How fitting that we would spend our last day here with people who were dying and on their very last days. After a day of clinic work at Akakey Kali Haywat we spent the afternoon at an institute founded by Mother Theresa. It's called Mission of Charities and is run by eleven nuns who have dedicated their lives to helping society's rejects (~800 patients) die with dignity and love.

When we arrived we were given the opportunity to spend some time in prayer in their beautiful but simple chapel. We tried to prepare our hearts for what we were about to experience but in reality nothing could have properly prepared us.

We visited several different wards that housed AIDS, TB, and leprosy patients who were on their death beds. We were given the chance to hold their hands, look eye to eye with them, and bless them. Some were too weak to even acknowledge us but others reached out their hands and accepted our love and warm touch. It was very difficult to see so much pain and misery. Tears were discreetly shed by team mates.

The institute also houses many children who have severe mental and physical disabilities. They were excited to see us and many eagerly came to us and enjoyed the attention we gave them. We all enjoyed visiting a play area for orphaned children with AIDS. These cute little gems were still healthy enough to run up to us, ask to be picked up and held, or kick a soccer ball to us. As we walked from room to room visiting toddlers and babies, we each carried in our arms the Lord's beautiful, innocent little children afflicted with AIDS.

(Due to the policies of Sisters of Charity, we were unable to take pictures while we toured the organization. We would like to instead take this opportunity to share pictures that we took of the Children of Ethiopia during our trip. Enjoy!)