When Roots Come Home

A Journey of Reconnection, Renewal, and Greatness in Southern Ethiopia, Return Part

Arrival in Addis Ababa
Nothing is more delightful than arriving at Bole International Airport! Last year, June 18th, I am honored to host four extraordinary adopting families and their children for the first time. Most of the families in Addis Ababa had been connected to my biological family search work at Ethiopian Family Search long ago. It felt incredibly special to re-connect them and give a tour of the country through the exceptional service of Sador Ethiopia Tours. 

After arriving at the hotel, we started exploring the place and went to the National Museum to see Lucy on the first afternoon. We enjoyed a scrumptious traditional lunch and then hiked up lovely eucalyptus trees on Mount Entoto. Enjoying magnificent views of Addis Ababa, visiting the old palace, and having fun in the mountainous cool air made a wonderful introduction.

Reconnection, Culture, and Coffee
Having arrived from another continent, I believe it is essential to take it easy and let people relax and get used to the surroundings. We spent a lovely morning at Holy Trinity Cathedral, enjoying the amazing arts. Our afternoon was well spent at Mercato – one of the most excellent open-air markets in Africa, taking in the astonishing colors, exotic spices, and unique handcrafted souvenirs.

First Family Reunion
We loaded our coaster bus to drive back to Hosaena, which is about 230 km from Addis Ababa, and I think it was the best thing that could have happened. Just a few kilometers from Hosaena, we took a short break in another village near our first destination to witness a spectacular family reunion. An adopted boy was about to see his birth family for the first time after returning to Ethiopia. The local family has made a remarkable traditional ceremony to welcome him back. Over a delicious lunch, coffee, and stories, the language barrier melted away. Heartfelt crying, warm hugs, and laughter filled the house as no one could believe this moment had come. This was one of those priceless, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you want to frame and hang on your heart. We took numerous photos!

School Project Opening and Family Reunion
The next day, we drove to Amecho Primary School in Doyo Gena to officially open a new latrine facility. Strides for Africa and Roots Ethiopia construct this excellent project, and we arrived at the school to be greeted with flower bouquets, traditional shawls, and beaming faces by the students, teachers, and local elders.
We offered traditional bread, drank coffee and shared stories with them. Gifts of sports balls and playful flags for the children brightened their day! The founder of Strides for Africa and my adopting dad also gave an inspiring speech to the community. 

In the afternoon, we drove to a small village called Utuge. The founder’s adopted son reunites with his birth mother, grandfather, great-grandmother, aunts, and uncles for the first time since 2009. I will be forever grateful for this beautiful reunion. The family members sit together, drink coffee, tell stories, and feel the warmth of being together after a long and heartfelt journey.

Mount Hambericho: Steps and Miracles
We went sightseeing on an adventure to Mount Hambericho in Durame. After leaving the tarred road, we entered a forest of rocks and mountains. The coaster bus had difficulty going up a steep slope and lost power! We quickly hired local drivers familiar with rocky paths to take us up and had a great time! This was one of those heartwarming local adventures.

Hiking Mount Hambericho has been described as an easy walk up a long staircase. Well, I walked up a staircase of 777 steps and reached the summit! The view was fantastic as I enjoyed a 360-degree view of the beautiful southern green hills. On the way back to Hosaena from Mount Hambericho, you might ask, what else could possibly happen? As we dropped off the family in Doyo Gena town, I received a call from my local liaison. He asked me if I could arrange to meet the birth mother at the Doyo Gena district office in the morning. She has recently remarried and moved from the northern part of Ethiopia. What a pleasant surprise to have such a delightful family connection happen in town!

Farewell in Addis Ababa
Before going back to Addis Ababa, we stopped by the first family again to spend more time together. In the meantime, another family reunited with the local researcher who helped them trace their daughter’s roots for a more extended period. We all met in Addis Ababa in the evening for a farewell dinner.
Sador Ethiopia Tour hosted a traditional farewell dinner at an elegant Ethiopian traditional restaurant. Kids and their parents danced the night away to traditional music and delicious meals in a spectacular party. What a tremendous end it was to an amazing family reunion tour!