Mekdes Ababu

This is the story of Tsehay, a woman who spent most of her life embraced by the serenity of the Debremariam island monastery. Located on a piece of land between Lake Tana and the Blue Nile, the monastery is known to have more than 903 years of history, carrying a community of several families whom like Tsehay, have indestructible faith in their spirituality.
 
Upon our first encounter, Tsehay had a bright and cheerful spirit. There was a touch of resilience that I sensed through her faith as I got to know her more. Her late husband passed away 8 years ago, and she has survived several miscarriages before having her son Sale’amlak.
 
Nowadays, Tsehay's only means of income is the small rental fee she collects from her tenants. The money, though small, supports her life as well as her son’s education. Lately though, she began to fall ill regularly. Although her illness was severe, her faith and conviction feel even stronger. Tsehay goes down to lake Tana to fetch water in a container before leaving it at the gates of the church. She hopes that the late-night prayers of the monks will turn it into holy water, which she believes will emancipate her from her illness, once she breaks her fast with it at 3 in the afternoon.

Biography Mekdes Ababu