** SEE BELOW (IN RED) FOR EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS ABOUT MESSAY'S FAMILY IN ETHIOPIA **

When we first heard about Messay, we knew very little about her background and circumstances. In that e mail from AAI dated October 26th 1999, her name was spelled "Messi" and we were told that she came from Gondar (an Ethiopian province near Sudan) with a group of other orphans, was almost 4 years old and was healthy. Her personality was described as shy and affectionate.

Within a few weeks of that e mail, we received other documents which told us a little more about Messay's circumstances and her birthfamily.

Because births are not regularly recorded in Ethiopia, even Messay's family was unable to give an exact date for her birth. A doctor at the Children's Home in Ethiopia estimates that Messay's approximate birthdate is December 5th 1995.

What we know from the paperwork is that Messay was born sometime in 1995 in Gondar and possibly in a village called Adis Zemen. Her birth mother was named Enat Gebeyehou and her birthfather was named Kassahun Adula. Messay also has a brother who is now 10 years old and is named Agenew Kassahun.

In Ethiopia it is customary for children to take as their last names the name of their father. When Messay was born her parents named her Tidenek Kassahun. Tidenek means "you are amazing" in Amharic. According to what Messay told the workers at AAI's children's home, her mother always called her Tidenek but her other family members called her "Messay" which means "my mirror" or "you resemble me".

Sometime in late 1998 or early 1999 her father, a soldier, died of an unspecified illness.

In mid 1999, Messay's birthmother also died of an unspecified illness. Messay and Agenew went to live with an aunt and uncle and their 3 cousins. The family, being very poor, was unable to care for Messay and on July 23rd 1999 they relinquished Messay to the care of the government. Agenew still lives with his aunt and uncle in Gondar.

In August 1999, Messay arrived in Addis Ababa where she stayed for a short time with the Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity Home for Children. She was then transferred to AAI's Children's home. When she arrived in Addis Ababa, Messay was very sick with malaria and worms, but she has since then been treated and is now very healthy.

In early March we contacted Warkaw Afera who is an Ethiopian now living in California. Warkaw also happens to be from the Gondar region which is where Messay is from. Warkaw told me that he would soon visit his family in Gondar and that he would be happy to try to contact Messay’s relatives in Ethiopia. 

We sent photos, a letter and a drawing from Messay to Warkaw to pass to Messay's relatives should he be successful in finding them in Ethiopia

On May 17^th 2001 we received the following e mail from Warkaw:

First of all congratulations! I found Messay's

relatives in Addis Zemen!!!

How are you and your family doing? I am doing great. I

came back from Ethiopia safely. I had great time with

my family and friends though my vacation was too short.

I am too thankful to God that he helped me to fulfill

what I promised. As I told you, it did not take

long time to find her relatives. Mama Wubalu was the

one whom I had contacted, she was very excited to hear

that Tidenek is alive!

Once again Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sincerely,

Warkaw

How is every thing going on these days? Especially with

Tidenek After the BIG news?

Let me answer your question. Mama Wubalu's house is not like those houses you saw in Addis Ababa. It is some what a place to cover your self from the outside environment. It is made from woods and a roof with sheets of tin.

Mama Wubalu's husband works in a local Kebele(Region) office. Although I didn't have the time to wait and meet him, I will imagine he will not make more than 200 birr ~ 25 U.S dollars monthly salary. Their living condition is below the poverty line but they are working hard to overcome any challenge.

Mama Wubalu is a very hard worker, she sells charcoal(the main fire wood in Ethiopia) also she makes and sells traditional cloth. Mama Wubalu was very very excited to hear that tidenek is alive. she told me that since they don't have any information about the where about of Tidenek, They gave up their hope that she is alive.

In fact I have learnt that Ato Asmamaw (Tidenek’s uncle) has been to Addis ababa-orphanage last summer to see the whereabouts of Tidenek but he came back home with no news. They have been waiting almost for eight months with out hearing any news about her.

Tidenek's father died after he suffered long time

with an unknown disease I learned. Her mom also died

with in six months after the death of her husband.

I learned that life was much worst for Tidenek's mom

after her husband's death. Tidenek was with Mama

Wubalu before the death of her mom and her brother came

after she died. Tidenek's brother is a 3rd grade student.

I was promised you to bring their pictures but my

family warned me of robbers. Because of that I did

not carry my camera with me when I went to Addis Zemen.

But I have told Mama Wubalu to take pictures with her

family and to send it to you. I believe you will

receive it soon. If there is any thing you need to know

please let me know.

See you soon

My best greetings to TIDENEK & Your husband

Warkaw