Jazz & Something Better
The door swings open as I am heading toward it. A man with dark skin, small round glasses and a warm smile is waiting on the other side. “Welcome, Sarah!” he says cheerfully, greeting me with an embrace. I return the smile and follow him into the dimly lit restaurant.
Tables are decked with simple printed cloths, mosaic candles and napkins fashioned into delicate crowns. A couple is seated up front, near the window, perusing the unique menu for the first time. Light jazz music is playing but the place, otherwise, is quiet.
Tana: Bringing the flavors of Ethiopia to Pittsburgh!
I am led toward the kitchen and meet the sister of the owner, Mr. Seifu, who has just let me in. She is a beautiful woman with many wrinkles and a quiet manner. She is wearing a long floral skirt and blouse; her hair is tied back with a scarf. We are introduced. She speaks no English. Only Amharic.
She shakes my hand and her brother tells her that I am soon going to Ethiopia as a missionary. She is interested by this fact and smiles at me. We chat a little more through Mr. Seifu, and then I am told to sit down, to make myself comfortable.
In a moment, a young man strolls in and greets the sister in a big hug. They laugh and head to the kitchen, his arm tight around her. On their way in, he nods at me and introduces himself. He has a very big and generous smile. His name is Neftu, another native of Ethiopia who happens to speak English as well.
Within moments, the lady brings me a plate of injera, ladled with steaming portions of fossolia (green beans and carrots), ye ater kik alicha (split peas and onion) and minchet abish (ground beef). A complimentary plate to welcome me to my first day. I eat the entire thing greedily; Ethiopian food is so delicious!
Soon after this, Ms. Martha arrives, dressed in a white skirt suit and heels. Her hair is short, tight curls and her eyes are deep set. She is kind, but firm in a no-nonsense sort of way; it’s clear that she is the one who runs the show around here. She greets me and instructs me on how the evening will go, that I am to shadow one of the waitresses.
So begins my first night at Tana…
I was immediately struck by the hospitality and kindness of the Ethiopian people and throughout the night was able to have more conversations with our amazing cook, as well as other Ethiopians who came in to eat. And while at first I watched the two American servers, it wasn’t long before I was given my first few tables to wait on. [gasp]
A jazz band set up at 8 o’clock (we have live music every Wednesday and Saturday night! 
), filling the restaurant with the luscious strains of trumpet and sax and bringing a rush of hungry guests. I was very busy my first night, getting a crash course in serving tables (this was my first time working as a waitress!), but I found that I really enjoyed it!
When I zoom out and look at this job, I am so blessed by God. I am amazed that I get to know these lovely people before even arriving to Africa. He continues to confirm that this is the place He is calling me to. Continues to show me the way. I know that I would not have picked Tana as my place of employment on my own; but God knew that I needed to be there.
Thank you everyone who has been praying for me! Saturday turned out to be a truly fascinating evening, albeit busy and a little overwhelming at first. But in truth, this job is a welcome alternative to my bank job. I don’t have to sit the whole time or stare at a computer or count money. I can talk to people, tell them about Ethiopian food and serve them. It’s something far better than I could have imagined.
God really knows everything.
