Making a difference

While Erin and Eli took a rest, Ato Teklu and I traveled to the city to purchase "supplies." Two much needed lockers for the children and storage. Ato Teklu emphasized how important these lockers were for the children who will pass through WACAP house. After speaking with him a number of times, I have grown to learn that he (as the rest of the staff), is most concerned with the health and well being of the children - than say - teaching them english or making sure they have toys. Imagine feeding and caring for 28 mouths every single day. Luxuries go out the door. It is time for basic necessities. If Ato Teklu says lockers. He NEEDS lockers.

I know we have said it before, but it was amazing to visit WACAP house and see how clean, healthy and happy the children were. A testiment to Ato Teklu and his staff.

We arrived at the warehouse were we confirmed the price of the lockers. It seems like Ethiopians love to/need to argue. After 5 or so minutes of language I didn't understand (facial cues I did), the arguing stops and smiles and laughter return? A fun process to witness. If we argued like that in the U.S., we'd probably leave the store in bitter disgust. I love this culture!

We then traveled to a series of banks to try and get some cash. The store didn't take credit cards. Yikes. At one point we found an ATM machine that wasn't working. It was amusing to see a guard, Ato Teklu, two bystanders and myself - poking and prodding the machine to try and get it to work. Again, not something you would see in the U.S. I even gave it a kick for fun.

We finally had success at a different bank and was able to withdraw enough money. The largest denomination they have is $100 bir - roughly $10 dollars. I had to ask for a large envelope to carry the freshly counted stack of cash in. I felt like a rapper with wads of money in my hand (and a little bit nervous).

We left and headed back to the furniture store to purchase the lockers. After MUCH arguing with MANY people (over and hour (and you know how much I love shopping AND wasting time)), finally - success!

Ato Teklu wanted to make sure that it said "Donated by Joel Markquart" on the receipt. While this was true - not entirely. While we contributed, this was from Merkle and the many people at Grace and family and friends that made this happen (including and inspired Bobbie who was traveling with us (thank you Bobbie!)). When a small band of people get together - it blows me away how so much can be done!

As we chatted on the way home, Ato Teklu passionately said "thank you, thank you..." over and over again. He wanted to print up certificates of appreciation for us. I stopped him and said "no." It was US who needed to thank HIM. He cared for and BROUGHT us our son. Money comes and goes - but lives - especially these children's lives that he cares for and ultimately will bring to THEIR families, were so much more than any money we could ever donate.

He tells me how special WACAP house is and that it is the best in Ethiopia. How they know how to navigate the court system (I'm sure being a diplomat and on the supreme court helped), and most importantly how to take care of the children. When he speaks of the children - babies to teens - you can hear in his voice his passion. These are HIS children. They all call him "papa" for a reason. He loves them like his own.

He went on to explain how important ALL the donations were and how much they will affect the children. WACAP house is very new. They had nothing. He told me now, after this one trip - OUR one simple trip - they had what they needed (for NOW of course (remember the "basics")). We were lucky to bring over formula, medical supplies, clothes, underwear, toothbrushes, educational supplies, and on and on... I'm not sure how to explain this (tears in my eyes now), in a way easy to understand. It is beyond moving to know what we've been able to be a part of.

One simple story to try and explain... Remember the rising cost of formula? Remember how much formula we purchased from donations and brought over? WACAP house received a child whose weight was no more than 2.8 lbs. They brought her to the hospital, where they said she had no hope and there was nothing they could do. Just take her away. So, Ato Teklu did.

He gave her formula.

She gained 4 lbs.

He placed her with a family.She had been discarded. Written off. A simple act. A simple donation. Someone soon, much like us will have a beautiful child that they will love forever. A simple act of kindness - from really - strangers.

You meet certain people along your life that you know are special. Ato Teklu is one of those people. A saint. Erin and I have been blessed to get to know him. We have been so blessed to witness all of this. To be a part of this. It has changed our lives forever.

On the ride home, I ponder myself. Literally. What I have ON me. What I myself take for granted.

REI Watch: $65
Northface shoes: $100
Northface windbreaker: $90
Backpack: $55
Banana Republic t-shirt ($25), pants ($40) underwear ($20), socks ($5) and wallet ($30) and yes, I know I have a BR problem.

$430.

Literally, what I have on my back could do so much. I am humbled. Confused. There is so much more that I could do. Should do.

Earlier in the trip Ato Teklu told me that they would love to build a little playground on the compound for the children. A place for children to finally - or the first time - laugh with the pure joy that only PLAY can bring. If you know me - you know I get PLAY. Onto our next project!

Who knows what the future will bring for Erin and I. But, I think we have definitely found our passion.

Thank you all for your donations, prayers and support. I've said it before... there are no words for the gratitude we feel. This trip has and will continue to help many, many children. Thank you. Thank you.

As my dad would say... "TODAY, was the BEST DAY ever!"