visa. Even Mekdi expressed how her life will always be the same, being on the same salary for the last 6 years and probably will be forever. There is no moving up or getting a better life, this was it.
saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. We told the children the day before. Gadesa, the oldest of the kids was quiet upset and wouldn't let go of me.
On my last day Lori got the kids to draw pictures of me, the kids were pretty confused when they would show me their work and I would start crying.
It was then time for the kids to have their nap, which provided a handy opportunity so sneak away. After lots of hugs and kisses I put them to bed for the last time.
Saying goodbye to the ladies at the school was just as hard. I bought them some little gifts like a framed picture of all of us. I bought Negest a new phone as hers was held together with a bandaid and surprised Mekdi by giving her my iphone. I'd never seen Buzae emotional but she broke down crying when I said goodbye to her.
Elias, the little toddler was having fun wheeling around my suitcase and Eyob came to drive me to the airport.
I started crying in the car and didn't stop until late in my flight to Dubai.
The only thing that really got me through it was imaging coming back at the end of the year and seeing all the progress the kids have made and them heading off to primary school.

Simien Mountains.

My 3 day Simien Mountain trek was absolutely amazing. It was more difficult that what i thought I was signing up for. Especially the 8 hour trek on the last day, walking uphill for almost 2 hours, and then back down the other side. It was so steep I had to crawl on my bum to get down some parts. The altitude made me loose my breathe pretty quickly. However this all added to the feeling of accomplishment when I reach the camps.
We had mules to carry our packs and on the second day I joked "where is the beer mule" and to my surprise there was actually crates of beer at the camp site. So we all enjoyed a couple of St Georges and watched the sunset from a beautiful spot.
My trekking group was amazing. One of the best parts about travelling is meeting other people. Eric was an American guy who had been to nearly every single country, so it was great hearing his stories and inspiring my future trips.
There was a New Zealand couple as well, so there was a lot of "you're a convict/you're a sheep shagger" banter happening. Also the Italian babe who added to the beautiful scenery. What a hot piece of ass.
Unfortunately did not spot the Ethiopian Wolf, only 60 left so would have been great to see one. However did see the geleda baboon and got some amazing pictures!
By the 4th morning I was pretty knackered and so dirty. I wore long pants the whole time but my legs were cover with dust.
Such an awesome experience for my first trek, can't wait to go on more trekking adventures!