The warm Ethiopian hospitality has been constant throughout our 5 years here in Awassa. We reflect much on how many Ethiopians have opened their homes to us. No matter the size of family, shape of home, economic situation, hosting is a deep part of their culture. It struck us that the hospitality and openness is greater here than we have experienced in many other countries, including our own. Ethiopians are good at hosting and really enjoy just being together. On New Years Day of the Ethiopian calendar (September 11 in the international calender), we arrived at noon at our neighbour’s home. Before eating, they brought around a pitcher of warm water and a basin, and individually washed our hands. This is customary. We had a delicious lunch together and then a very long and relaxing coffee ceremony in the afternoon. There was chatting, stories, and even some dancing. Finally it was getting close to 6pm, so I nudged Mark, thinking we may overstay our welcome. However, when we suggested that it was time for us to go, they exclaimed “but we haven’t had supper yet!”. We stayed until 9pm! This beautiful trait of Ethiopian culture has always made us feel incredibly welcome here.
– Maggie
Maggie, Mark and Emebet Banga, Comboni Lay Missionaries, Awassa, Ethiopia
God Bless you!