My latest BLURB photo book project is almost a wrap! After two solid weekends of work and long hours on the computer this second collaborative effort is looking quite smashing. I’m hoping the proof copy says the same. Having the first book to use as guide made the process of creating this second one much easier and faster. I didn’t veer far from the layouts of FIRST, because it worked so well. The only problem this time was there being three more volunteers from this group (three extra team member spreads) and A LOT MORE photos. I couldn’t use several shots of the ladies in the group who made injera simply due to page restraints. I made myself keep the book to a 160 page limit so not to drive the $$$ – cost up and to be able to have premium paper stock.

This is a what the section/chapter dividers look like. I scanned in a copy of the blueprint of a chika house provided to me by the HFHI Ethiopia National Office. Then, I used two photos that best went with the section content. The cover will have a similar look to keep consistency, but I’m still mulling over the back cover content.

Team member pages are the same as the previous go-round with the exception of the bio pages. In order to try to squeeze in as many photos as possible, I tucked one behind the text and kicked the opacity down between 16%-20%. Hopefully everyone will be able to read the text easily. I have to remind myself not everyone can read certain text/font color combos well.

Although this is the second book for an Ethiopia Global Village trip led by me the book will be actually be titled “Seven” or “Seubat.” Looking forward to seeing the finished project and as always, hoping those who were involved use it as a tool to get others involved.

Without a doubt, I’ve been a highly blessed and favored woman wallowing in the joys of sweet, sweet happiness throughout 2010. It is as if the universe positioned all the key ingredients for an awesome year right in the palm of my hand. Before I take my annual stroll down the year that was, I should provide some disclaimers to the secrets of my abundant joy. First one being, I’m broker than a church mouse. (That’s something my mama might say.) Yep! I did NOT expand my bank account with $$$. I did NOT tuck a little extra into my 401k or increase my stock options. I have neither. (But I do have Jesus!) I can’t even say I made any major career advancements. (Nada – Although you said it would happen Ms. Susan Miller. It didn’t.) Another side note: My children’s book “Isaac and the Bah Tree” didn’t soar the top-sellers lists, but ya’ll can still support a sister and get your copy here.

On the flip-side, I managed to suck dry every mile in every frequent flier program I’m enrolled with which lead me to some fairly exotic destinations. And don’t let me fool you into thinking my very merry matrimony to the most amazing man in my life took a back seat to my usual globe gallivanting highlights. (P.S. I got married this year in case I missed getting the memo to everyone. Click here if: A. You missed the memo. B. Are seriously nosy. -OR- C. Wish to know about our forces combined.) Aside from my husband’s love and affection, I was able to be surrounded by the good company of friends near and far.

So that’s the summary. Just beyond these type-written words is the 2010 full-shebang accompanied by pictures, links and more. (I did my best to keep it flowing in chronological order.)

Let’s hit it!

January, February and March were pretty dull. Can’t recall anything spectacular that occurred. Those cold Florida wintry days were consumed with the following: A. Working 40 hour weeks on a temporary assignment. B. Planning my elopement ceremony. AND C. Crafting up ways to visit places outside of Tampa.

In sticking to my usual theme of par-taking in activities, events and social-networks that the average Black American chick usually does NOT par take in, I did recite a poem in Farsi during Norooz this year. My most awesome tutor at the Infinite Edge Learning Center here in Tampa put me up to the challenge during a local Norooz celebration. No footage/pictures exist of my moment there, but you are welcome to hear me recite the poem here. Strange cookie – midoonam.

Flash forward to April. After fulfilling my commitment with the temp agency, it was time to have some fun. How so? By going to Kaua’i (a small tropical island mass belonging to the state of Hawai’i) with my then-fiancee. You might recall at the end of 2009 my being victorious in a Trazzler ‘Island’ Writing Contest, which landed me and my lucky dude an opportunity to va-cay in the Aloha State. (Sumo size Mahalo to everyone who voted once more!) Safe to say we had an incredible time.

Revisit my 2010 Kaua’i experience here.

Upon my return from Kaua’i, I was summoned by the U.S. Census Bureau. On I went for another stint as an office clerk at a new local LCO. If you’ve ever seen an episode of ‘The Office’ or better, worked at a government office – you can imagine what the environment was like. I have to say that I met some really unique individuals during my short employment there. Because they made the job so enjoyable I am going to give them a round of sound right here and right now. (Jhessye, James, Sandra, Michelle, Tracy, Ray, Flor, Lyon, Patricia, Dan, Linley, Elaine, Eric, Carol, Trish, Jonathan, McPhail, Chris and even Mr. Dixon — it was a tremendous pleasure being your colleague from April to August. Thank you for the song, cakes, laughs, flexibility, energy, patience and more. Thank you.)

Moving onward into May, my elopement planning was pretty much complete which only meant one thing: party time! I opted to mix and mash my birthday and bachelorette fiesta into one so twice the amount of fun could be had. I was fortunate enough to have most of my best gal-pals come from out-of-town to celebrate with me. As one can imagine, we did the manicure / pedicure thing, visit to the bridal shop, beach, club, dinner and made a trip to Orlando. Thank you to all my gorgeous girlfriends for being part of this.

Revisit my 2010 Birthday/Bachelorette weekend experience here.

June was all about wedding bells. It was about counting down the final days of being a semi-unclaimed and unhonest woman. It was also about answering the question: Why Montana? On Thursday, June 17th, 2010 – I proudly became Mrs. Abiodun. With that being said, don’t let me forget the amount of time I spent in June getting people to say the new surname right. Still in need of a how-to yourself? Reference the July video blog.

Revisit my 2010 Marriage in Montana experience here.

July was snoring boring so I’ll bypass the details of cleaning house and clipping my toenails since those are fairly uneventful happenings. August stood for Argentina. This is the trip I did not truly plan for, did not budget for or probably should not have even gone on, but I am glad I went. Natalie and I always have a good time when traveling together, so I’m pleased she made the suggestion of going somewhere before children appear in our freshly married lives. We ate well, met some awesome people (Celina, Pablo, Nazeli and Solana) and did what tourists do when in Argentina. What we did not do well was speak Spanish. We should really get better at that.

Revisit my 2010 Buenos Aires & Salta, Argentina experience here.

Enter September where I spent a few days in my favorite U.S. state – California. This trip was purely pleasure (for the majority) and consisted of going out with friends, visiting family and the tour of babies! Very many thanks to my amigo Quar Brown for taking these deliciously vibrant photographs of me in the Artists District in downtown L.A.

Revisit my 2010 California experience here.

Later in the month I ran a full 26.2 marathon in Toronto, Canada. You’ll notice I didn’t seem very happy after crossing the finish line. I wasn’t. Let’s just say disappointed THEN and thankful for the good health and experience NOW. I’m also very thankful when moments like this are captured in photos. Not everything I do or go through ends with a big cheesy smile. This was one of those moments.

Revisit my 2010 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon experience here.

Come October I was back in Ethiopia leading my third Habitat for Humanity GV project. I spent ten days in Debre Markos working on the last seven plots of houses and a few days relaxing in Addis. From Ethiopia I went on to Zanzibar, an island situated off the coast of Tanzania. Visiting an island in the Indian Ocean was something I’d been hoping for forever. If you’ve got this on a bucket-list some place, get to it! Allow me to suggest Zanzibar. The place is simply stunning. The people are friendly and the food is delicious. The air always carries the smell of fragrant spices.

Revisit my 2010 Global Village Ethiopia experience here and my Zanzibar photo gallery here.

Last month I started temping again, so life took a slight turn for the unexciting. (You know I’m just being a brat.) Aside from finding my 40 hour 9-5 work groove again, I made some successful efforts at just cooling it around the house. Hung with the fam-bam, my friends and so-on. EJ and I scoped out the larger than life sand castles and carvings at Siesta Key. FUN! I celebrated my friend’s last fling the weekend before her wedding. Both were bucket loads of fun. I always love hanging out with a group of drama-free, fun and intelligent ladies. Two cheers for girl power. They were also great sharing the camaraderie of being a bridesmaid or simply part of the party. My friend married during Thanksgiving weekend and it was quite an event. I am thankful to have been invited and I wish the happily shackled couple an eternity of love. The photos below were taken by Akada Studios out of Atlanta.

Revisit my 2010 Naija Wedding Bridesmaid Experience here.

This final month of the year was/is much like the rest of the year in theme. A little hard work, a lot more play and 12 times the laughter. Although the winter solstice was greeted by an amazing lunar eclipse, I’m still hating the weather these days. It slows me down almost to sloth like speeds. I only wish to stay indoors and hibernate like all the smarter species do during times of coldness. Because I am a lowly human being I am forced to be productive and make the most of every breathing moment. Huzzah & Hooray! If you are a regular reader here you probably just read about the quick weekend warrior trip to Troy, Alabama where I went with my mom and hubby to surprise my bestie during her 3rd decade born day celebration. She’s actually a Christmas baby so I suspect she’ll be celebrating more this weekend.

Aside from that I’ll be spending these last dog days of 2010 gearing up for 2011. More on that to come.

Other noteworthy moments:

Previously I dedicated August to Argentina. Well, I should also dedicate it to African Ancestry and the anticipation of my paternal ancestry test results compliments of my father. I now see Cameroon and the Tikar people as a future journey worth taking. I cannot thank my father enough for this wedding gift. There is so much research to be done though before trip to the country can occur.

Hmmm… I went kayaking for the first time in Kaua’i this year, but my swimming skills have not improved. Perhaps I’ll toss it on my list of resolutions once more.

My analogue cameras got more play than ever this year since I started with my Lomography addiction in 2003. They challenge me in more ways than others and I’m just starting to pick up speed. I just wish film and photography wasn’t such an expensive hobby like traveling. To conclude this year end journey, I leave you with a gallery of some shots taken with my toy cameras across the globe.

Enjoy and have the happiest of holidays. Here’s to many good years to come and the ability to be strong in the years that test our spirits the most. (Trust me, I’ve had my share of those.)

Cheers,
Adrienne

One thing I don’t do nearly enough is return to destinations I’ve previously visited. Coming back to Ethiopia was well worth the second time around. Naturally, the familiarity made Addis Ababa feel more like home and less like an intimidating lesser developed metropolis. But do not allow me to fool you. This second time around wasn’t an exact replica to the first which is full of the warmest and fuzziest memories of any trip ever taken and marked with a stamp in my passport to prove it. There were definitely some differences and only a couple challenges worth noting.

For starters I was accompanied by four individuals I’d previously built with and 13 new faces. Meaning aside from Yoseph, there were 16 of us total. This was the largest group I’ve lead on a GV project to-date yet, I didn’t do it alone. The project was Co-Lead by Hannah, who was a volunteer on the project in 2008. Together, I think we did a pretty awesome job. The hard part about Co-Leadership is ensuring that the secondary leader is seen as such by the group and as a Team Leader, making sure I’ve relinquished some of the responsibility to that person. Crazy as it may seem, hoarding the responsibility is something that can easily happen.

Having Hannah around for this trip was good. As much as we are alike in our desire to heal the world (especially Ethiopia) of poverty housing, we are still different people. Our thought processes are different which was great in dealing with issues when they arose. Thankfully, there were very few problems with the group.

The team was diverse. They were mighty and committed and dedicated to the project. For the most part they were all flexible. Not everyone is a fan of Ethiopian food which is understandable given the texture and the abundance of delicious veggies. I’m just so grateful that the families in Debre Markos continue to do such a great job of prepping the food on site that no one gets / got sick on the build.

Because of the timing of the project we were also able to celebrate World Habitat Day in the field. This actually landed on the date of our arrival in Debre Markos so it got mashed up into the welcome ceremony. It was quite the pleasant reception too. Those of us who were returning to the community were met with large banners draped on houses and the break tent with our names in both English and Amharic. The priests were there drumming, the families were clapping and children met us with yellow wild flowers. Personally, I was highly elated.

Back to World Habitat Day though. The theme this year is “BUILD LOUDER”. For 2010 Habitat for Humanity International is looking for ways to encourage people to become advocates in eliminating sub-standard housing. How will you build louder? What will you build? This was something I tried to bring back into the reflections and other meetings when appropriate while in Ethiopia and even right here and now. World Habitat Day is everyday if you ask me. Make sure you visit their site to learn more on getting involved.

Another cool thing that happened that was different than on any other build… We stampeded the local government office and DEMANDED more land so that more homes could be built for families in Debre Markos and surrounding areas. Okay, so we weren’t full out bullies and we did get permission to speak with the co-deputy to the mayor of Debre Markos before kicking in any doors. There was roughly ten of us (dirty volunteers) that decided to go and make our plea for tenure. Our requests were noted and we were able to capture a few snapshots of the whole event. They’ll be included elsewhere.

What else… I suppose I should mention the super important stuff. We worked on what is the last seven plots in DM for the time being. Yoseph said when he heard I was coming back to Ethiopia he wanted to hold onto the last seven plots so that I could go back to DM because of the amazing build lead there the first time. Now as flattered as I was to hear this I felt a bit sad. I hope people were not locked out of decent shelter because of our trip schedule. I mean I don’t ever wish to be considered a “Slum Lord” who makes their rounds when at the convenience of their own schedule. So anyways, the last seven plots were ours to work on and we dedicated a total of eight homes during the farewell ceremony.

The families we were building for and with had some very touching stories. Seeing them in their present living conditions is always the hardest and a highly emotional part. One of the volunteers on the project (an architect) left the group with a truly thought-provoking reflection one evening. I am hopeful that I will be able to share his notes with those of you who know me personally on a more personal level. It is my intention to include it in another keepsake book I’ll be creating for the group which will have a wealth of photos to paint a more detailed picture of what went on during my time in country.

Lastly, there wasn’t a large R&R planned for this trip like the last. Instead we had two days off in the village for rest and local sightseeing. We attended church services very briefly as there was a funeral planned that day, had an Amazing Race style competition in the market and did a hike to two monasteries. And that was enough quite honestly. Anything else would have been exhausting given the time-frame.

Oh, and have I forgotten the teeny-tiny challenges? No. I’m just playing with whether to discuss them here in this platform. Since starting this entry I’ve decided not to, but for those who are curious I’m only a phone call away. I’m always open to hear from others in leadership roles if it means becoming a better leader for future projects.

In summary I had a great, great time in country once again. I know there will be a third visit someday. How soon? I don’t know yet, but it WILL happen.

P.S. In addition to making coffee on site all the women in the group had the opportunity to bake injera. My coffee ratings weren’t as high as the previous trip and despite what you think of my injera as seen in the photograph above, I can assure you it was/is the BEST injera EVER! Alemwerk (pictured with me) can vouch for it.

P.P.S. Martin Howden, a long time supporter of HFHE, has written a gem of book titled “This Stuff Really Works,” for those interested in taking a peek. The book is a fundraising tool to help get more houses built for Ethiopians with leprosy. I’ve not visited these communities in Ethiopia, but Martin has been many times with his wife Liz. He does a much better job of describing their condition and his book. Do check it out and if you feel compelled to do so — just give.

P.P.P.S. Don’t forget to vote for my Trazzler Smart Travel piece on volunteer vacationing in Ethiopia with Global Village. Voting ends on November 13th so hop to it!

1. Forward this blog entry to your friends.
2. Make sure you are signed in to Trazzler when you “save” your trip. If you have any problems, you can sign up here http://www.trazzler.com/signup and then go to my page and vote. Remember “save” = vote.
3. Tweet about this trip on Twitter.
4. Share this trip on Facebook.
5. Include this trip in a blog entry or website.
6. The prize is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth–and help preserve it for future generations! Please help get me there!

10 million thank you(s) in advance!

Rarely do I get excited from being tagged in goofy Facebook photos, but I was overjoyed when Basia tagged me in this one today. Her caption read as follows:

“Premiera w National Geographic juz 14 maja! Sama nie mogę w to uwierzyć!”

Basically this article will be appearing in National Geographic’s Polish version. Basia was one of the super awesome volunteers on my last Habitat for Humanity Global Village team to Ethiopia and I love that she is still sharing her experience to hopefully inspire others. I don’t speak Polish, so I hope that it was all positive. Good job Basia!

I finally finished my second book through Blurb. This one contains photos and words from all my wonderful GV team members who traveled to Ethiopia late last summer. I am sooo happy to be done with this one. I always seem to start these creative projects that keep me busy (which I like), but make me want to scream 22 days and 23 hours later.

This book is not being sold or promoted to the general public. It’s for the TEAM! Wahoo!

“Dir Biabir Anbesa Yasir.”

“Many threads (ropes) together can even tie a lion.” – Ethiopian Proverb

This looks like the end of my tall-tales and photo diary of East Africa’s very own Ethiopia. Make sure you check out all the video, photos, and slideshows here on my blog. In case you’ve missed any here they are:

Ethiopia Travel Photo Preview
A Special Ge’ez Song
Addis Ababa: Markets, Meskel, Micco, Monuments & Museums
Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley in Four Days
Road to Debre Markos
The First Global Village Team to Debre Markos, Ethiopia
Welcome to the Global Village
Building Chika Homes in Debre Markos
Bahir Dar: Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana
Gonder: “Africa’s Camelot”

Amaseuganeulo,
Tigist

During the final days of R&R in Ethiopia we stopped in Gonder to visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasiladas’ Bath, the Fellasha Village and the Debre Berhan Selassie church. It is amazing to spend the afternoon checking out 17th century castles and to sing with priests on the lawn before a historical church.

Fasil Ghebbi in the Royal Enclosure. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

This was by far the most impressive of all the castles. It became a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1979 and is still undergoing some light restoration.

Make a U-turn at the umbrella in the road. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

The Fellasha Village is a smaller attraction about 6km north of Gonder, but worth a visit. This was once the home to many Ethiopian Jews, but from 1985 to 1991 many were airlifted to Israel. We met who is said to be the last of the Fellasha’s in this area. She was an older dark woman with shaved hair. She came into our bus to speak with us and greeted us all, “Shalom, Shalom.” Her story: She had been off in the army at the time of most of the airlifts to Israel. During that time her mother passed away and when she came back she hadn’t any way to prove she had ties or Jewish blood. She has been overseas to Germany and London and doesn’t seem to mind having been left to live in Ethiopia all these years.

Debre Berhan Selassie church. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

104 winged Ethiopian cherubs cover the ceiling of the Debre Berhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopia’s most famous churches. Each angel has a slightly different expression. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson


Fasiladas’ Bath under much renovation. Photos: Adrienne C. Wilson

After building the team took off for some R&R to reflect and mentally prepare for the trip back home. R&R also provides the opportunity to see a different part of the country depending on the type of Global Village build. I have been informed though that the R&R will no longer be a part of Global Village programs and for several good reasons. Some of which I can relate to from leading on this first trip. Expectations are harder to manage and it often involves a major amount of planning on the in-country host. There are other reasons the change is being implemented, but I’ll save that for a future post.

The team prepares to take on the Blue Nile Falls. Photo: Tour guide

Our R&R was two part. The first was for nature and history lovers in Bahir Dar, where we explored the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Isat). Tis Isat, a name given by the locals means – water that smokes. There are three ways to get to the falls once you reach the village of Tis Isat (32km southeast of Bahir Dar). We decided to take the hour and a half hike up with a three minute boat ride back. The hike was more than some of bargained for and I wasn’t given the right details to provide to my team. (Lesson learned: Ask more/many, many detailed questions.) Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the Blue Nile Falls as much as I would have wanted. When you are busy trying to keep people on schedule it becomes a lot more like herding cattle.

Still, I had the opportunity to witness such a beautiful place in nature’s space and for that I am grateful.

Photos: I. Williams

Blue Nile Falls. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Blue Nile Falls. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Lake Tana. Photo: J. Seson

On our second day in Bahir Dar we hoped on a boat to cruise Lake Tana’s brown water in search of the many monasteries. By this time many of us just wanted to cruise on the boat and catch some sweet African sun. After you’ve seen two or three churches in Ethiopia it feels like you’ve seen them all. So unless you are ridiculously into the history of each one they can become a bit of the same. Secondly, women aren’t allowed inside several of the monasteries, but the few they can visit are said to be some of the more interesting one. Our first stop was the Ura Kidane Meret, the Zege Peninsula’s most famous monastery. Our second visit was at the Entos-Eyesu Monastery. It wasn’t as interesting as the first in my own opinion, but I was on the verge of church and monastery burn out. All this could have very well happened after Meskel in Addis.

I’m not too certain of the timing, but I do know that the boat ride on Lake Tana was quiet pleasant. We also celebrated Zinash’s birthday that day and had ice cream for the first time in Ethiopia. It actually tasted pretty yummy even though I got stuck eating the extra chocolate. But I will silence this babble and let the pictures do the talking.

All photos above by yours truly.