First shopping spree

The shopping spree was a great success!! Though it took 3 hours to get a just a few items the first time around, I am much more aware of how to shop, where to shop, and the price differences in the areas throughout the city.

Saturday was the day of shopping with the money donated to Kechene by my granny-parents, though I didn't spend nearly the entire amount, it was a great first exploration. Without the help of Gezeghan, my Ethiopian friend, I would have been lost. We checked out 3 different parts of the city to make sure we were using the money wisely and then finally bought the items that were at the first store. Isn't that how it usually goes :)

For the first round we got:
2 walkers
2 mobiles
puzzles
hair materials for the girls (such as oil because their little scalps are extremely dry)
jump ropes
nuks
and such

The next time around will be books, underwear and maybe some bras for the older girls as what they are using now is absolutely horrible with metal digging into their skin.

The children were so excited!! And the 'moms' were extremely grateful. (I got a phone call from the director on Monday as he wanted to thank me right away though I am always visiting 'We have no words' is what he said, and told him I would forward the message to my family)

Also the coloring crayons and pictures were a big hit!! They loved it! And though the intention was for them to keep the pictures they had drawn for themselves, they all insisted on giving them to me, each one with his/her name on it. I now have 45 pictures in my living room...I'll have to figure out how I can hang them all.

This weekend was an uplifting weekend, one that I really needed! The children had a blast and the day went too fast.

Tonight I'll be going to visit Kechene to speak with the director about their specific needs in more detail and also to get some information on one of the children in the home. It's a great ride! And I couldn't be more thankful to spend my time with these amazing children and employees.

PS I learned how to stretch cotton two weekends ago, it was quite interesting. I showed up at Kechene and the mom had made me a beautiful traditional Ethiopian Orthodox scarf out of it (though I contributed little!) They are all so kind. And this past weekend I roasted whole coffee beans, crushed them, and made some homemade coffee :)

PSS I am recovering from my second bout with food poisoning. I was finally able to get to work at about noon today. OUCH!! Not a good night!!

Hope everyone has a great day!!!