I had intended to post daily but Internet access being what it it here in Ethiopia, I will do most of my posts as soon as I can get a good connection.
In the meantime, I continue to have a good trip and thanks for your patience.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
Pictures from my First Day in Ethiopia at Joy House.
My first stop was to the Joy House founded by Abraham Fiseha. Abraham is a long time warrior in helping orphans and street kids. Basically he goes into communities and identifies orphans (12 at a time), creates a sense of family with the help of two House Mothers and REALLY makes a difference in the lives of boys and girls.
While at the Joy House for Girls, I met 6 of the girls and the House Mothers. Two girls left to get their hair done (which I know some of you understand given that it is Easter Sunday weekend...No matter the culture or background, we are all concerned about our hair)!
I have to say the girls were reluctant to open up and share their stories. The photo below says it all!
So..I started asking about music...they like Chris Brown, Rihanna, Usher and Bruno Mars. Movies..Rainbow Games and High School/The Musical. I showed them pictures of Kaden and Karli...kids have a way of making everyone smile.
Finally, I don't want to forget about one additional friend I made on this visit.
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| Abraham and one of the House Moms |
While at the Joy House for Girls, I met 6 of the girls and the House Mothers. Two girls left to get their hair done (which I know some of you understand given that it is Easter Sunday weekend...No matter the culture or background, we are all concerned about our hair)!
I have to say the girls were reluctant to open up and share their stories. The photo below says it all!
So..I started asking about music...they like Chris Brown, Rihanna, Usher and Bruno Mars. Movies..Rainbow Games and High School/The Musical. I showed them pictures of Kaden and Karli...kids have a way of making everyone smile.
Over popcorn and very sweet coffee, they shared their hopes and dreams. They all lived in the streets, did things that no women should ever see or do. They came to Joy House six years ago unable to speak English, wishing only for a safe place to live.
Today, they all speak very good English, and are training to take their place in the world as a Midwife, Nurse, Chef, Hair Dresser, Doctor and Flight Attendant. I shared my story and how I am so very proud of each of them. I thought I was resilient, but these girls are Resilient with a capital R!
Finally, I don't want to forget about one additional friend I made on this visit.
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| LUCKY, the Joy House Mascot! That face! |
I received much more than I gave on this visit!
Arriving in Ethiopia!
Up early for a 4:30 am flight ...which means I arrived at airport at 2:00am. What an insane pace! I've learned that Ethiopians do not like waiting in line...he who pushes to the front of the line gets service.
Waited for check-in for 45 min and I was 4th in line...sooo I joined the "pushers" and eventually checked in and boarded the flight.
Airport in Addis Ababa is equally insane. But I learn fast..."pushed" through Passport Control and Customs to meet Ellen Taussig from the Gates Foundation.
Addis Ababa is much like Mumbai...except there are NO Traffic Lights or STOP signs.
Despite it being Good Friday (Sunday is Easter) there were lots of shoppers...a very vibrant city with Cows, goats and people sharing the streets.
Stay tuned...
Waited for check-in for 45 min and I was 4th in line...sooo I joined the "pushers" and eventually checked in and boarded the flight.
Airport in Addis Ababa is equally insane. But I learn fast..."pushed" through Passport Control and Customs to meet Ellen Taussig from the Gates Foundation.
Addis Ababa is much like Mumbai...except there are NO Traffic Lights or STOP signs.
Despite it being Good Friday (Sunday is Easter) there were lots of shoppers...a very vibrant city with Cows, goats and people sharing the streets.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, May 2, 2013
My First Post on my way to Ethiopia!
Hello Special Friends,
I am traveling to Ethiopia this week.
WHY ETHIOPIA?
Many of you know my passion for helping women and girls (nothing against the guys...but women hold up half the sky and sometimes we need a little more help!)
My work as a Board Member with the Dreuding Center and Gwynedd Mercy College has shown me the impact I can have on those who lives and faces are not much different from my own.
Through a series of introductions I met Mike Hoffman and Susan Redmond who lead an organization called, "Changing our World". They know anyone and everyone in the philanthropic space.
My request of them was simple.... "How do I use my time, talent and resources to make a broader difference on a global scale?"
Mike and Susan told me three things:
1. If you want to understand policy, you need to observe policy impact on the ground.
2. The Gates Foundation does very good work in this area.
3. Ethiopia is the best place for a first global visit.
So tomorrow, May 3rd I arrive in Ethiopia...not as a Merck employee but as a private citizen. I have no idea what to expect. If you want to journey with me, I invite you to follow along at this blog. Feel free to comment, dialogue or add a "Hey Girl, just checking on you".
Oh, and feel free to forward the link to anyone I may have missed..I trust you will use good judgement.
Take care,
Charlotte
I am traveling to Ethiopia this week.
WHY ETHIOPIA?
Many of you know my passion for helping women and girls (nothing against the guys...but women hold up half the sky and sometimes we need a little more help!)
My work as a Board Member with the Dreuding Center and Gwynedd Mercy College has shown me the impact I can have on those who lives and faces are not much different from my own.
Through a series of introductions I met Mike Hoffman and Susan Redmond who lead an organization called, "Changing our World". They know anyone and everyone in the philanthropic space.
My request of them was simple.... "How do I use my time, talent and resources to make a broader difference on a global scale?"
Mike and Susan told me three things:
1. If you want to understand policy, you need to observe policy impact on the ground.
2. The Gates Foundation does very good work in this area.
3. Ethiopia is the best place for a first global visit.
So tomorrow, May 3rd I arrive in Ethiopia...not as a Merck employee but as a private citizen. I have no idea what to expect. If you want to journey with me, I invite you to follow along at this blog. Feel free to comment, dialogue or add a "Hey Girl, just checking on you".
Oh, and feel free to forward the link to anyone I may have missed..I trust you will use good judgement.
Take care,
Charlotte
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