Honor Your Roots: Reflections from Ethiopia

Visiting Ethiopia is different when it is not your first time. For me, Ethiopia has always been more than a vacation. My parents come from there, and since then I feel as if it is a place connected to my culture, food, language, and so many parts of who I am. This summer, I had the chance to spend time there again, and being back there gave me a chance to experience something familiar.

One of the first things I noticed was how different everyday life can feel. The streets are busy, people are constantly moving, and there is always something happening around you. From the sounds of conversations and music to the smell of food being prepared, it’s a sort of surreal feeling.

A big part of visiting Ethiopia is, of course, the food. Foods like injera, tibs, shiro, and other traditional dishes are things I have grown up knowing, but eating them in Ethiopia made them feel like home.

Spending time with family was another important part of the trip. Seeing relatives, spending time together, and hearing stories made me appreciate the connections that can be difficult to maintain when living far away. Even simple moments, like sitting together drinking coffee and tea and sharing conversations, are ones you’ll cherish forever.

At the same time, visiting Ethiopia reminded me to appreciate everything I have always had; children here have a whole different experience of living than I do. I have grown up outside of Ethiopia, so returning gave me the chance to notice things I might not have understood or appreciated when I was younger. I was able to look at my culture from both the perspective of someone who grew up with it and someone who has experienced life somewhere else.

The trip also gave me a different perspective on what it means to call somewhere “home.” Home does not always have to be the place where you live every day. Sometimes, it can be a place that is connected to your family and your history. Ethiopia feels like that to me.

As the summer came to an end, I found myself thinking about how quickly the trip had gone by. I left with pictures, memories, stories, and a stronger appreciation for the parts of my culture that I sometimes take for granted. More than anything, my summer in Ethiopia reminded me that going back to your roots can help you understand yourself a little better.

No matter what you celebrate this time of year, I hope my experience encourages you to appreciate the time with family and friends and to be fully present as you honor your roots and traditions this holiday season.