*I am so sorry this update is a few months late, but I am working on catching up!
The month of February was spent in the beautiful country of Ethiopia working with HOPE Ethiopia. It also marked the halfway point of our race!
It served as a perfect halfway point as five of our six teams on the squad lived and worked together on the property of HOPE Ethiopia. Our ministry for the month was manual labor; from tilling ground with hand tools for new gardens, planting seedlings at the reforestation project, and fixing fences, to carrying rocks for new projects, helping build new homes, and painting the homes that have already been built. Our squad jumped right into the work!
Living out in the middle of no where provided amazing opportunities for our squad to bond, and also a chance to recharge and refocus as we entered into the second half of the race.
Personally, I like equating the month to a retreat, not necessarily because of our daily schedule; because though our muscles were sore at the end of each day, we were all being recharged spiritually. The month allowed for times of reflection, and space to be alone with God.
He showed me where I have come from over the last five and a half months, and planted dreams and desires for where He wants to take me over the next five and a half months.
As we tilled the earth and planted new gardens I was reminded of the planting, watering, and harvesting we have been given the opportunity to do all over the world! God has been doing amazing things during these months, and He continues to show me His mighty hand each and every day!
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And many years from now/Long after we are gone/These trees will spread their branches out and bless the dawn – Andrew Peterson, Planting Trees
