Awasa orphanage

The entire complex sits on a piece of land not much bigger than the lot our house sits on, tucked in a side alley in Awasa. I saw a total of about five rooms. They currently have the four little boys (at least based on the clothes they had on) above, and thirteen infants. This is the place that takes in the children found on the streets of Awasa or dropped off here by family who can't care for them. They hold them for two months, or until their paperwork is ready, and then transfer them to the main orphanages in Addis.

If they survive.

Those were the exact words of the director of this orphanage.

If they survive.

And yet, the little boys had huge smiles for the soccer balls and train toys we brought. The babies smiled at their rattles. They smiled even bigger when the nurses picked them up and held them, or when we did. The ladies hear clearly care for the kids, and are obviously doing what they can to help them.

They don't have much. A few rooms, a few cribs, some clothes, not enough formula, and 17 kids who depend on them.

The director asked when we would be back. We said we didn't think we would. But if any other adoptive parents are up for it, make the trip here and bring formula, bottles, and cloth diapers. That is what they said they need most.