DAY 3 - FEB. 19th, 2009

Meetings , greetings and walks in the streets

Gov. meeting .. prayer… walks .. little shops…. Room… rest… ready for whats ahead!!!!

QUIZ:   What was one of my favorite things about the CHALLENGE YOUTH CONVENTION that I went on in the summer of 2008?

For those of you following from the youth group that were on that trip with me that was a no brainer.  Besides, hearing Francis Chan, or Becky Tirabassi speak and the incredible worship we had.. One of the best parts of that trip was the 24 HOUR BUS RIDE!!!!   It was so awesome to get some of those kids stuck on that bus with no place to escape and nothing better to do than to be drilled up and down on personal questions, theology debates and challenges for the future… not to forget the dancing in the isles and shaving cream fights.  Needless to say, I loved it.  I love being able to have time and go beyond the surface of a conversation and really get to know someone.   SO FAST FORWARD TO THIS LAST 24hour flight I was just on…  Imagine me taking a 24 hour trip, on my own, with hardly anyone to talk to the whole time (not because the lack of trying but there was also a language barrier that was present for many).

I HAVE ARRIVED IN ADDIS SAFELY.  It really was an uneventful trip and I am very thankful for that. I know it is just the beginning and I am excited for what God has mapped out for the week ahead. Right now, I am sitting in a hotel room again by myself.  Its 4 am in the morning here and I should be sleeping but wide awake. 

I have realized how much I thrive on companionship.  Noelle put it best though, when she said, “Well than, you will have plenty of time to spend alone with GOD!”  How cool was that to be reminded by my teenage daughter that THE GREAT COMFORTER is with me and I get to spend quality time alone with HIM.  What more do I need?  Not that I really think He brought me all the way to Africa to learn or do that but if indeed he did … That would be enough! HE is my comfort and my strength, my time in trouble.

PSALMS 23

The Lord is my shepherd… MY GUIDE, MY PROTECTOR, MY COMFORTER

I shall not want ANY THING ELSE!! 

He makes me lie down in the green pastures... even when I think I need to be going and doing and communicating with everyone around me

He restores my soul.

Yea though I walk through the valley of good and evil  

I will not fear for He is with me.

His rod and his staff .. they comfort me.

The Staff = is for comfort …. To lead direct, guide

But sometimes we need the ROD TOO!

He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 
      

He anoints my head with oil; 
      

my cup overflows So thankful for all I have and ready to overflow to all around me

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 
      

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(NOTE: SAD TO SAY BLOGGER DID NOT WORK ON THE TRIP... I AM HOME NOW, SO MUCH TO SHARE..  THE LORD IS SOOOO GOOD!!!  I AM WILL POST SOME JOURNALS IN ORDER THEY WERE PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN) 

FEB 17th,  2009

SO THANKFUL FOR ALL THE ANGELS GOD HAS SET BEFORE ME….

It is almost humorous on how totally incapable I am in accomplishing all of this on my own.  Being able to laugh at myself along the way is one way to deal with it but really I am in just an awe of JUST HOW BIG MY GOD IS TO MAKE THIS ALL HAPPEN.  If God can work through someone like me than just think of what he can do through all of YOU!!!!

This morning went well.. Getting the kids up and going to school on time always seems like a huge accomplishment in itself.  Mike loaded all 4-22 gallon bins in the suburban along with my overweight backpack and rolling suitcase, which is my carry-on.  I drove with Noelle and the girls to school and met my Angel of a friend, Kirsten there.  We then loaded everything into her car and off to the airport.  After first going to the wrong terminal, we safely arrived where we were supposed to go. We must of looked hilarious, a very overloaded small cart with all the luggage and 2 women feebly pushing it in the airport.  Only once as we went through the automatic doors did we lose a few bins.  I love Kirsten.  I always call her my 2^nd husband because that is just how she treats me… She takes charge and gets it done and tells me what to do and how to do it!!!  

Angel #2 was the sweet ticket lady.  She was so encouraging of what we were doing.  She made check in easy, even though she did not wave the luggage fees it went as well as it could of.  Then I had to do it.. I said my goodbye to KIRSTEN… and I was on my own.  So many people have used the phrase.. “ May the Lord go before you and prepare the way.”  That is exactly my prayer.  Again, I will take the steps.. ON THE PATH HE HAS PREPARED..  The only thing is my steps may not always the most graceful … Kirsten and I snapped a quick picture of the two of us (one of those pics I do not care to post because it shows the extra 3-4 chins you have)  Kirsten prayed over me and I was off.  About 10 sec later I am carrying my overweight backpack and suitcase up the stairs with the camera over my shoulder and ….  I FALL!!!  HAHAHAHA!  Yes I did it!  I fell going UP the stairs.  Mike’s words kept echoing in my head.. “you are bringing to much… simplify!”  Why don’t I just listen to his wisdom?   I am fine… achy a little but OK.  The worst damage was my camera (for those who really know me know how precious my camera is to me) at first I thought I would be calling my mom to run her camera down to me.  The Lens was shattered.  But upon further examination I think it was just the extra protective lens that was on and it should be ok.  Ohhhh .. The Lord is good!  I seriously love His constant reminders on how little I am and just HOW BIG HE IS!!!!

I am just loading the plane… the first leg of the trip and the starting to feel a little more relaxed. Many have asked about the FLIGHT … So I thought I would pass on the travel info…

Leave MINNESOTA at 10:30am 2/17

Arrive in Atlanta, 2:00pm (1hr 45min layover)

(Total travel time approx =6 hrs)

Leave Atlanta 3:45pm

Arrive at Dulles – Washington D.C. at 5:30pm

 *meet up with Michelle  …pick up luggage recheck in on Ethiopian Airlines   

(… BREATHE !!!)

Leave Dulles -Washington D.C. 8:30pm

8hours 30mins to ROME    

ROME (refuel for 45min– do not get off plane) 

5 hours 45mins to ADDIS

Arrive Addis Ababa at 7:30 pm 2/18 (10:30am 2/18 MN TIME)

= 24 HRS TOTAL TRAVEL TIME

 

It takes a VILLAGE..

The last bin has been closed... 

What a blessing it has been to see all the donations come in. And not just the medical supplies, clothes and shoes but there was so much more….

ROCKPOINT'S Junior High Group – Donated Pajamas, underwear, and raised money to purchase and send 2 parachutes over for the children to play with.

New Life Academy and Donald’s Uniform Store donated uniforms...

My college friends helped cut out felt objects and characters to help teach the children about just how Great our God is and how much He loves each and every one of them.

 A special thank you to my sister, and all the family and friends who donated money to help pay for the extra luggage cost to get everything there.  The love and support throughout all of this has been so amazing.  I seriously have had to say to myself lately, “One foot in front of the other…” too much more than that and I could get a bit overwhelmed.  I may be repeating myself but there is absolutely NO WAY that I could be making this happen on my own.

One of my goals in this trip is to bring as many of you along this journey with me as much as possible.  One way this has already happened is by all the donations everyone has given to bless the children of these orphanages.  My prayer is that NO ONE… not anyone here, nor anyone I travel with, nor anyone that I come in contact with throughout the trip would see ME in any of this… But instead be able to see right through me and first of ALL see Jesus and the power He has by accomplishing His work.  I also want others to be able to see and know everyone back home that I represent that made this possible!   I have never felt more like an empty vessel or an instrument ready to be used by the conductor of it all.   I feel like I am out of my whelm a bit, out of control a bit.... And you know what… I really am OKAY WITH IT! 

II CORITHIANS 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

I'm a big girl now....

REALITY IS SETTING IN... 

Mike is not coming on this trip with me!  He is not going to be there to take care of all the details and he is not going to be there to take care of ME !! 

I am really doing this ON MY OWN.... or am I?

Here are just a few questions that have gone on in my head...

WHOSE GOING TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT TIME IT IS?

This time change thing is difficult to figure out sometimes. I never worried about it before because Mike would always be on top of it.  If I ever questioned the local time or the time back home, Mike would know in an instant. 

-Don’t get upset with me if I ever have a chance to call home and wake you up at some odd hour.  MIKE’S NOT WITH ME ;-( !

**Local time in St. Paul is 9 hours behind Addis Ababa**

WHO’S GOING TO BE IN CHARGE OF EXCHANGING ALL THE MONEY, FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT CONVERSIONS and PAY FOR EVERYTHING?

I hardly ever carry any money on me when I travel with Mike.  Why should I?  Mike always pays for everything and is so good at making sure we are getting the best deals and calculating all the conversions properly.

-Don’t get upset with me if I don’t come home with any extra souvenirs and have missed a meal or two … I don’t think I will be making any unnecessary purchases... to much thinking!  MIKE’S NOT WITH ME. ;-(

1 US Dollar = 13.56800 Ethiopian Birr 

1 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) = 0.07370 US Dollar (USD)

Seriously though... As much as I would absolutely LOVE it if Mike was coming with me on this trip, I know I can do this.  My confidence has nothing to do with how much education I have or how smart I am.. Because I’m really NOT!

It has nothing to do with how in shape or strong I am.. stop laughing.. I know this is far from the truth..

My confidence comes from 

THE LORD and HIM ALONE!

II Corinthians 12:10

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong

Maybe it sounds all just a bit cliché… but its not! There is this unbelievable PEACE that we can have in any situation when we really summit it all to Him and rely on His sovereignty and grace.  Everything may not go perfectly.. and that is okay, too. I will grow and learn from even the failures along the way. I am so excited to see what God is wanting to do on this trip. I am overwhelmingly humbled and and honored for the privilege of being used by God in this way. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:3-9 
I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you ... No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.  Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Matthew 10:28 
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Romans 8:15 
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Phillipians 4:13  Puedo hacer todas cosas por Cristo que me da fuerza.
(That one is for you, Luke... you can do it!!!)

A GEOGRAPHY LESSON!!!

OK, I admit, Geography has never been a strong area for me.  My mother always tells stories of being so concerned for me due to my directional disabilities.  "Just go North, Amy!" Living pretty much on the eastern boarder of Minnesota its easy, If I ever get lost.. I JUST GO EAST!!  But .. Just to ease my mother's nerves a bit as I travel half way across the world, practically by myself, I thought I would give you a little basic insight into where I am going.  

ONE OF THE 7 CONTINENTS OF THE WORLD: AFRICA

COUNTRY WITHIN AFRICA: ETHIOPIA

CITIES I WILL BE STAYING AT THIS TRIP: ADDIS ABABA (The capital and where I fly into) then SODDO (250miles southwest of Addis) 

**Soddo is located in the Wolaitta region, one of the most populated and impoverished areas in Ethiopia. The region is mountainous and at an elevation of 7,400 feet. 

      

*Last summer when Mike, Noelle, Luke and myself traveled to Ethiopia we traveled toward the Northern Region.  Our final destination was Mekelle, where we visited ORE- Operation Rescue Ethiopia.  This is such an incredible organization, run but godly people who have a vision and philosophy of caring not only for the orphans of their community but the whole community in general. I learned so much from everyone involved with ORE and I pray that the connection with them will only grow in the future. 

SIZE OF ETHIOPIA: 

about the size of …SLIGHTLY LESS THAN TWICE THE SIZE OF TEXAS

RELIGION:

Ethiopian Orthodox Christian 40%, Sunni Muslim 45-50%, Protestant 5%, remainder indigenous beliefs

LANGUAGES:

Amharic, Tigrinya, Arabic, Guaragigna, Oromifa, English, Somali. 
**Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and is spoken by many. Woliatta is the local language of Soddo. A large number of indigenous languages are also spoken in the region. 

** MORE TO COME.. ONE WEEK FROM TODAY I WILL 
BE ON THE PLANE.. 

heading east!!  

THE PRAYER OF MY HEART....

Starting to feel the countdown but want to take time to reflect on what I am doing and why....

”If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted.” Job 31:7-8

That’s a powerful and gutsy prayer that Job prayed. Our desire to have this be God’s plan, completely God directed is so great.  So many times in a single day I have to make sure I am doing a check of my heart that this is coming through Him, because of Him and for HIM. To be able to pray.. “Lord, if you ever feel like I am not following your eyes, your plan and instead doing any of this for selfish desires then basically uproot and destroy whatever garden or crop I have worked so hard to grow,” again is a powerful thing…. but yet so important.

 “Everything We Do Without a Savior Is Sin

But someone will say, "This can't be, because I know many unbelievers who do good deeds." Ah, but when you say that, you do not have a view to God. When you judge what is sin and what is righteousness, don't just think of man! Think of God. We were made for God! He is worthy of all our love and trust and honor and thanks and obedience and worship. We may well build our hospitals and feed the hungry and educate the ignorant, but if it doesn't spring from trust in God, and if we don't do it to give him glory, and if we don't have a view to the salvation of others, all we do is sin with respect to God.” –John Pieper (Sermon: Why we need a Savior: Dead in Sins)