Greetings. This blog is appropriately named cadenza because taking time to be alone with the Lord is not something that should be overlooked. But first, it’s been a while since y’all have heard from me, so let me fill you in on what’s been happening. Starting with the end of my time in Kyrgyzstan. A country I no longer have to look up the spelling for every time I mention it.
My team was in Bishkek, the capital city, praying about whether or not to go to Karakol, a mountainous city about five hours away. One morning, Jordan talked about how Paul sometimes went places just because he wanted to and because he simply trusted that God would show up. So, for that reason, we should have faith and just go. So we went. And it was absolutely fantastic.
During one of our first days there, we met a pastor from a local church who helped us get connected with a homeless ministry and an orphanage. We visited the homeless shelter to pray for the people there. Jordan was able to fundraise blankets and sheets for the entire shelter on the spot, which was insane. We taught the kids at the orphanage a dance to Jingle Bell Rock, decorated Christmas trees and hung “stockings” with them, and prayed with them.
Praying with the kids at the orphanage was such an honor. They brought every child to us.
We were also able to minister to the women of the church. We hosted an evening for them at our house and washed their feet. At first the women were very hesitant, but it only took one brave woman to start them off. We prayed as we washed their feet and put socks on them afterwards. It was really sweet.
Lastly, we were able to host an “American” Thanksgiving for an English club that Annie and Jen worked with. The man who currently works there is from the states but has been out for a year and a half now. Poor guy said my toaster oven apple pie tasted like home.
It’s insane to look back and see all that the Lord did in the two weeks we were there. It’s crazy what happens when you just trust Him and let Him be God.
After Kyrgyzstan, we went to Ethiopia. We started in the villages at a place called Hope Ethiopia and then went to the capital city of Addis Ababa. I honestly don’t have much to say about Ethiopia, and I’m okay with that. It certainly wasn’t a waste, but it wasn’t my favorite. Being away from family for both Christmas and New Years’ is super tough, and not something I would voluntarily do again. The Lord did show up via a video from my family on Christmas Day, which was beautiful.
Let me also say, though, that I don’t think the Lord is going to call you somewhere and then not show up when He knows it’s going to be hard for you. He is also the only family you’ll ever need. And this year He made my earthly family my squadmates, and that is just fine with me!
We are now in Kenya and it’s a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively. We’re in the middle of nowhere. We’re partnered with an orphanage and school this month. I get to teach third graders about Jesus and English and even floods! We just had a lesson on floods.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, teaching English is not my forte (another musical term reference without even trying!). But you should see these precious children. I shouldn’t speak for other classes, but I know mine is the best. They are anxious to learn and super respectful. When I walk in, they say “hello, welcome to our class.” And they call me “Madame Hailey”! I might ask for people back home to start calling me that. I feel so honored to be with them and Madame Angela this month.
In addition to the school, we have other opportunities for ministry this month. Next weekend, we’re going to a village of mostly unreached people about 6 hours away that my host said “will change your perspective on things.” So I’m super pumped for that. He’s coming with us, not to worry. He and about three other men and women.
We also have an opportunity to go out into the village every Wednesday to pray at different homes.
This past Wednesday, the strangest thing happened. We were out praying in someone’s home and the pastor was calling on different girls in my group, randomly, to pray. That wasn’t the strange part. What was strange was him saying “ok the next place we are going to go pray is a house where they have just lost a loved one. So I am going to ask sister Emily to pray for us there.” We show up to this “house” and find a whole memorial service going on.
I heard that’s kind of the thing in Africa though. That’s why you always have to have a sermon and a song prepared. Good thing I love to sing. Never said I was good, but I love it!
Y’all should hear the way these people pray. They bring that holy fire every time.
At Hope Ethiopia, I was challenged by this question, “what are you not asking God for?”
Another sermon I listened to this week posed a similar question, “what are you not believing God for, or hoping in Him for, anymore?”
I’m still trying to figure out my answer for that.
But one thing is for sure, I need Him every moment of every day. I need Him way more than I think I do. And I need way more time with Him than I think I do.
How often does Jesus go away to be with the Father to pray? His gospels mention Him going to a far off place alone several times. I’m thinking Jesus went off for multiple HOURS in the morning and in the evening. So how can I expect to survive on any less than that?
I do wonder what Jesus was praying about, praying that much. But I also get it. There is nothing like being in the presence of God. There is nothing like hearing God say that He loves you and is proud of you. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16). And one day with Him is better than a thousand elsewhere (Psalm 84)! Think about the gravity of that for a moment. I always think about reliving the best day of my life a thousand times over. Even exceedingly greater than that is one day in God’s house? God must be a really great God.
Love y’all. Thanks for reading.
