VISITING AAI

On Thursday I went to another orphanage, AAI. It is an amazing place. I went there to deliver some photos I brought for a friend of her adoptive children to one of the workers there. I first went to "Opportunities" this home is for autistic and downs children. There are 17 children living there and 7 more who come on a daily basis for daycare and therapy. After spending some time there I was taken down the road to Layla House. On the way two very small street children ran up and held my hands all the way there. Once inside I was pleasantly surprised. I met one of the ladies in charge and she gave me and some new volunteers a tour. We started in the baby house, it is so much more organized than Kidane. The babies take a bath each and every morning then they spend time outside in the fresh air and sun. Their bottles are never propped but always arm fed. They had sand and water tables, bikes, ball and numerous other activities going on. I was told I could come here but again I want to help at Kidane as long as they will let me. The section with the older children was amazing as well lots of laughter and playing. It is a well oiled machine and I knew I needed to meet with sister Ludgarda first thing on Friday. The great thing was that the other two bumbos arrived (thank you Marion) so I came with those in hand and headed to see sister. She saw me coming and came and gave me a huge hug and thank you. I then asked her if we could talk. We sat down and I told her I needed to understand what came from her and what the workers were controlling. I asked her why the children are not bathed more often. She said the Ethiopian custom is to bathe once a week but she has encouraged them to give baths twice a week. I told her they have had two baths in the time I have been here. I asked if I could give the baths and she said I could bathe them every day if I wanted!!!! I then asked about going outside and was told when the two sick infants are better they will be allowed outside. Not sure if this is true or a stall tactic but I am going to try to get them out next week!!!! Prayers are being answered - change is coming to Kidane!!!