October Update!

I received the following update:

"Bamlak received her letter, and was thrilled. Bamlak is still in KG at Kebebetsehay (KG 2 I think). She is in a class with Elsa, Hirut, and Mita. Attached is a picture of her after school." --Ryan

I love hearing how she was thrilled about the letter I sent this month!! Every month, on the 15th families are allowed to send a photo and letter to their waiting child if the child is over 2 years of age. So every month Bamlak gets a little letter and photo from me, usually a photo of us when I was still in Addis and a letter saying that I think of her everyday and that I love her very much. Also, I add a memory that we shared together, such as swimming or going to a cafe, or just playing around Kechene. I love being able to send these letters - I just wish her reaction could be video recorded :)

What continues to cause frustration is that Bamlak is yet again in Kindergarten, that makes it her 3rd year, along with all the other children her age from Kechene. Granted there are two different Kindergartens in Ethiopia, KG1 and KG2, it's sort of like our pre-school and Kindergarten here. So two years, okay. But a third is just frustrating!!!!! I informed the Director last summer that I would sponsor (or find sponsors) for all the children aged 4-6 to attend a private school so they could at least get a good education - as there is one just across the road from the entrance of the home. Nope. Couldn't be done. In fact, he FORGOT to enter the children into school at all! She was supposed to attend 1st grade last year, along with her friends still in KG2 this year. Oh fun! I've learned to role with the punches, but some things are just so aggravating.

Overall, so so happy to receive this update!!!!!!!