In country, and grateful that the periodic gentle rains have kept it cool and comfortable. We landed briefly in Khartoum. Looking out the window as our altitude lowered, I swear the countryside looked like Kansas without the glitz. And then there was the Nile, of course, winding across the fields of green and gold. Into Ethiopia; landing at night is the great urban equalizer. They all look like the emerald city when you land amidst the light.
Morning takes us to the Mother Child Rehabilitation Center, where our students have been serving for the past week. Juta, the founder and chief, is a fierce German woman who clearly has a fire in the belly for these lost women and children. They serve homeless women with children, victims of violence, rape and abuse, and the children no one wants or cares for. Many of the babies are rescued from mothers ready to kill or sell them, particularly when they are the result of rape. J
uta takes them all in, educates them, provides them with shelter, protects them from abusers, and gives them the therapy they need. We watch three interpretive dances from the dance therapy class -- these were some talented young people, their dances were moving and hopeful. It was followed by circus therapy -- yes, you have that right. Tumbling, jumping, scaring us all that they would fall off the mattresses that served as their mats. We toured the compound, where women are taught to sew, children are schooled, illnesses are treated, and souls are soothed. Our students' work was evident everywhere -- charts on the wall helping the kids understand how to stay well, and showing their parents what normal development should be. Once again, I am struck by the resilience of children and the generosity of strangers. Yuta had us to her home for lunch, an elaborate and gracious affair complete with china, four courses of wonderful food, and great conversation. I asked her what inspired her to do this work. "Have you looked around here?" she responded simply.
Will meet with Dr. Rick Hodes tonight, and since the only internet I have is here in the hotel, may post before we leave for Project Mercy tomorrow. Stay tuned.
uta takes them all in, educates them, provides them with shelter, protects them from abusers, and gives them the therapy they need. We watch three interpretive dances from the dance therapy class -- these were some talented young people, their dances were moving and hopeful. It was followed by circus therapy -- yes, you have that right. Tumbling, jumping, scaring us all that they would fall off the mattresses that served as their mats. We toured the compound, where women are taught to sew, children are schooled, illnesses are treated, and souls are soothed. Our students' work was evident everywhere -- charts on the wall helping the kids understand how to stay well, and showing their parents what normal development should be. Once again, I am struck by the resilience of children and the generosity of strangers. Yuta had us to her home for lunch, an elaborate and gracious affair complete with china, four courses of wonderful food, and great conversation. I asked her what inspired her to do this work. "Have you looked around here?" she responded simply.
Will meet with Dr. Rick Hodes tonight, and since the only internet I have is here in the hotel, may post before we leave for Project Mercy tomorrow. Stay tuned.
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