Where to start? We’ve all seen the pictures on TV and in magazines of orphanages where babies lie in cots craving stimulation and someone’s arms around them, giving the much wanted love all humans need.

Although LUCIA has no connection with the Kidane Mehret orphanage, Steve, Denise and I decided to take the opportunity to visit and learn more about the problems facing Ethiopia. This orphanage, situated on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, is run by two committed nuns both over the age of 70 who work hard to help and support 200 children.

The rain was hammering down as we walked into the compound of the orphanage and the concrete yard, struggling to drain the water, was rapidly turning into a swimming pool. A kind faced elderly nun greeted us warmly and invited us into her room which was basic and held no unnecessary comforts. She told us a few very sad stories of young children who’d come into their care and the problems they faced. Amongst the 200 children the orphanage held, there were approximately 30 abandoned babies who local support staff changed and fed in a conveyor belt fashion.

We walked into the compound of the Kindergarten in the Alemgena district in Ethiopia to be greeted by a picture I’ll never forget; over fifty children aged between 3 and 7 years standing in rows singing ten green bottles in English just for us. The children held bunches of green foliage with a plastic flower in each bunch, their bright faces all aglow at the very special visitors –‘us’. They also sang songs in their own language which could have been Oromo or Amharic (I’m ashamed to admit I don’t know).

After the singing the children gathered round us and presented their flowers. We walked round the three classrooms, one of which LUCIA had bought the furniture for, then on to see the play ground equipment. All the while over fifty pairs of eyes followed us round and any chance to touch us was taken.

The visit was all over so quickly and so was the feeling of being special guests. The children didn’t mind us keeping the green foliage but could they have their plastic flowers back?? Oh well, capturing their attention for a little while was great but at the end of the day children all over the world are the same. They are very busy and their friends are waiting.