Day 3 - Mekele

Mekele is a city in northern Ethiopia.  This is the where the orphanage our boy was in before he was transfered to our agency's transition home is located.  He lived here for 1 1/2 years and we came to see the orphanage and the area he is from.  It was a hard day emotionally, but a very good experience.  The staff at this orphanage are wonderful and the kids are happy and well cared for.  They also have a support program for mothers who are HIV positive.  Because these women can't feed their babies breast milk without risking transferring the infection, Bana orphanage gives formula for one year to HIV+ mothers.  It is a private orphanage and we were thankful to bring two tubs of donations and a lot of formula to them, thanks to the generosity of our church family.  While at the orphanage we got to see our boy's file, including a picture of him at 8 months old, watch injera being made (I even tried to make some but for some reason they were snickering at me?!), participate in a traditional coffee ceremony and play with the kids.  I felt very thankful for this orphanage and the people God is using to care for these little ones.  We have met some incredible, hard-working people with the purest hearts and I feel humbled.

Driving through the city was a little overwhelming, as it is so different from what we know in the States.  I couldn't help but look at each woman we passed and wonder if she is our boy's mother.  I am still processing all that we saw and am having a hard time putting words to my thoughts and feelings.   

We are very anxious to get back to the TH tomorrow after another orphanage visit and love on our little guy some more!