My first book, “Dalu: Introduction to Chinese for Amharic Speakers” was launched in May 2016. My parents, my sisters, my close family and friends all joined me. Counselor You Yi from the People’s Republic of China was also an honored guest. The only one missing was my husband, Nathan, who spent days and days designing the layout of the book…he had work and could not come to Addis for the launch. The best moments were:

1. Seeing my dad tearing up…he was so proud and I was so emotional!!

2. Speaking in Chinese, Amharic and English so the entire audience would understand what I am talking about.

3. Explaining how some Chinese characters came to be…and hearing my Ethiopian friend say “Aha! Then is method to the madness!!”