A lot has been
going on since we last posted! We have
changed countries, watched a traditional Ethiopian dance, played soccer and
Frisbee with children, and almost hit a motorcycle. Yes, I said, we almost hit a motorcycle! People drive like crazies over here! Even if there are lines marking your lane-no
one abides by them. The motorcycles or
scooters dart in and out of traffic and are not careful at all. There are cows, horses, goats and people
crossing the road all of the time. I have
never seen anything like it!
Ethiopia is
different when compared to Uganda. This
is more of an urban area and the elevation is much higher. I noticed that difference the first day. Even though I had drank 1 liter of water upon
arrival that still wasn’t enough. I woke
up with a severe headache and nausea.
Needless to say, I missed the home visits and the first orphanage
here. I finally felt better in the
evening and joined the team for dinner.
We always have a debriefing at the end of supper so I was able to hear
the stories from the day. It was
heartbreaking and I was sorry that I missed it.
Today, we traveled
to two homes that are run by Hope for the Hopeless. The first home is a short-term home for
children taken off of the streets. They
try to reunite them with their family if possible and if not they are moved to
one of the orphanages. This home had
eleven children and the majority of them were boys. When I say “home” I am not talking about
houses like what we live in. This had a small
space that they worshipped in and small little areas with doors used as
bedrooms. We went prepared with soccer
balls, fingernail polish, and jump ropes.
They loved all of the items but just like Uganda they loved our cameras
and phones the best. They love to have
their picture taken and want to see it right away. Several team members have Temple Run on their
phones and that is always a big hit. We
spent a few hours at the home and they were very proud to show us their neat
rooms. One thing that we have noticed is
that all of the rooms are always neat-beds are always made and pride is taken
in their space. The children are always
well behaved and they don’t ask for anything.
Our time and love is enough for all of them!
Our second stop
today was at the bigger home. This home
has 22 children living in it. Again, 18
boys compared to 4 girls. It was a very
spacious home and the first “home” that we had really been in. It had a large living and eating area. There were three boys’ bedrooms and one
girls’ room. Again, all neatly
kept!
We arrived before
they got home from school so as they would enter the gates their faces would
light up with excitement. Again, we were
armed with Frisbees, soccer balls, fingernail polish, phones, and cameras. I started playing Frisbee with several of the
boys. They were so much fun and loved
trying to throw the Frisbee high so that I wouldn’t catch it. They love to try and teach us their language
and Micah mastered counting! Since Micah
is a fireman they wanted to show us the Fire Department that is in their
neighborhood. We took a walk and while
there one of the little guys, “Bob”, gave me a gift. It amazes me how they have so little and yet
are willing to give you something to remember them by. Bob gave me a scripture card with Matthew
25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of
Mine, you did for Me.” Wow, tear moment
for Tori!
Here is a picture
of me with Bob.
They always ask
great questions about America and they have no idea how big it is. This young man asked me how many universities
were in America! I tried to explain that
we have a lot of universities! They are
always amazed at how long we traveled to come here.
Before we left,
the director wanted all of us to pray together.
We gathered in their living area in a circle and joined hands. They first sang a song to us in their
language. Deanne said a prayer in
English and my friend above gave the prayer in their language. The director asked us to gather in the middle
of the circle and they said, “God Bless You” three times. Again, they have so little and appreciate so
much! They had us write our names on
paper so they could look us up on Facebook.
They followed us out to the van for final goodbyes and we started our
journey back to Ethiopia Guest House.
Our dinner tonight
was a traditional Ethiopian dinner. It
was very interesting and entertaining.
The food was good and spicy. I
didn’t try everything but I kept an open mind and tried a few things! Towards the end of the night they pulled
Ryan, “Bob” up on the stage to dance!
Great job, Bob!
Tomorrow we will
visit an orphanage and go up the mountain to see a 700-year-old church. We are all looking forward to that. We are all staying healthy and enjoying our
time here.
Blessings from
Ethiopia!
Tori
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