I promised Rick's kids that I would take them out to see the new Antonio Benderas movie tonight, Black Gold. However, on the weekends, you have to get tickets in advance and when the first poll was taken this afternoon 8 hands were raised. When I picked them up at 5:30, however, there were three extra takers. Since we couldn't get any extra tickets on the spot, three of us went out for pizza instead. As a result, I had a great dinner with Fitzum and Zewdie.
Zewdie is 18 years old and in his last year of high school. 6 years ago he traveled with his father from his village to seek treatment for his very bad back. After traveling 4 hours by foot and another 7 hours by bus, they arrived in Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa. They were planning to go to the large government hospital but the landlord of the room that they rented suggested that they go to Mother Teresa's mission. When they got there, one of the nuns told them to come back on Saturday to see Dr. Rick Hodes. Rick diagnosed his disease as TB of the spine and arranged for surgery in Ghana. Since then, Zewdie has been part of the Hodes household and Rick is sponsoring his education. Zewdie is an excellent student, particularly enjoying physics.
Fitzum is a 23 year old oprhan who searched for years to find medical help for his back. Finally, he came across FOCUS on the interent which introduced him to Rick and the rest is history. 2 years ago Fitz had spine surgery in Ghana, growing 7 inches as a result!!, and he has been volunteering with Rick ever since while he a college student. Fitz is hoping to study nursing in Nebraska, where he has an aunt. I promised him that when he comes to the U.S., that I would take him skiing and that my brother will give him a free ski lesson. In return, Fitz is going to take GAK on a tour of the St. George beer factory when he comes t0 Addis. A perfectly logical trade, don't ya think!??!
In case you know anyone, Fitz might also appreciate meeting a lovely Amercian girl (he is sweet and very handsome!!)
Both of these young men are absolutely DELIGHTFUL and they did an enviable job of negotiating a good taxi fare home for me and Fitz even called me en route to check that he told me the agreed upon fare. Cute.
Good night from Addis,
--Jen
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