An observation for each day I’ve been in Africa:
1 the sun is scorching
2 the roadside banana carts are countless
3 the children are filled with joy, like I’ve never seen before
4 the cows are apart of local traffic, causing constant swerving
5 the concept of time no longer exists
6 the coffee is stronger than expected
7 the people’s smiles are genuine, they embody true beauty
8 the trees are scarce
9 the air is fresh, the cool breeze relieving
10 the songs of the birds is constant music in the air
11 the smell of burnt rice is becoming very familiar
12 the Holy Spirit is so present and constantly moving
13 the hospitality is unlike any I’ve experienced
14 the pride of parents is heart warming as they introduce their children
15 the misquotes are relentless
16 the lack of western comfort is refreshing
17 the days are going too fast
Ethiopia is a breath of fresh air. Coming here with next to nothing, for three months of unknown ministry wasn’t easy. But I’ve been learning that each step of faith I take has ended the same way: me in complete awe of and thankfulness toward my God.
His love is unfailing. His promises are always fulfilled. He never takes a break from standing by my side. The days here are long, hot and packed with intense, yet fulfilling ministry. Each day is different, but all require the same thing: the Lord’s strength, guidance and joy.
We’ve spent the last week working in a refugee camp, playing with kids and teens. The camp is packed. Each day we are greeted with joyful hellos and waves from crowds of kids eager to spend hours with us – playing duck duck goose, singing endless camp songs, learning numbers and the alphabet, running through open fields, cornrowing our hair or simply just sitting, holding our hands. The goodbye we get each day is filled with chaotic, frantic but genuinely heartfelt hugs and kisses from every child in sight, as if we’re never coming back (even if we’re just leaving for our lunch break).
I am truly inspired by the joy and love I see in these kids, despite their circumstances. Their clothes are torn, their skin coated in mud, their houses smaller than the average kitchen, yet I have seen more happiness in them and received more love from them than I have in/from any other kids in the entire world. I cannot begin to imagine the things most or all of these children have been through and seen. Despite not knowing Jesus, He is so evident in all of them. I fully believe these children have already taught me more than I could ever teach them. I anticipate huge heart break when we have to say our final goodbyes to these precious children.
