Can you explain some Ethiopian Cuisine?

Keywords to know when ordering:

Injera: A large sourdough flatbread made out of fermented teff flour (which means it's gluten free!).  It looks spongey and is the main "vehicle" for most dishes.

Firfir: Refers to stir-fried injera.  

Tibs/Tebs:  Sauteed meat chunks.  

Shiro: (my personal favorite)  A stew made from split peas, chickpeas, or lentils.  If it's shiro with kebbe that means it's made with a spiced butter. 

Berbere: A typical spice blend or chili pepper.  It comes with most orders on the side to spice things up or is cooked with it.  Ethiopians like spicy food.

Kitfo: I almost ordered this one time because I was randomly picking things off the menu to try.  Thank goodness I didn't!  This is ground RAW beef that is mixed with the kibbe. 

When you get your meal, it will most likely come on ONE plate (even if three of you ordered different things).  Ethiopians like to share food.  The injera will be the bottom, and then whatever you ordered on top and most likely some more injera rolled up on the side.  Don't forget to use your hands!  Happy eating!

When will you be coming home?  

My flight to leave Spain (where we end the Camino) is November 22nd. 

Which has been your favorite continent?

Hands down: Africa.  The generosity, the simplicity, the bush, the friends I created. 

Were you ever homesick?

Nope.  Even through the tough times, God put me on this journey for a reason and He provided. 

What is something you won't miss about the race?

Living out of a backpack and packing up month after month after month.

What are your plans for after the race?

If you read my blog I've Got A Dream then you probably read that I'm called to Africa, that I'm called for missionary life.  In February, I'll be heading to Rwanda with my friend Ashley (from the race!).  We are going to help with Hearts of Hope for a few weeks (so I'll get to see the ladies that I worked with in Rwanda again because I'll be helping with their graduation!). After that Ashley and I will help with some odd and end projects for Hope Rwanda, meet up with some friends we made from the different countries, and hopefully each find our next calling. 

What are you most looking forward to when you get home?

Hugging all my family--Mom, Brother, Uncles, Aunt, Cousins (seeing Baby George!), and of course my baby girl Alivia!  And then hopefully a family game night!!! :D

**If you've got more questions, post them and I'll answer**