I haven’t had wifi while being in Ethiopia so I haven’t been able to contact home, post blogs or update anyone on social media. And this past months has been the best month!
Ministry looks like working on the road and leveling it out, cutting grass, going to reforestation to water the plants and make soil, picking up trash, cooking with the ladies in the kitchen, playing with or teaching the kids.
Working on the road and cutting grass is so satisfying and it’s so rewarding to see the work you’ve finished. I love sitting in the grass and having time to think and sit in Gods presence and admire His creation. When we work on the road, I shoveled so hard I got blisters but it was for the Lord and it made me so happy knowing that I was doing this not only for the people that cross on this road with their animals but I was doing it for God.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
I’ve been walk 30 minutes to the reforestation sight every other day these two weeks. It is so beautiful. So many different trees and plants growing and a peaceful creek flowing through with cows, goat, and donkeys roaming the land. As soon as we get there the workers hand us watering cans and we get water from the creek and start watering the rows of small plants that are starting to grow. Then we wet the mixed soil and pack it tight in plastic cylinders that help the plants grow. It is the most peaceful place that reminds me so much of home.
I have spent most of my time in the kitchen with Eldonna, Zanet, and Buze. These ladies are so crazy and so funny! They have taught me so much. How to cook and they’ve talk me how to speak their language. Loving them is so easy! The kitchen is the most peaceful place when there aren’t 30 people crammed in there having a dance party haha! But something about the kitchen makes me drawn to be in there and sit with the ladies and help them cook and clean.
Having no wifi and having a lot of free time gives me only a few choices of what to do with my time. I have to be creative and I have to be willing to embrace what the Lord has waiting for me. It could be a nice day playing with the kids or talking with the staff, I just have to be willing to go outside instead of watch a movie or hide away in my room.
If you read my last blog then you’ll know that the Lord has been calling me to embrace. He is continuing this in what I choose to do with my time. I have the choice. I can sit and complain and allow myself to feel lethargic or I can get up and let the Holy Spirit lead me and guide my day.
I ask God every morning. “What do you have waiting for me today? What do you want me to embrace today?”
Everyday looks different and I usually don’t have those answers until the end of the day when I reflect on what He showed me that day. I have to change my perspective and change my attitude at the beginning of each day. The Lord is showing me how to be effective in each day instead of letting the day and what happens effect me.
