Ethiopia Day Three

What a day!!! So many emotions are going through me. We started the day at the Beza International Church, and listened to an amazing service! A little more charismatic (surprise, surprise :) then I'm used to, but was beautiful music and praising. We then listened to a fantastic sermon that addressed evangelism. What else could have spoken to us more?! He talked about how so many of us use the excuse of being timid or shy, and that is why we don't share our faith. But he reminded us that we now have something new living in us. The Spirit living in us is not timid. We are reminded that we cannot use that excuse anymore, because we have a Spirit in us that gives us boldness. No excuses, people! :)

After lunch, we were able to spend some time at the market. We were bombarded with beggars every where you turned. The thing that just broke your heart was when you'd see a mom with a baby or small child on her back. You know that the child is the one who was ultimately suffering. You wish you could just help those poor babies! But the sad part was is that you can barely do anything because immediately you are flocked by so many more people that saw you give something out. Almost to the point of hostile. But the shopping was good, and I was able to pick up a few things for Wes :)

The late afternoon was spent visiting the street kids. They live in an area called the Post Office area. These kids are literally "street kids". They live on the streets, and beg for a living. When you stand in this area and look around at the hundreds of kids, and adults in this area it is very overwhelming. It makes you very tense, when the translator warns of pick pocketers, and the hostility if you give them anything! Therefore, we were unable to give them anything because if you give something to one of the children, the other kids soon find out and will actually fight that child, and beat on them to take the money. It's just so sad that there is such a HUGE need, and you feel so helpless to do anything. I soon started visiting with a couple of boys who were about 5 or 6, and they soon became glued to my side. I started taking pictures of them, and showing them. I soon had them making funny faces and they just brought out some of the most genuine smiles! After a little while, I began thinking of what else we could do. What else other than Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes and the Hokey Pokey! So, you guessed it. We began dancing to these songs :) Seriously, it has been the highlight of my trip. There was one young girl about ten that is the most beautiful girl you could imagine. She would follow us around, talking about how hungry she was. But we could do nothing. But as soon as we started taking pictures to show her, and have to making those silly faces the brightest smile lit up her face. One member of the team handed her 100 birr very discreetly as we were pulling out, and she took off at a dead run. This was the first time of the trip I cried. To see such a beautiful young girl, having to beg and live on the street just breaks your heart. And then to see her having to run for her life and get away before anyone realized she had gotten money just tore at you even more. Imagine, knowing you needed to beg in order to survive, but knowing you could be seriously hurt by one of the other kids if you actually do get money! What a hard life for such a young girl. We need to pray that someone is able to come in to this area, and actually start a shelter or SOMETHING to try and get these young kids off the street.

To end the night, we visited an authentic Ethiopian restaurant. The food was ....(in my opinion) gross :) But, it was really neat to experience the culture with unbelievable dancing!

So far, everyone has stayed healthy. PRAISE!!! :)  We are headed to an orphanage 3 hours out of town tomorrow to spend the day. Looking forward to seeing what we experience tomorrow.

And so... I'm stepping out!

Ethiopia Day Two

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit." As I was doing devotions this morning, I read this verse and it has stuck with me throughout the day. 

The day has been full of rejoicing. It is amazing to see God work in SO many lives here. It is story after story of people showing and telling how God has worked in there life. Ashli told a story of a boy who was abandoned by both of his parents, and sent by his uncle in a taxi to Addis Ababa. He spent 2 days at a bus station before someone took him to the Korah dump where Ashli found him and struck up a conversation. He has been living on the streets for 6 months. She brought him into her home, gave him a bath, and loved him. We watched amazed at how this sweet boy has transpired. He will now start school in the fall, and be sponsored by someone willing to pay $30 a month to keep him in school, and keep him fed. (hint, hint) :) There are just so many more stories like this that you just can't help but stand in awe of our Lord, and rejoice that half way around the world He is working in people's lives here in Africa too. He is not just the God WE know, but He is known by the poor, needy, and desperate. He is just that big!

It has been a day of praying continually. While lying awake at 4:00 in the morning, I can't help but begin praying for the day even before it starts. "Lord, keep us safe today. Lord, use us. Lord, be with the children we come in contact with. Lord, help us to show YOUR love." As the day progresses, I continue to pray for these little lives that the Lord has chosen to take off the streets and put in these orphanages. 

It has been a day of giving thanks. I am amazed at how God has worked and answered prayers this journey. Answered prayer after answered prayer. Safety, communication with our families, clean housing, health, and the list goes on. We have so much to be thankful for every day. Not to mention, giving thanks for these joyful children. We spent time in a circle at El Olam Orphanage today thanking the Lord for these lives, and from saving them off the street. There are 5 young babies in this orphanage that have come from horrible health to full recovery. One little boy was left on church steps, without food for 4 days, and on the brink of death. Ashli spent the night at the hospital with him when she found him, and prayed while the doctor's told her they didn't think this little boy would live. However, God has other plans for this little boy. He not only lived through the night, but now is the HAPPIEST little guy. Ashli said he cried day and night for weeks when he arrived at the orphanage. Today, we couldn't get him to eat his bottle because he wouldn't stop smiling at me. He was the sweetest, happiest little thing. Thank you, Lord for choosing to save this little boy, and find a family in Spain wanting him in their family. Again, a day of giving thanks!

Above all, it has been a day of not quenching the Spirit. This is why we are here. To be filled with the Spirit, and to let that just pour out of us. I pray that I don't ever get enough of the Spirit, and that I am unable to stop the desire for it. 

My day was brightened today by so many little ones. We visited the Yezelalem Minch Orphanage today where we were able to help feed the children during the Saturday School. These children are orphans are  living in the community with friends, widows, and people who were willing to take them into their home. However, they are sponsored by people in the US and are able to go to school. We spent the morning giving them toys and trinkets, painting fingernails, and playing games---simply enjoying their company! The sweetest, prettiest little girl would just raise her hands and want to be held. She was probably 3. But she would just smile and sit in your arms and enjoy the attention! After that we were able to visit the El Olam Orphanage where we could see how Ashli has transformed these kids lives. They just adore her. There were 15 toddlers and older children, and 20 babies. Needless to say, I spent most of my time in the baby room! These babies never fought to get off my lap. A stark contrast to Wes :) But they just needed some loving. They have two nannies to these 20 babies. Cribs lined the wall. When it was time for naptime, the children were all peacefully laying in their cribs. We left the room only to come back 15 minutes later and see 5 of these sweet babies standing and bouncing in their crib with the biggest smiles on their face. It was like they knew they should be sleeping! :) Made me smile! Others in the group spent time decorating t-shirts with the older kids, playing games, and painting finger nails. We ended the afternoon with a little performance by the kids with singing, dancing, and individual solos! I was surprised at how well they each willingly walked to the center of the room, and sang all by themselves! It was very sweet, and they were all smiles. 

We ended the day by going to the restaurant, Bon. This is American food. The excitement was loosing electricity numerous times while eating. It was a little frightening to be eating in a foreign restaurant, and be in complete silence for 30 seconds at a time! :) A little excitement keeps things interesting, I guess :)

We are praying for a little better rest tonight. Thinking of taking a sleeping pill tonight. Between people talking, dogs barking, and cats fighting outside, the night was full of restlessness. However, it does feel good to actually be sleeping in a bed that is clean! 

On a side note, I was able to skype with my hubby and Wes earlier today. It brightened my day, and gave me a new energy. It was good to see that little pale, fair skin with blonde hair :) He smiled at me a few times, and didn't quite know what to think. Jeremy thought maybe he was thinking, "This isn't Baby Einstein!" Miss my boys, but have been blessed by a sense of peace. 

Thank you for your continued support. Tomorrow we are planning to visit a local church, do some shopping at the market, and visit the street kids to do some soccer with them. Please, continue to pray! 

stepping out for another day of looking to see how the Lord is going to use us tomorrow! 

We're in ETHIOPIA!

With a sigh of relief, we can say that we are in ETHIOPIA! It was a good moment when we could finally get off the plane after a 13 hour flight. It is safe to say that none us girls from Morton got more than 3 hours of sleep on the plane ride here. Between a sleepless night in Chicago, and a sleepless night in the air --- we are PLUM tuckered out :) We have been thanking the Lord all day for the safety mercies He has given us all along the road. Everything has been going very smooth for the most part. We did have an issue in customs upon arrival to Ethiopia. Half of the group was able to make it through customs without any hitches. Whereas, several of our group members were detained in customs while they thoroughly searched their bags. After 3 hours of being held in a room, they were released after having to pay $500 worth of taxes on some items. We are just so thankful to be out of the airport and settled into our guest house. However, with being detained at the airport we were late getting to our first orphanage. So, this evening we have taken advantage of organizing NUMEROUS donations, eating dinner, and doing some much needed unwinding. After being able to actually sprawl out in a bed tonight, I'm sure we'll all be anxious to do what we've come here to do - LOVE ON SOME ORPHANS! Already we've come across some little boys playing outside in the street. Someone from our group had given them a frisbee and some lollipops and you could just see their delight. One little boy held up his lollipop, and with his little Ethiopian accent told me what it was ... "a wowipop". Brings a smile to your face, and reminds you why you have gone 2 nights without sleep, and traveled to a strange land!

Another thing I am counting as an answered prayer ---- wifi internet! WOOHOO! The Lord knew I needed that communication with my little (and bigger) man at home :) Check back every day or so for an up to date detailing of our journey :) Thanks for all of your prayers. Continue to pray for safety, health, and the Lord's leading. So anxious for the Lord's work this week!

And so ... I'm stepping out!

In Chicago!

We've safely arrived at the hotel in Chicago with all 13 bags (thanks to Jeremy and the Lord :)  Thanks so much for all your prayers already. It's a blessing to know I have so many friends and family who are offering up constant prayers. I couldn't do it without you. It was hard saying bye to Wes and Jeremy today, but I have the peace that passes all understanding :) Now to pour all of that loving in to another sweet little boy in ET! :)

And so ... I'm stepping out to bed for 4 hours of sleep and then its off to ETHIOPIA!!! :)

It's here!!!

It's here ... the day of departure! I don't even know how to begin to talk about every emotion that is flowing through me today. There's this part of me that feels like tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life. That if I can follow the Lord's leading in this area, then I can do so much more when I get back! This song has spoke to me so many times in the last few weeks when I think about this trip. I refuse to not be used. I refuse to not be courageous. I refuse to sit by and let life pass me by. I refuse to not step out in faith... This is what we were created to do - show others HIS love!
And so ... tomorrow I'm stepping out and taking the first big step of the rest of my life the Lord has for me. I covet your prayers!

JOSH WILSON, I Refuse 

I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately

And I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God

So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

And show them who You are

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

The First Step

The last few months has been a journey of taking many little steps. I have learned on this journey that the Lord only requires little steps. He doesn't require us to take giant leaps. He gives us His Word, and He gives us His peace when we are wondering whether to take any steps at all. Psalm 27:11 "The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." 

The first step on this journey happened many months ago after finishing the book, Radical. Jeremy and I had a strong sense of urgency to open our eyes to the fact that the Lord was calling us to do more than just "live the American dream". As I neared the end of the book, I read this quote. "You and I stand on the porch of eternity. Both of us will soon stand before God to give an account for our stewardship of the time, the resources, the gifts, and ultimately the gospel He has entrusted to us. When that day comes, I am convinced we will not wish we had given more of ourselves to living the American dream. We will not wish we had more money, acquired more stuff, lived more comfortably, taken more vacations, watched more television, pursued greater retirement, or been more successful in the eyes of this world. Instead we will wish we had give more of ourselves to living for the day when every nation, tribe, people, and language will bow around the throne and sing the praises of the Savior who delights in radical obedience and the God who deserves eternal worship. Are you ready to live for THIS dream? Let's not waver any longer." Now if that doesn't awaken your senses, and make you ask, "Lord, what would you have me to do?" than you're crazy! :) This is where Jeremy and I found ourselves taking the first step of prayer. What would you have us to do, Lord? You've entrusted us with raising Wes, but is there MORE we need to do? Show us how we can further your kingdom. First step. 

The second step on this journey started happening within my heart. The Lord started stirring in me this compassion that I've always had,  but now is a hundred fold stronger because I'm a mommy. Something in my heart started to awaken to the reality that there are over 140 million orphans across this world who are just as sweet, innocent, needy, and wanting as this little baby the Lord has decided to bless by bringing into our family who loves him with HIS great love. But, for whatever reason those babies aren't placed in a family who will love them unconditionally, and show them the love of Christ. This just melts me to think about, but it's a reality. What if something happened to Jeremy and I and for whatever reason, we didn't have an amazing family who would literally fight to take them into their home? What if Wes had no one? Wouldn't I want someone to step up and provide him love? Wouldn't I want someone to tell him about Jesus? Wouldn't I want someone to give him food, shelter, and clothes to wear? That could be MY baby on those streets. Lord, what do you want me to do about it? Second step.

The third step happened when I was enjoying a girl's night out with some of the greatest women! We were casually talking about my friend, Rachel's, upcoming trip to Ethiopia. She was returning to Ethiopia after the Lord did a work in heart last year. Two of my other friends, Holli and Lisa, had just received word that week that they too would be traveling to Ethiopia! WOW! Since Rachel had gone last year, I have had this nagging feeling in my heart that this would be my DREAM mission trip. Are you kidding?! Love on hundreds of orphans?! I would love it! However, the trip was full. Plus, could I really leave Wes for 9 day? BUT! It would be amazing! So, I casually commented that if they heard of any more cancelations on the trip to keep me in mind. Little did I know this may be a reality. I went home that night with a feeling of the Lord beginning to stir something in me. Could I really go? Does the Lord really want me to go? What will Jeremy think? Could I really leave Wes? Is this the very thing we've been asking the Lord for? Is THIS how He would have me to step out of my box and further His kingdom? When I got home that night, I was very anxious to see how my husband would respond. I knew that the Lord would have to work in his heart if there was any possibility of me going. With little hesitation, Jeremy was in full support. He knew that this is something that would use my love of children PLUS show them God's love. We embarked on prayer. However, by the time we were finished and God's peace the trip was full again. We were in perfect peace in knowing that if the Lord wanted me to go, He would provide a way. The prayer continued, but peace took over in knowing the Lord's will would prevail. Third step. 

The fourth step was taken weeks later when we were in Pennsylvania for my brother's wedding. We returned home from a fun evening spent celebrating my brother and his new wife to find an email acknowledging I had been added to the team. Let the roller coaster of emotions begin! Did I mention it was 1 o'clock in the morning?! I don't know about you, but my emotions are a little heightened at 1 o'clock in the morning! Not a good time to find out you are going to AFRICA!!! The emotions set it ... FRIGHTENED, excited, hesitant, and did I mention FRIGHTENED?! Would the Lord really ask me to do this when Wes is such a little boy? Is it silly to even think that I would be a good mom if I left him for nine days at 9 months old? Am I forsaking my duty to him if I left? But in the back of my head, I knew that Lord was providing a way to do exactly what HE wanted me to do. As I sat and listened to the sermon Sunday morning, I felt an overwhelming peace. The Lord sometimes asks us to make human sacrifices in this world in order to show HIS love. Yes, it will be hard to leave Wes for 9 days. Yes, it will be hard to leave your home land to visit a strange land. Yes, there is sickness there. Yes, it's going to take a lot of work to get my shots, paperworks, etc all done in 7 weeks. But God was asking me to do this. So, God will provide a way to do all of these things. So, the answer is YES, Lord. I will go.  Yes, I will make a sacrifice in my temporal world in order to focus on my eternal home. Yes, I will step out in faith. Fourth step.

And, so begins a journey of stepping out. I don't know what the Lord has in store for my little family. I don't know what will be accomplished on this trip to Ethiopia. But, I do have complete faith that if we focus on HIM, His perfect will indeed shall be fulfilled. As the journey to Africa continues and the leaving actually takes place, I rest in this verse. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to HIM be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 My dad always quoted this verse, but it has new meaning to me now. I am a sinner. I am worthless. I can do nothing without Christ. But the Lord can use ME in even some small way.He is going to exceed what I even think is possible for this trip because He lives in me and works in me. All I have to do is keep my eyes on HIM this trip. Give HIM the glory. And He can do more than I even imagined possible! 

And so ... I'm stepping out.