The Cunningham Foundation

(Reflection from Awon Atuire of Regis University who led a team of nursing students as part of the Denver Strength Corps for Ethiopia -June 2003)

I came to Project Mercy in Yetebon with visions of giving hope.
I left being the grateful recipient of much hope, kindness, and many examples of humanitarianism at its best.

I came to Project Mercy with a team of nursing students with lots of questions and ideas on how to get things done.
What we found was a lesson in humility and exemplary dedication from Project Mercy’s healthcare workers and program staff as they worked tirelessly to literally save the lives of children from severe malnutrition, kwashiorkor, and the effects of the famine.

I came to Project Mercy as an *African returning to Africa in a new capacity of international volunteer coming to help with community development and healthcare. What I found was an opportunity for soul development and spiritual health.

I came to Project Mercy with plans and programs from graduate NGO management classes and working experience in service learning.
What I found was a holistic approach to self-sustainable development and a commitment to excellence by Marta and Deme in all aspects of Projects Mercy’s work.

I came to Project Mercy wondering if I would have the opportunity to meet with Marta and Deme even for a few minutes to discuss plans and projections.
What I found was Marta and Deme who were completely accessible to children, staff and volunteers.

I also found a Marta who sat down with me on a log offered me two very important things to reflect on: (paraphrased below)

1. The children are the future of Ethiopia and indeed Africa, and we must nurture them in the most empowering way for their future roles and avoid making them recipients of our individual baggage or guilt.
2. In order to build lasting solutions we need to begin from the root and respect the process with sincerity, integrity, and unflinching determination.
   

I cried when I read the information on the famine before our trip to Ethiopia
I cried I saw severely malnourished children in Ethiopia
I still cry now that I have returned from Ethiopia, but it is a different cry now.
I no longer cry only for the children of Ethiopia
I cry also for the many individuals like myself in the U.S.A. and elsewhere who are not taking the full advantage of connecting with humanity where it matters the most.