Still blows my mind that I’ve been gone from the US for half a year now. Month six is over and so is Africa. A lot of awesome things took place in this month, so heres a recap:
- My team went to Crater Lake! We packed up for the weekend and stayed in a cute African hut. We hiked the lake, rode horses, saw monkeys, relaxed, talked to family, & got to eat local food and have a coffee ceremony with local friends. It was a fun, adventurous, and restful time.
- Had construction for my ministry: primed and painted the rest of the Training Center; a place for the community to come and learn practical skills like sewing.
- Went to some nearby villages to explore and also got invited into a local’s hut. This home was about the size of my room which held the family, as well as the livestock.
- Hid in a field with Cara and looked at the stars while playing Hide and Seek Tag with our squad.
- Watched my teammate, Vicki-T, give a killer message at the local church.
- Sang worship songs on stage at the local church.
- Taught with Grace again in the best house ever (HOUSE 5 WOOP WOOP) Read them bible stories, colored, sang songs, watched Blues Clues and Veggie Tales.
- Got a weave again by the wonderful house mom and my good friend, Ruut.
- Got a village named after me… Don’t really know how but I’m not complaining.
- Got to ride a donkey!
- Witnessed lots of healing.
- Held a baby goat.
- Made fries for the guys on Valentines Day.
- Received many notes from the squad on Valentines Day.
- We had a blanket ceremony for Robera, our special needs friend.
- Got coffee at the plastic house with Menge, local friend.
- Had a sleepover with Grace in her tent outside.
- Celebrated my 19th birthday and was loved on by my teammates really well. They got me strawberries, made me breakfast, went to a lion king tree, and got to bake carrot cake.
- Had house church in a river. Witnessed Grace share the gospel with locals doing their laundry.
- Went to reforestation for ministry- watered the plants, packed dirt, and spent time in the most peaceful area.
- Celebrated our squad leader, Ashley’s birthday.
- IT RAINED, it never rains here!
- Ate injera and shero with Root.
- Had a ‘Moms Night Out’ for the house moms. They all work so hard with no break, so we made them dinner, painted nails, prayed over, and washed their feet. I was a foot washer, and it was such an honor to serve and love these hardworking, selfless women in this way.
- Hung out with my girl, Meskerem, while she was sick in bed.
- Got my own African dress made for me.
- Had a night of worship through breaking bread and sharing a meal together, singing, and going around to share what we are thankful for.
- One last worship session under the most beautiful stars I’ve seen in my life.
- Bonfire with the kids
