November 8, 2009

Finally a day to stay home. I know it may be hard to believe but even I need that once in a while.

I went to a Birthday party last night and stayed out talking about business ideas way too late. At what point in life did that become as much fun as dancing the night away? So today I’ve taken the day easy. I’ve been organizing all the paperwork to file for our re-registration tomorrow. I think we have all that we need. But the process begins again. I was so excited when we were granted our legal status through 2012 but there is a new law that states that every NGO needs to submit again before February 12, 2010. Let’s hope that there will be so many and the office will be so organized that we can sail right through with no frustrations.

But…. before the re-registration, I get to experience some time in court. One of the women with Fistula we have been helping for more than four years was hired as an employee. However, she has the basic problem that she can’t seem to grasp the idea that coming to work on time, being kind to others, and not stealing are good ideas. One of our little girls caught her stealing things that were meant for the new women and stopped her. I was proud! She said she is the daughter of our home and she could not let anyone steal. (She earned a good citizenship award at her school for this).

I called the police on the advice of our lawyer so that the laws of Ethiopia could handle the outcome. Sounds simple enough??? Oh no, now she is taking me to court for six month salary plus permanent reinstatement of her job with permission to steal anytime she wishes. So I only hope that reason will be the winner.

I do have to say that our employee problem really has been so beautifully almost solved. Almost everyone is working with such diligence and kindness. Wishes really do come true! We are taking a “field trip” to Sodore to see the natural springs and monkeys next weekend. It will be so nice to just have fun together.

One of the strange things that happens to me here is food cravings. I have been so happy all week because I found a bag of corn chips for sale. They are actually from the middle east so they are not quite Mexican and they cost $12 for a small bag, but they have helped. So if any of you have a chance to go to Southside Johnny’s for sweet potato fries, please remember me.