Ayehu (Tem and Tessa's biological mom) is healthy and wants to meet us. She is on antiretroviral medication for HIV and is doing well.
I just got the email today from our social worker who has been in contact with the Bethany team in Ethiopia. This is some of the best news I have heard in a long time.
So, we will be looking for flights in June...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
AMERICA::AFRICA
A warning: This is my attempt to transform the massive pile of inner thoughts and enormous dreams into a semi-organized blog post. Not an easy thing to do.
When I first heard the song "Tanzania" by Alli Rogers about three years ago, I got tears in my eyes. Little did I know that it was going to tell a part of my life story. The song tells the story of two parallel lives...one woman in America and one woman in Africa. You should listen to this song.
RIGHT NOW, as I sit on my bed in an air-conditioned house, typing out a blog post and thinking about what time to set my alarm for the morning and about whether I will make coffee at home or stop by Starbucks in the morning, another woman sits on a bench in a cramped, one-room dirt hut in Ethiopia, thinking about how she can conserve her injera bread to make it through the week and hoping that she has one more day of victory over HIV so that she can have the strength to walk several miles to the market to sell coffee beans.
So, here's the dream that has been brewing in me...
When we adopted Tem and Tessa, we received a video of their mother, Ayehu (pronounced AH-yoo) sitting in her hut, telling the cameraman about her life, how she roasts coffee beans and braids baskets to sell at the market, about her failing health, of when she gave birth to Tessa by herself in her hut, of times when she cried because the kids in the village made fun of Tem, and about her deep, passionate love for her children which caused her to relinquish them for adoption (She said, "I would rather suffer alone than have my children suffer with me.")
As I watched the video, my heart broke and tears streamed from my eyes. And, I knew I had to do something. A few years before, I woke up with a phrase from God branded into my mind: "Let my people know that I love them." I couldn't get this phrase out of my head when I thought of Ayehu.
I kept thinking about how significant and beautifully difficult it would be to visit Ayehu, to tell her that she is loved and look for ways to support and encourage her. I want to not only love her children, but to love her as well. My life is intertwined with the life of an Ethiopian woman who is only a few years older than me but lives a life drastically different than mine. But, the thought of meeting her seemed IMPOSSIBLE.
So, in an attempt to rule out this big dream and move onto others, I emailed a social worker from our adoption organization. I expected something like this, "Kate, that's a nice idea, but it is so impractical and won't work. Thanks. Bye." And instead, I received an email the next day that said something like this: "Kate, yes, this is certainly a possibility. I can work with our team of social workers in the U.S. and in Ethiopia as soon as you are ready to move ahead with this. Personally, I think it is a great idea and think that you should pursue it!"
WHAT?!
So, I am all of a sudden thinking of another trip to Ethiopia, back to the land of delicious food, even better coffee, hospitable people, loud roosters in the early morning hours, crazy traffic, and the Amharic language.
I am all of a sudden trying to imagine what it would be like to meet the mother of my siblings. What will I be thinking? What will she be thinking? How will she react? Am I going to bawl my eyes out? Will it be as great as I think its going to be? What will this lead to?
I am all of a sudden trying to imagine what it would be like to meet the mother of my siblings. What will I be thinking? What will she be thinking? How will she react? Am I going to bawl my eyes out? Will it be as great as I think its going to be? What will this lead to?
The idea seems outrageous. But, God is bigger than my biggest dreams. I have been thinking lately about how THANKFUL I am that God is a God of ADVENTURE. He could have made us mindless followers who live lives of routine and duty and obligation. But instead, he creates within us desires and passions and dreams that are just waiting to be dug out of our hearts and fulfilled by him. And, he grabs us by the hand and says, "Come with me, love! I want to bring you with me on this adventure..."
"You are young enough to believe
that anything is possible,
and you are old enough to
make that belief a reality."
-Shauna Niequist
Several things have been thrown into the mix of this adventure, reminding me of important truths and encouraging this outrageous dream...
Several things have been thrown into the mix of this adventure, reminding me of important truths and encouraging this outrageous dream...
Abby and I challenged each other to memorize Isaiah 58. As soon as you're done reading this, go ahead and read this chapter. Memorizing is a lot easier said than done. But, there is something so rich about letting it soak down to my core, knowing that it will resurface often when I least expect it. Isaiah 58 is hard for me to hear. It calls us to a standard so beyond "normal American Christian" living...
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -
when you see the naked to clothe him...
And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness..."
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness..."
Recently, I have also been intrigued with a Caedmon's Call album entitled "Share the Well"...the band took several trips to India, Brazil and Ecuador and then mixed international sounds with incredibly insightful lyrics. One of their songs, "All I Need", seems to tell the story of Ayehu...
"...years it doesn't rain
we just stay hungry for a while...
who else knew my name
before the day that I was born?
Jesus is all I need. Jesus is all I need.
This world calls me poor,
I bore my babies on this floor
He always provides
sure as the sun will rise.
Jesus is all I need..."
So, I have no idea what I'm doing.
I am a humble college student in West Michigan.
Overwhelmed by school bills.
About to start one of the busiest semesters of my life.
Thinking about traveling to Ethiopia to meet a woman who is part of my family.
Running after Jesus but stumbling and falling on my face along the way.
But, completely captured by the passionate and radiant love of my faithful and true One.
And, I still have no idea what I'm doing...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
"The work of God is always slower, deeper, more costly, and more rewarding than anything I would ever choose." -unknown
...and soon after I ran across another quote that I've used before. I didn't realize how strikingly similar they are to each other until now...
"The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end its going to be a lot better and a lot bigger." -Elisabeth Elliot
...and soon after I ran across another quote that I've used before. I didn't realize how strikingly similar they are to each other until now...
"The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end its going to be a lot better and a lot bigger." -Elisabeth Elliot
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
He ALWAYS writes the better story...
After a spontaneous and ridiculous 2-day trip to the U.P. (complete with cliff jumping into Lake Superior, climbing Sugarloaf Moutain, and watching fireworks at the Marquette harbor), I am back home. And I currently have time (and a little bit of motivation) to write. Its about time. As always, my thoughts are so scattered, so numerous, and so random and I'm not really sure where to start. So, we'll just make this a big jumble of everything. Enjoy...
God ALWAYS writes the better story.
This seems to be a recurring theme in my simple, 22-year-old life, and it is being emphasized boldly to me again this summer. Everytime I think I can write my own story, it seems like it is off to a good start and then it backfires. And its never as good as I think its going to be.
"And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can't go back to being normal; you can't go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time..." - Donald Miller
But, God's story is meaningful. And beautiful. And eternal. And so much bigger. He can see so much more than we can. He understands how little details and circumstances can be woven together to create an intricate tapestry. So, I come to the point where I must give up control of what I can't control anyway. Why would I want to cling to my own pitiful story when God's is so much better?
"Once you know what it takes to live a better story, you don't have a choice. Not living a better story would be like deciding to die, deciding to walk around numb until you die, and its not natural to want to die..." - Donald Miller
I love this... "The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it's going to be a lot better and a lot bigger..." - Elisabeth Elliott
Come alive!
A few weeks ago, a group of about 25 girls gathered to pray for life in our city. We spent Tuesday night until Wednesday morning seeking God's heart on the abortion issue in Grand Rapids. We spent time getting to know each other, in worship, in quiet time, learning from Mary - a sidewalk counselor, and praying. We prayed for the unborn, for girls caught in crisis situations, for the doctor's heart to be captivated by Jesus...and then, in the midst of all this, we realized that God was saying to each of us, "COME ALIVE!" We expected to come and spend ourselves on behalf of the unborn. And that was part of it. But, God also wanted to give himself to us.
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: 'I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life..." -Ezekiel 37:5
"Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, 'LIVE!'" - Ezekiel 16:6
"The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists in beholding God..." - St. Irenaeus
Rebuild.
A few weeks ago, Abby and I were sitting on the window seat at the Omega House praying for life in our city. Abby said, "I'm not sure why, but I think God is saying something about rebuilding a wall. I just read about it in Ezekiel." About two minutes later, we looked out the window in the opposite direction and saw three men working diligently to repair the wall on the side of the Omega House. They were mixing mortar and adding stones to the somewhat dilapidated wall. Okay, God. What are you saying?
The next week, we decided to read Nehemiah out loud as we sat at the Omega House. We still don't fully understand what God means through all of this, but we know it is important. As we read Nehemiah, we stopped several times with our jaws dropped because God seemed to be speaking directly into this little area in downtown Grand Rapids with his Word that is alive!
When Nehemiah was being opposed by several people as he built the wall, he responded (as we also hope to respond to opposition): "The God of Heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem [Grand Rapids] or any claim or historic right ["Heritage" Clinic] to it." [Nehemiah 2:20]
"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes..." [Nehemiah 4:14]
I don't really know the extent of what this message of REBUILDING means. But God is speaking it to me over and over again...
Summer 2010 To Do List... [or at least a small sampling...]
1. UPBC
2. babysit a lot
3. New York City
4. Colorado
5. Chicago
6. Life Retreat
7. Run
8. Grand Haven
9. Camping
10. Marie Catrib's and Farmers' Market
11. Read
12. Listen to good sermons
13. have a summer party
14. sailing
15. GR chalk flood
16. garage sales
17. learn to make Ethiopian food
18. have a cooking show with Amanda
19. play cornhole
20. write real letters
21. catch up with lots of old friends (Moody, Cornerstone, camp, etc.)
22. paint
23. Sparrows
24. frisbee golf
25. pray at Omega House
26. cliff jumping
27. be spontaneous
28. Pictured Rocks
29. eat ice cream
30. wakeboarding with Kathy
etc...
"To treat life as less than a miracle is to give up on it..." - Wendell Berry
HAPPY SUMMER!
God ALWAYS writes the better story.
This seems to be a recurring theme in my simple, 22-year-old life, and it is being emphasized boldly to me again this summer. Everytime I think I can write my own story, it seems like it is off to a good start and then it backfires. And its never as good as I think its going to be.
"And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can't go back to being normal; you can't go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time..." - Donald Miller
But, God's story is meaningful. And beautiful. And eternal. And so much bigger. He can see so much more than we can. He understands how little details and circumstances can be woven together to create an intricate tapestry. So, I come to the point where I must give up control of what I can't control anyway. Why would I want to cling to my own pitiful story when God's is so much better?
"Once you know what it takes to live a better story, you don't have a choice. Not living a better story would be like deciding to die, deciding to walk around numb until you die, and its not natural to want to die..." - Donald Miller
I love this... "The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it's going to be a lot better and a lot bigger..." - Elisabeth Elliott
Come alive!
A few weeks ago, a group of about 25 girls gathered to pray for life in our city. We spent Tuesday night until Wednesday morning seeking God's heart on the abortion issue in Grand Rapids. We spent time getting to know each other, in worship, in quiet time, learning from Mary - a sidewalk counselor, and praying. We prayed for the unborn, for girls caught in crisis situations, for the doctor's heart to be captivated by Jesus...and then, in the midst of all this, we realized that God was saying to each of us, "COME ALIVE!" We expected to come and spend ourselves on behalf of the unborn. And that was part of it. But, God also wanted to give himself to us.
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: 'I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life..." -Ezekiel 37:5
"Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, 'LIVE!'" - Ezekiel 16:6
"The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists in beholding God..." - St. Irenaeus
Rebuild.
A few weeks ago, Abby and I were sitting on the window seat at the Omega House praying for life in our city. Abby said, "I'm not sure why, but I think God is saying something about rebuilding a wall. I just read about it in Ezekiel." About two minutes later, we looked out the window in the opposite direction and saw three men working diligently to repair the wall on the side of the Omega House. They were mixing mortar and adding stones to the somewhat dilapidated wall. Okay, God. What are you saying?
The next week, we decided to read Nehemiah out loud as we sat at the Omega House. We still don't fully understand what God means through all of this, but we know it is important. As we read Nehemiah, we stopped several times with our jaws dropped because God seemed to be speaking directly into this little area in downtown Grand Rapids with his Word that is alive!
When Nehemiah was being opposed by several people as he built the wall, he responded (as we also hope to respond to opposition): "The God of Heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem [Grand Rapids] or any claim or historic right ["Heritage" Clinic] to it." [Nehemiah 2:20]
"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes..." [Nehemiah 4:14]
I don't really know the extent of what this message of REBUILDING means. But God is speaking it to me over and over again...
Summer 2010 To Do List... [or at least a small sampling...]
1. UPBC
2. babysit a lot
3. New York City
4. Colorado
5. Chicago
6. Life Retreat
7. Run
8. Grand Haven
9. Camping
10. Marie Catrib's and Farmers' Market
11. Read
12. Listen to good sermons
13. have a summer party
14. sailing
15. GR chalk flood
16. garage sales
17. learn to make Ethiopian food
18. have a cooking show with Amanda
19. play cornhole
20. write real letters
21. catch up with lots of old friends (Moody, Cornerstone, camp, etc.)
22. paint
23. Sparrows
24. frisbee golf
25. pray at Omega House
26. cliff jumping
27. be spontaneous
28. Pictured Rocks
29. eat ice cream
30. wakeboarding with Kathy
etc...
"To treat life as less than a miracle is to give up on it..." - Wendell Berry
HAPPY SUMMER!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
the last few weeks...
...have been filled with A LOT.
i ran my first marathon. 26.2 miles is a really long way to run. there were a lot of great things about it: a flat course along old mission point, a breeze coming off the lake, the frequent water stations, meeting funny people along the course, etc. but, i think the best part was COMMUNITY. several times along the course, we had a cheering crowd of close to 20 people (my family, some of my best camp friends, etc.)
each time i ran past them, i was reminded, "wow. whenever i forget how overwhelmingly blessed i am, REMEMBER THIS." and then, to top it all off, we spent the entire weekend all together relaxing at a condo up north. laying on the beach. talking. doing nothing. being together.
my heart has been consistently and more steadily burdened by abortion that is taking place in my very own city. the passion has been growing inside of me, but i am realizing over and over again that there is NOTHING i can do. so, we simply sit humbly under a weight of such a heavy thing and pray and ask God to move. its again coming to the point when i say, "okay, God. i can't do anything. you have to come through for us!" and He comes through. we have observed transformation and we are begging for more...
side note: i am slightly overwhelmed by money and finances and college loans and figuring out all the details for school next semester. yuck. this is the part of being an adult that i wish i could ignore.
i love summer. i love hot weather. i love wearing skirts and not being cold. i love vibrant colors and sunny skies. i love spontaneously going to the beach.
i am attempting to reflect on the past semester of my life...it was good. but i haven't concocted any deeper thoughts than that yet.
one song that has really gotten to me is completely applicable to this stage of life (and i'm listening to it right now)...
"and when the oceans rage [when finances seem so annoying and i feel restless and my prayers seem unanswered and i can't figure people out...]
i don't have to be afraid
because i know that you love me.
your love never fails." - Jesus Culture
Friday, May 21, 2010
Daily rescued...
I was just watching a TV segment on a family who adopted two little boys from Uganda. At one point, the mom said, "People have said, 'Oh, aren't they lucky? You rescued them from whatever' and I think 'Are you kidding? I am the lucky one. I get to be their mom and I get to be daily rescued from my selfishness and my impatience and things that are just as disease-ridden in my soul. I guess I'm the lucky one."
So true.
So true.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Rainy Day...
An unexpected day off work.
A fresh pot of coffee.
Good music - Enter the Worship Circle, John Mark McMillan, Gungor, Josh Garrels, David Crowder, Hillsong.
This is good. These are the small things in life that are worth celebrating.
*****
And time to reflect back on the last month or so...
God is moving in Grand Rapids.
On April 25, over 2,000 Jesus-followers gathered together downtown. It was a mix of all different denominations, races, styles, and ages. But, we were all gathered for one reason: to seek God for our city. We prayed over Grand Rapids...for the economy, for families, for schools, for life, for hope. Now is the time to run passionately after him and it is so sweet to run alongside so many other people in my city. In the last few years, God has sparked a new love and appreciation for the city of Grand Rapids. I still love international things and traveling and adventures. And I always will. But, I also want to join where God is already moving. And he is definitely moving in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I have also been learning through all of this that I am not very devoted at praying. I always want to do something visible. But, God moves in response to our prayers. It is a clear way to show that it is nothing that we can do. When we pray we are saying, "I can't do this on my own. And I need you."
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying.
He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work,
and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom,
but trembles when we pray..." - Samuel Chadwick
Just some random thoughts. Now time to enjoy some quiet (and much-needed) reading and sitting and writing and listening time. Oh man, I love rainy days without obligations.
Monday, April 19, 2010
i ran across a good quote...
"let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair..." -g.k. chesterton
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Another adventure...
My goal from the beginning of this semester (when I decided to take the semester off school) was to MAKE the MOST of THIS SEASON. I wanted to have adventures, travel, read good books, love people, be open to serving, pursue the heart of God. Now that I am halfway through the semester, I have started evaluating how all of this has been going. As usual, my expectations were quite high and I haven't been living up to all of my aspirations for this semester. It has been an enjoyable chapter in the story so far. But, I haven't read as much as I wanted to. I haven't loved people as well as I wanted to. I have been selfish rather than servant-hearted. I would always love to travel more. And I haven't given Jesus as much time as he deserves. But, I am so thankful for His GRACE. Every morning is a fresh start and a new chapter in this ridiculous life story that he put me in.
And, tomorrow yet another adventure is taking place...the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. I went last summer to spend time with some great friends, Joe and Shannon, who are missionaries there. My roommate, Julie, and I found cheap tickets (despite having 2 overnight layovers - it will be good training for when we are on the Amazing Race); Joe and Shannon have the week off; and things just kinda fell into place.
Its been a while since I have gone on a vacation trip; there is usually some type of work or project. I considered this idea in my head and realized that if my entire life goal is to glorify God and make Him known, it doesn't matter if I am on a "mission trip" or a "vacation." If we are followers of Jesus, we are full-time, 24/7 missionaries. I'm excited to see who God brings into our paths, how we can serve and love people...So...here we come...a week of rest, rejuvenation, good friends, lots of laughing, funny stories, Spanish, beautiful beaches, and a beautiful culture.
And, tomorrow yet another adventure is taking place...the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. I went last summer to spend time with some great friends, Joe and Shannon, who are missionaries there. My roommate, Julie, and I found cheap tickets (despite having 2 overnight layovers - it will be good training for when we are on the Amazing Race); Joe and Shannon have the week off; and things just kinda fell into place.
Its been a while since I have gone on a vacation trip; there is usually some type of work or project. I considered this idea in my head and realized that if my entire life goal is to glorify God and make Him known, it doesn't matter if I am on a "mission trip" or a "vacation." If we are followers of Jesus, we are full-time, 24/7 missionaries. I'm excited to see who God brings into our paths, how we can serve and love people...So...here we come...a week of rest, rejuvenation, good friends, lots of laughing, funny stories, Spanish, beautiful beaches, and a beautiful culture.
But, I am sure going to miss this...
We'll have to have another sister sleepover as soon as I get home :)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Car Ride with Tem and Tessa...
On the way to Grandpa and Grandma's house.
I love my new siblings. Even when I have no idea what they are saying.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lately, I have been encouraged, inspired and deeply challenged by...
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ (This blog by a 20-something girl who sacrificed everything to move to Uganda and now is the mom to fourteen kids) Check this out.
www.brookhills.org/media/series/radical (This sermon series by Dr. David Platt has been blowing my mind and I just started the first one; I always come up with other things to do and fill my life with busyness. But, please make time for this.)
http://www.thereisnomewithoutyou.com/ This book called There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene. Greene tells the story of an Ethiopian woman who goes through terrible grief in her own life but then starts caring for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. It was even better to read right after coming home from Ethiopia; all the memories were still so vivid and real.
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ (This blog by a 20-something girl who sacrificed everything to move to Uganda and now is the mom to fourteen kids) Check this out.
www.brookhills.org/media/series/radical (This sermon series by Dr. David Platt has been blowing my mind and I just started the first one; I always come up with other things to do and fill my life with busyness. But, please make time for this.)
http://www.thereisnomewithoutyou.com/ This book called There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene. Greene tells the story of an Ethiopian woman who goes through terrible grief in her own life but then starts caring for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. It was even better to read right after coming home from Ethiopia; all the memories were still so vivid and real.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
One week...
We have been home from Ethiopia for one week and already the vivid memories are beginning to fade (unfortunately, along with my tan) and we are attempting to settle back into normal American life. However, I don't think I can, or ever want, to settle back into normal life. One of my favorite songs by Brooke Fraser has a line that says: "Now that I have seen, I am responsible. Faith without deeds is dead..."
I love Ethiopia. Its a strange feeling to have a harder time with reverse culture shock than with culture shock. Its strange to feel homesick for Ethiopia now that I'm home. And its incredible that in one short week I was bombarded with so many new experiences and stories and sights. How do I begin to process it all?
Some quick stories/memories before I forget...
1. One of the afternoons we were spending time around our guesthouse. I was watching my dad play soccer with Temamen (a.k.a. Trey) and some of the other neighbor boys on the dirt road in front of our house. Tessa was standing cute with her backpack and new headband.
A lady, wearing a headscarf and a long skirt, walked up and started to talk to my dad in Amharic. She had with her a little girl, about Tessa's age, who did nothing but smile. As much as he tried to explain that he didn't understand, the lady continued to talk, speaking increasingly louder and faster. She continued to become engrossed in what she was trying to say, wildly pointing at my dad and at Tessa and then pointing to her own daughter. Her heated one-sided conversation continued until she stormed away. Our dear friend and guard at the guest house attempted to translate a bit of what she had said, but his English was very limited too. All he was able to say was, "She want you go home..." Okay. We thought we had finally come across a mean Ethiopian. Until this point, we had only been welcomed with huge smiles and gracious hospitality.
We were so mistaken. The next day, our host at the guest house spoke with the guard and got the full story. She then spoke with us and told us the true plea behind the lady's loud verbalization the day before. The lady had actually been begging my dad to adopt her daughter as well. We thought she was angry; she was actually pleading on behalf of her daughter. Wow.
2. I started learning three new languages. We stayed at a beautiful guest house about 10 minutes from the Addis Ababa airport; during the week we shared the house with the Ethiopian staff, a French family from just outside Paris, and a German family who was in the process of adopting their son. Our gracious host, Tsebay, was eager to teach me new Amharic words everyday so I could communicate with my new Ethiopian siblings.
One of my favorite nights was spent having dinner and sharing a bottle of wine with the French family. Because only the father could speak English, he acted as the translator between us. We spent the dinner pointing to things and saying the names in both French and English. Margot, the 13-year-old daughter, made me laugh so much and despite the language and age difference, became a quick friend. After dinner, the 10-year-old son, Simon (adopted from Ethiopia as a baby...its hilarious watching an Ethiopian kid in Ethiopia who can only speak French) talked my dad and I into playing cards. We spent the night laughing and goofing off despite the language barrier. A few days later when they left for the airport, we embraced our new friends, so thankful that we crossed paths for a week.
3. Ethiopian coffee is so good.
4. As much as I wasn't really ready to come home, (there was something wonderful about 70 degree weather, a life of simplicity, hospitable and beautiful people, and really great food and coffee) the reunion at the airport was nothing less than overwhelming and incredible. Look at all these people who came! We were bombarded with love and support in such a beautiful way...it was a clear picture of the body of Christ.
5. While I was in Ethiopia, I didn't have much time to myself. I didn't have much time to read the Bible or journal. At first, I was somewhat disappointed, but started to realize that I so often try to "do devotions" with an American mindset - efficient and organized. Instead, God whispered to me some profound things. On Thursday night I wrote in my journal: "Sometimes its just so good to sit and remember who the King is." Another day I wrote: "Adoption - this is what God did for me." These two simple lessons were some of the deepest things I have learned in a long time. And it didn't happen in my efficient, organized devotional time.
I love Ethiopia. Its a strange feeling to have a harder time with reverse culture shock than with culture shock. Its strange to feel homesick for Ethiopia now that I'm home. And its incredible that in one short week I was bombarded with so many new experiences and stories and sights. How do I begin to process it all?
Some quick stories/memories before I forget...
1. One of the afternoons we were spending time around our guesthouse. I was watching my dad play soccer with Temamen (a.k.a. Trey) and some of the other neighbor boys on the dirt road in front of our house. Tessa was standing cute with her backpack and new headband.
A lady, wearing a headscarf and a long skirt, walked up and started to talk to my dad in Amharic. She had with her a little girl, about Tessa's age, who did nothing but smile. As much as he tried to explain that he didn't understand, the lady continued to talk, speaking increasingly louder and faster. She continued to become engrossed in what she was trying to say, wildly pointing at my dad and at Tessa and then pointing to her own daughter. Her heated one-sided conversation continued until she stormed away. Our dear friend and guard at the guest house attempted to translate a bit of what she had said, but his English was very limited too. All he was able to say was, "She want you go home..." Okay. We thought we had finally come across a mean Ethiopian. Until this point, we had only been welcomed with huge smiles and gracious hospitality.We were so mistaken. The next day, our host at the guest house spoke with the guard and got the full story. She then spoke with us and told us the true plea behind the lady's loud verbalization the day before. The lady had actually been begging my dad to adopt her daughter as well. We thought she was angry; she was actually pleading on behalf of her daughter. Wow.
2. I started learning three new languages. We stayed at a beautiful guest house about 10 minutes from the Addis Ababa airport; during the week we shared the house with the Ethiopian staff, a French family from just outside Paris, and a German family who was in the process of adopting their son. Our gracious host, Tsebay, was eager to teach me new Amharic words everyday so I could communicate with my new Ethiopian siblings.
One of my favorite nights was spent having dinner and sharing a bottle of wine with the French family. Because only the father could speak English, he acted as the translator between us. We spent the dinner pointing to things and saying the names in both French and English. Margot, the 13-year-old daughter, made me laugh so much and despite the language and age difference, became a quick friend. After dinner, the 10-year-old son, Simon (adopted from Ethiopia as a baby...its hilarious watching an Ethiopian kid in Ethiopia who can only speak French) talked my dad and I into playing cards. We spent the night laughing and goofing off despite the language barrier. A few days later when they left for the airport, we embraced our new friends, so thankful that we crossed paths for a week.
3. Ethiopian coffee is so good.
4. As much as I wasn't really ready to come home, (there was something wonderful about 70 degree weather, a life of simplicity, hospitable and beautiful people, and really great food and coffee) the reunion at the airport was nothing less than overwhelming and incredible. Look at all these people who came! We were bombarded with love and support in such a beautiful way...it was a clear picture of the body of Christ.
5. While I was in Ethiopia, I didn't have much time to myself. I didn't have much time to read the Bible or journal. At first, I was somewhat disappointed, but started to realize that I so often try to "do devotions" with an American mindset - efficient and organized. Instead, God whispered to me some profound things. On Thursday night I wrote in my journal: "Sometimes its just so good to sit and remember who the King is." Another day I wrote: "Adoption - this is what God did for me." These two simple lessons were some of the deepest things I have learned in a long time. And it didn't happen in my efficient, organized devotional time.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Ethiopia.
Wow. What an amazing country. Hospitable people. Incredible food. Life-changing moments. Crazy driving. Rich culture. I really miss it and hope to go back someday (I didn't expect to say this). I hope to update the blog more when I get in the writing mood. Until then...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Plans...
"Sometimes providence can be defined as times when God trumps your perfectly good plan with one of his own [take heart, He's still there]..." -Beth Moore
Wow. This quote could not be more true and more reassuring. God's plans are so far beyond ours and for that, I am so thankful. Since I wrote last, life has changed dramatically and I am loving the season that God has walked me into.
After two weeks of student teaching, God gave me the crazy idea (it must be from Him, because normally I would not ever think of this...) to take the semester off school and continue with student teaching in the fall. The student teaching was off to a rought start and there are tons of other exciting opportunities that are happening this spring. I asked myself, AM I SO BUSY WITH MY OWN PLANS THAT I WON'T TAKE TIME TO SLOW DOWN AND WATCH GOD DO THINGS? The crazy idea slowly turned into a reality and after lots of wise advice from my parents, some great professors and some close friends, I am officially taking a semester off college!
Literally everyday, God confirms in one way or another that this is what He wants for me. Everyday is filled with so much - great friendships, long times to sit at coffee shops and read, and a flexible schedule that lets me serve people in my life. I am loving it. So far, I have been able to take care of an African baby from my church for a weekend, continue watching the six kids I have watched for over two years, spend time with friends, help the Mexico missions team at church with various tasks, etc. And there are some great things coming up this spring that I will now have time for...
So, there's the recent update. I think a theme of my life is: Go ahead and make your plans, but God usually doesn't go along with them. Somehow, he always makes better plans.
Wow. This quote could not be more true and more reassuring. God's plans are so far beyond ours and for that, I am so thankful. Since I wrote last, life has changed dramatically and I am loving the season that God has walked me into.
After two weeks of student teaching, God gave me the crazy idea (it must be from Him, because normally I would not ever think of this...) to take the semester off school and continue with student teaching in the fall. The student teaching was off to a rought start and there are tons of other exciting opportunities that are happening this spring. I asked myself, AM I SO BUSY WITH MY OWN PLANS THAT I WON'T TAKE TIME TO SLOW DOWN AND WATCH GOD DO THINGS? The crazy idea slowly turned into a reality and after lots of wise advice from my parents, some great professors and some close friends, I am officially taking a semester off college!
Literally everyday, God confirms in one way or another that this is what He wants for me. Everyday is filled with so much - great friendships, long times to sit at coffee shops and read, and a flexible schedule that lets me serve people in my life. I am loving it. So far, I have been able to take care of an African baby from my church for a weekend, continue watching the six kids I have watched for over two years, spend time with friends, help the Mexico missions team at church with various tasks, etc. And there are some great things coming up this spring that I will now have time for...
My best friend, Rachel, is getting married in Arkansas in March; now I will be able to spend a longer time with her before she's hitched! After a year at Moody and three and a half months in England together, we have become friends for life. I have been looking forward to this wedding for a long time.
And the big news of the weekend...We got the call to travel to ETHIOPIA to pick up my new siblings! February 12 we will be flying out, February 14 we will be meeting the kids for the first time, and February 19 we will be heading back to the States. What a huge blessing that I get to see my siblings' home country, experience Africa for the first time, and be available to help my family with last minute details for traveling. 
So, there's the recent update. I think a theme of my life is: Go ahead and make your plans, but God usually doesn't go along with them. Somehow, he always makes better plans.
And, my dear friend Leah (who I met while studying in England and is currently a missionary in Sweden) recently wrote these words. It is an awesome way to reflect on the past year and start a new one with new adventures...
"And all the while learning new grooves of His heart that I hadn't touched in quite the same way before, being given new elements of faith, new boldness in vulnerability, realizing in ever-new measure what it means when God says He is enough..." -Leah Pearson (thanks for your wisdom!)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tomorrow...
I will be starting my student teaching placement in a Spanish-speaking kindergarten class. I am filled with excitement. nervousness. wonder. anxiety. the feeling of finally getting to do what I have been working towards for so long.
I also realize I will have to say goodbye to a typical college schedule. staying up really late. hanging out with friends all the time. writing research papers. filling up my already busy schedule with even more.
So, if you think of it...please pray for me. Pray that God's love would overflow from me and radiate to each of my students. Pray for my students and my cooperating teacher and the school and the neighborhood.
The adventure is about to begin. Here it goes...
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