I presume that when you get to be my age, you tend to modify your goals, and/or to question whether you’ve done all that's necessary to achieve those that you’d set-up for yourself….I often speculate about that!

Clearly I have accomplished many of those that I DID set up for myself, but there are many more that I haven't, and consequently I often feel disappointed with myself. ... Yet, I know that I have time to make amends…!!

As many of you already know, the most significant objective for me, at the present time, is to return to Ethiopia permanently. I miss Ethiopia very much, and consequently, I feel an endless emptiness growing daily inside me.

Indubitably I’d be traveling to the US often enough to see my sons, my grandchildren and the rest of the family members, including all of my in-laws and nephews and nieces,...but my permanent base would be: Ethiopia. Those who know me closely, know that this is a fundamental necessity for me!

Clearly, the first and foremost reason is that I want to be near my aging mom and spend as many years together as God will permit us to have … I have no brothers or sisters, and the thought of her being there alone, though  there are cousins and aunts... rips my heart in pieces.

I have several goals that I want to realize …

There are many schools throughout Ethiopia and generally Ethiopians love to learn and to be educated, but I believe that there aren’t enough good schools, and therefore, one goal is to establish an additional school in Mekele, Tigray, which is where my mom lives and perhaps I can teach there... or... perhaps, enlarge and improve existing schools, thus providing education to every single child.

Another goal is to launch a physical training facility that caters specifically to youngsters, to include the same aspects of medical and safety programs available to kids abroad. 

Most importantly  I dream to institute recycling centers in all major cities/towns, as well as adequate disposal of garbage and vastly educating the public accordingly. This, in my belief, is essential for the upkeep, the beauty, and the healthy growth of Ethiopia in the whole...  I think that it’s imperative to establish a sound garbage disposal center everywhere… More hospitals… medical facilities… adequate amenities… education for EVERYONE and much more

There are so many things to do in Ethiopia! All to be accomplished solely for Ethiopia; for the future of Ethiopia; for generations to come, for my grandchildren, for your grandchildren and for theirs…

I know that I dream big, but this is what I want and somehow I know that I will eventually achieve it all. With the blessing of God Almighty, and with a lot of hard work and resolve, it will all happen. I have no doubts about it!

Ninni Lemus