Snakes and Snails? Abate

Abate at the Waco Zoo

Abate and Surafel - his best friends at KM

Abate and Schindler

Cross Country Picture

Soccer Picture

Just received a letter from Mom and Dad while at KM

Our handsome boy!

Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails - well maybe not. Abate is all Soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, running and well just being competitive. He just loves soccer and will play whenever he gets the chance. If he could play in matches all day- well he would. He tried back in the autumn when he played in both the City and School leagues.

Abate swore when he first arrived in Texas he would never like American football "silly sport". Well guess what? He loves it - took all of 2 weeks after the start of the season. I didn't let him play it this year but he can't wait to play it next year. He is also on the basketball team but is on the "c" team this year. Coach has already said he will probably be on the A of B team next year.
Well anyone who has been reading this blog for the past 4 months knows what an incredible distance runner he is. Medals in every race and a 2nd place finish in the district cross country meet. I can't wait for track season to start in the spring.
Abate has some great stories to tell of his life in Ethiopia. He had a pet monkey, he found it when it was young and raised it. He tells stories of lions and crocodiles and how he and his friends would call out a warning if some were spotted. It is a life that we can only imagine.

Abate is a truly amazing boy. His life has seen so many changes and he has met them all head on with a fierce resiliency. Nothing stops this kid. While he may seem tough, he is a real sweetie. He has a soft side that he will sometimes let shine.

Abate is a 13 year old boy and he is most definitely that! Full of energy and spirit and attitude. Life sure is fun with him and oh so rewarding.