During the five years I spent at the imperial palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I had many opportunities to introduce a more healthful way of living. I found that His Majesty took a great interest in healthful living and enjoyed the Life and Health magazine. As I introduced new dishes from time to time, I was asked many questions as to the contents and food value of the various items. It was a lively subject. We often discussed food at the table, and His Majesty never seemed to tire of talking about it. I tried to plan a little surprise for him to give him a change from the usual bill of fare, which he needed so much. He always appreciated the new dishes and never failed to thank me, even for small favors.
Their Majesties belong to the Coptic Church, which is Christian. Part of their religion consists in observing fast days, when they abstain from all meats and animal products such as eggs, milk, and butter. They fast Wednesdays and Fridays, and sometimes have longer periods, the longest being two months. That presented a real problem in getting a balanced diet. I found that their diet was often lacking in protein. I introduced gluten, and they liked it very much. When the war was over, I sent to America and got samples of meat substitutes and other products from a number of food factories. Each sample was brought to the table and an explanation of its contents was made.
The soybean was something new and aroused His Majesty's curiosity when he heard of its food value. He called his bellboy and asked him to bring his encyclopedia. He looked up the soybean and its by-products, and had the boy read the whole chapter on it while we ate our dinner. He asked that a sample of seed be sent for, which arrived just before we left on furlough. He plans to try it out in his 'own country. Orders for health foods were sent to each factory.
Ethiopia is the land of the coffee bean, and the Ethiopians like their coffee. His Majesty couldn't bear to drink it, however, so I made Sanka coffee for him, which he used instead. Fruit juices were served for lunch and dinner, and seemed to be preferred to strong drinks.
Living does not consist in eating and drinking only. There were many occasions when sickness and other circumstances gave me opportunities to give suggestions or advice along principles of rightful living. When Her Highness, Princess Tennanye Work, Their Majesties' oldest daughter, became ill and asked me to call Dr. Merlin Anderson from our hospital, it was found necessary that she be taken into the hospital. She remained there for ten days. I stayed with her those anxious days, and many a prayer was sent up for her recovery. Their Majesties called every day, and when her condition seemed critical, I was asked these questions by His Majesty : "What pleasure is there in life? How can a person have peace in this world?" I was glad I could tell him what the peace of God had done for my soul. Amid all the trials of this earth we may have the peace of God in our hearts to keep and sustain us day by day.
