Even though we were with a large group most of whom were Ethiopian, the small children seemed to gravitate to white faces. As I walked to the cowshed to see how Simret’s herd had grown, I found myself with one small child hanging off each hand.  The smallest one was probably four or so. Either rejected by their family or orphaned at a young age we don’t know, but we do know that here they will be cared for , loved, fed and educated. And they will hear the Gospel, in an area of the country spiritually struggling under the dark grip of animism and witchcraft.

This could arguably be the busiest week I’ve experienced here in Ethiopia. Not least because it’s been the week of the Christmas play. The children have worked hard and have had three opportunities to show off their talents. Performances to Middle and High school as well as Elementary and of course the parents. The stars, camels and sheep all fitted their part sporting smart themed headbands adorned with wool.

 However we did manage to select the most non-maternal Mary ever. As she became distracted, baby Jesus was held variously by a leg or arm or she even put him across her knees and used him as an elbow rest. Despite many demonstrations showing how to cradle a baby from adults and children alike, she just didn’t get it.