The Children

Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit Selam Children's Village. It's an orphanage, but not just your average-run-of-the-mill children's home. It has a very unique twist. Several decades ago, a Christian couple, along with their daughter, had an innovative idea to create a self-sufficient children's village. They teach the children trades so that they can move from dependence to independence upon graduation. It is an incredible idea. They have a fully functioning farm, auto-mechanic shop, metal working area, bakery, green house, restaurant, and most importantly a technical school, where the kids learn to be self-sufficient. [PICTURE #1 - One of our group members, Julie (middle), and two girls from the village. Julie was adopted from this village, so it was a special time for the family.] WARNING!! [don't read the following line while eating--> One of the most amazing examples of innovative thinking is the fact that they take the manure from the dairy cows, use the solid for soil (to sell and to farm with) and the gas for cooking (Was that vague enough? hehe). Everything tastes a little peculiar, but they definitely save on money (just kidding... on the taste). [PICTURE #2 - One of the cows trying to lick Gina.]

Gina started another VBS Monday. This one has been more challenging than the first due to the fact that the kids only speak Amharic. They are almost all from the Orthodox church (and HIV +). So, many are coming to faith during the Bible story time. Pray that the translators will be clear and help with crowd control. [PICTURE #3 - The first night of the VBS.] A picture of the kids with the gospel bracelets is forthcoming.

My class is going well. The presentations last night were great. I was very encouraged. We start Soteriology (the doctrine of Salvation) tonight. These next two days are crucial for their future ministry.

BTW - We had power for 4 or 5 days straight (and water)!! It's off today, but we're learning to work around it.