THIS. METRO. JOURNEY. WAS. AMAZING! Everything ran smoothly and as planned, but before I take you to the results of the metro journey, let's first start at the beginning. 
This journey, we were sent to U Street to study Ethiopian culture relating to their history. After the hours of research at home, Leslie, Eliza, Nadia and I met at the Greenbelt metro stop at 8:00 in the morning. Although we didn't need to meet up until 9, we learned from last time that it didn't hurt to add extra time. IT WAS COLD! We looked like little snowmen walking into the train. Upon arriving at U street, we rushed to the Starbucks to get warm and wait for the others. There, we ran into Zion, got some coffee and waited. Next, Ananda arrived, followed by Gyasi and Kai, so we waited for one more person, Rabia, a new student in our class. Sadly, she and her sister, Dyaana, couldn't make it due to illness and a delayed metro train, but hopefully they'll be able to join us next time! 
The first stop we went to was Ben's Chili Bowl. I never knew this place was as popular as described! Famous people traveled from across the country to try Ben's chili fries. On the wall were pictures of music artists, such as Wale and Dr. Dre, as well as our President, Mr. Barack Obama, who had come to enjoy DC's famous chili fries. Because Zion and Ananda are vegans, we ordered the vegetarian chili fries. I think if they weren't vegetarian, I would have enjoyed them better. The waitress was so pleased with us that she even gave us a free order of bacon and eggs! 
Next on our itinerary was to eat at the famous Ethiopian restaurant, Dukem. I believe the whole point of this metro journey was to get us fat. LOL! The food... erm... um... let's just say... If it was the last thing on earth, I would eat it. Because I wasn't as hungry, I got an Ethiopian dessert that Ananda recommended. I didn't care for that, so I finished Nadia's chicken wrap, which was too spicy for her. After eating, we interviewed our waitress, who was Ethiopian. This is what we found out! - She had been living in the US for four years. It took her about five years to gain citizenship.
- She is an orthodox christian, as are most Ethiopians, which was surprising for me since so many missionaries are sent to Africa, I thought they were lacking in the knowledge of God's Truth.
- It is the man's responsibility to care for the children modernly, which is different because it used to be the responsibility of the woman's.
- Son's and daughter's discipline are the same, where in older times, the daughter was further disciplined.
- There is still diversity in tribes but on a more modern scale
- She does wear the traditional Gabbi and Netella apparel to church. Gabbi and Netella are Ethiopian materials/ fashion.
- She still celebrates the making off coffee regularly. She roasts the beans herself, grinding them, and enjoys them with her family.
- While Eritrea and Ethiopia used to be the same, the countries are very different now. The food, clothing, languages, are different. Now, when a person reaches a certain age they get to choose if they want to be Eritrean or Ethiopian, and once decided, they are not associated with the opposite country at all.
- She told us about Haili Selassi, the first Ethiopian president/king. Everyone loved him because of his rule. He protected the country, along with the culture. He was mourned when he passed. People still sing about him today.
Next, we performed music and a literary piece in front of Bus Boys and Poets, a book store/ cafe in DC. At first, we were a little skeptical, but when we started getting money and telling others about our organization, we emerged out of our shells and overall, it was a great show! Everyone complimented us, and Ananda, Nadia, and Eliza figured out a great way to show off their amazing singing skills. One lady was so impressed that she recorded us and put us on Instagram. She later posted, "I want to homeschool my kids!" That was such a great inspiration to the whole group, and I guess it really sunk in that We represent our homeschool community. Because we have such a great responsibility, we need to raise our standards to the highest level as to give our community a great first and lasting impression. 
After performing, we went into Bus Boys and Poets to read on Ethiopian culture. Okay, ready? A great story! A group of teenage homeschooling students entered Bus Boys and Poets with smiles on their faces, laughing and ready to study Ethiopian culture. With a confused look on her face, a girl, about 15, gets acknowledged by a sour faced woman obviously suspicious of the new 'apparent disturbance' that entered her store.
"How may I help you?" suspiciously asked the woman. The 15 year old explains her purpose as a homeschool student researching Ethiopian culture through her B.L.A.C.K. history class. When the girl said 'Ethiopian,' the slightest of smiles cracked across the woman's face. Hesitantly at first, then willingly, the lady points the class to the African history section. After about a half an hour, she makes her way over to the class and explains how excited she was that people were studying her culture.
Wait, what? Yes, you heard it right! HER culture! With shining faces, we interacted and asked her questions about her culture! She wished us luck on our future research, and invited us to visit her again! Her name was Rose Tsegereba. Her name means Rose Flower! Isn't that beautiful?!
It was sooo great to experience the impact that we left on the lady as well as the influence she left on us! "Why do we have to study black history?" is a question everyone in our class has asked themselves at one point of time. This really helped me understand! Black History doesn't begin at slavery. It goes beyond that! Africa has a very RICH history, and we as descendants of African culture should pride ourselves to research and know it.
To end our trip with a BANG, we used the money we made performing on the street to buy Ethiopian coffee! It was the most beautiful liquid substance I have ever tasted in my life, and I WILL be going back for more!
Kudos to Ms. Anna for developing an amazing Metro Journey, and hopefully, we all learned from this journey so next time we'll continue to be excited about the 2nd Thursday of each month!
