Monday, December 19, 2011

Compassion: A Day with Family

Today we set out early to meet Zadyn and Awan's Compassion International Children they have sponsored for about three years now. Each child is the same age as them. Atkilt our represenative from Compassion, came to help us through out the day. We set out towards the first project where Endokachew, Zadyn's sponsor child is. On our way we had decided to bring a gift for his and Tigest's family. We first stopped at a number of markets in search for sugar. Stop after stop, we found that finding a simple resource like sugar was very hard here in Addis. After about the 6th stop we finally found enough for both families. We decided to also purchase oil, but that was a no go. There, was only one oil found, and a lady at the market was waiting to purchase it. So we decided maybe grain would be better for the family. We purchased 50 kilos of teff, which will last each family 3-4 months. The sugar and grain was a mere $30 total for both familes. But for these familes the cost for them would be huge. From there we went to the first project where we met Endockachew. He was amazing. Zadyn you and him would have loved each other so much. I so wish you could have been here to experience this day with us. He was in Math, when we arrived. We got to see where he played and then we got to go to his home. His mother came to the playground. When she arrived, she shook my hand and with tears she muttered something in amharic. I asked for a translation, because most say "Salamano". He looked at me and said, " She say you are the World." Both Endokachew and his mother were quiet, and reserved. We took a small ride to a gated area where they led us into a dirt brick block building where one of the small flats was called home for their family of 5. Endokachew had just lost his yougest sister this past year to a large tumor in her neck that was considered not treatable. When we asked about her, his Mom began to cry. She had just recontly passed making Endokachew the youngest in the family. We entered his home, well greeted by one of his sisters eager to meet us. She was 10. And loved Awan dearly! The home was not much more than 10 sq feet. Enough room for 6 people to sit but not move. The walls were painted a bright samon pink but there were no windows, so the home was dark like it was night. But it had a sense of home to it. There we fell in love with Endokachew and his mother and sister. We brought him a soccer ball so Awan had fun playing with them outside and they all began laughing as if they had been friends forever. We then got to treat them, by taking them out for lunch. A rare occasion. His sister ran inside with a huge smile at the sound of the invitation. She came out with a tattered but yet still resembled a beautiful white embelished dress. She was beautiful. This was a special day, she was wearing her best. Her mother did the same. She put on her best Ethiopian wrap, and Enokadchew put on his new clothes we had brought him. We went out for Coca, and Injera. They were all smiles. It's hard to put into words the meeting with this family. When you think sponsorship you think faraway child you are supporting right? But now he is real to us, she is real to us, now they are family. As we had to say our good byes, I went to tell his mother good bye. She reached out her hand and I bye passed it, and went for a hug, she wouldn't let go. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But this hug was worth far more. Though she could not communicate a single word to me she spoke a million to me in this hug. She didn't have to say anything. I knew. Her love for our family was deep. And ours for hers. Deep as well.

Tears filled my eyes, I didn't want to say goodbye. And we watched them wave untill we couldn't see them anymore. We headed for the second project where we met sweet sweet little Tigest. Tigest means patients in amharic. So much of this adoption journey has required patients. Tigest is 8, just like Awan. She is in the 3rd grade just like Awan. Something amazing happens when two girls on the other side of the world meet and you instantly know they are sisters at heart. They were inseperable. Infact Tigest asked if Awan could spend the night! Oh, they would be best friends if they lived in the same city. We also go to visit her home and meet her mother. She lives with her mother and her grandmother. Her father works far away from Addis and he only comes home every 4 months to check on them. Then goes out to work again. Tigest and Awan drank orange soda and giggled on the sofa. Tigest, liked her doll, purse, hairclips, and Awan helped her color and work in her books. The girls were instant friends. We were all amazed at their instant bond and friendship. They will be friend for life. Tigest wrote Awan a note it said, " I love you sister."

Today was just that. A day of meeting family. Sponsorship is family, and now we have had a one on one incounter of meeting them. We have been blessed by each family. And can't wait to see them again! We love you Endokachew and Tigest. We will see you soon.

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