A Journey, But Not Alone: Ethiopian Adventure #2, Day 9

Day 9

This morning we went with another family and our friend/social worker to the NGO Bazaar. I have no idea what NGO stands for, but it’s a bazaar that has multiple organizations selling items on behalf of non-profits in Addis Ababa. There were multiple organizations that supported the blind, deaf, and disabled. We found some really nice items that were made by various people. The bazaar was held at a local church/seminary. Kevin was able to talk with the pastor for a while as well.

We also drove around the very poorest part of Addis Ababa, Korra. Our social worker had worked for an organization called Transformation Love during a summer. We were able to tour their compound and learn more about that organization. If you’re interested in sponsoring a child/family in Ethiopia this organization is the way to go! We met one of the Ethiopian women who runs the sponsorship program. It is very well operated. The children and their families have access to food, hygiene items and Bible studies. We will definitely be coming back to help out this organization in the future!

We went to a restaurant for lunch, Tivoli’s. It was nice to eat outside and enjoy the awesome company.

On our way back we had the strange experience of being in a taxi during a collision with a bus. Don’t worry no one was hurt! It was interesting to see how the drivers yelled at each other, but then resolved the issue without police involvement.

That afternoon we took the girls to the transition house for “M^” to see the nannies before we took her back to her orphanage. Through one of the nannies I was able to have a good conversation with “M^” about her room and her name. We wanted to know how she felt about sharing a room with her 8 year old sisters. She would prefer that, but we’ll see if she changes her mind. Maybe she’ll want her own room. We also wanted to let her help pick her middle name. Any suggestions? We’ll have a list for her to choose from when we see her next. It was nice with the nanny helping us communicate, but I’ll be very glad when she can speak a little English. She is very shy and doesn’t necessarily want to express her own opinions.

One of the nannies was kind enough to have a coffee ceremony for us. I can’t say how much I LOVE that tradition! It was so sweet seeing some of the children help with it as well. A sweet 6 year old girl passed around the popcorn and took our empty cups. What a sweetheart! That afternoon Kevin played bubbles with the sweetest little 7 year old boy! He was so good at taking turns. Help us pray that he has a family soon! After we played at the transition house for a while we had to say goodbye to our friend/social worker. It was so amazing getting to spend this time with her in Ethiopia! She is such a fun and engaging person to know. I also know that God is doing amazing work through her and her love for children in need! I pray for God’s blessings on her and all the work she does!

We came back to the guest house and Miss “M^” was whisked away by the cook at the guest house for a hair session. She does awesome work. “M^” was so proud of her new do! Beautiful braids!!!

The cook had the night off so Kevin went with our friend (and operator of the guest house) for take out pizza. Yum! Santa Fe Chicken pizza in Addis Ababa. Who would have thought! After pizza it was time to get “T” to bed. However, Kevin and “M^” had other errands to run. “M^” did not ever ask for anything, but we knew that she needed a backpack for school. Kevin and “M^” took a taxi to find the perfect backpack. And the perfect backpack was . . . a sparkly, pink, Hello Kitty one!