for the One

The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty

Exodus 36:6-7

On June 30th, we landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is amazing here! After six months of heat, humidity, and constant hustle, we finally made it here. When I used to think of Africa, I imagined scorching deserts and blaring sun. So I was shocked to step into days that are mostly in the 60s and 70s. It’s the rainy season, which means it’s often chilly and cozy.

We are in a town named Harbu Chulule, living and serving at the ministry HopEthiopia. We live in the guest house, and on the other end of the property is what they call the children’s village! It’s a collection of about 15 houses, each with a house mom and around 8 kids. It’s summer break right now, which means we get to spend so much time with the kids, and we are absolutely soaking it up!

Seven months ago, I wouldn’t have considered myself a morning person. But here, mornings are something awesome.

Before breakfast, we walk over to the children’s village and meet with the older girls while the guys go to the boys’ home. We start the day with a devo, and then there’s always a song or a dance, usually both. We take turns leading, going back and forth. One morning they sing and dance for us, the next, we’re expected to perform for them (they hold us to it, too). Some mornings, they surprise us with warm bread, fresh potatoes from their garden, or another amazing treat. They love us so well.

 We then head back to our house to our favorite meal, a fresh hot breakfast often with papaya and avocado smoothies, and some quiet time. Then we gather as a team to worship, pray over the day, share our bible study, and we head to our daily VBS classes with the kids. We split into three classes, and I am teaching the middle school group with my teammate Sarah! 

Seven months ago, that might have sounded exhausting to me. But now? We can’t stay away from these kids. By the end of our first week, they felt like family, siblings we get to hang out with, sing with, and talk about Jesus with. They are the easiest people in the world to love. We are OBSESSED. 

We spend the afternoons prepping for the next day’s lessons, doing team time, and heading back out to play. Volleyball, soccer, marbles, card games. There is no part of our day that isn’t fun or life-giving.

Our time in Ethiopia has been marked by restoration.

After the Philippines, we had a 15-hour flight to think. I wanted to be excited, we’re going to Africa! but

 truthfully, I was tired. The newness had worn off. I caught myself thinking more about going back to America than stepping into what was next. Even as we landed I still felt that way. We loaded into the van in Addis Ababa and drove the three hours to Harbu Chulule. I looked out the window at this new culture, new country, new

 continent  and I felt overwhelmed, and worn out.

Until the moment we pulled onto this property. Inside the gates is peace, is stillness, is quiet, is ADORATION for God’s heart for us, for His children, for His creation. 

I am captivated by His heart. Nobody loves this world more than He does, and He shares glimpses of His passion with us. It’s all consuming. Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, faithful, maintaining love to thousands, forgiving, and just. 

And we get to live, breathe, and rest in His sold-out heart for us. Not for credit, not for compliments, not for being seen, just for the One who’s worthy of it all.

Prayer Requests:

• My Team
  • New water and food has been challenging for our stomachs, pray for health and adjustment.
  • My teammate Brice has been sick for 2 weeks, and the doctor in our town hasn’t helped, he’s now travelled to the capital Addis to receive better medical care. Pray for the doctor’s to identify what is going on, and for a recovery!
  • Our team has had awful sleep problems. Pray for anointed dreams, and restful sleep.
  • I fractured my foot in the Philippines (whoops) Pray for new strength, and healing.
• The Squad
  • Our other team is in the capital Addis, facing the challenges of being foreigners in a big city. Pray for boldness!
  • Time is FLYING by. Pray for presence where our feet are!
  • Some of my squad mates are still not fully funded. Pray they would swiftly see the Lord’s provision.
• For our Host
  • Help, and staff can be hard to find and keep. Pray the staff here would experience the Lord’s strength, renewal, and rest.