Ethiopia Day 2 - Dagim's Day!

Today was all about Dagim! It was a reunion with a piece of his past that he left 7 years ago.  We began our day at Unity Park where three of Dagim's friends from his orphanage days met us for the day.  It was a beautiful sight to see these four hang out just like old times.  They seemed to pick up right where they left off.  We learned that the three boys live together in an apartment where they are partially supported by the orphanage as they transition into independent life.  I don't think Dagim stopped smiling all day long - he seemed to be overflowing with joy and it was beautiful!

Unity Park was the perfect place to spend the day.  Newly opened in 2019, it is a green oasis in the heart of the city.  We enjoyed the zoo, gardens, and cultural villages showcasing Ethiopia's ethnic groups.  

The highlight of the park, however, was the injera-making session that we took part in.  The boys laughed and cheered as they each tried their hand at the perfect injera pour.  And then, of course, we celebrated the day with an Ethiopian feast.

At the end of the day, we had the privilege of meeting with Dagim's orphanage director, a woman whose kind spirit spoke volumes of her dedication to her "children."  We shared stories of the past and caught up on life as it is now.  What a blessing it was to see her again!

As we reflect on this day of homecoming, we are so thankful for the wonderful people that God placed in Dagim's life in Ethiopia.  We will turn in early tonight as we will leave tomorrow morning before the sun rises to head south.  Tomorrow is ALL ABOUT JOSEPH!!  

Sophia is hanging in there - but please continue to pray that she will feel back to normal soon.  We also ask for prayer for our travel tomorrow as we will be travelling on some roads that are not in the best shape for most of the morning.