A Shepherd and an Ox

As he pulled his 40 something year old body out of bed, he stretched and started planning his day. He got dressed, kissed his wife goodbye and got into his car to head for the countryside. 5 minutes into his drive he quickly turned his car back around, realizing he didn’t pray for God’s protection on his journey. After arriving home to pray, he kissed his wife once more and headed back out. The long road was mostly empty, except for an occasional car. As he stared ahead he made his way up a hill as he came over the hill the only sight was the oncoming red and yellow front of a bus...

12 people died that day because one man tried to save a young shepherd and his ox.

As I walked down the hallway I pulled the small hand of a 6 year old closer to me. I followed 3 men down the hallway of a hospital. As I looked around I couldn’t help but relate this building to an extremely run down insane asylum. Large metal doors with small placards told what proceeded behind each door. Broken benches lined the walls with helpless bodies lying sprawled out. As we made our way to the fourth floor I released the small hand and guided him outside along with his sister, to where they would not be able to witness what I was about to see. I followed the 3 men into a large room filled with people. As I walked in I became aware of the common gaze that falls upon me due to my foreingee skin. 20+ eyes stared at me as I made my way over to the bed of the man who only days before, was on the verge of death. He held out his hand to great me and as I reached out to return the greeting he latched on and began to tell me his story. As he spoke I couldn’t help but notice the IV bags hanging from nails above his bed, the drainage/catheter bags lay in plastic bowls scattered around the floor and along the wall the scurrying of roaches raised the hair on my arms.

A huge knot formed in my stomach as I held this mans hand. He was hit head on by a bus and somehow survived. Although he suffered internal bleeding, a separated shoulder, 4 broken ribs and head lacerations, he was alive.

As I prayed over him in hushed tones, knowing I was breaking the rules of the hospital, I thanked God for this miracle. I prayed and thanked God for the ability to see His work and marvel in the glory of His power. There are days I still wonder why I'm here. This day I didn't. I am learning to experience God in a fullest form. It's a journey and I'm hanging on for dear life.

Fears

Remember that time in your life where you walked down the sidewalk and made sure you never stepped on a crack for fear you might break your mothers back? Or that split second fear you possess when you realize you have no idea where your phone is or you forgot something extremely important?

Fear is interesting to me. It's a seriously unpleasant emotion that changes the way you think and act in an instant. Being in an "unfamiliar" place with a VERY unfamiliar language has brought some fears out in me. But as I sit here, on day one of being "mom" for the next 3 weeks, watching a 5 year old have the time of his life killing flies; I can't help but thank God for fear. It gives me the chance to let Him work through me and gives me a chance to work on being codependent and not independent.

During my times of "fear" I'm praying I keep this word close to my heart. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10

I'm thankful for the righteousness God possess and allows me to see in His time and not mine.

If you build it they will come

We have now reached the 4 day mark of no water-once again!

I have killed more bugs in the last 48 hours then I have in my life! My nightly routine is going into my room and looking for any flying thing that may even resemble a bimbee in the slightest way and smashing the heck out of it!

It wasn’t until Sunday that I finally felt comfortable enough to stay here for a year. I feel confident that I may actually be able to do this. I’ve found an american grocery store, an american hamburger place that screams pinterest decor, internet, a church I finally get to be a part of and go to, and a view like this at sunset just outside of my compound door:

(Yes this is the fence surrounding the dump-it also took 40 minutes to upload this picture...) 

This morning I sat with the small group leaders of Transformation Love and had bible study. A little over 3 months ago Transformation Love pulled out of the church we were a part of. Because of that the volunteers, beneficiaries and staff of Transformation Love were exiled from the church. For many of them that has been their church, friends and family for years(some for life). I didn’t fully grasp the pain until today, when we told the small group leaders that we have approved money to begin a Transformation Love church on our compound. The man sitting next to me, who just happened to be a former elder of the church, raised his hands and cried out “Amen! Glory to God” Shortly after I glanced over and noticed tears running down his face. This man of God who desires nothing more then to bring people further into Christ’s kingdom, has been in pain. He has had backs turned on him and has been “lost”. 

I couldn’t help but think of that sunset view yesterday, Easter. I can’t even imagine what that day looked like, the day of his resurrection thousands of years ago. The day our Lord and Savior rose again after having backs turned on him. After he was beaten and bruised for the sins of this world. My heart was torn yesterday and this morning thinking about how many have not heard how dearly loved they are. So many are lost.

Despite no water, off and on electricity, bimbee attacks, and missing my family and friends, I am so thankful to be in the presence of these people. I have a chance to watch the Lord mend their hearts and bring a place for them to worship together once more. I have the chance to watch them be Transformed by love.  

T.I.A.

Seven days in Addis and I can say I have had more adventures and experiences then I have ever had in my life. 

The 8 heavy, yellow, water jugs sitting out on the porch have become a staple in my daily routine. I can now say confidently, I have learned how to shower with a bucket (there is a fine science I never knew existed). I’ve learned how to flush a toilet using a half cut open water bottle. Bimbee’s love me and showed it 24 times one night. (Bimbee is amharic for mosquitos-which I will never forget due to the one time I said Bimbo instead and became the laughing stock. Stupid Americans...) I have learned you always carry your umbrella because within minutes it can go from sunny to torrential downpour. I have learned I love the smiles of the Transformation Love kids despite the snot hanging from some their noses and the unknown gooey hand holding. I have learned that dancing at 2am when you hear the water come back on after 6 days, is very heathy for your soul. And lastly I have learned NOTHING is easy in Africa. (T.I.A.-this is africa, has meandered it’s little head back into my vocabulary)

In the week I’ve been here, I’ve come to realize this is not the Ethiopia I’ve known the last 2 times. This Ethiopia is different. I’m different. Between the ups and downs and laying in bed at 4am really wondering if I could do this, I have come up with my theme for this year. Peace. 

I was reminded of what an important role peace plays in our life when I was doing my devotion a few days ago. It went back to when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after the resurrection and how peace was the first thing he communicated. (John 20:19) This year is a year for peace. For me to learn to be at peace in what God is doing and rejoice in the times of trial, and ice cold bucket showers... 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15