life in Oz

Life back here in Oz has been quite hectic. Not only due to the level of 'christmas crazy' which seems to descend at this time of year.. but also because of the increased work at the cinema (what i do when I'm not a) studying b) travelling or c) starting up charitable organisations). I've also had alot to do in terms of admin for the organisation. I'm in the process of incorporating as a non-profit, trying to gain tax exemption, working on this blog and trying to promote it, organising fundraisers, doing interviews for the local newspaper and radio. I've had no time for christmas shopping this year, which is just as well considering I have no money for gifts anyway. Gifts will be home-made this year! But that's ok, because a pretty important lesson that i've learned during my time in Ethiopia, is not the quantity or the price of a gift which is important, it's the act of giving itself.
When I was preparing to return home to Australia, i received several gifts from Ethiopian gifts. These weren't expensive presents or even new, they were just little tokens of their love for me, and for that I will cherish them more than if they had of given me the latest iphone or nintendo wii. These people have so little, but they are so ready to give it all away, it's very humbling.

I spoke to S and all the kids in turn yesterday. Last week we had a minor drama with one of the boys kicking another buy in the eye somehow, which fortunately did not cause damage to said boy's eye.. but resulted in punishment for the offender. Hillary was having problems with diarrohea again but it seems to be clearing up now that I have insisted on a total milk ban for her. Ytinet on the other hand seems to have picked up a bug or something and has vomiting and diarrohea which worries me, being so far away.. but our caregiver took her to the hospital yesterday and they prescribed anti-biotics so hopefully they make her better (i'm not entirely convinced though as she's been prescribed this same stuff 3 times already). Fortunately a lovely nurse from America is visiting tomorrow, so that puts my mind at ease a little!

S said that the kids all miss me and after hearing my voice, Gabbaeyaw ran around in circles for awhile she was so excited! I miss them all terribly, but know that i need to be here in order to help them.