January 16, 2014

Today was our day to visit the government orphanage.  It is the only government run orphan center for young children in Addis.  When we drove in the gate we cold see the children running in the yard.  I think they should have been in school, but they got to play with us instead.  They were all dressed in uniform - light blue sweaters and mauve pants or skirts.  No photos are allowed here so we left our things in the car. 

We played on a small playground and in the open space surrounding it.  They wanted so badly to hold hands, be hugged and picked up.  "Ferenge!" they yelled to us to get our attention.  Krysta had a book of stickers and we passed some out- putting one first on each child's hand.  They kept coming back for more and more and some had them on their arms and all over their faces by the time we ran out.

The teachers set a boom box on the step and played music for us.  Some of the children danced as it played.  We toured their class rooms before we left them.  They had two rooms with English alphabet and diagrams on the walls.  We were surprised at how many supplies they had for their learning.  But the rooms were small for so many children.

Next we saw the special needs kids.  The beds were full with severely handicapped children.  they were clearly undernourished, under stimulated, and small for their ages.  Some were immobile, but others rocked or clapped in their beds.  I didn't spend much time here - it was hard to see this side of things.

Last we saw the babies.  They ranged from 0-2 years old.  Most that I saw were less than a year.  For the most part, they slept 2-4 to a bed, but there were at least 3 nannies in each of the two rooms.  Some were very responsive, but others were not used to interaction.  We picked some up and held them for a while.  It is hard to put them down when you know they might not get held again today.

Leaving there was a hard thing.  We were all touched by this place.  we were able to leave three duffle bags of clothes and shoes and several balls here for the children.

It was lunch time again so we went to the "western" burger place.  Real beef and French fries for everyone with ice cream for dessert.  We were all ready for this meal by this time in the trip!

In the ice cream shop

 

Hanna enjoying her chocolate

Shopping in the afternoon was a new experience for most of us.  Bartering and going from place to place is an interesting change from what we are used to .  The shops are all the same, but there are so many things to look at.  It is overwhelming.  Everyone wants to sell you something, from maps to Kleenexes.  We found many things to take home with us.

Ready to find some deals

 

The street in the textile district

 

Found me some hats.

 

The basket guy outside the coffee shop made out pretty good on this group!

 

Back to the guest house and popcorn for a snack.  We spent way more time in the car today than was necessary.  Starting to feel guilty for keeping David out so late.