September 2012

Ethiopian New Year on the 11th. Various celebrations were held, but quiet compared to the US New Years.

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Meles Zanawe our prime minister passed away. Bill boards around the city reminded us of his hopes and dreams for Ethiopia under his leadership.

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Mr. Henry Moon and his wife had a typical Korean dinner party in their apartment. Barbara and I were the only non-Koreans present. You will notice the typical great food and traditions.

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Working with the residents is quite enjoyable. Enok is a little fellow who had a massive osteomyelitis of the hip now under control.

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The Myungsung Medical School Inauguration was September 29. A lot of speaking and singing was seen in celebration. And the next day Bea and Dan Chang celebrated Barbara’s birthday.

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National Korean Day was celebrated at the Hilton Hotel. Dignitaries including Mr. Tedessa (Minister of Trade), Lisa Filipetto (Australian Ambassador) and business women (Penelope and Evie Tsimas) as well as Mr. Lee with Yunie.

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George and Betty Stuart visited. Betty is the new Director of Water is Life NGO and was in country for her initial assignment. Barbara had a tea to introduce her to the local folks and they also toured the new medical school.

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Everybody loves Yun.

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Dan and Dita Poenaru have joined the staff. Dan is a pediatric surgeon and in addition to graduate level fellowship programs will be teaching at the medical college. Dita is a nurse with advanced degrees and is a valuable asset to the nursing program. Annie, the Korean guys and Betty Stuart are socializing with Dan and Dita at our house.

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Annie Gilmour departed in early November to join her dad and brother in Jordan for a bicycle trip. Annie had won the hearts of everybody during her stay here. I loaned her my lab coat so there were 2 Dr. Pearsons while she was here. The Myungsung Korean tradition is to encircle the loved one on the steps of the old guest house and send off with prayer. She has since returned to New Zealand with her family and will continue her medical studies.

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