New continent, new country, new team!
Lots of new things. Welcome to my new life in Awash, Ethiopia!
This month, just like the last, our ministry is ATL which means we weren’t given a host. We were only given a specific region in Ethiopia: the Afar region.
We first arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital city and stayed for a few days to pray, and God gave us the city of Awash.
We were blessed abundantly with a man of peace. He travelled all the way to Awash with us to make sure we arrived safely, which would have been a complete disaster without him. When we arrived he also searched the area for Christian churches so that we could have connections before he left. This was an answered prayer!!! (GOD PROVIDES)
Before arrival we had heard that the Afar region was the hottest place in the world, literally those are the words that were used, and now I see why. We could actually feel the temperature change as we drove. It’s true, it is very hot and dry where we are. I think we are finally getting used to the heat, and having rooms with AC is such a blessing!
We’ve been in Awash for exactly one week now, and the hardest thing for me has been the communication. First of all, they go by a different time schedule than us. So, when they say to meet at 12 they actually mean 6. You can imagine how confusing that could get. It was also difficult in general to feel like we were on the same page with the pastors we are partnering with. After those first couple days it did start to get easier. God can break through even the most difficult language barriers.
Another difficulty has been the food. After our first two nights we moved to a Christian owned guesthouse, which is awesome, but they don’t provide any kind of meal plan. Unlike every other place I’ve been on the race, there’s not a grocery store nearby where you can just go buy whatever you need. They have these small venders, they all look the same, and the most familiar and filling thing you can buy is canned pineapple and canned tuna with crackers. Other than that, we will have a meal a day at a restaurant down the road where I usually get scrambled egg with meat (goat I think) and bread. Which is actually very good, but we cant afford to eat there for every meal. It’s been hard not having familiar, comfortable things to snack on. HOWEVER, its really good for us. We are experiencing abandonment on new levels. It’s safe to say I’m hungry. But the good news is, more than food, I am even more hungry for the things God is showing me and teaching me during this new season on the race.
As far as ministry goes, we have partnered with 4 different churches in the area. We started ministry by primarily going to one church this past week. We go in the morning for prayer, then we go again in the evening for a service. Today we got to start doing outreach and intercession. Tomorrow we will go to a different church to do the same thing. It’s really awesome how here the different churches in the city stay connected and unified with each other.
Overall, my first week in Ethiopia has been amazing. I feel like I’ve had to adapt to a whole new level of discomfort. No matter where we go, we stand out. Kids look at us and say “money money money” and at night they throw rocks at us. People see us and start yelling things I don’t understand. Everyone stares. I love discomfort because it heightens my reliance on God. Lately he’s been showing me that he never promised comfort or safety.
This verse has been on my heart a lot today. It says, “and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:33
I realize that this may not be everyones mindset.. and ill be honest, its not always mine. But, I am striving to be a woman that keeps the Kingdom of God my PRIMARY concern.
Sorry, but safety is not my primary concern. I didn’t sign up for the race with any promise that I would always be safe.
Sorry, but hunger is not my primary concern. I didn’t sign up for the race with any promise that I would always have a full belly.
Daydreaming about home is not my primary concern. I could sit here and dream about finally seeing my family, my new nephew (who hasn’t been born yet but will be while I’m in Rwanda), and all my friends, and finally eating some darn good food. But, that would be a waste of time.
My primary concern should be the Kingdom of God. My safety, my comforts, my needs. They are already met because my God said not to worry about what ill eat or drink. He said not to worry about tomorrow. So, why should I?
A speaker at a younglife camp once said, “Worry is temporary atheism”
I think thats a very bold, yet accurate statement. When we worry, we are not believing that God is who he says he is.
Continue to be hungry for the kingdom, and He will feed you!
I’m so excited for this new season and for the hunger God has given me to be a light here in Awash, Ethiopia.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
