Day Four: Wednesday

The prayers were felt today; it was as if a covering was on an entire group from the moment we left our hotel for Opportunity House until the moment we arrived back with the children. I’ll try and explain our field trip with the special needs kids, but honestly, no words will give it justice.

Most of our group was terrified at the thought of taking 17 special needs kids swimming in a hotel; most have no “training” in dealing with these children with VERY difficult issues. I am very proud of the group for putting their personal feelings aside and jumping in (literally!!)

We knew we were in for a special time when we pulled up to the gate at the Opportunity House and the children screamed and jumped up and down with excitement. Some of the children hopped immediately into the car and put their faces out the window in anticipation--think children running down the stairs on Christmas morning multiplied by a thousand! These children live in a very small space most of their lives and to take them out of their environment can be wonderful--or scary!!

We got to the Hilton, which from the poor street of Addis, was a green garden of eden with large black wrought iron gates. As we walked through the marbled lobby, we got some strange stares--but also many kind smiles and words.

Here are Kelly’s words about the swimming:
“I can't give each detail of what happened over the next three hours because there are too many.... but it was precious... and we found that God gave each of us exactly what we could handle... I got a spunky downs syndrome boy (3) who splashed me non-stop, Mardi had a beautiful little girl (brain trauma) with a sweet face and a peaceful spirit, and Delora had a precious paralyzed boy (brain cyst) who sat quietly with her and did not splash at all... she had dry hair!!!! Joey, of course had a wild man who lost his pants numerous times and hit her over and over. Joey was soaked and nearly drowned within the first second! GOD is good... amen... we did it!”

For some caregivers it was the first trip to a pool and they loved it. It felt so good to watch them relax and play games with each other and take a break from the kids. For those of you who donated to this trip, we were able to pay for this “field trip”, and it was priceless.

After returning to shower and catching a quick bite to eat, some of the group headed back to Layla to finish the mural, hang out with the kids and make crafts. Delora and Mardi did a “Salvation Bracelet” with the kids, and were able to share Jesus with many of them. Delora said they hung on to every word as she explained what each bead meant: black for sin, white for a clean heart, red for the blood of Jesus, blue for water to wash away our sins, green for growth, clear-God is pure and holy, and yellow for heaven. Rocky was even able to share the love of Jesus with a caregiver. This craft was a precious time for us and the kids.

Cheryl and I got a chance to visit with the founder of the Children’s Home Family Services of Ethiopia-he has helped more than 100,000 people through this organization which includes adoptions, sponsoring AHOPE & other orphanages, clinics, schools, nurses training school and so much more. His quote to us today was, "How can you eat three times a day; relax and sit still-you have to give back.” He certainly has, and his dream is to break the poverty cycle in Ethiopia. He was amazing.

Lastly:Last night was PHENOMENAL!!! Yo Abysinnia is an Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant with traditional food and crazy dancing! I can’t even explain how they contort their bodies to the tribal music. The costumes, hair and dancing were wild to watch. Our food arrived on a large platter, buffet style: one vegetarian (non fasting!) with six different sauces served with injera (the spongy bread). We also ordered meat which was served with garlic and butter-it was wonderful.

Tomorrow we are holding a “carnival” for the kids-it should be an exhausting day, but fun!