First Day in Ethiopia

I don't feel completely prepared to try to express my feeling about the trip, but I feel like I shouldn't wait any longer.  I've spoken about the trip a little bit with a few people, but I can't seem to convey the feeling or emotions adequately.  It may sound cliche, but I truly feel that God has used this trip to change me and to bring me closer to Him.  Through orphan children, widows, brave pastors, and fellow Man Up participants, God has demonstrated His love.  

Day 1: After landing in Ethiopia (Addis Abbaba) we headed to the EGH (Ethiopia Guest House).  We did a quick turn around and headed to Help for the Needy, which happens to be the orphanage where Mitch's (our leader and my good friend) and Shannon's son Zion is.  I wasn't fully prepared for the love we would experience here.  The actual building was pretty nice, actually one of the nicest orphanages we saw the entire trip.  It was nap time when we arrived, but word quickly spread that we were there and that effectively ruined nap time for the kids.  As I entered the infant room, there were about 8-10 babies in cribs.  As we picked them up, the tears began to flow ( the Man Up team members', not the babies).  This was my first experience with kids who don't know the love of a parent, sibling, or family.  My heart broke.  Tears soon turned to smiles, then giggles, then laughter as the babies began to react to our touch and funny faces.  We then moved to the toddler room.  12-15 toddlers, mostly standing in their cribs, staring at the strangers in their room.  A few reached out their arms for someone to pick them up, others turned away.  I coaxed one little guy onto my lap and we played horsey and I bounced him on my knee.  He laughed and giggled with joy.  I returned him to his crib (he cried and so did I) and I moved into the older boys room.  These 5-10 year olds were ready to play.  We tossed them in the air, swung them around, and basically made ourselves available as a jungle gym.  My arms were exhausted!  We gathered all the kids in one room and distributed our donations.  Legos were a huge hit here!  The orphanage staff was excited to receive our donation of baby formula and diapers.  

Much of the time we spent here, Mitch was missing in action.  I knew where he was.  He was spending precious time with his son, Zion.  Fortunately, Mitch's dad was on the trip and was also able to spend time with his grandson for the first time.  When they joined us with the large group, seeing them together was emotional.  They looked great together.  Big Mitch, holding and loving that beautiful, precious baby boy.  When we were ready to go, I wasn't sure how we (especially Mitch) was going to be able to do it.  Mitch did well.  He's a rock.  I cried.  It was only our first orphanage, but I already felt guilty leaving the children behind.  At this point, I thought I was in for a long, difficult journey.