When Sunday night finally came, we had been in Ethiopia for about a week. We had tasted the food, seen some sights, talked with people, ministered to street people at night, and were adjusting to the culture. Our assignments with the Love Ethiopia festival were about to start. We had no idea what to expect and didn't really know a lot about the festival in general, but we were ready to get started. We sat down at dinner to get to know our team- Cal, Sara, Philip, Kristin, and myself. Cal and Sara asked our stories and we shared a bit about ourselves and then we dove into what ministry looked like for the week.
Our assignment was to go to high schools and share an hour-long program inviting the students to the Love Ethiopia Festival. Sometimes it would be just us and sometimes we would have the BMX bikers with us. We were told that we were in charge of 30 minutes of music with the groups. Our immediate thought was, "what?? Why didn't we know this?? But… It's ok. It will be fine…" I'll admit, my attitude on Sunday was not great because I was overwhelmed and confused, but I knew God had a plan through all of it and I just kept telling myself that.
Monday morning came and we pulled into the first school and got out- ukulele in hand, with no idea what to expect. On the car ride there, our translators, Abanyeh and Dilamo, told us that kids are not allowed to sing in schools here because of the strict separation of church and state. Again- what?? What now?? I kept reminding myself that there was no way I could do this of my own strength. This was all God. And He showed up. The first day was not easy, but we did programs for close to 2,000 kids. Kristin and I sang songs with them into the mic and they cheered and asked for autographs afterward. It was incredible.
Each school had a different feel. Our program was different everywhere we went, but the message was the same and the people were so welcoming. Our amazing translators and now friends) taught us a song in Amheric and the schools loved it when we sang for them in their language. The kids would sing along at the top of their lungs at some schools. We ended up singing and speaking for around 8,000 kids by the end of the week. Our team became a family and I know that they are all people that will be in my life forever. I am so thankful to have spent the week sharing the Word and feeling the love of such wonderful people. And it wasn't by my strength… If it had been, it would not have happened. So thanks, Jesus!
The festival starts today and I can't wait to see what God is going to do.
