Famine

We know that Z is in Holt's intake facility in Durame, which is in southern Ethiopia. They have mentioned before that there are a lot of children coming into care because of the current famine, but right now the Sr. Vice President of Holt is over in Ethiopia visiting the care centers and giving update on their blog.

He went down to the intake facility and was astounded at the number of children (over 50!) and the fact that there are infants being abandoned on a regular basis (he guessed that there was a new baby or toddler coming in almost every day).

Holt really wants families to stay together, so if a child is brought in and the parent just can't provide enough food, Holt provides them with food and a tries to help them get back on their feet so they can keep their children. Sometimes there just is no way to do this, or if the child is abandoned, Holt can't do much to help the family.

The fact that there are that many children coming into care means that the situation in that area is very, very serious and they need our help. At this point it sounds like the intake facility is somewhat overwhelmed and has huge needs as far as beds, formula, etc. Can you imagine 50 infants and toddlers? If you feel called to do so, Holt has a link to a place that you can donated to help with these needs (the blog has the link).

We are selfishly hoping that Z is moved up to the facility in Addis soon, and that we get a court date so that we can go get him, but I'm also so glad that the children who are at the intake facility are being cared for and fed, even if they are crowded! Unfortunately, that is the reality of orphanage life, and that's why it's so important for these kids to get out of that situation and into a home and a family.