To Ethiopia,
It’s time to say goodbye and now I can say I have a lot of respect for you. The Lord has his hand over this country and He loves your people a LOT. I had a hard time here and I had a lot of sweet times here. I have probably cried more here in three months than I have anywhere else. I have woken up in the middle of the night on two separate occasions and did a prayer/ worship burn with my squad mates. I have seen almost every sunrise and prayed in the quiet of the morning. We’ve camped outside and told many funny stories about the hyenas we hear in the distance. There’s been sunset worship sessions with bonfires and with insanely clear night skies. I have seen and heard the Lord through the stars. Man Ethiopia, I have never seen that many stars ever before in my life (except maybe big bend national park, but you get the point). I have also learned a lot about humility here because when your teammates see you projectile vomit and offer to help clean it up you can’t help but praise the Lord at your lowest point. Speaking of vomit, I have vomited on a bus, on the walls, and all over the floor. If you know me, you know I have a fear of throw up and can’t stand it when I get sick like that. So thank you Lord for teaching me to have no fear no matter what. Thank you Lord for a Church that will wipe vomit off the walls and be there for moments when life isn’t pretty.
Anyway… (HA) I have learned so much about the Church here. I got to help facilitate church at the base and visit the Ethiopian churches in the village. God gave me more passion and confirmed my calling towards the Church despite essentially living in Church every waking hour of the day. Church is not supposed to be easy and we aren’t supposed to get along all the time because then why would we need to depend on the Lord? The Lord has really highlighted my team as my church in this season. I have learned it’s not on me to keep them happy or to be at peace all the time. But it IS my job to lead them to Jesus and to love them the best I can no matter what they are feeling. I have learned that understanding True Love and Joy from the Father is a journey. I love that I get to devote my life to knowing Him more and more each day.
Also, I have read eight books in Ethiopia. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to slow down enough and remember that learning is a gift from God! I always put reading lowest on my priority list even though I have always enjoyed it. Why would I make something that I find a lot of rest in a low priority?
Man Ethiopia, you’ve got some weird food. It’s very good but it took some getting used to. I think your food is the reason the whole squad talks about the consistency of our excrement. But it’s so funny so it’s okay. What’s also hilarious is how many freaking goats, sheep, and ox that are just roaming around the village all the time. Your coffee is also very good. Very distinct. Just like your music and your smells. And I have grown to love it all.
But above all, I will never forget how small I feel here. I will never forget how God took my breath away everyday. I will never forget how much of a necessity it is to slow down and hear the voice of the Lord. I will never forget that since I have Jesus I have joy no matter how hard life is at the moment. I will never forget the excitement and expectancy I would have early in the morning to spend time with my sweet Jesus. I will never forget how our God only requires us to live a simple life with him.
I thank God for Ethiopia.
