It is getting dark so I don't have long to write before I need to head off, but I wanted to send out a quick update. Wow - it's been a week since I left! It's weird, in so many ways it feels like longer, and in so many other ways I can't believe I've been in Africa for a week... It has been quite an eventful few days and I have so many stories, thoughts, and feelings to share - but there really is no time. But let's see what I can say... This week, not only did I reject my first African marriage proposal (hahaha - you'd be proud mom!!), do laundry for the first time (oh boy am I going to appreciate a washing machine when I get back...and so will my fingers!!! But muscles I will have built...lol), but I started working at "Osu Children's Home" - the orphanage. WOW. I don't remember what I said about it, but it's a very large orphanage, with over 150 children. This week I've been spending about 11 hours a day (give or take) working in the nursery (up to just before 3 years). We have about 35 children there - with a couple added yesterday. It has both been wonderful and completely heartbreaking. We had a little baby girl (Lov) brought in yesterday, a week old - the most beautiful BEAUTIFUL child...abandoned shortly after birth. Another girl was also brought in - 1 1/2, who looks so malnurished and maltreated it just breaks my heart. There are 4 disabled children among our group (CP/delayed...etc) whom are pretty much ignored. Today, except for the 1/2 hour I had to spare with 1 of them, all 4 layed in their cots the ENTIRE day. They wore the same cloths as yesterday...sat in their own sweat, urine, and spit. I was able to change the one girl's outfit later in the day, but her other clothes were not dry due to the rainy weather. It absolutely breaks my heart.
It's not all sad though - I witnessed an adoption yesterday, which was very exciting. And there are many other happy stories from which I have been encouraged. But no time...
Anyway, I need to run - but thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I have found a very cheap internet cafe near the orphanage so hopefully I will get here often. I would love to hear how you are doing. Please continue to pray for me, and for the other workers here. It is such needy work.
With love from afar,
Teresa
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