Hoping for the Blind - part 2

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The people with whom we spoke became blind at ages 7 and 9, from measles and small pox. Measles - a disease that to me simply means remembering to take my kids to the doctor to get a measles vaccination. Yet here we see firsthand the devastating effects of these diseases that caused this blindness. Heavy sigh. How many difficulties and trauma is suffered that could theoretically have been prevented.

One man became blind at age 8 from a disease locally know as “Metch”. After 2 years his father died and his mother left the family. The grandmother took care of him, but then she died, so he attended the local priests’ school. Eventually he walked to Addis Ababa on foot from his rural village - it took him 11 days. Here he attended a school for the blind. He got married and had 6 children. Unfortunately his wife died, but he supports his kids through his work at the Hope for the Blind. How wonderful that this organization allows the blind to live productively and support their families. If fact, although only about 80 people are employed, the organization has over 200 members. These people have benefitted from many of your generosity - we have passed on donations of toiletries and clothes that friends have generously sent to Ethiopia for the poor.

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Photos

HB Tadas and Alem
Tadas is standing with our host at the organization, Alem. Alem graduated Addis Ababa university with the help of braille, tutors, and helpers for the blind - she is an inspiration!

Tadas with finished rugs
This pictured rug is very beautiful. It took about 2-3 weeks to create and costs about $350.

HB Finished Bags and Rugs
This rug's price tage is about $177. An amazing value.