A few years ago I would constantly dream of Ethiopian children. My heart would beat for them, and my soul longed to scoop them up in my arms and pour out every ounce of love to their sweet little bodies. My junior year I started painting these children, and had no idea why. Little did I know in less than two years the Lord would unravel that mystery.
After arriving in Ethiopia we had a cancellation of ministry, so we stayed at a guest house while leadership figured out a place for us to call home in this new country. Thankfully the Lord sent us an amazing man named Gaddisa to host us during this time, and we headed to His sweet home outside of Addis Ababa.
We spent that week in prayer and worship over our time in Africa, while we were figuring what our ministry would be. We all felt the spirit so heavily, and knew He was about to move. Something was going to be different, God was stirring in this place.
After a week of praying, interceding for the Ethiopian people, and asking the Lord to show us where He wants us to be, our host came home and told us where we would be ministering. He told us that a refugee camp for Ethiopians by the the Somalian boarded had just open, and we can go love on these Muslim refugees as long as we don’t mention Jesus.
These people had just moved away from everything they’ve even known. They witnessed war, death, abuse, and starvation. My heart broke to just be with them, and my constant prayer was that they smell the fragrances of the spirit in me, that they see Jesus and not Lexi, that we can be a light to these people who desperately need it.
The next day we piled up in a bus, and went to the camp.. This is when my heart changed forever. As we were approaching the camp we see a mass of children charging the bus. Hundreds of children were eager to just be with us. As I walked out of the bus the refugees swarmed me. Never in my life have I felt a love like this.
Jesus assured that my prayer did not fall on deaf ears. These children were experiencing Him through me. In a place where Jesus’ name could not be mentioned He still reigns. He is still present, and no earthly rules can separate us from experiencing His glory.
I sit with them, sing, dance, and give all my love to them, and they return it to me ten fold. Nothing makes my heart beat like hundreds of little hands hugging on me, and sweet little voices chanting my name. Women and men approach us with tears in their eyes explaining that these children have never had a love like this even from their own families.
This is the love I crave. This is the love I dreamed about. These are the sweet faces I painted. And these are the individuals my heart broke for.
People are shocked when we love on the dirtiest lowest class individuals. I will have parents rip infected, dirty, lice filled children out of my arms as if they’re not worthy. Jaws drop when we listen to the stories of the “crazy” people no one gives a chance. And joyful tears roll down women’s faces as we look and them in the eyes and kiss their sweet face, letting them know they are worthy and beloved.
I am so thankful we get to be a walking example of loving “the least of these” and that nothing could ever make us love these sweet babies less. I physically see the light of the Lord falling on the darkest places, chains being broken, and freedom ringing all in His name. I’m thankful He is a God of His promises. I’m thankful to be a part of His devine plan. and I’m thankful that He shows me purpose and love throughout my days.
As always, never for me, but always for Him. Thank you guys for reading. I’ll give updates every time I can access internet. Lots and lots of love!!!!!! See you so soon (2 months)
