Hard Beginnings

Michael Tilahun Belay was born on January 20, 1955 and was raised in Ethiopia in Abi Adi, a village in the Tigray region. During his early years, Michael became witness to the genocidal events that ensued in Ethiopia. Government officials would enter villages in order to kidnap young boys for military training.  Michael was one of those unfortunate boys. He witnessed unnecessary violence and brutal killings. Although young, he wondered why Ethiopians were fighting with Ethiopians. He could not comprehend war when he only understood peace. Michael saw this futility and decided to run away from the army, not wanting to participate in the killings of his compatriots.

Meanwhile, Michael's father, a judge and patriot, was captured, tortured, and burned to death. It was one of the saddest times of his life. Out of fire and brimstone, young Michael rose from the ash and seeked refuge to the United States of America, where he legally became a naturalized citizen.

Some time passed as he began a career and family. Even though he loves living in the U.S., Michael would wonder how the people in Ethiopia were doing. In 2000, Michael returned to his mother land, only to be appauled at its state. Many years of war transpired. Extreme poverty and devastation plagued the land. A helicopter that bombed his hometown had been shot down. The wreckage was being used by the local children as a playground.