Braggin'

It's Autumn...a guest writer for the day. I just need to brag on Emily a bit. She's been having a tough time. Although she is 100% a volunteer where she works she has hit a bit of a rough patch as of late. Basically even though she has been working her buns off for free her independence is being taken away by her superiors. Certainly everyone whether paid or unpaid should have rules that they must abide by but things have gone a little far. Emily called very upset a couple days ago. A woman who is the director at an orphanage (unrelated to the place she is currently working for) that shall remain nameless called her and asked Emily to come over and teach her and her staff how to care for babies. There are already many children there so obviously it is hugely important that this woman wants to be trained on how to best take care of children. Emily readily agreed and made plans to head over there.


Em called a driver (they use the same 2-3 drivers all the time) and was told a certain someone (who we shall call "D") told the drivers that they are not allowed to take Emily to any other orphanage without first getting D's permission. First of all, this other orphanage is a completely unrelated entity. Secondly, the only reason "D" told the drivers this was to maintain complete control...Emily has done nothing that would in any way harm a relationship between orphanages and the place she works for. Thirdly (is that a word?) Emily has an awesome reputation at these orphanages which shines a positive light on the place she is working for...so awesome in fact that of all the people they could call to ask for help this orphanage called Emily to ask her to train everyone in the basics of childcare.

Emily called home really upset and discouraged. "D" who set these things into place is not returning any of her calls and is refusing to speak to her except via text message. Emily just wants things explained in person or at least over the phone as a lot can get lost in translation 1) because she is in Ethiopia and doesn't speak Amharic and 2) because that's what can happen over text messages.

So...here's where the bragging comes in. Today my Mom got a message from Emily. She got her driver's license, rented a car, and has now officially driven herself on the streets of Addis Ababa. Way to beat them at their own game, Em! I am really proud of Emily for a lot of reasons. She is living a very rough life. She is creatively problem solving. She is incredibly adventurous and brave to get a license in Ethiopia. She is remaining respectful in her communication to the people she is having conflict with despite everything that she must be feeling. Although she is probably discouraged she is still doing what she went to Ethiopia to do... love on the kids and help make their lives better. Now she has been given the opportunity to positively touch additional lives by being invited to train an entire orphanage how to care for their children.

Keep up the good work, Emily! We love you!