FEVEN

At Agoheld Orphanage in Addis Ababa she was the very best friend of Fetlework, our "favorite" adopted granddaughter.
I still remember the two girls holding hands during the farewell ceremony when more than 100 children goodbye, we love you.
It was a magical moment, packed with emotion. Tears flowed as the children sang with feeling.

She is no longer living at Agoheld. Her illness is better cared for where she lives now, with her aunt Tsehay, a very attractive woman whose name translated means sun, and surviving sister.

I was able to contact the aunt and visit with the two of them.

We met on a street corner. I suppose the aunt was too embarrassed for me see where they live. The driver took us to a little sidewalk cafe where we talked for an hour or so and I photographed them.

It is not easy to describe the scene. Much auto traffic, throngs of people walking, taxi horns honking, the not so appealing aroma of burning garbage, the gawking stares of other patrons and pedestrians.

We attracted a lot of attention: The lady, the young girl, the taxi driver and the white man (ferengi).

The curiosity is obvious on the faces of the passers in the background of the photo above. I wonder what they thought, but no matter.

Waizero Zeleke wore a blouse and long skirt, and her head and shoulders were covered in the traditional style which most mature women wear at such occasions as a sign of respect.

Her life story was written on her heart shaped face. It described the hardship and sadness of the troubled times she must have experienced.

Feven was dressed in a pink and white hooded sweater and pink sweat pants. They probably came from donated garments at Agoheld. She was heavier than before. The combined effect of care by her loving aunt and financial help from the orphanage was evident. There were scars on her smooth young face. How did they happen? I wouldn't ask.

We were able to communicate mostly in English with the occasional assistance from Daniel, my ever helpful driver/interpreter.

When the time came to leave, Daniel drove to a place where they could get a ride home. I gave them money for that and told Tsehay: "You take good care of those girls."

"You come back. You will see." She replied.

Feven poked her head through the open window, kissed me on the cheek and Daniel drove away.

It was hard to not cry.