Good morning from Ethiopia! I am writing this as I travel into Addis Ababa, the capital, for the day. Long drives in Africa have become one of my favorite things to do since my first trip to Uganda. Seeing the vast fields and hills of crops growing, watching the people as they go about their daily lives and listening to traditional music brings me deep joy.
Here is a quick peek into my life this month!
Here in Ethiopia I am staying with a ministry called HopEthiopia (check out their website to learn more). This place is absolutely incredible. They have several projects including reforestation, latrine sanitation and brick building. Most importantly they have a children’s village on campus which is home to about 35 children, who are quickly claiming a big piece of my heart (surprise surprise). Their goal is that at least 50% of everything they do is geared towards the children. I would say they exceed this goal exponentially!
We have our whole squad here this month and have split into 3 different teams. The focus of my team has been the kiddos. Our days have been full of coloring, making bracelets, soccer, obstacle courses, water fights and Friday night movie nights! Also some of us have helped one of our other teams in building bricks from scratch.
Since being here I have been going back to the basics of faith and ensuring I have a firm foundation in Christ. I have been learning biblical truths not just as information but so that they change how I live my life. This has mainly looked like meditating on a verse or two a day. I have realized I tend to complicate my relationship with God. Living amongst a culture that is lives life simply is both attractive and contagious. I am focusing on allowing it to penetrate all aspects of my life, especially my faith.
Overall life in Ethiopia has been refreshing and full of joy! Words can say a lot but sometimes pictures can say so much more. Here is a couple of my favorites so far.
Lots of love,
Martha Sue
Prayer requests:
- For blessings over the ministry here. Provisions for the amazing staff, abundance for the crops being grown, may all the children receive an abundance of love and healing.
- God would continue to take all of us out here on the field and all of you back at home into deeper relationship with him.
