Olla there,

GOSH, if only I knew how nerve wrecking this could be I would not have been coerced by the SELEDA editors to contribute. Even though I love reading the SELEDA LD, I never thought I would participate – as the saying goes, "doron siyataliluwat beTerba Talewat. I feel like I am undertaking a monumental task…..give me a minute to compose myself. my fingers that are used to going at 75 wpm are freezing on me.....

Okay....I am someone in my twenties ( pre - edget be hibret zemeCha—no I did not go, I mean I was born around that time + 5 yrs ) who has been on exile for quite sometimes…I have ambivalent feelings about my life in the US…details to follow in the next few entries. I am getting jittery writing an intro so before I go postal on my co-workers, I will just say merhaba / Bien Venue to my world…..

From:        Melak?
To:            RomaneWorQ
Subject:

Dear LD partner:

Look at me, already off to a late start. So, before a certain Seledawi carries through her threat of sending Vito, "Tiny" and Leroy to "persuade" me to get moving (these Seledawians, such shady characters), I humbly send my greetings wrapped in a ribbon of apology.

What to tell about myself ? I am among History's Children who tumbled forth into the world in a nation then busily embroiled in the making of history, for better or worse. So my parents, maybe recognizing my inextricable link to that period, or because I was their first child -- their joy, their symbol of a new beginning, a new chapter -- named me "a new beginning, a new chapter".

When the time came to be immersed in cold water, they took me to church and again named me -- this time, after an angel, after the one who announced to Mary. I wonder if they know that I hold a grudge against her -- sost bota biCha new yesameChiN! Anyway, my dear LD partner, why don't you thus call me Melak? (yes, Melak?, with a question mark, for who is to say I am really an angel?)

So, what does Melak? do ? well, Melak? is currently adjusting to life back in the US after thirteen months away (yep, thirteen months of sunshine!) in Africa -- – Southern and West Africa -- and happily, excitedly and anxiously looking forward to finishing last year of graduate school. I am a student of Public Policy, concentrating in the field of economic development.

And you, my dear partner? Besides being told that you are a remarkable young woman that will keep on my toes, I have been left to wonder.

On to Entry One