Kidist is a seventeen-year-old exchange student from Ethiopia. We were lucky to have her in our class today.
She was so adorable and full of life. I loved the joy that showed in her face as she talked to the kids. She started by asking us if we knew which continent Ethiopia is in. Of course the kids had to shout out guesses, even though they had no idea. I heard China, India, and South America. We might need to study geography.
She explained that it took about 21 hours for her to fly here. Zane said, "That's almost a whole day!"
Tristen commented, "That's farther than Tulsa to Colorado."
She read us a story in her language and then translated it. The kids enjoyed the story and loved seeing the pages of the book written in another language.
She told us some interesting things about her country like some of the important buildings there and all about her country's flag. She also told some of the differences in her country and ours.
She lives in a house made of wood and mud. They have no refrigerators or stoves. They cook over a fire and hunt for food using a simple bow and arrow. Her favorite food in America is ice cream. She had never had it before she came here. They have dirt floors and most kids sleep on the floors. They don't have beds or bedrooms. She said 40% of children in Ethiopia live on the side of the road. Hannah asked me if we could send beds and toys to the children there. I wish we could.
There aren't many doctors in Ethiopia and it is very expensive to see a doctor.
Kidist lost both her parents. Her mom died while having a baby and her dad died from what started as a cold. She and her siblings live with her aunt.
The kids seemed a little sad and asked if she liked Ethiopia. She immediately answered yes. They asked why and she asked, "Do you love your country?" The kids all agreed they did and she explained that even though they are a poor country she still loves it!
She signed our autograph books and some of the kids gave her things they made.
Tristen complimented her and said she had pretty hair.
When she got ready to leave I told the class to tell her good-bye. To my surprise several of them shouted, "Adios!"
We were so blessed to have
Kidist in our class today. I can tell she has an amazing spirit. It really makes me realize how much we have to be thankful for. Thank you for visiting our class
Kidist!
She explained that it took about 21 hours for her to fly here. Zane said, "That's almost a whole day!" Tristen commented, "That's farther than Tulsa to Colorado."
She read us a story in her language and then translated it. The kids enjoyed the story and loved seeing the pages of the book written in another language.
She told us some interesting things about her country like some of the important buildings there and all about her country's flag. She also told some of the differences in her country and ours.
She lives in a house made of wood and mud. They have no refrigerators or stoves. They cook over a fire and hunt for food using a simple bow and arrow. Her favorite food in America is ice cream. She had never had it before she came here. They have dirt floors and most kids sleep on the floors. They don't have beds or bedrooms. She said 40% of children in Ethiopia live on the side of the road. Hannah asked me if we could send beds and toys to the children there. I wish we could.
There aren't many doctors in Ethiopia and it is very expensive to see a doctor. Kidist lost both her parents. Her mom died while having a baby and her dad died from what started as a cold. She and her siblings live with her aunt. 
She signed our autograph books and some of the kids gave her things they made. Tristen complimented her and said she had pretty hair. 
We were so blessed to have Kidist in our class today. I can tell she has an amazing spirit. It really makes me realize how much we have to be thankful for. Thank you for visiting our class Kidist!
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