After Dinner Walks

July 22, 2011
Hamle 15, 2003, ec

The Brothers take a walk every night after dinner in the cool of the desert evening. It was especially cool last night as it had rained in the afternoon with showers lingering into the evening, so much so our first attempt at our walk was postponed. The irregularities of the cobbled streets and sidewalks makes navigating a bit difficult especially when the street lights are sporadic. Last night Brothers Daniel, Taye and I walked away from the school, which had less traffic and fewer people. We walked for about an hour and were on our return home, about nine, it had started to sprinkle a little when a small boy of about five joined us. Daniel and Taye recognized him. He walked for a while between Daniel and I holding our hands. As we neared our gate, Taye gave him a Birr and sent him back. He and his mother are among the many homeless here in Diré Dawa. At this time of night, the streets are lined with men, women and children, huddled against the walls for protection and warmth, indistinguishable as human in the pile of rags underneath which they seek a night’s sleep. An old woman, grasps her only possession, a discarded plastic bottle which is her water supply as we pass.

On a brighter note, Lauren returned from the hospital today. She moved slowly, but looked so much better. The group was buoyed by her return as evidenced in the chatter at dinner. We were blessed that we were in Dire´Dawa and so close to medical help. God is watching over us. So, we are all back together, ready for the weekend and new adventure.

Tonight we all walked together. It is faster and louder as a group…we certainly attract attention. It is like a parade, everyone stops and looks!