I just realized that we have been going on and on the past few days about everything but the kids, and even thought at times it feels like a bunch of paperwork and hard labor the kids are really the whole reason we are here.
We have fell in love with each and every one of the children in the orphanage. They are starting to act like a big family group now that they have lived together for 6 months. At times its tough for us because we want so desperately for the kids to be in homes but we know that they are being well cared for where they are at now. The staff we have does a great job of seeing to the kids needs and the strong family ties of the Ethiopian culture have helped everyone settle into the rhythm of one big huge family.
A typical day for the kids starts at around 7:30 with breakfast, which usually consists of injera and a sauce, or lately we have been having them serve oatmeal because it has more protein in it. They eat on the floor (at least until we move into the new home) and sit with their plates on their laps . Then they all line up to get their hands washed out back with a bucket. They are actually very good about keeping their hands clean, the nannies see to it that everyone is cleaned up before they do anything else. The kids are all still pretty young so the rest of their day is fairly uneventful. We ask that the older ones get to go out on shopping trips with the cook if she needs something from the market or one of the shops in town. But the younger ones don’t go out much. At times we will take them over to our house to play and get a break from daily life and they really like that. They have a playroom with some toys we brought over with us that they really enjoy and a yard they can play in. The nannies try to do naps for the younger ones but it’s pretty loud still and not all of them can sleep through it. Everyone eats dinner at 6 and goes to bed at around 8. Some of the kids are pretty tired in the evening and go to bed a bit earlier. Like Endale, he always seems to fall asleep at 7:30 no matter what is going on.
I am sure there is a ton more I can write but I can’t think of anything right now, its getting late and I need some sleep.
If you have any questions I can actually see the comments now and can answer them.
Levi
Shari Stroup
August 29th, 2009
It is so nice to hear updates on the kids. Everything sounds like it’s going well.
I would really like to do something to help y’all out. Do you need toys, diapers, crayons, clothing, or anything for the older kids or yourselves? I would love to gather donations and send them to you.
Barry and Amy Rager
August 29th, 2009
I second Shari’s comment.
Our church is in a financial crunch right now and we are, unfortunately, really having to watch spending, but I am sure I could rally the people into buying diapers, crayons, toys, etc. out of their own pockets.
Is that feasible or something you all would need?
Levi
August 30th, 2009
Yes Yes Yes! To both of your comments. I just finished a post that will show up on here in the next 24 hours talking about just that. We have some serious needs and you can help. Thanks so much for asking.
Kristin
August 30th, 2009
That little Goyiti is precious. It’s fun to be able to see their faces in that video, and hear the stories about the kids.
Is the orphanage still recieving children from these tribes? Are they going to continue recieving children after the adoptions take place?
Levi
August 30th, 2009
Kristin. Yes we are still recieving new children although we have not had any come in the past 3 months. We are now working on a plan to keep the orphanage open after these kids are adopted, right now we feel that someone who is willing to make a ten year commitment would be nessecary.
kindle case
June 14th, 2010
I enjoyed your post! I can’t get your RSS feed to work, can you check it?