Just Tree It

We packed up at 7:00 am and checked out of the Tazina Guest House, loaded up 2 vans and headed for Gindo.  There is no "Zanner Friendly" hotel in Gindo so we are staying in Woliso which is 30 kilometers from Gindo.

The hiway out of Addis was paved but there are no dividing lines so the drivers are free to pick a lane.  Lanes of choice was a good thing because there was a constant stream of people, donkeys, carts, goats etc. randomly along the hiway.  For 3 hours we did not lose site of humanity.  As we approached the countryside, the air quality was noticeably improved - less smog.  Along the highway, the smart donkeys walk in the middle of the road, in between the traffic, as the zooming traffic keeps the flies away.

The rural farmers grow crops like tef (the grain used to make injera), corn, barley, wheat and even sunflowers. 

Crops and captivating countryside.

The farm houses are all made of clay/mud and sticks.  Some of the homes, called a Gojo, are round and have a peaked thatch roof.

Rural building made of sticks.

Gojo.

En route, I learned about the large warka trees.  These trees are the pillar of the rural Ethiopian community as they hold meetings, celebrations and get-togethers under the warka tree.  I was mesmerized by these warka trees - and in awe at how life throws you a curve ball every now and then.

Warka Tree in rural Ethiopia.

When I was about fourteen, I played fastball and Mr. Trottier was my coach.  Mr. Trottier taught us about an African community that had a connection with a specific type of tree.  When they had troubles they would put their hand on the tree, and channel their troubles into the tree.  The strength of the tree would take on the burden on behalf of the community.  It was a cleansing and healing ritual.  Using this analogy, when the team was frustrated or upset, if you made an error or struck out, Mr. Trottier used the term "Tree It".  

THE DIAMOND GRYPHONS
Back (L to R):  Bob, Jan, Rennay, Jenny, Tanya, Marsha, Tanya, Zanner, Mr. Trottier
Front (L to R):  Tanis, Alison, Melanie, Jen, Taralea, Kim, Brenda (Missing:  Verna)

"Tree It" meant that we could give up our troubles, let it go, and move on.  The term "Tree It" became part of our team's vocabulary and very much a tool used to deal with the frustrations of playing fastball, and being a teenager.  In fact, I still use the term "Tree It" as an adult - the story had quite an impact on me.

I cannot believe that 24 years later, I found THE TREE!  Needless to say, it was an emotional experience (which I gave back to the tree!).

Thanks to Mr. Trottier, I was finally able to "Tree It" - literally!

The gang under the warka tree shows you how big it really is!