by Joy Casey in Ethiopia Nov 3, 2017
I woke this morning to birds singing and warm sunshine. I love it! Our destination is a dusty village off the beaten track where I am eager to meet 40 kindergarten students.
They have been in school for six weeks and already are learning songs, English phrases, counting and simple phonics.
They are adorable in their Mana Gammachuu tee-shirts with the majority of them missing their two front teeth. I had been with the children when school was just starting in September and already I notice a difference in their demeanor and appearance.
We provide a nourishing lunch each school day. Today they had bread (made by the cook), boiled egg, milk, tea topped off with a multi-vitamin. There is a water station in front of the school where the children usually wash before lunch, but today the water main was shut off so the kids washed from a pitcher held by their teacher.
Jason took pictures of each class with their teacher…
and I took a picture of him with the little girl he sponsors to go to school.
At the end of December Lighthouse Church, who has adopted this ministry area, is sending a team who will be doing fun, interactive learning games and crafts with the children. The team, with their leader Mark Wolbert, is energetically preparing for their time in this village. Pastor Paul will have a day of teaching church leaders from several surrounding villages, the school will get a fresh coat of paint, and at least one mural will brighten up a classroom. The children will LOVE having these visitors!