Post from Julie...

[these are orphans in Gambella - these are not the Sisters of Mercy children Julie writes about]

The Ethiopians were celebrating the successful expulsion of the Italian Army during the 1940’s, so we enjoyed a day off of school.  Lily and I spent the morning at Mother Teresa’s home.  Last week, we painted with a group of older girls who seemed to enjoy the chance to create.  Today, we focused on the kids ages 2-4.  When we pulled the crayons from our bag, the kids went wild.  Little fights broke out over the scramble to get a piece of paper and crayon. Once we restored a bit of order, we stepped back to watch the children crowding around their 4x4 pieces of paper adding as much color as they could muster onto the paper.  There are about 30 or so kids in this age range.  And while the orphanage is an attractive facility with courtyards and clean rooms, the children are so desperate for attention that they are rather unmanageable.  They’ve had several teachers quit in exasperation.   So far, we’ve only been able to manage being there a couple of hours at a time.  Photos are prohibited at the orphanage.  I wish I could show you their beautiful faces.

The Superior chatted with us a while, explaining that she has been asked to move her ministry into the streets to address those who live challenging lives there.  She explained that her heart is drawn towards those who continue to sin mostly because they have few choices, especially prostitutes as they can’t seem to fully grasp God’s love and forgiveness. There are breakthroughs. They’d brought 14 girls back to their home just last weekend who wanted a way out of that life.  They gave them money for fares home, and a hope that God can restore all things. 

 In my classroom, I’ve been reading Time and Newsweek articles to improve my students’ English skills.  Last week, we read an article about the recent revolutions spurred on by Facebook.  It was an interesting discussion.  I asked my students to make predictions, but cautioned them not to write about Ethiopia as it may be politically insensitive to do so.  The government seems to be doing a respectable job of fostering economic opportunities.  That said, I read a essay today that said (in jest), “I think Ethiopia is next, but don’t tell anyone.  It will be our little secret!!!”