▎▎▎I’m 30 and I'm grateful

Finally I’m 30

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?? 100:3

“. . .? It is he who made us, and we are his; . . .”

Psalm 100:3 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.100.3.ESV

I’m truly grateful for my existence at this moment. My journey in life has had its challenges, but I’ve navigated through them safely. God knows what lies ahead. As the psalmist reminds us, ‘It is he who made us, and we are his’—whatever the future holds, I know who has it.

I appreciate every breath I take and the wonderful people in my life. Today, I’ve formed friendships with individuals from all corners of the globe.

I extend my blessings to those who have been bridges, and helping me reach this point in my journey.”

As I celebrate my 30th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has shaped me into who I am today. It’s a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering belief in the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” This quote resonates deeply as I navigate the complexities of life, particularly in the context of my beloved Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is a land of rich history and vibrant culture, yet it is currently facing tremendous challenges due to the civil war in Tigray. My heart aches for the beautiful people of Adigrat, where I spent six formative years at university. The friendships I forged and the lessons I learned during that time remain etched in my soul. The warmth and resilience of the people there have taught me invaluable lessons about community and strength.

Reflecting on my high school years in Assosa, I cherish the memories of laughter shared with my best friends and the beautiful women who inspired me daily. It was in those moments that I learned how to navigate the game of life—working as a tour guide and in a café, where I discovered my passion for connecting with others. Those experiences shaped my understanding of joy and perseverance.

However, life has not always been easy. I think back to Welkite, the capital city of the Gurage zone, where I faced one of my darkest moments—spending 105 days in prison just before turning 15. It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, yet it also marked a turning point in my life. When I found myself living on the streets as a young boy, it was Degemu—a guardian angel—who showed me kindness and compassion. Even today, his words resonate with me. Just recently, he reached out with a heartfelt message for Ethiopian New Year, sharing a beautiful verse from Numbers 6:24:

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????6:24-26”

These words remind me that even in the midst of turmoil, there is hope and light to be found. As I reflect on the past few years—filled with war and financial crises—I recognize that hope can sometimes feel elusive. A beloved mentor recently asked me to rate my hope for Ethiopia on a scale from 1 to 10. While I hesitate to share that number, it’s clear that we face daunting challenges ahead.

In this journey, I carry with me the wisdom of my beloved kind mom and my mentor Gayll, who once told me, “Asche, don’t lose your directions. If you do, please come back to your path. As God was leading the Israelites, He is leading you through the cloud by day and fire by night. He is leading you (Asche). He is with you and beside you. You have to come back to it when you go out of it. I love you.” These are the people who surround me; they are the ones who make me feel loved.

I would be remiss not to mention my incredible friends from university—those who have been by my side for over ten years. They have shaped me in every dimension of life and have become vital bridges that have helped me navigate this journey. With a personality rooted in Connectedness, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. My friends were brought into my life for a purpose; they have supported me through thick and thin and have played an essential role in my growth. To those who continue to check in on me and help build me up, I am profoundly grateful for each of you.

My philosophy centers around understanding—understanding God, the days, the people, the cultures, my passions, my colleagues, and everything around me. This year, I aspire for it to be a year of deeper understanding. Life is complex, and embracing this complexity allows us to connect more meaningfully with ourselves and others.

As I stand on the threshold of this new decade, I choose to embrace hope. The days ahead are filled with potential, and though the road may be difficult, I believe in the strength of our people. Together, we can rise above adversity and create a brighter future.

In reflecting on this theme of hope, I'm reminded of NF's poignant song titled "Hope." The lyrics resonate deeply with my journey—reminding us that even when we feel lost or overwhelmed, there is always a flicker of light waiting to guide us through the darkness. NF captures the essence of battling inner demons while holding onto that glimmer of hope that keeps us moving forward.

I’ve come to realize that there are different kinds of bridges—the best, the normal, and the scary ones. The people like Degemu and my mentors are those where I feel safe. With them, I can truly be myself; I can be honest and share whatever is going on in my life. I can cry and laugh loudly without fear of judgment.

And then there are people like you who give me motivation and purpose to pursue the things I love.

I don’t want to spend time talking about the normal and scary bridges that have terrified me; however, I cannot close this reflection without thanking some incredible teachers who have impacted my life: Debritu, the very tall and skinny Grade One teacher at Ras-Zesilasseie; Mulu, the Selam Ber Grade 8 teacher at Welkite; Martha, the English teacher at Assosa; Shime, my best friend from Assosa; and Goitish (Goitom), Shewa, Bosco, and Dr. Babu from Adigrat University.

So, don’t get me wrong. While the challenges are real and the weight of despair can be heavy, I am committed to finding joy in every moment and cherishing the relationships that uplift me. As I celebrate this milestone birthday, I invite you to join me in embracing hope, resilience, and the beauty of life.

To conclude my reflection, I would like to share a prayer written on my birthday five years ago:

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?? September 16, 2019

The poem draws from Psalm 139, inviting God to search my heart and observe my every moment, both when I sit and when I rise. Acknowledging His presence that surrounds me, I long for Him to reveal my true self, stripping away the false facades I've created. I yearn for His grace to envelop me completely. And I bless you with it.

Thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to many more years of growth, love, and laughter!

With all my heart, you are a blessing.

Aschalew (Achaye) Biruu.

September 16, 2024