I am in Ethiopia with my family right now. The first couple of weeks were great but I was really struggling spiritually. It just wasn’t what I had expected. I thought God was going to do big things and two weeks had gone by and nothing had really happened.
After being frustrated with myself and God I finally did what I should have done in the first place and just surrendered the rest of this trip to God.
The next day my cousins and I went with my uncle to his old high school here in Gondar. We had no idea what to expect going there. But we found out we have an amazing opportunity to work with the school to build a shelter for homeless children that attend the school. They already have the land on the campus, they just don't have the money to build it.
There were two things I wanted God to do on this trip, the first was to get connected with a school here in Gondar and provide shelter for children. And here we go.
Walking out of the school, I felt God whisper, “Be still and know I AM God.” I don't have to do anything. God works all things together for his good. Always.
That was a couple of days ago. And today God started working on the second thing.
My dad, sister and I were on our way to our uncle's house and there two boys asked us to buy them a soccer ball and this wasn't the first time we had seen them. They asked us the first week we were here and my dad said no. This time they asked me and I looked to my dad and he said no and walked away. I told the kids sorry and left but I was immediately convicted.
Coming to Ethiopia for me was not just about meeting my family. I had originally planned to bring soccer balls and clothes for kids just like those two boys but had not been able too. So how could I say no to these kids who were asking me for what I had wanted to bring them. I started crying right there in the street. When I got into our bajaj (it's a little taxi) I prayed to God that if he wanted me to buy them a soccer ball I would see them again before I leave Gondar.
A few hours later we came back to downtown after leaving my uncle's house, and when I got out the bajaj the first people I saw were the two boys. Crazy, right? So I asked them if they still needed a soccer ball and they said yes. My sister and I walked with them to the store to buy one and on the way they told us about themselves and their soccer team. They told us how they had been trying to get a soccer ball for weeks. Again I was just overwhelmed with the Spirit, God is just so good. We made sure to tell them that this soccer ball is from God and not from us because He loves them.
We added the kids on Facebook and will keep in touch with them. That's the second thing I wanted, to build relationships so that I could come back with a team and do some sort of ministry that had to do with soccer. Something that God laid on my heart a few months ago.
Also today I received a $100 donation from my lovely second mother and I was just reminded that God is faithful. I need to put my trust in Him and keep my eyes on Him and everything will fall together. I still have a lot to raise, but God is good. He will provide.
Thank you for the prayers and support!
