Halfway There
Day 7: This morning started off with english lessons for the kids, but it in fact turned into a street boy day. There are four main boys that hang out with the team constantly; it just seems that they always want to be in our presence. Today we were able to give the four boys a whole new outfit and let them take a shower in the hotel. I honestly didn't even recognize them when they cleaned up. They looked... clean; they look like boys that don't live on the streets, maybe even better. We spent the entire rest of the day with them. We even invited them to dinner with us. This is a huge deal. The boys have lived in Ambo for years and entrance into the hotel was unheard of, until the ferenjes came along ;). They got a shower, new clothes, a whole meal, and a little acceptance. It's amazing that this isn't standard for people. They shared their life stories with us at dinner as well. I heard Daniel and Turras's stories. In both accounts, their parents had died while very young. Daniel has been living on the street for seven years and continues to do so.
Day 8:
Breakfast was fun with the street boys We dared them to eat their toast with sugar on it- Ethiopians don't like sweets haha. It was bittersweet when we handed our kids/English classes over to the 2 week team, I've become protective of them- good thing we get to see them again! The two hour drive to Addis was one of listening to music and observing scenery. Ethiopia is absolutely beautiful. We hung out with the crazy kids from Kechene during the afternoon. It is the equivalent of a Boys & Girls Club plus education and food provided. Most of the kids that go there are from very poor homes and many are orphans. I made a lot of friends; I can't wait to se them again tomorrow. I'm feeling closer and closer to my group. I think the funny moments are what bond us. For example, we go to pick Missy and Melissa up at Kaldi's and as we drive into the parking area, we hear a huge THUMP on the top of our bus. Our luggage strapped to the bus knocked down a huge metal sign- like huge. No big deal- they even served us inside the bus. Unbelievable.
Day 9: A day at Kechene! In the morning we taught English classes, and the kids were great. They caught on very quickly, and we rewarded them with stickers. Teaching English is one of my favorite things we are doing here; I like to spot out the geniuses. Jackie and I helped serve lunch (injera- the only thing they eat) to all the kids. The normally chaotic kids sat quietly in front of their steaming injera waiting for everyone to be served, and then say a group prayer. After lunch our team led the kids in the "feet washing" activity. I love washing the kids feet, but some of them were so embarrassed or unwilling to have us touch their feet. Those kids moved our hands away, washing their own feet to avoid disrespecting us. At the end of the day we walked a girl named Salaam home, who Jackie had become great friends with. It was an unforgettable experience walking through her neighborhood, and dropping her off at a home made of mud.
Day 10: Today was a great day minus early morning stomach explosion- it was bound to happen. I gave my testimony for this time to the team this morning. I was really nervous, but I'm glad it's over and out in the open. Since today is Sunday we went to church. It was such a comfort to be worshipping in my language with familiar songs. I've never felt such a peace walking into a building. It was just like home; even the preacher had a souther twang. We arrived in Nazret. and the Women at Risk director invited us to her home for dinner. It was the best Ethiopian food yet. It was so great to share a family meal with my team in a tiny apartment. Even with no power we enjoyed the food and and friends. I think I like dinner with no electricity better,
Day 8:
Breakfast was fun with the street boys We dared them to eat their toast with sugar on it- Ethiopians don't like sweets haha. It was bittersweet when we handed our kids/English classes over to the 2 week team, I've become protective of them- good thing we get to see them again! The two hour drive to Addis was one of listening to music and observing scenery. Ethiopia is absolutely beautiful. We hung out with the crazy kids from Kechene during the afternoon. It is the equivalent of a Boys & Girls Club plus education and food provided. Most of the kids that go there are from very poor homes and many are orphans. I made a lot of friends; I can't wait to se them again tomorrow. I'm feeling closer and closer to my group. I think the funny moments are what bond us. For example, we go to pick Missy and Melissa up at Kaldi's and as we drive into the parking area, we hear a huge THUMP on the top of our bus. Our luggage strapped to the bus knocked down a huge metal sign- like huge. No big deal- they even served us inside the bus. Unbelievable.
Day 9: A day at Kechene! In the morning we taught English classes, and the kids were great. They caught on very quickly, and we rewarded them with stickers. Teaching English is one of my favorite things we are doing here; I like to spot out the geniuses. Jackie and I helped serve lunch (injera- the only thing they eat) to all the kids. The normally chaotic kids sat quietly in front of their steaming injera waiting for everyone to be served, and then say a group prayer. After lunch our team led the kids in the "feet washing" activity. I love washing the kids feet, but some of them were so embarrassed or unwilling to have us touch their feet. Those kids moved our hands away, washing their own feet to avoid disrespecting us. At the end of the day we walked a girl named Salaam home, who Jackie had become great friends with. It was an unforgettable experience walking through her neighborhood, and dropping her off at a home made of mud.
Day 10: Today was a great day minus early morning stomach explosion- it was bound to happen. I gave my testimony for this time to the team this morning. I was really nervous, but I'm glad it's over and out in the open. Since today is Sunday we went to church. It was such a comfort to be worshipping in my language with familiar songs. I've never felt such a peace walking into a building. It was just like home; even the preacher had a souther twang. We arrived in Nazret. and the Women at Risk director invited us to her home for dinner. It was the best Ethiopian food yet. It was so great to share a family meal with my team in a tiny apartment. Even with no power we enjoyed the food and and friends. I think I like dinner with no electricity better,
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