Parenting under pressure in practice!

We are unsure of where the current Amhara crisis will lead us in the future. We are in a state of emergency; there is no internet in the entire region and all basic services, including banking and access to electricity, are blocked in many parts of the region. Our neighbors and fellow citizens are killing one another, scaring our children about the level of hatred that will exist in the next generation. Since the Tigray conflict began, there has been a tremendous amount of bloodshed in Ethiopia, and many families have lost loved ones.

In this dire situation, we simply don't know what to do; however, we are just praying for God's justice. There is nowhere we can go. Civilians and impoverished Ethiopians working for less than two dollars per day are injured in their homes, where they established their meager livelihoods. They simply weep and bury their loved ones while harboring resentment towards the murderers. The power is misused by those who advance military technology and make reckless use of it. Shame on us! Shame on us!

The insanity of some groups, who ultimately have the duty to protect their citizens, makes us very sad. Everyone feels unsafe because there are so many unknowns, including the silence of the international community. We don't understand why our people are being subjected to such atrocities by infiltrating and engaging in combat in their long-established community. Nobody can agree on what the government's top priorities are. On both sides, our people are losing their lives for an ambiguous government objective. No chair is restful enough to rule by coercing its citizens. No way! This madness must stop!

Our happiness is taken from us, and our hearts are broken. But, swallowing our sorrow because of the situation that our nation and religion are experiencing today, we are under great pressure to provide proper care for our kids. The insane adult war that is currently taking place in the Amhara region is unknown to children. They don’t know what we are fighting for. They are innocents. In many areas of the region, many people have already suffered. Schools aren't open, and there are many intimidations.

Kids merely desire a happy life. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that our emotions do not interfere with their daily playtime at home.? We pretend to smile. What we can do. Just nothing! The power is in the wrong hands of those who control the guns. There is no mercy for anyone. Those in positions of wealth and power as well as those with evil (religious) beliefs are acting in a very childish manner beyond the minds to comprehend. For what is it that all such things happen to its own citizens? To stay in power? To become rich? For what purpose do they live a sleepless life throughout their entire lives? To gain what? Shame on us!

Regarding our kids' future, we are worried. But despite this, we remain emotionally strong, demonstrating our crisis resilience. Many believed that this was just the start of the Amhara region's issues, such madness is likely to continue, and that a much more serious crisis lies ahead of us living in the region. We don't want our kids to grow up hearing the loud sounds of rocket or missile fire, like what the Tigrayan forces did in 2020. At the time, our children were very young, but now that they are older, they are able to recognize danger and may be traumatized by such loud noises. We ask God to take away the threat that is heading our way. He is asked to step in without delay.

Despite the internet being down, we have documented a lot of childcare activities during this crisis, including evening family prayers and songs that our children chose instantly (Yilma’s Songs), which is right at the right time (?????? ?????- He who watches for me does not sleep).

Kids missed Diana and Roma on YouTube. Many videos that we downloaded to use in case bad times come have served as a good tool to keep kids engaged at home. One video that our children shouldn't have seen but unintentionally watched while looking through a photo gallery on my phone has shocked us. I'll share the story about how they innocently questioned me after seeing that video and stating, "Why did that soldier slap at Aba (to say a respected priest)?" They don't know much about our ugly adult behaviors.

Social media was used to share a lot of offensive graphics, but we purposefully shielded our children from them because they should only be exposed to positive things in order to grow. Polarization along ethnic and religious lines is extremely risky. Children are unaware of a large number of adult sins. Their psychology is affected by bad graphics. The most horrifying crimes against its citizens have already been documented in Ethiopia in many instances. Our current bad habits will undoubtedly affect the next generation. It doesn’t need any prophecy What a shame, and how sad it is to imagine tomorrow!

Anyway, the picture I attached is to show parenting under pressure in practice but not to fantasize as if I am happy! I am under many pressures at this time. It is a good thing for all parents to practice.

Reminder! It is wise to (re)read carefully the story of Nebuchadnezzar if we haven't already because some people's hearts are so hardened like Pharaohs that they even refuse to accept some of God's miracles that some of us have recently witnessed nearby. At this time, spiritual combat is of the utmost importance. The final chapter of the current Ethiopian story has a very clear ending, but it is up to us to draw lessons from our past. It doesn’t require any prophecy. God is not a heartless Being who would abandon us. He is a loving Father, the father of our forefathers, the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Yisak. These all things are happening to us because of our sins. The world is so sinful.

Since we firmly believe in God, we are very optimistic. We can only put our faith in God. Until the day we die, we won't stop thinking about and praying for our lives, our children, our community, our country, and the entire world.

Beyond the gloomy horizon, we catch a glimpse of hope. Although no one can predict the future, things are looking up so far! Our nation's heavy burden is primarily caused by our sins—too many ugly things. Truth wins, so stand up for it! The fortunate ones will see God's Great Power. We hope to be among the fortunate ones to see His divine justice! Amen!

Thank you!

From the city of Bahir Dar!