****Disclaimer!!!! This blog post idea was taken by me from my friend Madi but it’s just a good idea for me to look back on at the end of Ethiopia******
Dear Ethiopia,
I’m so stinking nervous for you. Like, really nervous. I’ve been waiting for you for around 3+ years. You’re the reason I chose this route on the Race. Now that you’re in front of me, I’m scared. What if it’s not what I expect at all? What if living in Africa for three months is the hardest three months? My birthday and Christmas happen while I’m there and WiFi isn’t exactly easy to get. I’m scared I won’t be able to talk to my family. How can I possibly have waited so long for something just to be really intimidated by it right before I arrive? I’m frustrated with how that worked out. Through it all, God’s really been encouraging me and speaking to me about you for the past week and a half. He tells me to come into your country with boldness and courage and to choose joy even in the hard places. He reminds me of Job who still chooses to be faithful even when it’s not the easiest. I’ve been homesick lately, God’s been pushing me to give it to Him every day fully knowing that He will take it away so that I can love the people without distraction. Oh! I am so excited to love your children at the orphanage that’s attached to the base we’re staying at. They don’t know it yet, but they are going to change my heart, that’s a promise from God. I’m worried about my family and boyfriend, though. What if something happens while I’m gone and they can’t talk to me about it so that I will be able to pray for and encourage them? What do I do then? God then reminded me that He will give me things to pray for them about. He told me I’m born for such a time as this. He said that I’m here and in this season for a reason. Get this, He said to press in and He will meet me in your country with open arms. He said to be excited for the change that will occur in my life and also the lives of those back home. I’m so nervous for not having my family to talk to, but God says He’s going to teach me and my them to lean more into Him and His comfort than ever before in this season. God is faithful in His promises. Ethiopia, I’ve never been more nervous but I’ve also never been more excited for what God’s about to do. I really do know that I’m in for a treat even if that means walking straight into the unknown with my arms wide open. I can’t wait to see you in just under a week.
Love,
Natalie
Side Note: I’m headed into Ethiopia this week!! I leave Guatemala on December 5th, have a layover in the U.S. on the 6th, and then fly out that night to head to Africa. With that being said, I don’t know how available the WiFi will be for me during the duration of these next three months. I will keep you updated as much as I am able, but that could possibly be not very much. Please just keep asking the Lord what to pray for throughout the time period but also continue to pray for peace, comfort, health, and growth for me, my squad, and my family and loved ones back home. Thank you for all of your love and who knows, maybe there will be a blog soon. If not, your support is sooo noticed and I’m thankful for all you do. Talk soon!!
