Day 3

Words cannot express today accurately. We finally got to meet all the kids. They were amazing. From the second that we drove up kids were flocking to our bus reaching their hands in the windows. The hardest part was having to go into the school and leave several children outside just staring at us and reaching through the fence then whole time we were there. Our morning started with introductions. Tears were everywhere. It is such a crazy experience to realize this child on paper is real and I get to hug her. It made me miss my kids so much and at the same time brought comfort. Tizeta is beautiful. I picked her out instantly because of her wild hair. She is tiny. Her eyes see deep into your heart and soul. She likes to observe you for a time and then she didn't leave my side. After introductions and hugs, we did our bible time. The kids where so well behaved and participated. Then it was onto songs. I have to say this has been one of the best parts. Their joy is true and it oozes out of them as they sing. Look for a video on Facebook. Then it was onto games. I had the second oldest group and we started at soccer. The kids are amazing soccer players and I felt very privileged to play with them. Next we were onto parachutes and finally frisbee. These kids take in every new experience and absorb everything being taught to them. We finished our morning session with Monkey Tag. It was us 10 against the 200 kids. We were so excited for the physical exercise but were shocked it how quick they were. After playing hard we left for lunch. This was very hard for me knowing that these kids were sent home to no parents and no food. Sitting in the restaurant, I just kept praying over them. When we returned we started with watercolor paintings. The kids spent so much time on a tiny picture. It was fun to teach them how to watercolor. Many of them it took several attempts to remind them to dip brushes into water first then into paint. Next it was off to water balloon tosses. This sounds simple but took extensive explanations and time. While I was paying with my group, Tizeta snuck over to the older kids side and hung out with me just holding my hand. We have learned how affectionit they are to everyone. They are constantly seen with arms around eachother or hand in hand. This ended our day there at 5 tonight. Goodbyes take some time. Each child has to come up and touch your hands, give high fives, hugs, kisses, you name it. And most of the time it was 5 times or so. It is just and overwhelming experience. I know I am leaving so much out but it is taking a bit to process all that has occurred. Guaranteed I will never be the same after this trip. The thoughts of just th basics of life being so simple and easy to come by in the USA and then seeing the contrast here in Ethiopia is shocking. I am more in outraged than ever in our partnership with this great place. God is moving through here and it has been awesome to experience some of it first hand. That's all for tonight! Much love to all!