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!