Wow! It’s been a whole month already here I. Ethiopia! My team, including two other teams, are located in a remote village in Harbu Chulule and we’re staying at a place called “HOPEthiopia.” This place is amazing! Their main ministry is housing children who are considered to be in a situation that is the worst of the worst. So some are orphans, some could not be looked after by their parent(s), and many come from abusive backgrounds. I wish I had more time to explain everything now, but there’s not a lick of WiFi in Harbu Chulule. I’m currently in Addis Ababa for LDW with minimum WiFi(we’ve traveled quite a bit to find a decent spot). All in all, this place has been amazing and pushing me WAY out of my comfort zone in all aspects. I’ve been challenged with physical labor, I’ve been challenged emotionally and mentally, and I’ve been challenged spiritually. Not having WiFi has honestly been a huge blessing, I’ve been more focused on spending time with God, seeing what he sees, and learning to listen to His voice. These last two months of my race will be spent in the same place, so I will again be unreachable for that time but I’m going to soak up everything I’m being taught here. By the way, ministry has been a variety of things. Working with reforestation, working with the kids and house moms, de-weeding gardens, and my favorite: going to the well and being with the people. Earlier in my race, God told me to ask for his eyes for people and He has. Literally in everyone, I see Jesus. In the eyes of the dirty kids I hold as they cup my face with their hands, in the eyes of the women who are so grateful for my help, in they eyes of the elderly who carry so much wisdom. The relationships I’ve gotten to build here are such a blessing and I’m so excited to be back with them in a couple days to be with them for two more months. I will continue to “yes” to my Father’s calling, whether it is to pray for someone or just to say hello. All I know, is He never fails me.
