Wednesday, February 2

Today our team had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Steve Bryan and other leaders of the Ethiopian Graduate School of theology. He shared with us his vision for the school the need for leadership training and that EGST is the only degree-granting graduate school of theology in all of Ethiopia.

We also met with Andy Warren, director of the Service In Mission (SIM) HIV home based care program. Dr Tim Teusink of SIM spoke to us of his work in HIV prevention training for pastors. In addition to his HIV/AIDS work, Dr, Tuesink provides medical care to the missionaries and their family members in Ethiopia associated with the largest Ethiopian evangelical church (some 200+). He is on call truly 24X7!

In the afternoon, our team visited the Missionaries of Charity Home for the Destitute and Dying and the Home for orphans and children with HIV and AIDS. We were touched deeply by all that we saw.

Wednesday afternoon proved to be one of the most emotionally and spiritually moving days for many of us as we visited the Sisters of Charity, Mother Theresa's group. They run a home for disabled children and desperately sick adults. They care for the sick and dying with warmth and grace, making their last weeks as full of kindness as possible. The mentally disabled have no resources or services here, so this may be the one institution that enables them to be cared for with dignity. The Sisters themselves are quite radiant with an innocence and joy usually found only in children.

We also visited their orphanage for abandoned HIV+ children. Around 600 kids live in a lovely compound with rooms full of bright paintings and clean surroundings. They do what education and health care they can within the limits of the children's lives and give them a loving end when it comes. The children welcomed us with open arms, craving hugs and touch. We gave what affection we could in the confines of a visit. All the children are bright-eyed and friendly. Our hearts were all broken by the beauty, grace, and sorrow of the situation.