THE BEGINING OF CHANGE!!!

So today (Thursday) was the day. Sami, my director came to meet with me and the head nun, sister Ludgarda. It was slow at first, she was a bit apprehensive but I decided to take it slow. I explained the importance of tummy time and once she understood she said she would tell them (the workers) and I was to watch and let her know if they were keeping it up. Sugar in the milk was to much for her. She said a baby often arrives malnourished so is given sugar water. They then continue the sugar for the bones. I told her sugar did not help bones but she would not budge. I must pick my battles. She agreed the volunteers and I could clean the toys and playroom (on Monday we will do this) She told a lot of stories of the changes in forty years but I wanted to focus on now. Sami asked if they would be open to child development and she said they already had a course, I asked her who taught it and she said Ethiopians. She says they are slow to change, which means her as well but she seem a bit open. When I told her I had some print outs that my host mom was willing to translate she got a bit excited so I will tackle that this week as well. We talked about the ashes on the head but she does not agree it harms them she said they do that and pray and it always works. I found it odd that a nun was giving credit to ashes and lemon and not God so I said I think it is the prayer that works and God in His mercy spares them. She just nodded. It is a beginning anyways so please keep this in your prayers.

I also got my parcels from home, thanks mom, I now have protein in the form of nuts and protein bars, new underwear, flea bands - that work, tide - hallelujah, I am looking forward to doing my laundry!!! Thank you mom so much they all mean a lot to me.

After going to the post office which by the way any new parcels should be addressed to Samson with my name under his or the post office box because otherwise I have to go with him to get it and it is a big hassle. I will correct upper right hand corner with how it should look.

Then Sami took me to see another orphanage which is a fifteen minute walk from my house and it is night and day from the other one, so clean the babies go outside and have tummy time. Every thing I want for Kidane. He said I could switch or just go one or two days a week. I may go a couple of times for photos so I can show Kidane but unless they shut me down regarding changes I want to stay where I feel I am most needed. The other place would be easier and more fun but then I am not making much of a difference.