Awaken by Ruth J's phone call at 10am. Read Obama a bit while sipping the tea C brought me in bed; Jaal & C went shopping, E & I stayed at home; E did his music practice and watched TV; I tided up, filed documents, checked emails, hoovered the house, played football, swings etc in the park with E. bought phone cards, rang and talked to NAdhi, Ayele, Rod, Ashenafi, Mum, Nagesa & Garbushe; couldn't speak with Idaya others as the line didn't work; rang and told Meno what I heard from others - everyone in USA (celebrated xmas & new year) & home (preparing for Ethi xmas) is fine; Sida & Lelise left for Negele, on their way they will distribute UDA appeal for funds and the receipts, try to find Lel a job; Genene (hotel cashier) wants leave, no hotel guard available, no replacements for both; I promised to send some money for Hadiqo Ferceqo via mum/Garbushe for her to buy food etc; the rooms being built at the back of our Shakiso residence are nearly finished, Nagesa said.
While tidying up documents, I found a note written in Amharic in a green marker. It said, "To dear my son Elfneh Udessa, can we finish everything tomorrow and I send me home immediately in the name of God". It tells all how dad felt about England.
Obama says in his book that his half-sister Auma had got the three things needed to negotiate the modern world, i.e. plans, budget and deadlines! I am gripped by this book. I'm reading Part three, just started his first visit to Kenya. I am increasingly relating to the Obamas in many ways ... the African family bonds, Africans' views of USA or Europe, the descriptions of Nairobi etc etc all too familiar. I will write a brief reaction to this book when I finish reading. Clearly, from the very beginning, Barack Obama was a man on a mission! I'll read it a bit and go to bed after a quick glass of rose and a bath!
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