Hello framily!!
Time is flying! I have 72 glorious days left on this race. I can NOT believe it. I’m excited to see all of you so very soon but at the same time I am praying for supernatural spiritual growth and the slowness of time.
We arrived in Ethiopia two weeks ago…and this is the first time I could get WiFi! (A 3+ hour bus ride later!!) But God is SO faithful.
We are staying at HopEthiopia. (And I would suggest you google search this place…and they have an app!) HopEthiopia is a children’s village that provides homes for many children. But that is just a glimpse of what they do. They also sponsor families, provide water from the healing well, train women for jobs and so much more.
In Romania, we prayerfully signed up for teams and I signed up for the soccer and latrine ministry. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to work on the latrine project in town because of rain. Instead, each day we play with HopEthiopia kids. We’ve been coloring, braiding bracelets and soccer drills. Friday nights are movie nights when the kids come to the big house and cuddle with us. We also play soccer — I am learning defense. 🙂
One of the kid’s favorite activity is to take our phones and make videos. A couple girls and I ended up having a photo shoot one day. It is amazing to just spend time with them.
This month has been full. It’s so hard to describe how uncomfortable yet rich I feel. One minute I’m trying to block a soccer ball and another I’m getting hugs from a child.
With no WiFi, God has positioned me to truly listen. I must admit I get frustrated when it’s not easy. I want immediate results from my effort. I want instant gratification in my walk with Jesus.
A couple days ago I fasted for three meals. I was surprised at how much energy I had. Always before the Race, I was too worried that with no food I would have a headache and feel weak. Yet, that day I helped carry bricks to a new house, I played relay games with the kids and chased after a 2 year old. During meal times I read my bible, a book or prayed.
I fasted to draw closer to Jesus and to spend more intentional time with Him. I didn’t receive a life changing revelation or instructions for the future. Yet, God is faithful. He gave me strength and sustained me.
Our God is generous. He equips us with everything we need, He blesses us beyond measure and He speaks to us intimately. But it’s a progress, it’s not instant. As we obey and press in to the truth of His Word, God is faithful.
I’m learning that to walk deeper with God is to press in more and more. It’s about seeking His face rather than His benefits. It’s reveling in the Father’s love without looking for the instant gratification but truly knowing that He’s got me.
I’m excited about what God is doing. I’m still praying for revelation and deeper understanding of who I am in Christ. But I’m just spending more time in His presence and loving others.
Please pray for me and my squad! Pray that we continue to press into God more deeply and into each other even with our short time left.
Thank you for supporting and loving me.
Until I get WiFi again, I pray God will reveal His great love to you! Love you!
