The Meeting of Paul and Abraham

Trip Start Jun 16, 2007

Trip End Aug 11, 2007

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Flag of Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Thursday, August 9, 2007

Today as I was walking up Menelik II Avenue I ran into an eleven year old boy named Abraham. He asked me if I wanted to get my shoe shined. Shoe shine boys are a dime a dozen in Addis which I don't understand considering that it is rainy season right now. Regardless, I declined, despite all the dirt on my sneakers.

Was this a meeting of Biblical proportions? Abraham and Paul met today. I couldn't help notice the coincidence. Abraham was an intelligent kid who would have easily been an ace in my class. At first when he came up to me I thought he was one of the many street children than roam this city. But it turns out he is living with his mother.

Abe told me his story which I found to be quite sad. His dad had passed away and his brother shot to death at the age of twelve for throwing stones at a police officer during a riot. He also told me about his savings of 45 Birr (approximately USD $5) that he was saving to buy a school uniform. He asked me for some money and I kindly declined. Giving out money I have come to realize can be a trouble of its own.

Tomorrow I head back home. It's been a great journey and I have more to write about when I get back. Until then. Paul