Ethiopia!?!

I've been in a state of euphoria for the past week!  My mind has been predominately set on one thing and one thing only, and that is Ethiopia.  A country that before last Sunday, I never gave much thought about, and now, I'm going to be living there!  I am still reflecting on the series of events that have taken place since last Monday, and I'm so amazed at how I have literally seen circumstantial mountains disappear before my eyes.

Since the possibility of teaching at Bingham Academy has been presented to me, I have shared with many that I've applied for a job overseas. I inevitability get two responses or questions in response to that remark.  The first is "Where?" and I respond with Ethiopia!  My answer is almost always accompanied by an image of wide eyes and, "Really?"  And I respond, "Yeah, can you believe it!  I think this is it; this might be where God is leading me."  The next question is, "How much does it pay?"  And I respond, "It doesn't pay a salary.  I will have accommodations and utilities paid for, but I will have to raise support for my other living expenses."

Am I crazy?  Is it strange for me to be so excited about accepting a position that is half-way across the world, in an emerging third world country, that doesn't pay?  I think most of you would respond with a resounding "YES!"  However, I don't know if I have had more peace and joy about a decision that I have made in my life.

When I received a phone call and e-mail from my former campus minister informing me about an urgent need to fill a position at a Christian International School in Ethiopia, I was obviously curious.  It seemed like exactly what I had been wanting to do.  When I searched the website and discovered that it did not pay a salary and that I would have to have support from churches and individuals, my sudden excitement turned to hesitancy.  However, after pondering and praying about it all day, I felt a peace about applying.  There were a lot of details that would have to be worked out; it was by far a long shot.  However, I told the Lord, "If its your will, then make it happen."

Make it happen, He did!  As of today, I accepted a first grade teaching position at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Every fear of a possible obstacle has been diminished.  I will have the opportunity to pursue this opportunity because of my church's willingness to support me financially.  I have the encouragement to chase my dreams because of the support of my loving family and friends.  And most importantly I have God's blessing with a side of joyful anticipation of what He has in store!

I can't wait to start this journey with you!  I have no idea what I will encounter, but I can't wait to experience it and share it with you.

God is good, all the time!