It all seems like a dream.
To be back in Ethiopia, to see the beautiful people of Burayu again, to be a part of God's work here.
I feel so unworthy to have this incredible honor.
When we arrived in Addis Ababa on Saturday afternoon, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!
God kept whispering to my heart "Beloved, we're here! We're here!"
Walking out of the airport I was flooded with memories from last year! The smells, the sounds, the people were all reminding me, I am home.
Saturday afternoon, the three other people on my team and I traveled by van through the crowded streets of Burayu to the Full Gospel Church. My heart sang as we walked up the small hill to the beautiful church building.
Little by little, I began to see children popping out of nowhere and I felt their curious stares. Many of these children have never seen a white person before! I returned the stares by walking over to them and introducing myself while giving them a small piece of candy. Watching their little faces light up will never get old to me!
The rest of the day was spent looking around the new school buildings and discussing with some church leaders how we can be a blessing to the community this week. I was also encouraged to meet many people who are attending Small Group leadership training under a Real Life Ministries director from Post Falls! These people are serious about loving Jesus and making more disciples for Him. One member told me "The moment the church stops making disciples is the moment we have a problem. We will always focus on making disciples."
I went to bed that night so unbelievably thankful, excited to wake up in my favorite country. I woke up at 4:30 to the sound of the Muslims praying and the Orthodox call to the Mosques. My heart breaks for these people stuck in this unfulfilling, traditional religion that offers no hope for eternal life.
My team and I were greeted at the hotel by Pastor Emmanuel, who took us to get macchiatos (the greatest espresso ever!) and then to church.
Oh, church! The moment I had been waiting for!
When the van pulled up in front of the church building, I began to see people I know and I could not contain my excitement! I ran up the hill and gave a big bear hug to my brother and friend, Dinka. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the one person I had been anticipating seeing the most.
My "daughter" Lidiya was running down the hill to meet me! I quickly ran to her and she jumped into my waiting arms. She was squeezing my neck so tightly with her tiny little hug that I could hardly breathe. We were both laughing and crying, my heart was beating so fast. I kept giving her kisses and telling her "Owendishalo" which means I love you. She kissed me back and could not stop giggling. She would not let go of my arms...and that's just the way I wanted it.
I looked up and saw all the other children quickly gathering around, eager to greet the American visitors. Within seconds I had at least twenty kids around me grabbing my arms, shirt, skirt and stroking my blonde hair. I could not stop smiling as tears of joy rolled down my face!
Church was a blessing as always, I just cherish the time worshipping together with my Ethiopian family. Their warm hospitality is unbelievable. After the service was over it was a joyful reunion, as members of the congregation I spent time with last year, quickly made their way to me to give me tight hugs and many, many kisses on the cheek. I have never known a greater joy than being united with people through our love for Jesus. And I love Jesus even more because of this.
We met with the elders of the church afterwards and discussed the plans for the rest of the week, families we need to see and children we want to interview for new sponsorships. After this we all went to visit two young girls who are part of the sponsorship program. Seena had a tumor removed from her neck about two years ago, and is now suffering from very poor eyesight and can barely walk. We brought her and her family enough food to last a couple of weeks and we will return to take her to a medical clinic.
I have to be honest, it is always really overwhelming for me to walk into the homes of these people. The poverty is indescribable and the living conditions are horrible. I had to catch my breathe walking into this home to keep from gagging, the smell was so bad. I always walk away from these homes feeling utterly helpless. I so desperately want to help all of these families and give them every good thing that I possibly can! I was thankful we were able to bring them food for the next couple of weeks, but I wonder what they will eat when that food is gone.
Sometimes helping just one person at a time, in the midst of this horrible poverty, feels like you're emptying the ocean with an eyedropper. Every child I see without a parent, every boy without a father, every girl who is already taking care of the family, just draws me into the arms of my Father. Without Jesus, I would not be able to go into another mud home. Without Jesus, I would not be able to keep a smile on my face instead of breaking down in tears every minute. Without Jesus, I would not have any hope. But Praise God that He offers all these things and more!
As we begin our week tomorrow, please pray that our team would simply be loving God and loving his people. We want to be open to do the will of our Father and do mighty things because we serve a Mighty God. Pray for the people who will be receiving the gospel throughout the week. And please pray that much would get accomplished in the short time that we are here.
Thank you so much for your support, prayers and encouragement friends! It means more than you'll ever know. Be encouraged in the hope we have in Christ Jesus!
- Audrey
