We woke up Tuesday morning and Sara was feeling quite a bit better. Thankfully! Because, we had our 2nd visit with our little guy! We were up, ready to go and headed to the foster care center by 9:15. Robel seemed a little more familiar with our faces so he was ready to play a little. He loved to be bounced around by Bob!
I was soon realizing though, that he likes to do things on his own. So, we ended up following him around... a lot!
Can I just say that I love the care givers at his home! They are so sweet and take such amazing care of the kids. Today they were taking care of all the little girl's hair, either braiding or putting in puffs! Eventually, they started braiding Sara's hair. Poor girl had no idea what she was in for. She sat for a good long time while they braided her hair. She was so sweet, and Sara was a trooper!
Sara missed saying goodbye to Robel because she was in the middle of "beauty shop," so when she was all finished I ran her back in so she could give him a quick hug goodbye. He was sitting on the floor in the room when we walked back in. He looked up at us and got excited. My heart did a little flip...he may actually like us!!!!!
After our visit to the Care Center, we headed to the Leprosy Hospital. We were able to visit the shop on campus and buy some trinkets and linens. We really weren't there to visit the lepers as I we wanted to respect their privacy and not put attention on their handicaps. However, as we were walking around we were able to see them work. Women with no fingers being able to stitch and embroider....simply amazing!
Next stop was the Sabahar Silk Factory. We got to see how they get silk from the silk worms. The whole process, from the butterflies to the weaving of scarves was quite interesting. The girls liked this little outing.
After the Silk Factory, we were told we were going to Hands for the Needy. This ended up being my 2nd favorite part of the trip (1st being Robel, of course)! Hands for the Needy is a NPO that ministers to children who live and survive out of the city dump. Hands for the Needy sponsors children, sends them to school, and feeds them one hot meal a day. On their compound they even have showers so that these kids can come and take showers when needed. We were able to tour their compound and then help serve the kids their lunch. Sara immediately noticed their manners. Once each child was served, they waited until all were served. They stood together and began reciting something. After they were finished they sat and all began to eat together. We were talking with one of the founders and ask him what they were saying. They were praying the Lord's Prayer! It was an amazing time!!!
We had had a full day and everyone was hungry, tired and overwhelmed with all they had seen that day. With every activity, outing, or event that we were participating in, I am realizing how much I am truly beginning to love this country and it's people. We have been so blessed to see the things we have seen and to have experienced so much so that one day we will be able to share a little of our experience and love of Ethiopia with Robel.
After our visit to the Care Center, we headed to the Leprosy Hospital. We were able to visit the shop on campus and buy some trinkets and linens. We really weren't there to visit the lepers as I we wanted to respect their privacy and not put attention on their handicaps. However, as we were walking around we were able to see them work. Women with no fingers being able to stitch and embroider....simply amazing!
