Ethiopia was a whirlwind of emotions. So many feelings came up. Feelings such as overwhelming joy, but also sadness over the amount of need in this country. We started the month at a ministry in the southern part of Ethiopia called HOPEthiopia. We spent a few days there having an awakening. We tented those few days and got to spend time just loving on the kids and going into the village. While in the village a few things happened that caused a bit of fear to creep into my head. One of the greatest joys in the village was getting to partake in a coffee ceremony. They ground up the beans, added a ton of sugar to our tiny cups and poured the fresh coffee in. It was delicious. If you know me you know I like sweet coffee with milk as the majority. So, this was a game changer for me. It was surreal getting to be apart of such a tradition as this.
After leaving HOPEthiopia we made our way to the city of Addis Ababa. We had just gotten new teams prior to HOPEthiopia so we knew we would be spreading out across Ethiopia. Once in Addis, our mentor made the decision to make it All-squad month! We were all so excited. We found a guesthouse big enough to fit all 31 of us! So we made the trek across town and were automatically welcomed by the people surrounding the compound. We moved our stuff in and that’s when I took my first bucket shower on the Race. At training camp they told us we’d be doing that so that’s what we used at training camp. Well, up until then I had not been doing that. We have been blessed to have a shower of some sort. A few days later, lo and behold a shower head had been put in WITH hot water. It was such a blessing. After getting clean and fresh my team and I sat down and made a game plan for the next few days. This month of ministry was ATL (ask the lord) where we were able to go about our days listening to God and allowing him to guide our path. He led us toward some markets where we were able to encounter people that we are not super used to in America. As women, we were yelled at pretty frequently and some people were brave enough to grab our arms, faces, hair and hands. It wasn’t something I really enjoyed but God was blessing us with so many joyful opportunities that, that is what we chose to focus on. If we had chosen to walk in fear, and focus on the bad then we were allowing the enemy to win. So we chose joy and boldness. We went out everyday to what became our “normals.” It amazes me every month at how quickly things and places become so regular. We quickly become able to tell tourists where our favorite breakfast and coffee places are. Ethiopia was quickly becoming home away from home. We had walked the same streets everyday which ended up being close to 5 miles a day. It didn’t feel like that many after doing it so many times. We realized that we typically saw the same beggars everyday so that is when they went from strangers to friends. We began talking with them and showing them the love they deserved. Something that overwhelmed me was the amount of people begging on the streets. You would see toddlers and babies mimicking their mothers on how to ask for money. You would see kids come up and sign the word for food. Some would even snatch your drinks from your hand while walking down the street. It was everywhere. It was heartbreaking. It seems so easy to give to someone when they’re the only person you see for miles but when you see 20 people on one street, what do you do? I felt like I was helpless. That is when God convicted me. He spoke so clearly on the power of prayer. My mom also gave me a nice talk on how I was discrediting it. They were right. It is so easy to forget that God is the ultimate healer, provider and miracle worker. So why was I trying to do it all? It was then that things began to change. Instead of sitting in my own sorrow for feeling helpless I decided to pray for them. I decided to get over my pride and sit down with them, look them in the eyes, and hold their hand. I may not be able to provide money or food for every person but I could give love, and time. I am thankful for my time in Ethiopia. I am thankful for conviction and for grace. I left Ethiopia with a love for the people there.
I am am now in Kenya, and am able reflect and process my time in Ethiopia. Kenya is amazing, the ministry we are with is called Glory Shiners. God is moving in Nakuru and it is so evident. I am pumped for all the things they have planned for us this month. Please keep us in your prayers as we minister and love on an African tribe, a baby home, single mothers, muslims, and a few different prisons. Please pray that they are open to receive the love of God in a new way. We will be traveling a bit throughout the month so prayers for safe travels are always welcome!
Thank you to everyone for the support, prayers, and love! I am only $3,076 away from being fully funded! If God lays it on your heart to support me then you can do so through my blog!
