Where in the world is the Florek Family?
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti (try saying that three times fast!), and Eritrea. The climate alternates between dry and rainy seasons. At approximately 5,000 feet (think Denver, CO), the temperature can get into the upper 80s during the day and 50s at night. Beautiful. Think of scheduling your next vacation here!
The people group with whom we live are known for their loyalty to their community and a strong sense of hospitality that we have been blessed to experience. Ethiopians have an extremely rich history and tradition, and take pride in the fact that Ethiopia is the only African country that was never colonized, but has remained independent. Many of those living in and near our area are subsistence farmers growing mainly corn, however it is not uncommon to see small herds of goats and cattle as well. They rely on the seasonal rains to have a successful harvest, which can result in malnutrition (often seen in clinic) when the rains fail. Typical housing is a tukal, which is a circular hut made of branches and mud and with a thatched cone-shaped roof with an opening for escape of cooking smoke and dark-roasted coffee aromas. That's right - Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee and here it is consumed strong, dark, and salted (cheaper than sugar)! If you have a chance to experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, take it!
The people group with whom we live are known for their loyalty to their community and a strong sense of hospitality that we have been blessed to experience. Ethiopians have an extremely rich history and tradition, and take pride in the fact that Ethiopia is the only African country that was never colonized, but has remained independent. Many of those living in and near our area are subsistence farmers growing mainly corn, however it is not uncommon to see small herds of goats and cattle as well. They rely on the seasonal rains to have a successful harvest, which can result in malnutrition (often seen in clinic) when the rains fail. Typical housing is a tukal, which is a circular hut made of branches and mud and with a thatched cone-shaped roof with an opening for escape of cooking smoke and dark-roasted coffee aromas. That's right - Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee and here it is consumed strong, dark, and salted (cheaper than sugar)! If you have a chance to experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, take it!