1 V 2011; Chicago, Illinois
The conscience notion of time engrained in my head that I defend vigorously, regardless of the many times advocated by others to loose it, even in part, by either direct challenge or by vague and subtle astute rhetoric advocated by an opponent of time conscience, concealed, and therefore, overwritten the lax character and blasé attitude … Read more
22 IV 2011; Chicago, Illinois
The family is doing well. They are making incremental achievements in their greater amelioration into the society we call America. The father recently sent in his application to become a licensed taxi driver and is expecting a response by next month. The eldest son recently became employed at a convenient store downtown. The mother found … Read more
11 IV 2011; Chicago, Illinois
The day couldn’t of been any more fantastic. The weather was delightful, my stomach was content and both Emily and I were sporting smiles. We confirmed our family visit for today yesterday to stop by around three in the afternoon and we both looked forward to see the family after a some time apart. Weary … Read more
27 III 2011; Chicago, Illinois
I felt burnt out. It seems that every visit with the father repeats every weekend. The usual conversation includes warm greetings, work, the weather, politics, back to work, sipping coffee and current events. The period of volunteer fatigue is normal and is expected, however, this can be a sign that efforts put forth through volunteering … Read more
18 III 2011; Chicago, Illinois
The family seemed immensely busy. Emily and I found Gadina resting on his day off from night shifts, Arkiband (the younger son) also resting after school, while Kyia and the wife out. Only on the first family visit did Emily and I find the entire family present. However, a couple hours later, Kyia and his … Read more
4 III 2011; Chicago, Illinois
Emily insisted on seeing a demonstration of how to make Ethiopian coffee. Gadina was delighted to show us how to prepare a delicious brew of coffee. A rich color brown ceramic pot was used in boiling the water. Gadina added a plentiful amount of coffee grounds to such a small amount of water. The aroma … Read more
27 II 2010; Chicago, Illinois
Emily and I came bearing gifts for Gadina and his family. Emily brought the family a map of the world which we attempted to hang on the wall. I brought a bag of clothing including a blanket and a few spring jackets. Unfortunately, the two boys and his wife were not around, we made small … Read more
20 II 2011; Chicago, Illinois
Gadina wore a light blue bath towel around his shoulders. I wasn’t sure if it was to keep him warm or perhaps he was feeling ill. His face already looked tired after two weeks of nightshifts at the local airport cleaning. He made several points that he was discontent with his current employment, however, Emily … Read more
6 II 2011; Chicago, Illinois
I walked into the apartment only to find Gadina and his son huddled around the television set on the floor. Apparently, the two channels they received, one being a Spanish station, was not working. Perplexed, I began insisting perhaps they need to subscribe to a cable service. After attempting to rework some of the wiring … Read more
The State of the Union and Unemployment in Context
The State of the Union last month largely highlighted the Obama’s administration’s good efforts in endorsing sound and sustaining unemployment policies. The administration is responsible for creating 1 million private sector jobs last year. Obama argues that the incremental steps taken over the past two years “may have broken the back of the recession,” however, … Read more
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Authors
Reporting from Africa
