Meet my friend, a precious little girl I met at Kachene Study Center. Her name escapes me at the moment; even if I could remember it I wouldn't be able to spell it correctly. My team spent a total of three days at the Kachene Study Center in the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The center is for kids who are orphaned but still live with extended family, whether that be an aunt, uncle, grandma, etc... It provides a safe haven for the kids and allows the family members to have time to work without worrying about the kids. Think of a Boy's and Girl's Club in the U.S.
The first day of ministering in Ethiopia we visited Kachene and just spent some time with the kids. Then we left the capital (Addis Ababa) for a few days. Upon our return to Addis we returned to Kachene for two more days. This little girl caught my eye right as I hopped off the bus on that second day. She instantly jumped into my open arms. I got asked by Sister Amoss (the founder and lady in charge) to help take some pictures of the kids so I had to set the little one down. She just stayed nearby and watched as I worked with Sister Amoss for at least 40 minutes. When finished I looked over and waved her over and she came running to me. She didn't leave me for the entire day.
The next day we visited Kachene's again. This time the girl saw me probably before I saw her and again came to hold my hand and hangout for the day. This girl had so much attitude and sass and giggles in her. She was a riot to be around and made me smile so much. Her hugs were precious and her giggle made you start laughing instantly.
She stands out in my mind for her tremondous amount of joy and laughter. You'd forget she had gone through a hard life of losing her parents and lives in poverty. Yet, that's the way the people of Ethiopia are: so incredibly joyful and loving despite the hardship. If I learned anything while in the country, that was it.
