Whitney has asked me to write about our trip to Africa and I find myself
trying to figure out how to put into words what we experienced, saw and felt in
such a short amount of time in Ethiopia. It certainly stole my heart! I did not
know that much about Africa, or especially Ethiopia, and read up a little bit on it
before we went, but NOTHING in pictures, or print or conversation could even
scratch the surface of the amazing week we had. We met so many people, we ate
delicious food, we watched women working hard to shred a “false banana tree” to
use to make bread and other necessities. We held the hands of countless children,
we walked to the market on a rainy day, along a muddy road with hundreds of
people and their goats and cattle, and got to experience the market and everyone
hoping to sell their goods to make a living. We went out and visited homes in the
village, prayed for those we met, learned more about how they live, and most of
all, we received more love than we gave. Before we left, we were fortunate to
plant trees to help with reforestation, and we hope to visit again and see the trees
growing and the people thriving! At Hopethiopia we spent time in conversation,
prayer, fellowship and song. It was a wonderful time with the racers and their
families, all of whom I consider family now – especially those who Whitney has been
so fortunate to spend so much time with on this journey.
I have to admit, for the longest time I told people I was excited to go to
Africa and experience the culture and people but more so because I couldn’t wait
to see Whitney. I will say, yes, that was the true highlight of the week. Not just
because I miss her dearly and it was SO good to see her, but because I got to see
Whitney – truly SEE Whitney- sharing God’s love to so many and shining so brightly
every time she interacted with others, but most especially the kids. The smile on
her face shows just how happy and full her spirit is! I was so proud to serve
alongside her and share it all with her. She has such a loving attitude towards
others and she has blossomed and grown so much while being away. This race has
given her, and Joe and I, experiences and love we will never forget. I have such a
broader outlook on life now and I look at situations and people more openly and
honestly now. The people of Ethiopia have such a joy and love for God and for
others and I want to share that back here and hold onto that forever. To have so
little physically but so much spiritually is powerful and inspiring. I left Ethiopia
feeling so blessed to have been there for that short time. God is truly evident in
the people there and Hopethiopia is doing so much to help the people of Africa,
both in Ethiopia and Rwanda. It was a blessing to have met Ralph and Glenda., as well as all the others who help make Hopethiopia the incredible organization that it is. They are shining examples of how we should all be!
Thank you Whitney for inviting us into your “world race” world for one short
week! Thank you Adventures in Missions for all you do to offer racers an
experience they will forever have in their hearts and souls. Finally, I thank God
for all that I saw and experienced and felt while there. My eyes are wide open and
I hope I can continue to share my experiences from the trip with others, while also
showing how amazing God truly is!
Check out the video I made of a day with my parents!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2wnbJDGqFA&t=31s
