First day at the orphanage today!! We absolutely loved it. I was so happy to get to go there! I feel like I don't need to say this but...the kids were adorable. Obviously. In fact, the minute we walked into the orphanage, we were attacked with hugs from the toddlers. They had never met us, but they were so excited to have us there.
The orphanage is quite far away from our house; maybe a 30 minute minibus ride. But it's definitely worth the trip. When we got there this morning, we were given a little tour and introduced to everyone. There are about 50 kids there, from newborns to 13 year-olds. The older boys have a room, as do the older girls. There is a toddler room, and two infant rooms as well. Aside from that, there's a kitchen, an office, and some space outside for play. Not surprisingly, it's very small for housing 50+ children. Not only that, but the amount of supplies they have is extremely limited. The toddlers have very few toys in their room, and the infants have only two balls and a rattle. They're in old-school reusable diapers, and very, very old clothes. We can't wait to bring them some toys tomorrow! Thanks to all you that donated, you'll be making their day, I bet!
After we were shown around, we spent our day in one of the infant rooms. The one we were in is for newborn - 6 months, and the other room is for 6 months - 1 year. All morning, we held little babies. There were 5 in our room; 3 boys and 2 girls. Already, at less than 6 months old, you can tell these little babies have become "self-sufficient", for lack of a better term. They soothe themselves, fall asleep without being rocked, don't cry for bottles, and hold their bottles themselves in their beds. They are happy to just be laying on the floor, without toys or anything. It's sad, they have learned to be like this because there aren't enough people around to give them the attention little babies should get. There often isn't someone to rock them, feed them, play with them. But we couldn't get enough of them. We held them and played with them, and gave lots of hugs and kisses! One of the little baby boys, who can't be much more than 2 months old, is there because his mom left him in the toilet at the hospital. How sad is that? He is so tiny and cute, and Kendra and I spent a lot of time holding him. Another thing we thought was sad is the fact that they have so few toys. There is almost nothing there for them to look at, hold on to or play with. The whole time we were there today, they were in their little room. They weren't even taken outside to look around or anything. We're not sure if this is how it always is, or if it was just today for some reason. Either way, we'd like to take them outside to get some fresh air and a change of scenery...these babies need something more than sitting in a tiny room all day every day. Although it was kind of sad, I can't tell you enough how cute they are.
We spent a little time with the toddlers, too. They were amazingly well-behaved! They all share a room, and we went in as they were being served lunch. They ate on the floor, and as they finished they cleaned their places, put away their dishes, washed their face and hands, went to the bathroom, and climbed into bed to take a nap without being asked. Woah. Impressive. They are incredibly cute as well, and you can tell they just want attention. I'm excited to bring some fun things for them tomorrow!
We didn't get to see the older kids much today because they were at school until late afternoon, and we were in the infant room. Hopefully we'll get to meet more of them soon.
We left to head home at 5pm, and it took us quite awhile to get back...those minibuses can be tricky! We have to take 3 to get home, and we managed it. After walking in a few circles. When we got home, there was meat and injera for dinner! We haven't been given meat since we arrived...crazy! And the injera was delicious. Kim, I know you think I'm lying :) but I really love this stuff now. The injera is so good, and when our house runs out Kendra and I miss it dearly. It's good stuff. Also, btw, on our lunch break today we ate at "Chicago Cafe Restaurant". Sweet!
Alright, that's all for tonight...bedtime! Miss you peeps at home and can't wait to talk to you all! Until then, peace out :)
The orphanage is quite far away from our house; maybe a 30 minute minibus ride. But it's definitely worth the trip. When we got there this morning, we were given a little tour and introduced to everyone. There are about 50 kids there, from newborns to 13 year-olds. The older boys have a room, as do the older girls. There is a toddler room, and two infant rooms as well. Aside from that, there's a kitchen, an office, and some space outside for play. Not surprisingly, it's very small for housing 50+ children. Not only that, but the amount of supplies they have is extremely limited. The toddlers have very few toys in their room, and the infants have only two balls and a rattle. They're in old-school reusable diapers, and very, very old clothes. We can't wait to bring them some toys tomorrow! Thanks to all you that donated, you'll be making their day, I bet!
After we were shown around, we spent our day in one of the infant rooms. The one we were in is for newborn - 6 months, and the other room is for 6 months - 1 year. All morning, we held little babies. There were 5 in our room; 3 boys and 2 girls. Already, at less than 6 months old, you can tell these little babies have become "self-sufficient", for lack of a better term. They soothe themselves, fall asleep without being rocked, don't cry for bottles, and hold their bottles themselves in their beds. They are happy to just be laying on the floor, without toys or anything. It's sad, they have learned to be like this because there aren't enough people around to give them the attention little babies should get. There often isn't someone to rock them, feed them, play with them. But we couldn't get enough of them. We held them and played with them, and gave lots of hugs and kisses! One of the little baby boys, who can't be much more than 2 months old, is there because his mom left him in the toilet at the hospital. How sad is that? He is so tiny and cute, and Kendra and I spent a lot of time holding him. Another thing we thought was sad is the fact that they have so few toys. There is almost nothing there for them to look at, hold on to or play with. The whole time we were there today, they were in their little room. They weren't even taken outside to look around or anything. We're not sure if this is how it always is, or if it was just today for some reason. Either way, we'd like to take them outside to get some fresh air and a change of scenery...these babies need something more than sitting in a tiny room all day every day. Although it was kind of sad, I can't tell you enough how cute they are.
We spent a little time with the toddlers, too. They were amazingly well-behaved! They all share a room, and we went in as they were being served lunch. They ate on the floor, and as they finished they cleaned their places, put away their dishes, washed their face and hands, went to the bathroom, and climbed into bed to take a nap without being asked. Woah. Impressive. They are incredibly cute as well, and you can tell they just want attention. I'm excited to bring some fun things for them tomorrow!
We didn't get to see the older kids much today because they were at school until late afternoon, and we were in the infant room. Hopefully we'll get to meet more of them soon.
We left to head home at 5pm, and it took us quite awhile to get back...those minibuses can be tricky! We have to take 3 to get home, and we managed it. After walking in a few circles. When we got home, there was meat and injera for dinner! We haven't been given meat since we arrived...crazy! And the injera was delicious. Kim, I know you think I'm lying :) but I really love this stuff now. The injera is so good, and when our house runs out Kendra and I miss it dearly. It's good stuff. Also, btw, on our lunch break today we ate at "Chicago Cafe Restaurant". Sweet!
Alright, that's all for tonight...bedtime! Miss you peeps at home and can't wait to talk to you all! Until then, peace out :)
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