This is it ladies and gentlemen, this is what a quarter of a century looks like.
Today, I celebrated my 25th birthday in Ethiopia. Like who does that?
I’ve dreamed of coming to Africa, but N E V E R did I imagine I would celebrate a birthday on this side of the world.
This month, my team and I are partnered with HOPEthiopia. An organization that works with widows and orphans with a holistic approach. We live on a compound that provides drinkable water for their community, have gardens and apple orchards and are the light in this rural community.
So what does a birthday girl do in the middle of Africa?
I started my morning by warm wake up call from my squad and our common area decorated like a Mexican party. Shout out to Wonder Church! I went on a morning prayer walk on the compound in awe of the Lord’s goodness. I am surrounded by beautiful land and an amazing family. I walked and I prayed with gratitude as I surrendered this year to the Lord.
Living in a self sustaining community means making your own bricks to build homes. My job this morning was shoveling dirt and throwing it against a screen to sift through the rocks; just good ol’ fashion manual labor. It was actually a fun morning with my team and good tunes.
I had a quiet afternoon filled with reading and coloring. Before I knew it, it was time for our English class on the compound. We rallied our students and tackled on two hours of class. We got to sing songs, run outside and share some giggles.
But you’ll never guess the best gift God gave me? Okay maybe I’m exaggerating with it being the best gift, but just bare with me.
I got a H O T shower!! The last shower I had taken had been a freezing one and to be completely honest, I wasn’t expecting this one to be any different. When I got the water running and I felt the warmth against my hand, I almost couldn’t believe it!
It’s Friday night, can somebody say movie night? All the kiddos from the compound came over and we watched the Prince of Egypt. Of course, you can’t forget the popcorn! We finished up and got ready for the most Mexican dinner possible in Africa. Let me tell you that it was delicious! My team did an amazing job of loving me. We had beans, rice and quesadillas.
Our Ethiopian mom Worke made me a carrot cake. I could seriously lick my fingers of how delicious it was. Every year my parents and family pray over me before cutting the cake and this year wasn’t any different. Worke prayed over me and my heart was full. We enjoyed the cake together and of course, a cup of coffee to go along with it.
I finished out the night with a walk on the compound with my team mates. The best part of being out on the village in Ethiopia is the night sky. We layed down and star gazed. It was perfect! We saw the stars shine so brightly without any light pollution.
Being in the middle of Ethiopia meant no WiFi and no communication with my family at home, but I couldn’t have asked for a better day! I’m so beyond blessed to celebrate twenty-five years of the Lord’s blessings in my life. Here’s to many more!
From one vulnerable heart to another,
Diane
