Salam! I’ve been in Ethiopia since Friday morning. The
first few days we used to rest, see Addis and go through orientation. We first
worked with the kids yesterday and it was so great! The language barrier is of
course a bit frustrating, but other than that it was really fun. They are so
cute and really eager to learn. There are 18 of them and they are between the
ages of 6-10. They live in this home for 1 year, where they are given an
education. That way, they can go to schools next year and be up to speed with
the other students. Most of these kids have been found through a women’s
shelter, and a few are from the streets. They call the house a “rehabilitation
center,” but it is more of a temporary lift up for the kids.
first few days we used to rest, see Addis and go through orientation. We first
worked with the kids yesterday and it was so great! The language barrier is of
course a bit frustrating, but other than that it was really fun. They are so
cute and really eager to learn. There are 18 of them and they are between the
ages of 6-10. They live in this home for 1 year, where they are given an
education. That way, they can go to schools next year and be up to speed with
the other students. Most of these kids have been found through a women’s
shelter, and a few are from the streets. They call the house a “rehabilitation
center,” but it is more of a temporary lift up for the kids.
This morning we
started by teaching the kids a bit more (yesterday we assessed what they
already knew and today we taught them “ch” “sh” and “th” sounds). It is pretty
difficult to teach when the kids all speak Amharic, but again, it works. A lot
of hand motions, crazy acting out and facial expressions. Which, is what I’m learning
is good for communicating with anyone here. You can really say a lot without
words.
started by teaching the kids a bit more (yesterday we assessed what they
already knew and today we taught them “ch” “sh” and “th” sounds). It is pretty
difficult to teach when the kids all speak Amharic, but again, it works. A lot
of hand motions, crazy acting out and facial expressions. Which, is what I’m learning
is good for communicating with anyone here. You can really say a lot without
words.
This afternoon we
came into Addis and did our first experience with the feeding center. It is
essentially a soup kitchen that serves 700 people every lunch. They do it in 4
separate rounds and it gets a little crazy. I spent time serving and folding
the njara (which is like a big pancake and the traditional food of Ethiopia). It
was actually really cool and I’m excited that we will get to be there twice a
week.
came into Addis and did our first experience with the feeding center. It is
essentially a soup kitchen that serves 700 people every lunch. They do it in 4
separate rounds and it gets a little crazy. I spent time serving and folding
the njara (which is like a big pancake and the traditional food of Ethiopia). It
was actually really cool and I’m excited that we will get to be there twice a
week.
Other than that, I
am still adjusting to the whole situation and my lack of contact with many
people. I am here with 2 other volunteers (both boys named Peter), which I am
really happy about. However, sometimes I want new people to talk to! I’m sure I’ll
get used to it or make new friends. We might be getting a new volunteer in
February (fingers crossed that it’s a girl).
am still adjusting to the whole situation and my lack of contact with many
people. I am here with 2 other volunteers (both boys named Peter), which I am
really happy about. However, sometimes I want new people to talk to! I’m sure I’ll
get used to it or make new friends. We might be getting a new volunteer in
February (fingers crossed that it’s a girl).
Alright, that’s it for now. This internet is crazy slow and
I don’t want to keep the others waiting. Also, Merry Christmas! The Ethiopian
Christmas is this Friday, January 7th. The largest religion here is
Christianity (followed closely by Islam), so it’s a big holiday.
I don’t want to keep the others waiting. Also, Merry Christmas! The Ethiopian
Christmas is this Friday, January 7th. The largest religion here is
Christianity (followed closely by Islam), so it’s a big holiday.
Ciao!
ps. Lisa didn't mention this but she saw a monkey running around in her village!!!
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