Jehovah Jireh

Today the many people that make it possible for me to be here in Ethiopia have been on my heart and mind.  I’m extremely grateful for you and your support!  When I felt God leading me to Ethiopia in 2010, one of my biggest concerns was the money that I would need to live here.  God has promised that He will provide; He is our Jehovah Jireh.  I have loved watching and waiting to see how God has and will continue to provide for me. One of the many ways that God has made it possible for me to follow after Him is through the generous giving of others, and that is something I don’t take lightly.

Since I have been here in Ethiopia, I have watched God provide faithfully for me.  From the moment that God called me here, He has been working to ensure that I will have everything I need.  I don’t worry about finances anymore because I’ve watched God literally provide every penny, or should I say santeem, for me over the past 2 years.  There are some months that are tighter than others because of course unexpected expenses come up for me just like everyone else.  I have to acknowledge, there are numerous times that that I don’t have the money to pay for something unexpected.  My first reaction is to worry and fret over it, but I eventually decide to give it to the Lord, and EVERY time I have watched Him provide in unexpected ways.  It’s gotten to the point that now I choose to trust God first instead of wasting the time worrying.  There is nothing that can build your faith more than relying on God for your every need.

The reality is that we all owe everything to God.  He is the one that provides us with our jobs, homes, and belongings.  However, I feel that it is much easier to acknowledge God’s provision when you are relying on the support of others.  I am working a full-time job just like most people I know at home who get paid a salary.  However, my salary comes from others who have made it a point to invest in my students and me. 

My church has been amazing and faithful in their support of me and my ministry here at Bingham.  The church provides faithfully for me each month and also supports me in other ways.  They have blessed me with airfares to and from Ethiopia, and with the opportunity to join and serve with them here in the country I love so much.    I would not be here without their support. 

However, there are also other people who support monthly or give randomly at exactly the times I need it most.  Without these people I would not be able to teach my students.  Your support is literally reaching the ends of the earth from North America all the way to Australia and all the continents in between.  God has entrusted 27 third grade students to me this school year who are citizens of 9 different countries.  I have students in my class from all over the world, who will one day grow up and travel all over the world themselves.  I have no idea how far my circle of influence will reach, and that is something that excites me!  Sharing about my relationship with God is one of my favorite things to talk about with my students.  My prayer is that one day something that I say will resonate and plant a seed in the hearts of my students.  I hope that my students will too one day desire to follow God’s plan for their life and will be blessed with people like you to cheer them on! 

Thank you for generosity, belief, and support in me.  And remember that the same God that provides faithfully for me, will do the same for you!  Trust Him and give your financial worries to Jehovah Jireh for He will provide.

Who Wouldn’t Love It Here?

It’s true that we missionaries do sacrifice much to come to the mission field.  But in return we get to experience and have things that we never would otherwise.  Those of you who stay home are sacrificing things as well; you just don’t know what you’re missing.  I’ve put together a list of the things that tend to over-shadow my sacrifices.  It’s all about perspective……

Who wouldn’t love…..

being told you’re beautiful all the time?  

I think the Ethiopian race as a whole is made up of beautiful faces, but Ethiopians tend to think the same about us.  The Ethiopian people are often fascinated with ferengees (foreigners).    When I go outside the gates, I almost always hear the phrase betam konjo (very beautiful).  People often want to touch my hair or skin; kids want to shake or hold my hand.  It’s not abnormal for some stranger to tell me that they love me or even ask if I am married.  I have had to turn down a proposal or two in passing... no big deal.  These things would be out of the ordinary for me at home, but here they happen all the time.  Although it could make you uncomfortable at times, you still have to admit that being acknowledged and told you’re beautiful all the time would never get old! 

having a personal relationship with your DVD guy and veggie man?

Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite things to do, especially here in Addis since I have to go to numerous places to get everything I need.  But one thing that makes shopping fun is the personal relationship I have with Hennock, the guy who sells DVDs in front of the grocery store.  I love the DVD guy, and we are both mutually excited to see each other.  If I’m not with my friends, he asks about me.  If I go to Fantu (a local grocery store) and he’s not there, I ask about him.  Buying a new DVD is the last thing I need, but I always take the time to look through his DVDs.  And I feel guilty to buy from anyone else, like I’m betraying him.  Often I do not want any new DVDs, but because I like him so much I always buy at least a couple from him; it’s my way of supporting a friend.  There is something to be said about getting to know your customers because it does ensure that they will continue to support you, whether they need your product or not!

Another person that makes shopping more bearable is my veggie man.  When I pull up to buy vegetables, he always looks very excited to see me!  He greets me with “Denanish konjo?  Tefash!”  (How are you beautiful?  It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! paraphrased)  The reality is that there are several people that I could buy my fruits and vegetables from, but because I have a relationship with this guy, I keep coming back.  And in return, he brightens up my shopping experience!

cheap produce?

Speaking of fruits and vegetables, where else could you get such cheap produce?  I mean let’s face it, in America one reason it’s so hard to eat healthy is because all of the fattening stuff is cheap while the healthy stuff is expensive - especially when you want to get all ultra-healthy and only  buy organic produce.  Here in Ethiopia though, fruits and veggies are CHEAP!  I eat way more fruits and vegetables here because it’s so cheap to buy it.  What I spend on a month of produce here would be equivalent to paying for one big salad and a few apples at home.  With prices like that, all of us would eat better.  And guess what, it’s all organic here!

perfect weather?

Other than the 4 month rainy season from June-September, the weather here in Addis is pretty much….perfect.  The weather is not too hot or cold.  It’s warm in the day with no humidity, but then cools off at night.  You never need more than a light jacket, and I’m almost always in a pair of flip flops. If the temperature wasn’t enough to make you happy, then the shining sun is.  The sunshine is so bright that it can make anyone’s day better; all you need is 10 minutes in the sun, and it can turn any bad mood around.  I’ve never been a fan of cold weather, and it seems that’s because I was made to live here.  Swimming in December?  Yes, please!  I could actually have a swimming party for my birthday….fun!

bunna/machiatos?

I used to be content with a good ‘ol cup of Folgers coffee, but not anymore.  I like coffee enough that I could probably drink any kind, but you haven’t really tried coffee until you try Ethiopian bunna.  This country is known for its coffee, and let me tell you, you’re missing out!  I’ve never really been a fan of coffee without cream, but this country has won me over.  Cream or not! 

I’m a fan of the coffee in general, but nothing compares to Ethiopian machiatos.  You haven’t lived until you’ve drank one of these!  All I have to do is go to the souq (store) at Bingham, put in an order, and they will deliver one to my classroom all for the low price of about $.5o.  Spoiled, I know!  If I ever have to leave, these I will miss…

having a house helper?

Anyone that truly knows me knows that I am not a Suzie homemaker.  I mean, I can cook a few meals, (more now than before I came) but it’s not my favorite thing to do.  I’m also quite capable of keeping my house clean and doing my own laundry, but here it’s not necessary.  Since living here in Ethiopia, I’ve employed a house helper that I love dearly.  There is nothing better than coming home to a clean apartment with an unbelievable dinner waiting for me!  Meseret, my house helper, is wonderful, and she takes care of me!  I’m so grateful for her and everything she does to make my life better.  Although I could do these things myself, I don’t have to and for this I am thankful. 

You see life is all about perspective.  Yes, I do have to sacrifice some things that I love in order to follow God’s will, but He has also blessed me with much here.  I would never know what I was missing if I didn’t listen to Him….thank God I did!  Who knows what you are sacrificing by not listening…

God’s Redeeming Love

One of the things I love most about teaching at Bingham is the Christian environment I am surrounded by daily.  Every morning the staff meets before school for devotion and prayer.  It is one of my favorite parts of the day, and I wouldn’t think about missing it.  The devotions are led by different members of the staff.  We are each given a week of staff devotions in which we share something that God has laid on our hearts.  This past week I led devotions and I chose to speak on the power of God’s redemption in my own life.  Because my heart is so full with this, I want to also share with others from home.

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

For years I have been fascinated with this idea of God’s redemption.  One of the things I love most about God is that He truly can work all things for good in our lives.  This verse in its essence illustrates redemption.  Stories of redemption are my favorite kinds of stories; there is something so encouraging and inspiring in the fact that God can take some of the most horrifying moments or choices of our life and turn it into a beautiful masterpiece.

Redemption can refer to the deliverance from sin---salvation--- or compensating for the faults or bad aspects of something you have done or something that has happened to you.  When I think of God’s redemption in my own life I can see evidence of both of these references.  God has in His power and sovereignty given me salvation, delivered me from my sins, redeemed some of my worst moments/ mistakes, and has somehow managed to glorify Himself through them.

Anyone who has known me since high school can attest to the fact that God has truly worked in amazing ways in my life.  I am not proud of the girl I used to be and I have a past that is shocking to many.  However, the transformation that has taken place can only bring glory to God and His power to change lives.  When I think back on my past, the only response I can manage is praise to God.  I’m so grateful that He saved me from myself and my awful choices.  Not only did He save me, but He also healed the broken parts of my life.  Only God could save me, heal my brokenness, and give me the ability to not wish any of those bad choices away, but to be grateful for them as reminders of how amazing my God truly is and how much He loves me.

How does He do it?  How is He able to redeem us from something we believe to be unredeemable?  Will we ever be able to understand it?  Do we really want to?  In my time with God today, I came across a quote from Eugene Peterson that caused me to reflect on Him and my own position in accordance to Him.

"We are not presented with a functional god who will help us out of jams or an entertainment god who will lighten our tedious hours.  We are presented with the God of exodus and Esther, the God of Sinai and Calvary.  If we want to understand God, we must do it on his terms.  If we want to see God the way he really is, we must look to the place of authority---to scripture and to Jesus Christ.

And do we really want it any other way?  I don’t think so.  We would very soon become contemptuous of a god whom we could figure out like a puzzle or learn to use like a tool.  No, if God is worth our attention at all, he must be a God we can look up to—a God we must look up to….The moment we look up to God (and not over at him, or down on him) we are in the posture of servitude.”

I don’t know how God is able to work all things in our lives for good.  I’m just grateful that He does.  If anyone who reads my blog happens to be struggling with a sin or mistake you have made in your own life,  let God’s redeeming love heal your brokenness.  He wants to do it because He loves you, and it’s a tangible way for Him to show you His power.  I promise, it will only make you fall so in love with this God that you will never be able to figure out.  And in return it will also make you want to spend your life trying.

The Seasons and My Students

I think that I always assumed that my first year of teaching would be the most difficult.  That belief was short-lived.  It only took me a few weeks into my second year to realize that theory was not always accurate.  Teaching is a year-by-year profession.  You can have an “easy” year followed by the most challenging year imaginable.  Of course there were many challenges in my first year of teaching.  However, my second year proved to be, in many ways, more challenging than my first.  The realization that teaching is a profession that restarts every August became apparent in the first few weeks of getting to know my new class of students.

My second class of first-graders was as different from my first as the seasons of summer and winter.  I use the metaphor of these two seasons because although they are opposite, they both have their advantages and disadvantages.  The heat of the summer allows you to enjoy cookouts, vacations, tubing at the lake, trips to the pool, cute and fun summer clothes, flip flops, etc…, while the winter provides you with excuses to sit next to the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, read a book while snuggling in your bed, snowball fights and snow days, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations (and for me my birthday too!).  We all have things that we like about these two seasons; we might prefer one to the other, but you have to admit that they both have perks.  The best part about the differences in seasons though is that they make you love and appreciate the other all the more. 

My first class of students was a Godsend for me as a beginning teacher.  They were well-behaved and fun-loving.  From the beginning I bonded with these students; they welcomed me into their classroom mid-year, and loved on me from the beginning.  They were special in so many ways, from their senses of humor to their love of singing and excitement in learning.  They made it easy to love every aspect of being a teacher.  I remember waking up almost every day excited to go to work! 

The excitement and success from my first year of teaching provided me with expectations that were not met for my second class.  I had a naïve mindset that this class was going to be just the same as the last.  I expected this year to be even better because let’s face it, I now have a year of experience under my belt!  I was in for a rude awakening.  This class was nothing like my first one, and by the end of the first couple of weeks, the only thing I knew was that I didn’t know much about being a teacher, and specifically nothing about being a classroom manager.

Classroom management was always one of my weakest areas when it came to teaching.  But my first class spoiled me because they did not require much management.  They were eager to please me and usually did not ever think about going against my instructions or expectations.  I kept the same management plan that the previous teacher implemented and never had to deviate.  I can’t say the same about my second class - my classroom management plan changed and evolved as often as the months changed in a year.

It was evident from the first Friday of school that this class was going to be different.  I can laugh about it now, but I will never forget the first time I had a student deliberately disobey something I had told them not to do.  I’m usually slow to anger, but when one of my students decided to go to recess after I had told them they had to sit out, I was livid!  How dare a student disobey and disrespect me like that? I couldn’t even look or talk to this student for 15 minutes because I was so angry.  This student even had the nerve, after sitting several minutes in silence to ask me, “Can I go out now?”  I had to explain that because she chose to disobey me that she had to sit out for all of recess.  I don’t think she even understood what she did to disobey me in the first place.  I had to go talk to my principal just to calm down.  Thankfully he is patient and understanding, and talked me through it. He helped me see it from a rational perspective and helped me to know how to handle it.

It is silly to me now, especially in light of many other occurrences that happened throughout this year, how angry I got at this first incident.  However, I was just as inexperienced about how to deal with many of my students as they were about many aspects of life.  One thing is for certain, we all learned more than we ever could have imagined; me being the one that grew the most.  For many of my students, I had to teach them how to do school or at least how we do school at Bingham.  I had to set expectations and make them follow those expectations.  All of them learned from multiple situations that we all make choices and our choices come with consequences.  Many of my students had to learn the hard way that listening to their friends is not always the best decision.  Students had to learn that sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do; it’s a part of life.  They had to learn that even if you might not like someone and want to be their best friend, you still have to respect them.  These are all principles and aspects that I had to teach this class of students. 

However, they taught me much more.  They taught me how important it is to be consistent.  If I said something was going to happen if they did this or that, I had to follow through, every time.  They taught me that I need to be sure I think through the things I say to them.  I learned how vital clear procedures and directions were, how to show tough love at the right moments, and have compassion and mercy in others.  They taught me the realization that every day is a new day, and the importance of not letting what happened yesterday affect today’s happenings.  Most importantly, they allowed me to understand more fully what God has to go through whenever He deals with me: how forgiving, how understanding, and how patient He has to be.  In short, what this year’s group of students taught me was how merciful and beautiful God’s love is for His children.

I have enough stories from this year’s group of students to write a book.  I could probably start multiple children’s series like Junie B. Jones starring many of my students.  I most definitely had some characters in my class that kept me on my toes!  From attempted runaway students, to cheeky boys going into the girls’ bathroom, fighting over soccer games, throwing huge rocks on the playground, picking fights with 8^th graders, constantly shouting at classmates - you name it, I’ve had it.  Stories about my first graders were often the topic of conversation at dinner with my colleagues.  If they had a story, I could almost always top it!

As I reflect back on this year, many memories come to mind.  I laugh at the things that happened and think fondly of the students that starred in the many scenes.  There was never a dull moment in my classroom; no two days were alike.  Although it was difficult at times, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!  I can’t wait to see what this group of students will turn out to be.  I know that all of the characteristics and qualities that cause them to be so full of life and mischievous will only work together to one day make them great at whatever God has planned for their lives.

Summer is my favorite season but December, the first month of winter, is my favorite month of the year.  They can’t be more different from one another, but they both contain aspects that I love.  The same can be said about my two first classes.  My first class is like my summer, but my second is like the month of December.  Having one class made me love and appreciate the other class all the more. 

Spiritual Challenges

If I had to describe this year using one word, I would say challenging.  As I reflect over my second year of teaching, my second year of living in Ethiopia, and my 8^th year of being a Christ follower, I feel that this has been a year filled with numerous challenges.  The challenges that I’ve encountered have been spiritual, cultural, and professional.  However, in hindsight when I think about it, one scripture passage comes to mind:

 “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.” James 1:-4

Although I have grown up in church, and have regularly attended since I was a child, I don’t consider myself making a personal choice to seek and serve Jesus until I was 17.  This was the time in which my life was forever changed by Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation.  Since then, I make many mistakes every day, but I’ve also daily desired to grow closer to God.  When I look back on how much God has changed me since then, there is only one word that comes to mind: redemption.  I’m living proof that God is a Redeemer, and He can take ashes and turn them into beauty.

Over the years, He has taken a selfish, lost girl and turned her into a strong woman of God.  The 25 year old version of me doesn’t even recognize the 17 year old girl I once was.  There are times I see remnants of her in myself, but other times I am amazed at how much God has changed me.  He has changed my heart’s desires, passions, and priorities. He’s given me a faith that pushes limits.  And a courage to not fear but follow Him.  I’ve heard Him speak to the private chambers of my heart, seen Him move mountains, and work miracles.  I’ve been blessed by His provisions, strengthened by his wisdom in withholding, and humbled by His divine timing.

I’ve had years filled with spiritual highs in which I can rejoice in all that I have seen the Lord do in and around me.  However, often times these years have been followed by years in which I barely notice His presence.  This past year has more closely resembled the latter.  If I had to describe my spiritual state over the past year, the word dry would be the most appropriate adjective to fill in the blank.  I’m surrounded by an encouraging and supportive Christian community, fulfilling the will that I know the Lord has for my life, but yet I have felt spiritually numb. 

There have been days that I come home worn out and exhausted and instead of going to the One who sustains my life, I choose to do something mindless and not fulfilling.  I feel as if my walk with the Lord has been a continual battle of me choosing other idols or “less wild lovers”, as John Eldridge and Brent Curtis state in The Sacred Romance, over God.  I’m living proof of someone who has experienced the glorious power and love of Christ, but yet I choose other things to fill my time and satisfy me.

As I’m starting to get on the other side of this spiritual drought, I’m starting to realize how this is a part of being human.  I’ve talked to Christians that I admire and look up to who have gone through the same battles multiple times over the years.  I’ve read books by authors who have experienced the same seasons.  As I look through scripture, it’s evident that God’s people have always struggled with choosing idols over Him.  But the questions to wrestle with are: What do I do when I find myself in this state?  How does God use it for His glory?

The most encouraging thing I read during this season was from C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters.  C.S. Lewis writes:

The prayers offered in the state of dryness are those which please Him (God) best…..Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending to do God’s will, looks around upon a Universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.

What I have found to be true is that, when you don’t feel like obeying what God has spoken, or feel like opening up the word, or feel like praying, these are the times that are the most meaningful.  Sometimes you just have to press through and believe by faith that God is there with you and is listening to your prayers and meeting with you as you open His word.

Some of my prayers during this time have been the most honest and raw prayers I’ve ever prayed.  Although they haven’t been as frequent, they have been true and unhindered.  My journal has not been written in as often, but the entries are filled with evidence of this battle within my heart and my desire to get beyond it.  Although I feel that I have had a lack of faith, in Christ’s power I’ve still had the ability to stand firm.  I’ve lost my balance a few times, but the foundation has remained intact. 

God is glorified in these times because His power and character are tested and proven true.  It becomes evident that God remains faithful even when you do not.  You experience His grace and it humbles you.  You realize that there is nothing really special about you; you can’t take credit for anything when it comes to you and God.  It forces you to acknowledge that you serve a special God who has an unfailing love and performs wonderful deeds for men. (Psalm 107)

This year has been a year of trials, and in hindsight I’m considering it pure joy.  I’ve been tested and have persevered so that God may finish His work in me.  I’m so thankful that He loves me the way that I am, but doesn’t want to keep me that way.  I’m grateful for His refinement and redemption in my life, and I look forward to another year of serving Him in Ethiopia.

The Gift of Singleness

Technically, I’ve been single for 25 years because I’ve never been married.  However, I’ve been single in the sense of not dating anyone for almost 7 years.  I haven’t dated anyone seriously since my senior year of high school.  There are several reasons why I haven’t dated anyone; I’ve gone through many seasons in my singleness.  My journey has been tedious, hard, lonely at times, but worth it all, and that is something that can only be said in hindsight. 

To begin with I was single because I was pining after my lost love.  I couldn’t think of dating anyone other than him.  Later, I moved into a season of being single because I was afraid of getting my heart broken again.  Then I moved into a season of singleness because I made a commitment to God to be single for a year.  In that year, he mended my broken heart and gave me a new perspective.  This new perspective started the last season that I’ve been in for over 5 years—the season of being single until God reveals it’s His time.

For years I’ve been committed to remaining single and only dating someone that God has placed in my life.  Some people wonder how I will know it’s God’s will, or what I want in a mate if I don’t date, but I just trust that God will make His will known.  In this season of singleness I have gone through several stages: discontentedness, giving up, and finally being content.

The myriad of emotions of a single woman, whether she is 18, 25, or 45, varies significantly with each individual.  We all go through seasons.  Discontentedness, giving up, and contentment are a few of the seasons I’ve experienced, and here are my thoughts about them.

Discontentedness

Some women, and even myself at times, are completely discontent in their singleness.  Being alone can be scary-especially when you think about the possibility of never having someone.  Being alone can also be discouraging.  You can find yourself wondering what is wrong with you, or spend your time obsessing over the things you “think” must be wrong with you.  You might put an enormous amount of energy and effort into “fixing” yourself, or turning yourself into the person you think you ought to be.  Only to find out when you reach that version of yourself, you don’t even recognize who’s looking back at you in the mirror.  Or you become that person and realize that all that effort was in vain, you still didn’t find Mr. Right.

Other discontented women look to whoever and whomever to fill the void of loneliness.  They think it’s better to have someone than no one, even if he/she doesn’t respect me or treasure me.  I’ve watched people date others they can barely stand just to keep from being alone.  They think, “Well if God won’t send me someone, I’ll find someone myself.” 

Discontentedness is a hard place to be.  It can affect all areas of your life by casting an undesirable shadow around everything in your life.  It can be discouraging to the point that you eventually reach the next stage- giving up.

Giving up

There is another stage for singles, and it is of those who have given up on relationships altogether.  They’ve accepted the lie that they aren’t good enough, or that they will never find anyone.  Some might think they are emotionally or physically damaged, and who would want them?  Some of these women have turned to other things to appease their loneliness.  These things in the end only cause them to feel even lonelier.

I don’t think that giving up is in my nature.  I tend to want to push on, just to prove to myself that I can.  Although I have been defeated to the point of wanting to give up in my singleness (usually directly after a time of being hurt), I tend to get back up and fight.  I’ve found that discontentedness is not the way to live and neither is living defeated, so I finally graduated to a state of contentedness.

Content

Contentedness is the category of women I have looked up to for years - the women who are content in their singleness and confident in who they are.  These women have realized the true reality of singleness and used it for God’s glory. 

A couple of years ago, a friend told me about a sermon by a college campus pastor named Ben Stuart on the gift of singleness.  You see, so often people view singleness as a curse.  We are made to think that if we are single, something has to be wrong with us.  We often get discouraged because one of the first things out of a stranger’s mouth is, “Are you married?” or “Are you seeing anyone?”.  With questions like that, we think that obviously being with someone is the most important thing.

However, Ben Stuart’s message on the gift of singleness changed my whole perspective on what it means to be single, and it helped me to arrive at the stage of being content.  God is the giver of all good gifts.  If He’s chosen to give you the gift of singleness, it’s for a purpose.

A few years ago, I was journaling a prayer to God and during that time God chose to respond to the cries of my heart.  People can argue whether they believe God would speak to me like this, but I know it was truth.  God responded to my heart in a time of loneliness by telling me that in His perfect timing He would have the perfect mate for me.  This mate would be like a gift for me to enjoy and cherish.  But He also wants me to be sure that I don’t expect my mate to make me whole because only He can make me whole.  He also said gifts don’t serve a purpose in which only the receiver enjoys the gift.  The perfect gift causes you to fall more in love with the giver.  If you accept your singleness as a gift, it will cause you to fall more in love with the Giver!

Each one of us is in our own seasons.  God has already given some of us the gifts of marriage and a family.  If he has given that to you, then cherish those gifts.  However, for those of us who have been given the gift of singleness, whether forever or for the time being, we should also cherish that gift.  When we start to view our singleness as a gift-the perfect gift for the time being- we allow God to use us in spectacular ways.

Being single has its perks, and as a single we are able to do some things that people with spouses or families just can’t.  For one, it’s the perfect time for us to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him.  It’s one of the only times in our lives we will have the opportunity to be completely devoted to Him.  It’s a time for us to take risks, and even leave everything behind.  If I was married or had a family/responsibilities, I wouldn’t have been able to leave everything and come to Ethiopia in a matter of weeks.  It’s a time to have fun and do whatever you want without having to worry about someone at home waiting for you.  If you want to hang out with friends until 2:00 in the morning you can.  If you want to pack up and take a trip down to southern parts of Ethiopia without a plan of action, you can!  It’s such a unique season, and something to be celebrated; it’s not something we should mourn.

This particular topic is something that is near and dear to my heart.  I want to see people embrace their singleness as the gift that it is, and use it for God’s glory.  Living a discontented or defeated life is not the plan that God has for you!  However, you have to choose to accept His plans along with His timing.  Don’t give in or give up, wait on Him!

AWESOME

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault

There is a book that a friend of mine here owns titled The Book of Awesome.  In this book, the author has compiled many different “little things” that when they happen to you, it is simply awesome!  Some of these things include finding money you forgot you had in a pocket, snow days, catching someone singing to themselves in their car, etc.

I think life is made up of the little things.  Often times it’s the small things that can make you smile, laugh, and often reflect.  I mean graduating from college was a pretty big deal, but I don’t think about that nearly as often as I do something sweet someone I care about said.  When I think back on moments of joy in my life, it’s usually something that in most settings is really small, but to me makes all the difference.

So… I have compiled a list of a few things I personally think are awesome, and I encourage you to do the same, and then thank God for those things!

#1 This happened to me the other day, and it was AWESOME.  When God sends you to a verse that specifically answers a question you asked him about in prayer…..

#2 A song that inspires you to push on when you are running.  The other day I was about ready to stop running, but then Survivor by Destiny’s Child came on, and it was exactly what I needed to keep me going!  Awesome!

#3 When one of my students makes me something that says, “You are the best teacher ever!”  I don’t let the fact that technically my first graders have short memory spans, only 2 teachers to compare, or the awareness that they said the same thing to all of their other teachers affect the pure AWESOMENESS of them thinking I’m the best!

#4 Finding a song whose lyrics reflect the exact words in your heart.  To me that’s awesome!

#5 An unexpected letter or even better care package from someone at home in my cubby hole after a long day of work.  Simply, awesome!

#6 Finding something I have been looking for, or can rarely get in Ethiopia  at  the Fantu super market, i.e. Dr. Pepper, imported Peanut Butter, blueberry muffin mix…Awesome!

#7 When a parent tells me something encouraging or thanks me for my work…awesome!

#8 When the internet is so fast and I can quickly download videos online….Awesome!

#9 A hug from a student first thing in the morning!  AWESOME!

#10 The perfect ending to a movie….happily ever after =Awesome

#11 An unexpected facebook message or e-mail from a family member or friend….awesome.

#12 When a co-worker says something encouraging about what you are doing because let’s face it, they are often the experts….Awesome!

#13 Accomplishing a goal that you set for yourself, whether it’s something small like completing everything on your to do list, or something that’s been on your list for years.  AWESOME!

#14 Falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow…Awesome!

#15 The fact that God knows exactly what we need when we need it, and then He provides it.  NOW THAT IS AWESOME!

So I encourage you to think about the things that you believe are awesome, and then realize that nothing is coincidence.  “God alone knows our thoughts – our hearts, our words and our actions.” Ps 94:11  

And He loves to woo us.  And the next time something AWESOME happens, thank Him.

Christmas in Ethiopia

For those of you who don’t know, in Ethiopia Christmas is celebrated on a different day.  Today (January 7^th) is the Ethiopian Christmas or should I say Genna.  So Melkam Genna everyone!  Ethiopians have similar traditions; they get together with their families and have a traditional dinner, with lots of food.  Not quite the turkey and dressing Americans are accustomed to, but traditional indeed. 


Every culture has its own traditions and celebrations.  For me, being away from home while celebrating holidays is often the hardest part about living here.  I missed my family the most on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It’s a time when you know everyone is getting together and taking part in traditions you have always been involved in, and you are not a part of it.  Thankfully my brother Brandon did his best to make me feel like I was a part of Christmas this year by putting together a video of my family!

It was sad to miss Christmas with my family, but my Christmas was still wonderful. God has a way of providing right when you need it.  Often times we think of God’s provision in a monetary sense, but the best provision God can offer is providing amazing friends. 

My best Christmas present was the fact that my best friend Whitney gave up her time and money to spend 3 weeks with me here in Ethiopia.  I’m not sure she will ever know just how much this meant to me.  It was wonderful to have a piece of home in the tangible sense with me this year!

The next best gift was sweet memories and good food with my family here in Ethiopia.  One of my favorite parts about living in Ethiopia is having the opportunity to live in a community.  I have a wonderful support system here with close friends who quickly become like family. 

Christmas Eve was a festive day!  We had a wonderful brunch and worship time with friends.  We spent the morning reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas—our Saviour.  Then the day ended with a deliciously elaborate Christmas Eve dinner.  It was fabulous! 

On Christmas day, I got to experience a traditional English dinner, and by dinner I mean lunch.  It was complete with party gifts, ridiculous hats, silly jokes, and lots of laughter.  I’m not sure I would ever have had the opportunity to enjoy an English Christmas dinner in any other setting.  We ended our Christmas day with a lovely spaghetti dinner, which reminded me of home!

It’s interesting how much time is spent decorating, shopping, and celebrating Christmas.  It has this huge build up, and then on December 26^th, it’s over.  However, Christmas is never truly over.  Your memories live on in your heart, and of course it’s a reminder of Christ’s birth and the fact that He is very much alive!