Today was another jam packed day, but a great one. We were able to go to the orphanage in the morning today, which is so much better for Mikias as he isn't napping! We brought them donuts today and so we had a small picnic with them and their friend. The older 2 said thankyou and we coaxed it out of Mikias:) Pleases and thankyous are not common here so were are gently reminding them when we are with them ! We had 2 extra donuts along that Henok asked if he could share with his friends that were at school. When we had arrived at the orphanage that morning, that had also received some bread sticks. So Henok and his friend stashed the extra breadsticks and the donuts for their friends who were at school. We have noticed that at Abenezer, there is a culture that has been created for sharing. Sharing treats, food, toys etc. and it doesnt seem to matter the age. Our youngest shared his donut with a toddler... melt my heart. This maybe common in orphanages, but I was expecting a little more of ' every man for himself'... Which was not the case. Anyways, after I cleaned up all the crumbs (ha!) we played UNO, drew and skipped. Our baby girl at home will happy to know that her brothers skip:)!! We said goodbye until tomorrow and thus began our crazy shopping trip!
In one afternoon we were we to get done....
- jerseys for all the kids
- nickel crosses for the boys. Basket for Eve
- Tamoca coffee
- book world - more books!
- art gallery...and picked out a fabulous painting of Addis Ababa. We returned to the guesthouse mid afternoon..exhausted but pleased to get most of our shopping done with! We had about an hour of down time and then we were blessed to go with Karen and her little one to Korah.
Korah is a community on the outskirts of Addis that is very poor. Many people in the community survive by picking things out of the city dump...which is right beside the community. We were accompanied by an amazing young man named Tilahun. When we got out of the van, we were immediately surrounded by children vying to hold our hands...something and somebody new! We first went to a women's empowerment project called Mission Ethiopia. They employ around 80 women (who make 1000birr/ month) and make clay and paper bead necklaces as well as some other things. We go there just before closing and were able to have a tour of their area. Right next to them is a church. The pastor was not there but we stepped in an were able to look at the building. It was made out of tarps on a frame. It stuck me so clearly that God does not care where we are or the buildings we meet in...He only wants our heart. It was definitely a holy place. Tilahun also showed us another place right across the street. Through a gate is an area for children to go after school to get food and help with their schoolwork. What I noticed about this small street is that people are making a difference through the power of community. It was refreshing, even amidst severe poverty. We left Korah and went back to Tilhun's house.
There is a really amazing story of how Tilahun and his 5 friends came to live in this home together as a family. But the short version is that they were all living on the street. A divine meeting of these 6 boys and a women from Canada began a relationship that now has all 6 boys sponsored and in school! They are amazing. We were welcomed into their home and when we got there they were all doing schoolwork. One of the boys wants to be a cardiologist, one a pastor and one a chemist. I love that they are dreaming big and that they have hope. They served us injera and a potato stew and a lentil stew. I was humbled by their hospitality and their genuineness. It was a good evening...and a good reminder that community and relationships can be found everywhere.
Blessings,
Candra
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