Day One

Day One:

As I (Joey) sit here and write this, Kelly and Mardi are sitting next to me in the hotel lobby quite exhausted. We’re watching a torrential downpour outside which is actually quite lovely to see and hear.

After a good night’s sleep and a breakfast buffet that consisted of egg casserole, Chinese egg rolls and injera with goat’s meat, we headed to Layla. It was very hot here today-probably in the 80’s--with no wind. At one point it was painfully hot. Thankfully the clouds rolled in and with it a cool breeze. Somehow the kids never seem to be fazed by the heat. One of our favorite sites were the boys (ages 8-12) playing soccer...and when they got too hot, they went straight to the water hose to pour water all over their head--then headed back to the game, somehow refreshed!

Since there was no school today (Sunday) for the kids, it was quite chaotic. The group of us decided to get the sock puppets out (thank you Kelly for the idea) and tried to make sock puppets with the kids in a controlled (ha ha) manner. Needless to say, the kids went absolutely bonkers. They LOVED it! Best of all, it was something they could play with the rest of the afternoon. Kelly has since named this afternoon craft “The 2009 Sock Puppet Fiasco.” The kids will have school tomorrow so things will be more organized and under control. We also brought nail polish and did a make-shift salon for the girls (and some boys--the little ones loved it).

In the afternoon, most of us decided to help in the baby rooms. Babies are everywhere-it really is amazing--and best of all, the caregivers are so patient and loving, that it’s wonderful to be a part of and watch. It’s nice to be able to give them some encouragement and a break to eat or have tea time. We bathed, sang, rocked, cuddled and walked them outside-there was never an empty arm or someone not crying in the background. When naptime came for the babies, it was time for toddler time! Laurie enjoyed having her hair braided by a 2-yes-2 year old...the rest hugged, chatted with us, and sat on our laps while we enjoyed watching the younger boys play soccer-with a deflated basketball.

Cheryl got a chance to walk down to the Autism Center, which is just a short walk down the street from Layla. We were all thrilled to hear that the center has incredible resources-even a sensory room-where they help kids throughout the day from Monday-Friday. Members of the Ethiopian Parliament are visiting the center this Friday, and they were excited for the exposure. Autism is not well understood here, and the woman that began this program is teaching others what exactly autism is. Most believe it is a possessed spirit in a child, so they often are shunned by others. We plan on going there sometime this week to volunteer. She has a an amazing spirit for helping others learn about children with autism.

Tonight we’re going to have pizza at the hotel. I just want you all to know what a fantastic group of women we have on this trip. Everyone has a different gift, and I am so thankful how God knitted this group together. We are all healthy and energetic for the week ahead. Thank you for your prayers! We will update again soon!
P.S. We do have a peanut butter update: Natalie was able to buy peanut butter at a tiny convenient store-needless to say, it has made Kelly’s day. (She still harbors a bit of resentment toward the guard in Germany that took her peanut butter in security : )...)