Day Two Alem Tena School

Our first stop on the road to Shashamene was to visit both the Alem Tena School and Church. One of the Alem Tena schools biggest challenges is that they need more space and soon may have to move from the space they are renting. In addition, the water in Alem Tena is highly flouridated, which causes dental flourosis, or mottled brown and yellow teeth. Fortunately, there are a great group of people who are looking into a well that will remedy the latter problem.

Our welcome from the young students at Alem Tena School.

Juliette and Timmy were also greeted with bouquets of roses and song!

A photo with the staff and the staff's children from Alem Tena. This day was actually a holiday, but the staff and students came in to show us their school. We were most appreciative. That is Linda Adams, the Director of International Child Care Ministries in the back center!

One of the best parts of this day was the lovely coffee ceremony, they had a cake for us, delicious fresh baked bread, popcorn, soda, and most importantly bunna (coffee).

Children in thier classroom...nothing fancy, huh?

But they are attentive, eager and grateful for the education! Ahh...the contrast. Later we adjourned to outside where the children sang to us read poetry, recited scripture and blessed us by sharing their knowledge and skills.

Hanging with the kids...not sure what's up with the hair thing! I think it is because it moves so easily...not sure. Really fun!

For Kim Oliver who donated soccer balls, this is an amazing testimony of what your gift means to the children of Alem Tena. Thank you!

And everywhere we go the children must take some time out to play! Teeter Totters are very popular...but not always super safe. It's a mom thing.