Hey everybody!
Things continue to go awesome here in Addis and I am loving life! I understand that I start almost every blog like that but it's true!
Yesterday (Sunday) we went to Meki again and had a great time. We took the whole church on a bus and it was a great time for fellowship and just hanging out. The construction continues and more is getting finished every week there. They plan on hiring one full-time doctor to work there once construction is finished (at least with this phase) so prayers about that are appreciated! We had a church service outside and worship. Melaku asked me to teach again so that was cool. It is a cool experience and continues to help me grow a lot. I gave some of my testimony and the importance of being like-minded (because of all the tasks CrossWay has here in Ethiopia) and not being distracted. My main readings were from Hebrews 12:1-3 and Philippians 2:1-11. After that two of the church members got baptized which was really awesome! That was followed by Communion. After Communion we ate lunch and played a game of soccer. It was great! They were all bugging me about America losing to Ghana the day before.... so they are out of the tournement... No bueno. I had actually become very dedicated to American soccer, at least while I am here. But I do know it's almost July, which means the month before August, which means AGGIE FOOTBALL. Yessir.
Melaku and I continue to be busy every day. We are constantly planning for the future and working on different projects. I have kind of become his right-hand man in a sense for the time I am here. He says it's great to have someone here from the 'outside' who can evaluate how CrossWay is being ran here. I help him lead meetings and he actually had me come up with some policies to help maintain discipline within the office. Can you believe it? NO MESSIN' AROUND SLACKERS! Ha!
On Saturday Teddy and I went to a Bazaar at a local church. Most of the people there were missionaries so it was great to see all the whiteys and talk to them. It was the largest concentration of firinjees I had seen since arriving. We made a friend from Austria and she came to church with us. She is here for a year. Crazy!
I continue to teach English and have classes every day. I enjoy it and have a great respect for teachers! It can be difficult at times, considering I don't really know Amharic, but Melaku or another worker helps me. Teaching is fun, it would be an awesome profession!
I have almost reached the 1-month mark here and constantly pray I am acheiving what God sent me here to do. I am so appreciate for all of you who are supporting and praying for me. I know it makes a huge difference. This trip wouldn't be possible without you!
Thanks again everybody! I love and miss you all!
Grace and Peace!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Stories, Thoughts and Observations from Ethiopia
Greetings all!
I pray this blog finds everyone doing incredible, getting an awesome summer tan, and enjoying life! I always realize that since I don't update my blog THAT often I often omit different things I see because of time or size and many times I forget to put things in, so here is some stories, etc. of my time here...
-About a week ago when myself, the Swede, and three Ethiopians went swimming, one of the other fellas (Teddy) left his bag that contained his passport and bank card, in a taxi in an exchange point so he had to go find out how to get it back. So he and Mohammed went to chase it down leaving myself, Johaness (Swede), and See-Sai, a former Pastor here in Ethiopia. Well See-Sai decided to go somewhere, we still don't know where, and told us to wait for him, thus leaving myself and the Swede, who also speaks very little Amharic waiting on everyone. So first we did what any like-minded whitey would do, bought some bananas to eat. So soon there was a small group of children staring close by (this always happens, I kinda love it) and we tried what little conversation we knew with them, so it lasted about 45 seconds. Then up came an older woman begging, we of course also having little money and unable to understand what she said.Then came a man up to us to tell us about his church. Then came a crazy person whom even the Ethiopians didn't know what he was saying. This crazy person drew an even larger crowd of laughing locals. So here we were surrounded and having absolutely no idea what anyone was saying. We just kept wondering when our friends would return. I of course thought the situation was hilarious and just stood there smiling. Thankfully our friends returned after about 5or 10 minutes and we were on our way...
-So everyone's name here has a meaning. Most are biblical names or names that have some to do with the bible or spirituality. For instance some popular ones translated are 'angel', 'light from above', 'patience', 'God's gift', etc. Anyways I wanted a name with meaning so I told the others at the English school. They soon came up with one, 'Rabash'. I asked them what it means and they said 'Notorious'. I thought this was kind of cool so I went with it. I told Melaku when he arrived and he laughed and I asked him why. He said the other translation for it was 'Disturber'.... So yeah.. haha.
-As I have said football (soccer) here is very popular. Well I bought a ball for the school (they have a soccer team) and my friends to use at their discretion. Well we went outside after a good rain last weekend in the neighborhood and started to play, knowing a huge crowd of neighborhood boys would soon come join, especially since their was a furinjee (white man) playing. Sure enough soon we had 4 or 5 different teams. I of course had to prove myself to these Africans so was going hard. I promptly tripped on a rock and fell on the wet ground. This happened to others too so I felt a little better about myself. Anyways after about 10 minutes I needed a break. The elevation here is so high I got winded really fast... oh and I am also out of shape... Anyways, I did score one goal against Africans.. boo ya.
-About a week ago we visited the Addis Ababa Sheraton Hotel. It is insanely nice. Look it up on the internet.
-They sell grilled corn (bucolo) on the side of the road everywhere. I love it. I buy it all the time. It costs 2 Birr, which is the equivilent of about 15 cents.
-I have only heard two Lady Gaga songs while I have been here. Both caught me off guard. She has yet to take over this country. 'Telephone' was on in a restaurant yesterday and I dedicated it to you Will Thomas Zorn.
-I miss Mexican food, Nacho Dorito's, and driving a vehicle.
-Funniest things anyone has said to me yet... "I love you more than I can say"
Anyways that's about all for now. We got the go-ahead to start this sponsorship for kids so we are constantly planning for that. This weekend we are going to Meki again on Sunday. Melaku has asked me to preach again so I am excited for that. After church we plan to play soccer and go swimming. The CrossWay International team works very hard here and I am glad they get a little break. They very much deserve it.
God is showing me so much here and helping me grow so much. It is really hard to portray it in these blogs, but I am SO thankful for all your prayers! When I come home I greatly look forward to catching up with all of you! Thanks again! Someone eat some fajitas for me already!!!!
Grace and Peace!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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I pray this blog finds everyone doing incredible, getting an awesome summer tan, and enjoying life! I always realize that since I don't update my blog THAT often I often omit different things I see because of time or size and many times I forget to put things in, so here is some stories, etc. of my time here...
-About a week ago when myself, the Swede, and three Ethiopians went swimming, one of the other fellas (Teddy) left his bag that contained his passport and bank card, in a taxi in an exchange point so he had to go find out how to get it back. So he and Mohammed went to chase it down leaving myself, Johaness (Swede), and See-Sai, a former Pastor here in Ethiopia. Well See-Sai decided to go somewhere, we still don't know where, and told us to wait for him, thus leaving myself and the Swede, who also speaks very little Amharic waiting on everyone. So first we did what any like-minded whitey would do, bought some bananas to eat. So soon there was a small group of children staring close by (this always happens, I kinda love it) and we tried what little conversation we knew with them, so it lasted about 45 seconds. Then up came an older woman begging, we of course also having little money and unable to understand what she said.Then came a man up to us to tell us about his church. Then came a crazy person whom even the Ethiopians didn't know what he was saying. This crazy person drew an even larger crowd of laughing locals. So here we were surrounded and having absolutely no idea what anyone was saying. We just kept wondering when our friends would return. I of course thought the situation was hilarious and just stood there smiling. Thankfully our friends returned after about 5or 10 minutes and we were on our way...
-So everyone's name here has a meaning. Most are biblical names or names that have some to do with the bible or spirituality. For instance some popular ones translated are 'angel', 'light from above', 'patience', 'God's gift', etc. Anyways I wanted a name with meaning so I told the others at the English school. They soon came up with one, 'Rabash'. I asked them what it means and they said 'Notorious'. I thought this was kind of cool so I went with it. I told Melaku when he arrived and he laughed and I asked him why. He said the other translation for it was 'Disturber'.... So yeah.. haha.
-As I have said football (soccer) here is very popular. Well I bought a ball for the school (they have a soccer team) and my friends to use at their discretion. Well we went outside after a good rain last weekend in the neighborhood and started to play, knowing a huge crowd of neighborhood boys would soon come join, especially since their was a furinjee (white man) playing. Sure enough soon we had 4 or 5 different teams. I of course had to prove myself to these Africans so was going hard. I promptly tripped on a rock and fell on the wet ground. This happened to others too so I felt a little better about myself. Anyways after about 10 minutes I needed a break. The elevation here is so high I got winded really fast... oh and I am also out of shape... Anyways, I did score one goal against Africans.. boo ya.
-About a week ago we visited the Addis Ababa Sheraton Hotel. It is insanely nice. Look it up on the internet.
-They sell grilled corn (bucolo) on the side of the road everywhere. I love it. I buy it all the time. It costs 2 Birr, which is the equivilent of about 15 cents.
-I have only heard two Lady Gaga songs while I have been here. Both caught me off guard. She has yet to take over this country. 'Telephone' was on in a restaurant yesterday and I dedicated it to you Will Thomas Zorn.
-I miss Mexican food, Nacho Dorito's, and driving a vehicle.
-Funniest things anyone has said to me yet... "I love you more than I can say"
Anyways that's about all for now. We got the go-ahead to start this sponsorship for kids so we are constantly planning for that. This weekend we are going to Meki again on Sunday. Melaku has asked me to preach again so I am excited for that. After church we plan to play soccer and go swimming. The CrossWay International team works very hard here and I am glad they get a little break. They very much deserve it.
God is showing me so much here and helping me grow so much. It is really hard to portray it in these blogs, but I am SO thankful for all your prayers! When I come home I greatly look forward to catching up with all of you! Thanks again! Someone eat some fajitas for me already!!!!
Grace and Peace!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Sunday, June 20, 2010
"NACHOOOOOOOOO"
Hello again friends and family!
I continue to be healthy and happy here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!
This week has been great and time here goes by really fast. Usually by 10:00 I am ready to go to bed. I continued teaching English this week and am really enjoying it. It is a great way to get to know people and learn more about Ethiopia, as well as share our culture as well. I have now taught them some sweet Michael Jackson dance moves, and what a 'wet-willy' is. Very important business I know. On Tuesday (The day I have no classes), myself and four others (My Ethiopian friends and the Swede) went to the pool I had mentioned earlier. It was about an hour taxi ride but it was great relaxation bro time. The best part was there was a waterfall close by which we hiked to. It was only about five-minutes away. It was a beautiful walk and we hung out there a bit. Johaness (I think I spelled his name wrong in the last blog) actually brought some Head and Shoulders so we washed up in the waterfall. It was probably one of the coolest things ever. That counted for our shower this week. That actually isn't a joke. You don't shower as much here, mainly because the weather is so nice you never sweat. Johaness and I got a pretty major sunburn out there so we had to buy some aloe and have been using that pretty heavily.
I had a concern I wasn't as busy as I could be so I brought that up with Melaku and we looked at my schedule and pretty much re-did the whole thing, except for the English classes. Some of the things we had intended to do didn't work out but work has been provided so I am very happy right now staying quite a bit busier. We are just in the planning stages here of starting a children's education support ministry. There are thousands of kids here who can't afford to go to school because of many different reasons. I am really excited about this and things are already beginning to fall in place. We wrote a rough-draft proposal for it and have been having meetings with possible future personell. The ultimate goal is to start a school here. Mainly because many of the school's here do not provide a good education and through this the ministry could be self-sustaining and able to take in more kids. It is very cheap (for Americans) to pay for schooling here because of the income and inflation here. It only costs about 4 or 5 American dollars per month. Pretty crazy. Anyways prayers for that are greatly appreciated!
Yesterday (Saturday) we went to Meki, a town about 130 km North of Addis. CrossWay International (The organization I came here through) has built a clinic there that still has some minor work to be done on it. They have electricity and running water through a well CrossWay dug. We are trying to raise awareness and get it furnished so it can open. There are also plans to build a guest-house for the doctors and a school on the grounds. This would be the first clinic in that town and be an incredible way to keep people of the surrounding area healthy and to spread the word of God. I wish I could just get a big group of friends and bring them out here for a work week! We could get so much done! (If you want to come, feel free, I still have over three weeks baby!)
Melaku asked me to lead the lesson in church today so I did that. I was nervous, which is foolish, but God provided. I think it went really well. I taught on our mission in life/the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). It was my first time to teach like that in a church and Melaku wants me to more now, so we'll see! I had an interpreter for those that aren't so good at English but most people can understand pretty well.
I am so slow at updating my blog because we ran out of internet minutes at the house so I have to make my way over to an internet cafe. Me and some of the fellas are hanging out the rest of the day. We will probably watch a movie and have our usual sunday Bible study. We are wasting time here because it is pouring right now. It rains 6 out of the 7 days of the week here (it is the rainy season). I really like it though, because it is only in the afternoon and usually for a short while.
This next week should be good. I am busy with English school and our meetings. I am teaching someone English privately all week so we will see how that goes. I can be self-sufficient here now if I need to, at least Melaku trusts me. I have gone to our school and various places by myself now so that's good. I can speak just enough Amharic to get a taxi and tell them where I need to go. I can also conversate somewhat with the kids that come stare at my white skin. Sometimes they run away though.
It is hard to summarize my entire week in this but I try! Oh also, Melaku loves the movie Nacho Libre with Jack Black so we watched that the other day (Thanks Trevor!). I forgot that that movie is incredibly hilarious!
"GET THAT CORN OUTTA MY FACE!"
Sometimes in between class at the English school we watch football (soccer). They love it here and I actually watched USA the other day and got really into it.
I miss all of you a ton and a continued thanks for all the prayers! I usually re-read these and check for typos but don't feel like it now so if it isn't perfect I am so very sorry.
I can't wait to come back and see all of you and to sweat everyday in the hot Texas heat!
Anyways I hope this finds everyone doing well and having an awesome summer! If you are taking classes (lame), well..... BUMMER FOR YOU! haha. Just kidding. I am sorry you are suffering. Also, for those that emailed me thanks a ton for the encouragement.
I love you all!
Grace and Peace!
I continue to be healthy and happy here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!
This week has been great and time here goes by really fast. Usually by 10:00 I am ready to go to bed. I continued teaching English this week and am really enjoying it. It is a great way to get to know people and learn more about Ethiopia, as well as share our culture as well. I have now taught them some sweet Michael Jackson dance moves, and what a 'wet-willy' is. Very important business I know. On Tuesday (The day I have no classes), myself and four others (My Ethiopian friends and the Swede) went to the pool I had mentioned earlier. It was about an hour taxi ride but it was great relaxation bro time. The best part was there was a waterfall close by which we hiked to. It was only about five-minutes away. It was a beautiful walk and we hung out there a bit. Johaness (I think I spelled his name wrong in the last blog) actually brought some Head and Shoulders so we washed up in the waterfall. It was probably one of the coolest things ever. That counted for our shower this week. That actually isn't a joke. You don't shower as much here, mainly because the weather is so nice you never sweat. Johaness and I got a pretty major sunburn out there so we had to buy some aloe and have been using that pretty heavily.
I had a concern I wasn't as busy as I could be so I brought that up with Melaku and we looked at my schedule and pretty much re-did the whole thing, except for the English classes. Some of the things we had intended to do didn't work out but work has been provided so I am very happy right now staying quite a bit busier. We are just in the planning stages here of starting a children's education support ministry. There are thousands of kids here who can't afford to go to school because of many different reasons. I am really excited about this and things are already beginning to fall in place. We wrote a rough-draft proposal for it and have been having meetings with possible future personell. The ultimate goal is to start a school here. Mainly because many of the school's here do not provide a good education and through this the ministry could be self-sustaining and able to take in more kids. It is very cheap (for Americans) to pay for schooling here because of the income and inflation here. It only costs about 4 or 5 American dollars per month. Pretty crazy. Anyways prayers for that are greatly appreciated!
Yesterday (Saturday) we went to Meki, a town about 130 km North of Addis. CrossWay International (The organization I came here through) has built a clinic there that still has some minor work to be done on it. They have electricity and running water through a well CrossWay dug. We are trying to raise awareness and get it furnished so it can open. There are also plans to build a guest-house for the doctors and a school on the grounds. This would be the first clinic in that town and be an incredible way to keep people of the surrounding area healthy and to spread the word of God. I wish I could just get a big group of friends and bring them out here for a work week! We could get so much done! (If you want to come, feel free, I still have over three weeks baby!)
Melaku asked me to lead the lesson in church today so I did that. I was nervous, which is foolish, but God provided. I think it went really well. I taught on our mission in life/the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). It was my first time to teach like that in a church and Melaku wants me to more now, so we'll see! I had an interpreter for those that aren't so good at English but most people can understand pretty well.
I am so slow at updating my blog because we ran out of internet minutes at the house so I have to make my way over to an internet cafe. Me and some of the fellas are hanging out the rest of the day. We will probably watch a movie and have our usual sunday Bible study. We are wasting time here because it is pouring right now. It rains 6 out of the 7 days of the week here (it is the rainy season). I really like it though, because it is only in the afternoon and usually for a short while.
This next week should be good. I am busy with English school and our meetings. I am teaching someone English privately all week so we will see how that goes. I can be self-sufficient here now if I need to, at least Melaku trusts me. I have gone to our school and various places by myself now so that's good. I can speak just enough Amharic to get a taxi and tell them where I need to go. I can also conversate somewhat with the kids that come stare at my white skin. Sometimes they run away though.
It is hard to summarize my entire week in this but I try! Oh also, Melaku loves the movie Nacho Libre with Jack Black so we watched that the other day (Thanks Trevor!). I forgot that that movie is incredibly hilarious!
"GET THAT CORN OUTTA MY FACE!"
Sometimes in between class at the English school we watch football (soccer). They love it here and I actually watched USA the other day and got really into it.
I miss all of you a ton and a continued thanks for all the prayers! I usually re-read these and check for typos but don't feel like it now so if it isn't perfect I am so very sorry.
I can't wait to come back and see all of you and to sweat everyday in the hot Texas heat!
Anyways I hope this finds everyone doing well and having an awesome summer! If you are taking classes (lame), well..... BUMMER FOR YOU! haha. Just kidding. I am sorry you are suffering. Also, for those that emailed me thanks a ton for the encouragement.
I love you all!
Grace and Peace!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Africa: Day 10
HOWDY!
I haven't heard that in a while and it felt good to type it! Regarding "Aggie-ness" I do have my family here and some at the English school starting to 'gig-em' so that's always good.
This is day 10 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and we just got back from church. Actually we just got done eating (and washing the dishes). I had to stop writing for lunch. Speaking of that I just ate my third full-Ethiopian meal of "Injira". The first week they gave me entirely Ethiopian food in case I got sick or anything so they have been easing me into it (I also drink bottled water instead of pipe-water). It is a very different type of food and hard to explain. It is a spongy, thin, moist, type of bread that has a kind of sour taste to it. You spread it on your plate and spread various sauces on it. There are many different sauces ranging from meat, vegetable, or rice types of sauces to name a few. It isn't the best tasting thing in the world but it isn't the worst either. I am starting to get used to it.
Church here, at least the church they go to as that is the only one I know, is different. This morning they prayed and had worship time for almost an hour and a half first. This is much longer than I am used to back home. They devote time and set time aside during the week for prayer and worship which is such a good example of obedience and devotedness. I have said before how it seems American culture seems to be in a much bigger hurry, myself included. It is difficult for me during this at times, especially because of the language barrier. God is definitely working on my patience. Psalm 40 has been going through my mind all trip. An hour and a half is a long time for me to sit still (imagine that) but it is definitely good for me as it really is NOT a long time at all. Then after that we had the lesson then split up into groups to talk about the meaning more deeply. A good friend of mine here, Teddy, helps translate for me during the lesson but they speak more English during the small group. They have been discussing the Sermon on the Mount for the last three months and this morning it was specifically Matthew 7 and judging others.
This past week went well. I continue to practice my Amharic and am getting slowly better. I feel very safe here and can communicate almost just enough to survive. I have taken the taxi around the city with friends a couple times and I will probably have to a time or two alone, which should be cool. They actually have motorcycle taxi's here so I will probably hit those up (just kidding mom.........but not really). I am still greatly enjoying learning about the culture and continue to learn more everyday. This week I was thinking about going to the market and picking up a wife, so that should be cool.
Melaku graduated from Theology school yesterday so that was a blessing. We had a graduation party at the house which was great and pretty much like a typical graduation party; food, friends, etc. You don't have to graduate from Theology or seminary school here to be a pastor. I was surprised because Melaku is very smart, especially about the bible, and a great teacher. I am very happy for him.
Three years back they had a group stay with them from Sweden and one is visiting a pastor he sponsors here in Ethiopia for the next week. He is 24 and his name is Johanssen. He is going to a school (I think it's an orphanage) later this week to help take care of kids and give them gifts and just love on them. I asked him if I could go so hopefully that will work out. I would love to do that. Little kids flock to us white folk. Also later this week we all (Johanssen, Melaku, and my Ethiopian friends) may go to the country-side and swim. There is a pool there but also a small waterfall with a pool at the end that people swim in. I haven't left the city yet but apparently the country-side here is beautiful. I am hoping we have time I would love to go see it!
Yesterday Teddy and I went on a walk around the city for about an hour or so. It was good to go out and see the city. There are always a ton of people walking everywhere, and being white many people actually stop and talk to us. It's great and a great witnessing tool!
Anyways God is definitely very present here and the people are very devout and 'strict' with what they do compared to back home. I feel it is a great example and it is a great change of pace. Not that there is a lack of that back home it is just amazing to get to know these people on a personal basis and to find out their different backgrounds and convictions. I am enjoying my time and God is definitely putting challenges in front of me but it is nothing I can't overcome through Him. He is my rock and my deliverer.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Anyways thanks so much for reading! I think about home and all of you constantly and am so blessed to have your prayers and support! I think I am going to go read outside and wave at the little neighbor girls when they stare at me (this is a daily occurrence). They are so dang cute.
Also Will, my mom sent me your comment in my e-mail about you wanting a goat or a sheep. I could actually very easily purchase one here if you want one, the problem is getting it on the plane.... I will work on that. I will trade you a goat for one of your famous songs on the mandolin. I hope your skills are continuing to grow! Sometimes they buy goats here and slaughter them themselves for food. I hope they do that while I am here and let me. If you think that is cruel I hope you didn't read it.
I forgot to say I do get emails if you want to send me an encouraging word or two. Thanks! rev.fear24@hotmail.com
I am not guaranteeing a reply because I don't check it very often.
Love you all!
Grace and Peace!
I haven't heard that in a while and it felt good to type it! Regarding "Aggie-ness" I do have my family here and some at the English school starting to 'gig-em' so that's always good.
This is day 10 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and we just got back from church. Actually we just got done eating (and washing the dishes). I had to stop writing for lunch. Speaking of that I just ate my third full-Ethiopian meal of "Injira". The first week they gave me entirely Ethiopian food in case I got sick or anything so they have been easing me into it (I also drink bottled water instead of pipe-water). It is a very different type of food and hard to explain. It is a spongy, thin, moist, type of bread that has a kind of sour taste to it. You spread it on your plate and spread various sauces on it. There are many different sauces ranging from meat, vegetable, or rice types of sauces to name a few. It isn't the best tasting thing in the world but it isn't the worst either. I am starting to get used to it.
Church here, at least the church they go to as that is the only one I know, is different. This morning they prayed and had worship time for almost an hour and a half first. This is much longer than I am used to back home. They devote time and set time aside during the week for prayer and worship which is such a good example of obedience and devotedness. I have said before how it seems American culture seems to be in a much bigger hurry, myself included. It is difficult for me during this at times, especially because of the language barrier. God is definitely working on my patience. Psalm 40 has been going through my mind all trip. An hour and a half is a long time for me to sit still (imagine that) but it is definitely good for me as it really is NOT a long time at all. Then after that we had the lesson then split up into groups to talk about the meaning more deeply. A good friend of mine here, Teddy, helps translate for me during the lesson but they speak more English during the small group. They have been discussing the Sermon on the Mount for the last three months and this morning it was specifically Matthew 7 and judging others.
This past week went well. I continue to practice my Amharic and am getting slowly better. I feel very safe here and can communicate almost just enough to survive. I have taken the taxi around the city with friends a couple times and I will probably have to a time or two alone, which should be cool. They actually have motorcycle taxi's here so I will probably hit those up (just kidding mom.........but not really). I am still greatly enjoying learning about the culture and continue to learn more everyday. This week I was thinking about going to the market and picking up a wife, so that should be cool.
Melaku graduated from Theology school yesterday so that was a blessing. We had a graduation party at the house which was great and pretty much like a typical graduation party; food, friends, etc. You don't have to graduate from Theology or seminary school here to be a pastor. I was surprised because Melaku is very smart, especially about the bible, and a great teacher. I am very happy for him.
Three years back they had a group stay with them from Sweden and one is visiting a pastor he sponsors here in Ethiopia for the next week. He is 24 and his name is Johanssen. He is going to a school (I think it's an orphanage) later this week to help take care of kids and give them gifts and just love on them. I asked him if I could go so hopefully that will work out. I would love to do that. Little kids flock to us white folk. Also later this week we all (Johanssen, Melaku, and my Ethiopian friends) may go to the country-side and swim. There is a pool there but also a small waterfall with a pool at the end that people swim in. I haven't left the city yet but apparently the country-side here is beautiful. I am hoping we have time I would love to go see it!
Yesterday Teddy and I went on a walk around the city for about an hour or so. It was good to go out and see the city. There are always a ton of people walking everywhere, and being white many people actually stop and talk to us. It's great and a great witnessing tool!
Anyways God is definitely very present here and the people are very devout and 'strict' with what they do compared to back home. I feel it is a great example and it is a great change of pace. Not that there is a lack of that back home it is just amazing to get to know these people on a personal basis and to find out their different backgrounds and convictions. I am enjoying my time and God is definitely putting challenges in front of me but it is nothing I can't overcome through Him. He is my rock and my deliverer.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Anyways thanks so much for reading! I think about home and all of you constantly and am so blessed to have your prayers and support! I think I am going to go read outside and wave at the little neighbor girls when they stare at me (this is a daily occurrence). They are so dang cute.
Also Will, my mom sent me your comment in my e-mail about you wanting a goat or a sheep. I could actually very easily purchase one here if you want one, the problem is getting it on the plane.... I will work on that. I will trade you a goat for one of your famous songs on the mandolin. I hope your skills are continuing to grow! Sometimes they buy goats here and slaughter them themselves for food. I hope they do that while I am here and let me. If you think that is cruel I hope you didn't read it.
I forgot to say I do get emails if you want to send me an encouraging word or two. Thanks! rev.fear24@hotmail.com
I am not guaranteeing a reply because I don't check it very often.
Love you all!
Grace and Peace!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Ethiopia Update Number 2.
Hello all!
My stay in Ethiopia continues to go well. I am safe and having a great time! Thanks again for the continued prayers.
Well it only took me one week here to get on tv. One of my close friends here, Mohammed, whom I mentioned before, and I went to the zoo today and ended up getting interviewed for ETV (Ethiopian Television). They asked us what we thought of the zoo itself, traffic, etc. and asked me what I thought of Ethiopia and where I was from. It was pretty hilarious. Mohammed said they probably picked us because I was white, which is probably true. Anyways, I am really famous. More on being a minority... Just to give a reference I have maybe seen 20 or so white people (we are called "Firinjees") since I have arrived... Anyways I think it's great most of the time and it leads to some pretty hilarious meetings. People definitely look and watch, especially little kids. So I will always wave at them and they will usually laugh and run off. It is really cute. Also people will usually yell out any English word they know to me. It is usually 'hi', 'how do you do', or 'yes'. At the zoo today a couple kids came up and shook my hand and ran off. It was awesome. The best was when we were driving two days ago and someone about my age said 'I love you'. It was great. Also whenever we take the taxi's here they charge foreigners more. We call it a 'skin tax'. Also the beggers make a bee-line for white people because they think we are all rich.
Earlier this week I had a meeting with Melaku and we talked about my duties while I am here. I have three guys I have personal meetings with (Mohammed is one of them) and we get to know each other and kind of just hang out. It is great intentional time. We are starting a bible study this weekend and after the first week or two we are going to start some outreach and evangelize to other men. So please pray for that. I am also teaching four days a week in the English school Melaku started. This is a good time for me to meet others and possibly invite them to church or to our bible study. Melaku said this is the ultimate purpose of his English school which is awesome. There is no evangelizing in the school itself out of respect for various religions, but it develops relationships. I will also be teaching twice at their local church, June 19 and 27. On these days we will be going to Meki, a town 140 km North of Addis. On the 19th people will be baptized and we will assess how the new clinic is doing there that they built and are still working on staffing. So between all that my days are usually relatively full, but my personal time with the other guys is really relaxing and great (hence going to the zoo).
More on the zoo.... It was pretty awesome. They don't have many animals but they have over twenty lions. The safety standards are nowhere near as stringent as America so you could easily stick your hands through the bars. It is great to have pictures without the cage! Yesterday before I taught I spent time with another of my friends here, his name is Aberra, and we went to the museum. It was cool too. If you remember hearing about 'Lucy', the oldest ever found remains of a human/"missing link"/upright walking ape, she was discovered in Ethiopia and it was there.
Everything continues to go well here and I am very appreciative of all your prayers! I am excited for the chances I am getting to disciple, evangelize, and teach. It is definitely helping me grow and presenting me with various challenges, which I am very thankful for. Well I will leave you with some interesting Ethiopia facts:
-Most toilets don't have seats.
-All soft drinks are still served in glass bottles, which we all know makes them taste better.
-Melaku said this is one of the only countries where Christians and Muslims get along very well. Everyone here is very respectful of other's religion (Mostly Christian, Orthodox, and Muslim) and not afraid to proclaim what they believe (people here aren't overly-sensetive/easily offended... which is awesome).
-People here love America, especially Obama. I have actually seen multiple Obama '08 stickers. Which I think is funny.
-Most people here really like to watch swimming, but can't swim.
Anyways thanks again for everything. I miss you all and pray America is ok without me. I miss Mexican food.
Grace and Peace!
My stay in Ethiopia continues to go well. I am safe and having a great time! Thanks again for the continued prayers.
Well it only took me one week here to get on tv. One of my close friends here, Mohammed, whom I mentioned before, and I went to the zoo today and ended up getting interviewed for ETV (Ethiopian Television). They asked us what we thought of the zoo itself, traffic, etc. and asked me what I thought of Ethiopia and where I was from. It was pretty hilarious. Mohammed said they probably picked us because I was white, which is probably true. Anyways, I am really famous. More on being a minority... Just to give a reference I have maybe seen 20 or so white people (we are called "Firinjees") since I have arrived... Anyways I think it's great most of the time and it leads to some pretty hilarious meetings. People definitely look and watch, especially little kids. So I will always wave at them and they will usually laugh and run off. It is really cute. Also people will usually yell out any English word they know to me. It is usually 'hi', 'how do you do', or 'yes'. At the zoo today a couple kids came up and shook my hand and ran off. It was awesome. The best was when we were driving two days ago and someone about my age said 'I love you'. It was great. Also whenever we take the taxi's here they charge foreigners more. We call it a 'skin tax'. Also the beggers make a bee-line for white people because they think we are all rich.
Earlier this week I had a meeting with Melaku and we talked about my duties while I am here. I have three guys I have personal meetings with (Mohammed is one of them) and we get to know each other and kind of just hang out. It is great intentional time. We are starting a bible study this weekend and after the first week or two we are going to start some outreach and evangelize to other men. So please pray for that. I am also teaching four days a week in the English school Melaku started. This is a good time for me to meet others and possibly invite them to church or to our bible study. Melaku said this is the ultimate purpose of his English school which is awesome. There is no evangelizing in the school itself out of respect for various religions, but it develops relationships. I will also be teaching twice at their local church, June 19 and 27. On these days we will be going to Meki, a town 140 km North of Addis. On the 19th people will be baptized and we will assess how the new clinic is doing there that they built and are still working on staffing. So between all that my days are usually relatively full, but my personal time with the other guys is really relaxing and great (hence going to the zoo).
More on the zoo.... It was pretty awesome. They don't have many animals but they have over twenty lions. The safety standards are nowhere near as stringent as America so you could easily stick your hands through the bars. It is great to have pictures without the cage! Yesterday before I taught I spent time with another of my friends here, his name is Aberra, and we went to the museum. It was cool too. If you remember hearing about 'Lucy', the oldest ever found remains of a human/"missing link"/upright walking ape, she was discovered in Ethiopia and it was there.
Everything continues to go well here and I am very appreciative of all your prayers! I am excited for the chances I am getting to disciple, evangelize, and teach. It is definitely helping me grow and presenting me with various challenges, which I am very thankful for. Well I will leave you with some interesting Ethiopia facts:
-Most toilets don't have seats.
-All soft drinks are still served in glass bottles, which we all know makes them taste better.
-Melaku said this is one of the only countries where Christians and Muslims get along very well. Everyone here is very respectful of other's religion (Mostly Christian, Orthodox, and Muslim) and not afraid to proclaim what they believe (people here aren't overly-sensetive/easily offended... which is awesome).
-People here love America, especially Obama. I have actually seen multiple Obama '08 stickers. Which I think is funny.
-Most people here really like to watch swimming, but can't swim.
Anyways thanks again for everything. I miss you all and pray America is ok without me. I miss Mexican food.
Grace and Peace!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Life in Ethiopa
Well life is going great over here in Ethiopia. I am learning about the culture and having a great time! Ethiopian people are very polite and hospitable. Even though I can barely communicate they still greet me and smile. Everyone looks at me but doesn't stare, except for little kids, so I don't feel too much like an outsider. We went to the bank yesterday and a little girl stared at me the whole time she was there (she was being held by her mom), so i made some faces at her and she laughed. I kind of wanted to take her for the day but I don't think it is alright to borrow kids in this culture, although I haven't tried it yet so I can't tell you for sure.
The first day I was here Melaku (My host "dad") was very busy writing his thesis (he just finished so next week he graduates from a theological school here), so I was shown around the city by a close family friend named Mohammed. He is a great guy and really nice. He was raised Muslim but is now a Christian. He has driven a taxi so he knows his way around here very well. It was great to see the city and see things that are different here. Driving here is a real adventure. There are lane lines but no one really pays attention to them, and horns are used very frequently. There are always people walking across the street and they don't really look so if they are in your way you give them a little 'beep beep'. All the horns are the high-pitched beeping ones. The cars here mostly all small compact cars and Toyotas. They literally drive their vehicles until their wheels fall off. We are pretty spoiled in America. It is not uncommon to see goats or oxen being guided on the street to be sold. The streets are also lined with many many shops, especially fruit and vegetable stands.
Coffee is very popular here, which is great. The coffee bean was actually discovered here and it is one of their main exports. Melaku loves coffee so we get it a lot. We stop and have Makiatos (That's how they're spelled here) quite often and it is a good time to sit and talk about anything. The coffee is here is much stronger than in America and served in smaller portions. You wouldn't want to drink a full cup of this stuff, you would probably be awake for days. Since it is so strong they load it up with sugar. Right up my alley! They buy fresh coffee beans and sort and grind them themselves. I helped them yesterday and they sorted about three times as fast as me.
I am meeting many family friends at their church and just around. They are all awesome people. They think Americans, especially me are very 'ebta' which means crazy, but it is considered a good thing, not an insult. I am sharing our culture with them as well. Only the important stuff though, like 'rock-paper-scissors' and knock-knock jokes. They like those. A typical week here is similar to ours. They work Monday through Friday, although many work weekends as well. They are hard workers and not complainers.
Ethiopians are family oriented and very caring of others. They are a 'touching' culture. What I mean by that is it is not uncommon at all to see two males or females with their arms around each other, even holding hands at times. This seemed strange to me at first but I am getting used to it. Melaku warned me of this when I got here so I didn't think anything of it. Their 'bubble' is just smaller than ours. It shows friendship and caring and is actually pretty cool. You greet each other with a hug usually or kisses on the cheeks.
This week I will start working in the school here and doing some other things, more about that later.... I spend a lot of my time during the day reading and working on Amharic (as it has been the weekend), which is the language of Ethiopia. It isn't the easiest to learn but it's cool. The alphabet has 33 characters plus almost 200 additions so memorizing that is difficult.
I went to a church service last night that Melaku was invited to teach at. It was entirely in Amharic but was probably one of the most amazing church services I had ever been to. It was a small one of only pastors so it wasn't really a church service but they had a lesson and worship. A person next to me helped translate the points of the lesson to me. The worship was awesome to listen to and here they have a longer, more personal prayer time which I think is a great example of submission and commitment. They aren't in a hurry here as much as people are back home. After church they stood around talking for almost an hour before leaving (mom you would like this) and after meals they aren't in a hurry to get a check right away.
Anyways that's a lot for one day. I love and miss you all and keep praying! We are starting a bible study this week and Melaku has asked me to teach in the school and a lesson or two at church coming up so please pray for guidance in that! I am having a great time here and feel very loved and accepted by this family, which is such a blessing! Thanks for reading, you are awesome (yes, you)!
Grace and peace!
The first day I was here Melaku (My host "dad") was very busy writing his thesis (he just finished so next week he graduates from a theological school here), so I was shown around the city by a close family friend named Mohammed. He is a great guy and really nice. He was raised Muslim but is now a Christian. He has driven a taxi so he knows his way around here very well. It was great to see the city and see things that are different here. Driving here is a real adventure. There are lane lines but no one really pays attention to them, and horns are used very frequently. There are always people walking across the street and they don't really look so if they are in your way you give them a little 'beep beep'. All the horns are the high-pitched beeping ones. The cars here mostly all small compact cars and Toyotas. They literally drive their vehicles until their wheels fall off. We are pretty spoiled in America. It is not uncommon to see goats or oxen being guided on the street to be sold. The streets are also lined with many many shops, especially fruit and vegetable stands.
Coffee is very popular here, which is great. The coffee bean was actually discovered here and it is one of their main exports. Melaku loves coffee so we get it a lot. We stop and have Makiatos (That's how they're spelled here) quite often and it is a good time to sit and talk about anything. The coffee is here is much stronger than in America and served in smaller portions. You wouldn't want to drink a full cup of this stuff, you would probably be awake for days. Since it is so strong they load it up with sugar. Right up my alley! They buy fresh coffee beans and sort and grind them themselves. I helped them yesterday and they sorted about three times as fast as me.
I am meeting many family friends at their church and just around. They are all awesome people. They think Americans, especially me are very 'ebta' which means crazy, but it is considered a good thing, not an insult. I am sharing our culture with them as well. Only the important stuff though, like 'rock-paper-scissors' and knock-knock jokes. They like those. A typical week here is similar to ours. They work Monday through Friday, although many work weekends as well. They are hard workers and not complainers.
Ethiopians are family oriented and very caring of others. They are a 'touching' culture. What I mean by that is it is not uncommon at all to see two males or females with their arms around each other, even holding hands at times. This seemed strange to me at first but I am getting used to it. Melaku warned me of this when I got here so I didn't think anything of it. Their 'bubble' is just smaller than ours. It shows friendship and caring and is actually pretty cool. You greet each other with a hug usually or kisses on the cheeks.
This week I will start working in the school here and doing some other things, more about that later.... I spend a lot of my time during the day reading and working on Amharic (as it has been the weekend), which is the language of Ethiopia. It isn't the easiest to learn but it's cool. The alphabet has 33 characters plus almost 200 additions so memorizing that is difficult.
I went to a church service last night that Melaku was invited to teach at. It was entirely in Amharic but was probably one of the most amazing church services I had ever been to. It was a small one of only pastors so it wasn't really a church service but they had a lesson and worship. A person next to me helped translate the points of the lesson to me. The worship was awesome to listen to and here they have a longer, more personal prayer time which I think is a great example of submission and commitment. They aren't in a hurry here as much as people are back home. After church they stood around talking for almost an hour before leaving (mom you would like this) and after meals they aren't in a hurry to get a check right away.
Anyways that's a lot for one day. I love and miss you all and keep praying! We are starting a bible study this week and Melaku has asked me to teach in the school and a lesson or two at church coming up so please pray for guidance in that! I am having a great time here and feel very loved and accepted by this family, which is such a blessing! Thanks for reading, you are awesome (yes, you)!
Grace and peace!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Greetings from Ethiopia!
After two days of traveling I finally made it to my destination! This is blog attempt number 2. We couldn't get the website to load last night, but we'll give it a shot.
Making it here was quite the adventure and a learning experience, such as... They wouldn't let me on the plane to Ghana in Atlanta because I didn't have a Visa. I explained that I was just passing through on my way to Ethiopia. They then let me on. When I arrived in Accra, Ghana one of my bags was lost. It was the one with all my socks too. So right now I only have two socks to my name. One ankle and one crew if anyone was curious. I received an email yesterday that my bag had arrived in Ghana and is there now. So tomorrow we are going to ride a elephant to go pick it up. Just kidding. The missionary guest house I was offered to stay in for the night was full so I had to fend for myself there (Sorry I didn't tell you mom, I didn't want you to worry more). I was given the name of a safe hotel so had to figure out how to get Ghanian currency, get a cab, etc. Luckily the Ghanian people are very helpful, but they want to be compensated for it. I was prepared for this though and could play 'dumb American' if the request was ridiculous, such as wanting money for watching me pick up my bag off the baggage claim. Yep. Anyways I made it to the hotel and got a room. This night was a little tough for me. It was impossible to ignore the feeling of loneliness. It was tough with no cell phone, no internet, and knowing your closest family and friends are over 7,000 miles away. It was definitely good for me though. This is definitely teaching me to rely on God more than my family, friends, or any other comfort I have at home. I woke up (after a couple hours of sleep) in good spirits though. My daily devotional (My Utmost for His Highest) was very uplifting. It was Psalm 25:14;
Making it here was quite the adventure and a learning experience, such as... They wouldn't let me on the plane to Ghana in Atlanta because I didn't have a Visa. I explained that I was just passing through on my way to Ethiopia. They then let me on. When I arrived in Accra, Ghana one of my bags was lost. It was the one with all my socks too. So right now I only have two socks to my name. One ankle and one crew if anyone was curious. I received an email yesterday that my bag had arrived in Ghana and is there now. So tomorrow we are going to ride a elephant to go pick it up. Just kidding. The missionary guest house I was offered to stay in for the night was full so I had to fend for myself there (Sorry I didn't tell you mom, I didn't want you to worry more). I was given the name of a safe hotel so had to figure out how to get Ghanian currency, get a cab, etc. Luckily the Ghanian people are very helpful, but they want to be compensated for it. I was prepared for this though and could play 'dumb American' if the request was ridiculous, such as wanting money for watching me pick up my bag off the baggage claim. Yep. Anyways I made it to the hotel and got a room. This night was a little tough for me. It was impossible to ignore the feeling of loneliness. It was tough with no cell phone, no internet, and knowing your closest family and friends are over 7,000 miles away. It was definitely good for me though. This is definitely teaching me to rely on God more than my family, friends, or any other comfort I have at home. I woke up (after a couple hours of sleep) in good spirits though. My daily devotional (My Utmost for His Highest) was very uplifting. It was Psalm 25:14;
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