Part of my ministry at HOPEthiopia took place in their Trades Training Center. This is where local women are taught things such as leather work, and tailoring. One of the most interesting things for me about that place ws how it was able to transport me all the way back home with the simplest aspects of it.
My Dad is an upholsterer for the Upholstery Workshop. When I think of that place there are three very specific things I think of. The smell of leather, the sound of industrial sewing machines, and the smell of the glue they use. I encountered all three of those in the Trades Training Center. In a split second I was taken almost halfway around the world back to good ol’ Texas.
The first time I was in there I smelled the glue and immediately thought of my dad’s workshop. After that, every time I was in there it reminded me a little bit of home. But despite of being reminded of home I was still able to be present where I was. God gave me the gift. of being able to remember home and be present.
The real crazy part of all this is I never would have had this if I didn’t first say “Yes” when God asked me to sign-up for Women’s Ministry. I guess this just goes to show that God always knows the best even when what we’re wanting is good.
