Sisay
03 Feb 2012 10 Comments
Sisay was one of our LCF’s. For anyone who isn’t fluent in Peace Corps acronyms, an LCF is a language and cultural facilitator. They are modern day super heroes. These people leave their homes and families to come and live with us for our first 3 months in country. When we first arrive we are like lost children. We can’t speak, read or write. We don’t know how to properly eat, bathe or socialize. I am not quite sure how the Peace Corps finds these amazing people. They put their own needs on the back burner and give us their undivided attention. They have super human reserves of patience. They put up with our moods and frustrations as we go through culture shock. They go beyond their job descriptions and I feel that they give us unconditional love. Te biggest miracle of all is that within a few months time they teach us to speak a new language and function in a new world.
Sisay was one of these heroes. He shared a compound with me and my host family in Menegesha.. He spoke American slang better than me most of the time. He knew more American song lyrics than me by far. He was ahead of his time in breaking gender roles by being an Ethiopian man who could cook. He was a great cook actually and I even snuck in to watch him cut and peel vegetables a few times to make sure it wasn’t a hoax. Young 20’s and heartbreakingly handsome. Dedicated to his job and a brilliant teacher. When Sarah died it was Sisay who took me aside and quietly explained that I needed to cover my head with a scarf at her funeral. He told me how to tell her family that God would comfort them, and gave me the Amharic translation.
So today when we went to pay our respects to his family, ironically I knew what to do. Sisay slipped into the water at Lake Zuwai this weekend and drowned. The entire Peace Corps family of volunteers and staff are mourning his loss throughout the country. I wish I could pin a badge on Sisay for every Peace Corps success or achievement that has been accomplished by his students. And I hope that his Ethiopian family understands the amazing impact that their young son had on this country. We love you Sisay.
Feb 03, 2012 @ 16:23:01
Sooo sad Jess, im sorry for your loss!
Feb 03, 2012 @ 16:23:50
Thanks for sharing Jess. My condolences.
Feb 03, 2012 @ 16:43:47
So sorry to hear of this horrific loss; he sounded like a great person. I knew he was a tremendous help in your transition and a great friend. We are sorry for his loss.
Love Donna
Feb 03, 2012 @ 20:31:45
I am so sorry for your loss Jess…certain people leave footprints in our hearts and it sounds like he was one of those special people that you were lucky to have even for a short time.
Feb 03, 2012 @ 20:35:37
Jess, I am so very, very sorry, not only for you, but for all who learned from him and benefitted from his teachings. What a terrible loss for all of you… You re always in my thoughts, Jess.
Stay safe and well.
Love you, Aunty Karen
Feb 03, 2012 @ 22:19:19
Jess, It was so sad to read your post. I am so sorry for your loss. He seemed like a wonderful person…both a mentor and friend. Also, a great asset to the Peace Corps. Again, I am sorry…my condolences also.
Chris
Feb 04, 2012 @ 01:41:35
Some things, will never make sense. I’m so sorry to hear this Jess. Big hugs and kisses from the Aucellas.
Feb 04, 2012 @ 03:20:08
Beautiful sad story, Jess. Sending lots of love! What a tragic loss for everyone.
Feb 04, 2012 @ 12:32:37
Thank you dear Sisay for the important work you did while you were here. Thank you for the gift to my family of taking care of our Jessica. May you rest in peace and know that you are loved.
Jessica, I am sorry for your loss, but so happy that you were able to spend time with this wonderful person. Love Mom
Feb 04, 2012 @ 15:33:03
How devastating. I am so sorry, Jess. Sorry for his family as well. He sounded like the short time he was here he made a tremendous impact on so many lives. A humanitarian taken too soon.
Denise