Infectious

I believe everyone has the innate willingness to give. Though sometimes we may feel intimidated and hesitant with the concept of selfless giving, but once you start helping others, you just can’t stop. Giving is simply infectious. And, most importantly, we all have it in us.

Today [2 weeks ago] was an incredible day. Actually, it was exhilarating! Prior to my visit to Toronto, Tadeese, the Director of Bright Hope Bright Future Kindergarten had informed me that upon my return to Addis Ababa, a reception in my honour would be held. I really didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t donate these chairs and tables to be recognized, nor did I want the attention. This was just my humble attempt to inspire others, and to do something for these incredibly joyful children and their financially-stricken community.

When I heard about the numerous confirmed guests, I was in total shock. It turned out that while I was in Canada, Tadesse was able to successfully invite members of the community, all of the students’ parents, government officials, children’s sponsors, journalists, representatives from businesses and colleges, and finally potential sponsors.

Today [2 weeks ago], as I walked through the gates of the school, I was overwhelmed by the outpour of gratitude, appreciation, and support. As my gaze fell on the 100 or so strangers awaiting my arrival on this early Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but question whether or not a sense of disappointment had ever crossed their minds. They took timeout of their busy lives for me, whom seemed to be young and naïve?! They probably imagined the guest of honour to be much older or at least someone who looked wiser. When all of the children welcomed me loudly and waved with illuminating smiles, it was clear, I was the ‘Suzan’ they had spoke about. A simple 23-year-old young Asian woman…um, surprise?!

In addition to presenting the books, crayons, pencils, sharpeners, games, and numerous other donations that were donated by my friends and family to the school, the program also included an awards ceremony for the top 3 students in each class. As the morning went on, random people in attendance began to raise their hands and pledge their support! There were many who pledged to sponsor some of the children, and there were others who decided to donate 1000birr in cash! These generous people had always had it in them to give, but because of all of your donations, YOU HAVE INSPIRED OTHERS TO HELP TOO!

GIVING, IS SIMPLY INFECTIOUS. It’s easy to get cynical when you’re stuck in cyclical bureaucracy and surrounded by people and organizations that have lost the passion to advocate. But, with a little inspiration and some momentum, realizing our social responsibilities is as easy as 1-2-3.

Let’s continue….to work together….and to inspire one another.

Filed under: Africa, Canada, Ethiopia, Life, Photography, Quotes, Thoughts, Travel, Addis Ababa, aid, children, donation, Ethiopia, kindergarten, Susan Wong, volunteer

The Chief

Last weekend, thanks to my adventurous friend Melissa, a group of us had the privilege of meeting a real Chief from *****.  For obvious reasons, his identity and country of origin shall remain anonymous.  I don’t want to just “disappear” you know.  Anyhow, he was the real deal – the epitome of all African Chiefs.   

 As I entered the open and airy layout of a local Central African joint near the African Union, The Melting Pot, my gaze immediately fell on this man laughing freely and lounging comfortably with his assistant in the corner.  You could tell he had one too many beers in his lifetime.  His beer belly was tremendous, and it seemed like it was literally popping out of his brown-floral-one-pocket-buttoned-up-short-sleeve shirt.  His sheer mass was intimidating and how he rightfully sank into his chair was reminiscent to what Kings and Emperors would do.  But what screamed “I am an almighty Chief” the most was his uber retro gold-rimmed-brown-tinted sunglasses.  Man, you can’t get anymore Hollywood than that.

 After sitting down with him for a short while, I was pleasantly surprised by his seemingly genuine charm.  Perhaps it was his unique and robust laugh, his confident handshake, his timely smile, or maybe it was his eerie humour.  I don’t know what it was, but undoubtedly this man was a leader and someone to be reckoned with.   He just had the X-factor.

 Almost immediately, the Chief attempted to use his humour to test the waters.  We were a group of 3 ladies sitting before him, and I guess he just couldn’t resist the temptation of adding to his collection of wives.  He told us he had 23 children and a number of wives.  For some reason, he didn’t want to explicitly state how many wives he had, but I guess that’s just a minor detail.  You can’t put a number on love!  He offered us land and lakes with a lot of “poisson”.  He assured us that as his wife/woman/possession, he would take care of us because it was our right.  Our future children would receive the best education and inherit his diplomat status.  Wow, some offer eh?!  lol We laughed it off, but we knew if at any point we wanted to accept his offer, we’d be immediately living like Queens, or so it seemed.  Ah, yay?!  I mean woopee! 

 Our conversations primarily revolved around sex. I’ll spare you the details.  If we attempted to have a serious political conversation, it would always somehow have a sexual connotation here and there.  My friend who was sitting beside the Chief really took the brunt of things.  Because she was sitting beside him, he made her pour beer and light his cigarette for him.  Oh, and when she used her left-hand instead of her right, he tapped her hand to make sure she used the “proper” hand. His wives’ must be living a “great” life.

 The Chief was an example of a classic diplomat’s mentality.  Although he rules a village, and is use to more traditional and nomadic ways, his way of imposing favours on us was exactly the same as how diplomats in Addis work, well at least the diplomats I have met thus far.  They could be the most cultured, educated, powerful and generous men, but they always try to impose their favours on you.  Why?  Well, if you accept the favour, they assume  you’ll be obligated to return the favour in “other” ways and be at their beckon call.  A diplomat’s scheme to make themselves feel important, superior and needed.  A bunch of hypocrites and creeps.  In case they haven’t realized, there are strong and independent women in this world who would rather take the longer route than compromise themselves for a short-cut.

 Anyhow, in the end we escaped unscathed.  We managed to laugh our way through the afternoon without disrespecting the Chief.  I wasn’t able to take photos because if I had, I probably wouldn’t be here typing away.  Some adventure.  Almost forgot, there were 2 huge men sitting at the adjacent table the whole time.  Later, I was informed that they were spies from ******. 

 Now that was an adventure.

 P.S. I really appreciate everyone’s prayers. Thank You!  The following photographs were from my office, and my first stint as a photojournalist.  They were taken at the 2007 TOYOTA Great Ethiopian Run – the largest road race in Africa (30 000+ participants).

 

Filed under: Africa, Ethiopia, Life, Photography, Thoughts, Travel, 2007 TOYOTA Great Ethiopian Run, Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa photographs by Susan Wong, Chief, children, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Children, Meskel, road race