Day 2:
After enjoying an American breakfast (with an Ethiopian flare) at our transition house, we headed out for Nazaret. It is a city a couple hours outside of Addis (the capital). Two of the other couples with us had children at an orphanage there. Although it meant we wouldn’t get to spend any time with our kids this day, we were glad to get to be with our new friends as they met their children. It really was an unexpected gift to get to be a part of a special moment for these families- one we will always cherish. You can see in the pictures, how precious this time was!
After enjoying an American breakfast (with an Ethiopian flare) at our transition house, we headed out for Nazaret. It is a city a couple hours outside of Addis (the capital). Two of the other couples with us had children at an orphanage there. Although it meant we wouldn’t get to spend any time with our kids this day, we were glad to get to be with our new friends as they met their children. It really was an unexpected gift to get to be a part of a special moment for these families- one we will always cherish. You can see in the pictures, how precious this time was!
We enjoyed lunch and a tour of the countryside together which included feeding monkeys at a park. In addition to the bananas, our eyes were peeled along the way but we saw no signs of lions, elephants or zebras- just more cows, goats and donkeys.
The Sweeneys stayed the night in Nazaret to be able to spend one more morning with their baby while we and the Borders came on back to the transition house. We were looking forward to one more visit on Monday before the big day- COURT.
Day 3:
We were so excited to get back to the orphanage where we could spend some time with our kids. Just before we arrived, however, Woudeneh informed us that Chernet wasn’t there- he was in school. We asked about going there or just staying longer at the orphanage so we could see him but could tell it wasn’t a great idea. Therefore, we decided to go with the flow and enjoy our time with the girls. The “no photographing” rule was strictly enforced and we were unable to even take pictures when it was us alone with them. Again, we remembered the suggestion to be polite and not question the nannys or other orphanage workers and just focused on playing with Mulu and Woubet.
We were so excited to get back to the orphanage where we could spend some time with our kids. Just before we arrived, however, Woudeneh informed us that Chernet wasn’t there- he was in school. We asked about going there or just staying longer at the orphanage so we could see him but could tell it wasn’t a great idea. Therefore, we decided to go with the flow and enjoy our time with the girls. The “no photographing” rule was strictly enforced and we were unable to even take pictures when it was us alone with them. Again, we remembered the suggestion to be polite and not question the nannys or other orphanage workers and just focused on playing with Mulu and Woubet.
We blew up a couple punch ball (balloons), chased after small bouncy balls, shared peanut butter crackers and hershey kisses, and let them have free reign of the pens in my journal (thanks again, Cassie! They loved it!!!). We watched as Mulu shared everything she had with her little sister. We discovered a strong bond between the two of them in the short two hours we were there. It was precious!
The two hours went by so fast and right on time we heard the beeping of the van as it backed into the open gate. We headed back to the Borders kids’ orphanage to pick Lewis and Margaret up then went to lunch and prepared for the shopping excursion.
The consensus over lunch was to try the market where the bartering was more challenging but potentially more rewarding. Thankfully, we had some pros with us- real salesmen, who were up for the challenge. Tim and I decided to just follow their lead. This was our Ethiopian street experience- unforgettable! The best deal was a drum we purchased for Victor. Thanks to Ryan’s bargaining tactics, the salesman begged us to take it for half of the "original" price.
The day was full of once in a lifetime experiences. We saw heart wrenching signs of poverty as beggars approached us asking for money. Many of them children- such an injustice. It reminded us of what a mess sin has made of this world we live in. Thankfully, it is only temporary and our God is a god of justice. Psalm 146 reminds us,
"How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous; The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow,but He thwarts the way of the wicked."
After this amazing day of sights and experiences, we returned to the transition home to gear up for the purpose of our trip- court (day 4).
No comments:
Post a Comment