FEB. 21th, 2010

       OK.. I woke up this morning feeling confident that I was going to have a better attitude.  You see, I know what advice I would give someone else in this situation.  I give it to myself all the time.  I read scripture.  I feel renewed.  I feel like I can hold on to these promises that He gives us BUT THEN… I constantly fail.  I am constantly reminded just how weak I am. 

        We headed out in the morning for a beautiful walk to the site where, if everything falls into place, they would like to move the orphanage to.  Along the way I enjoyed a humorous conversation with S.  Thank God for laughter… So nice for the soul!  And things seemed to go well.  Seeing the city from another view was so good for me.  It was nothing like the market experience but there was a peace that was felt for a moment.  It was fun for me to see the site and try to visualize all the incredible things God could do with it.  There was so much potential but it would take work and God has to make a lot of things fall in place before it could even start.  But still there was a spark in my heart for that kind of ministry.  I am not sure if it would be right there, with Kingdom Kids or even in Ethiopia, but the incredible calling, peace, nudging, joy, vision or whatever it is that I am feeling to be apart of something like that is undeniable.   If it be God’s will to use me in this kind of fashion I would be so overjoyed and humbled.  I took pictures...

took notes, wrote out my brainstorming ideas not that anyone else really was interested in anything that was on my heart at the time.  I tried to ignore those selfish feelings and just enjoy being there in the first place.  Why do I feel the need to be heard or share the visions I am so passionate about and why did no one really care to listen at the time?   I really do not know the answer to either of the questions but I am trying to stay positive and just enjoy being able to be apart of things.  God has a plan and a purpose to bring me here.. I am confident of that.

            After that was done, we headed back to the hotel with a small stop in a local café for some scrambled eggs, which were red from some kind of spice but still good.  I think we would probably call the place we stayed a motel.  For it had approximately 10 rooms in the shape of a L that all opened to the outside or dirt court or driveway.  We walked up and just gathered there. I knew they wanted to get together and talk about some things and I again I was just excited to hear and learn about the ministry.  But as I sat M said they were going to have a meeting and asked me to leave.  S was there and going to be apart of it and even talk to them a bit but M did not want me there.  There was no place for me to go except to my little room for even if I sat outside my room it would seem like I was somewhere where I was not wanted.  It was so awkward and uncomfortable.  I felt sad and rejected.  I literally spent at least 2 hours if not more in my room today.   Oh and let me tell you did I have a battle going on in my soul and mind while there.  WOULD GOD REALLY BRING ME ALL THE WAY TO AFRICA FOR ME TO SIT IN MY ROOM?  WHY AM I HERE?  WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?   I fought the TRUTH of GOD’s Plan being perfect and He being in control which questions and feelings of Doubt, confusion, rejection, pride, and whatever else I was boiling up.  COME ON NOW… I said I was going to have a better attitude, right!  I said I was going to release it all in His hands.  But I seriously do not get this.  

            After the meetings I thought we would be able to do something more meaningful but that was not the case either.  M., S. and G. were headed back to Addis for another government meeting and S. was flying home the next day.  Part of me wanted to scream at S. and say how can you leave me here.  And then I thought of maybe heading back to Addis and catching a plan to see my dear friends in Mekelle where ORE (Operation Rescue Ethiopia) was which was the most incredible run ministry.  But I know GOD brought me here for a reason and I am going to stick it out!!! 

           M’s mother and I were staying in Soddo on our own.  At first I thought of protesting a bit and saying I would like to go back with them but then I thought it might be kind of nice on our own here.  D (from Addis) and B who was from that area  were suppose to be with us  while we were there.   There was a ton of standing and waiting for the bus to come and get them but finally they were off. 

           “What would you like to do?”  Did I hear them right?  What would I like to do?  Our first choice was to go to the orphanage but for some reason they seemed hesitant about that without Michelle with.  I so badly wanted to go and spend time with the children and nannies but today was not suppose to be that day.  “Well…. Do you know where the Soddo Christian Hospital is?, “ was my next question.  And B replied with a definite YES.  Little did I know how well B really meant what he said.  We headed towards the hospital, M’s Mother, D, B and myself.  As we walked through town we passed a familiar sight.  One that I had seen many times on our previous trip and this trip alike, a ping pong table.  They are really all over the place.  Earlier I had talked to D about playing and he had mentioned what a great player he was back in his University days. So, when we passed one along the road and were not trying to hold to anyone else’s agenda the challenge was on. 

            It merely took one volley to know what I was up against.  D was not joking about how good he was.  The spins and tricks he was able to use were incredible. The way the crowd formed we probably provided a bit of entertainment for many.  It was probably a very unusual sight to have a woman let alone a ferengie holding her own at the game.  It was a battle.. he probably went a bit easy on me .. but in the end I lost.  I tried to pull the whole “Its very rude to beat a woman in the US” but D was not falling for it.  He boasted pretty big time.  So I went to work at trying to find out from the guys who looked like that was there regular hang out who was considered the BEST player around.  Everyone pointed to the same guy so I recruited him to play on my behalf and beat D.  Everyone was laughing so hard when I cheered whenever D would lose.  It was such a great stress releaser.

         When we got to the hospital B told me that he previously worked there and it was obvious for every few feet he would be stopped by another familiar face or old friend. I was so impressed with the whole facility.  So much nicer then any facility we saw while in Mekelle.  B was going to introduce me to the Dentist but he was not in.

        We then headed back to the hotel to clean up a bit before dinner.  At dinner B said he has spoken to M about the 2 children I had expected to see at the orphanage.  They were taken back to their village along with many other children due to the complications at the orphanage right now.  I worried about them and all the loss and inconsistency they have faced already in life.  I originally mentioned that I wanted to go see them and where they are living right now but B said that they had thought it would be better to get them and possibly bring them to town for a visit.  I said that I did not want to disturb or confuse them for my sake but B reassured me that he was more concerned with their well-being than me in which I thanked him for that.  He would evaluate things and do what is best. 

            As a family we have prayed for all the children of the orphanage and the trip.  Learning about the ministry and God’s calling on my life in this area has always been the initiator and at the for-front of everything, but I have to admit along the way God has also placed a special interest and love for these two particular children on our family’s hearts.  So originally NOT seeing them was a huge blow.  I really do want what is best for them and I am praying that God directs if I am suppose to see them although just thinking about it makes my heart race a bit more than I ever thought it would!!

FEB. 20th 2010 - TOUGH DAY!

Even though I may say I had no real set expectations when coming here I think it is impossible to really come half way across the world without some.   None – the – less… nothing is as expected.  I feel exhausted, and my emotions are thin and I have to admit I feel so alone.  Not being able to call home or communicate with loved ones at all is much more difficult than ever expected. 

We drove from Addis south to Soddo today.  What I thought may be a 4 hour drive was probably close to 6.  And we are not talking about a nice leisurely drive through the countryside.  It was the type of drive where you hold on and look forward the whole time.  If you are at all prone to any type of motion sickness you are probably a bit helpless.  It was not necessarily because of the condition of the roads either but rather the way that they drive on them.  The horn is not at all reserved for emergencies or disgruntle drivers but as a constant warning to anyone or thing ahead saying here we come… MOVE!!!  Swerving around not only all the people that are walking for miles with water buckets on their backs, but the livestock seem also to think that they have priority above any none living thing with wheels and a loud noise maker.  The lines down the middle of the road also mean nothing; Needless to say it was an interesting trip.

Sitting next to me was a young local who has been working for Michelle.  It was obvious he was not really excited to be forced to travel and stay in Soddo.  But I made it my goal to get to know him and get him talking.  “HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED TWENTY QUESTIONS?”  Thankfully language was only a selective barrier for him...  That and the cell phone that seemed to be connected to his ear.  I told him that in America, I know people sometime pretend to talk on the phone to avoid having to talk to someone next to them and asked him if that was just an American thing.  He laughed, the ice was broken and the rest of the conversation went well.  He was a super nice guy and it was great getting to know him a bit.  At one point he mentioned how easy it was to communicate with me and was questioning why he has never been able to do the same with some others.  Everything was going great until I blew it by pulling out my I-touch.  Dawit loved it and it won over conversation with me the rest of the trip. … Imagine that?!?!?!

We finally arrived at the orphanage and I was rather shaky with excitement to meet the kids. I had the videotape rolling.  As we entered the building the sweet children were singing a welcome song.  "HOLD YOUR HEART, AMY… HOLD YOUR HEART!!!"  I had seen pictures of all the kids previously but pictures do not really do it justice.  To see these faces that I have been looking at, praying for, for sometime was amazing.  I scanned the group for 2 particular ones that had stolen my heart before coming on the trip but they were not there.  At first I was waiting for them to come in from the other room but they never did.  My heart began to sink.  I was confused and worried.

Right away Michelle said we could not stay but had to get to the market.  The market only happened on saturdays so if we missed it today we would not have gotten that experience.  Michelle also had some items in mind that she really wanted to purchase and knew the market was the place to do so.  NOW.. I have been on mission trips before.  I have experienced third world countries.  But for some reason this experience was a bit overwhelming for me.  Maybe I was still recovering from the drive, or a bit emotional from not seeing the particular children.  Maybe it would of been a lot easier if I had some warning of what we were doing or what to expect.  As it was, I felt a bit lost and overwhelmed at all that was going on.  Trying to keep up with Michelle as she scurried through the mass crowd was one thing.  

On our previous trip to Ethiopia we had gone towards the North to cities like Lalibella, Axum, and Mekelle.  On that trip we had of course seen beggars on the sides of the roads and had some little ones from time to time come up to you and ask you for money.  Maybe the most invasive thing was the people trying to sell things to the point of sticking their hands in the window and not understanding or giving into the first few "No, Thank Yous."  But this was completely different.  I am not sure if they were more aggressive in there asking for handouts or if there was just so many more of them but again it was a bit overwhelming.  I learned that I needed to try and keep my distance from Michelle without losing her, for she was shopping and spending money and as soon as they get word a "ferengie" was spending money it was nuts.  Then when it was time to leave the young ones were trying to grab your stuff from you to help you carry it ... at least then they were trying to work for the money but there still was no sight of the "Minnesota nice" way of asking if they could help.. Instead the way they communicated their willingness (??)was to grab your items from you and start walking away with it.  

By the end, after Michelle's mother had to sit for a bit from what I’m sure was overheating and dehydration, we were told to quickly get in taxi, all the while Michelle still trying to figure out her purchases, finally they just closed the door and told the driver to “Go.. Go...” leaving some of the crew behind but at least they were from either Addis or that area and knew what they were doing.  Chaos! I still feel like I am not explaining it well enough to really let you understand what it was like.  

We then went back to the orphanage and started digging in the bins.  Here is where the "expectations" might of gotten in the way again.  As I packed all the clothes, pajamas, underwear, shoes and medical supplies back at home, for the children at the orphanage, I just imagined it going all a bit differently.  Again.. remember the day that I just had.  I am not sure at this point if we had eaten anything other than water and bread from someone on the street and I am still not adjusted to the time change and thus the hours of total sleep I have had the entire trip could probably been counted on both hands.  When organizing and packing the supplies I not only prayed over everything but I prayed for the children that I would be distributing them to.  I researched, studied, and talked to Michelle about the medical needs that the children might have let alone worked at obtaining the prescriptions I thought might be needed. I also knew Michelle wanted to get accurate records and updated pictures on all the kids so I guess I imagined a more organized way of passing things out, taking time to get to know the kids, and carrying for their needs as we were able to bless them with new clothes and shoes.  Needless to say it did not go as I had imagined in my mind.  It was kind of a rushed, crazy time, trying to figure out what fit who ect ect.  No time to worry about getting to know them or any real assessments.  

The other thing was the NANNIES who were just sitting there watching the children get these new items.  I know they were happy for them but I also could sense their human desires and needs and them saying "what about me?" At one point when Michelle was out of the room I was asked by some of the nannies if there was something for them.. "I said Oh yes.. we can check with Michelle." in which they talked amongst each other which I could not understand and then said "No, Michelle .. You give to us." "Ahhhhh.. What do I do now?"  I felt so bad. 

After everything was packed up, brought outside it was getting late and the kids were brought inside to go to bed.  We waited outside for the guys to come and pick us up and go to the next place that Michelle wanted to go to while there still was some light.  Here is where I learned how Ethiopian time is so different then that of the US.  Michelle called them and said how important it was for her to see the site she wanted to when there still was some light.  They said there were on the way.  Seriously, 45 min later, they were called again and they said they were almost there, probably another 45 min later and finally they came.  I really do not know the exact timing but I do know how tired, hungry and emotional I was.  It was dark by the time they arrived, we still went to the location and tried to see what we could see and then headed to the hotel we were going to be staying at the next few nights.

I will describe the room to you another time.  For now I will just describe my breaking moment.  I got into the room and it happened.  First I have to tell you about the other Angel God sent to me.  His name is Scott, a missions pastor from Michelle’s church who is here just for a quick visit on his way home from Rwanda.  He was one of those big guys who has the softest mannerisms but you can just tell he is full of so much knowledge and wisdom.  He gets me, my sense of humor (which I presently had lost), and is easy to talk to when there ever is time to do so.  He knocked on my door to tell me they were all going to head out to find a bite to eat.  “A bite to eat????” I thought… It felt like it was 3 in the morning, which it isn’t but I am dead.   I looked at him and could not hold it in any longer.  He must of thought I was nuts.  I think I even said, “I want to go home,” in the midst of the breakdown.  There is more to what is going on, in which I am not sharing, just know that nothing was or is as I expected it to be.  Granola bars and bottled water sounded like the ideal diner tonight.  So I told them to go and I just want to get a good night sleep and start new in the morning.

** Reflection:  WOW!  Looking back on all of that now I seriously can see God’s hand in it.  It was not suppose to go as I had planned or thought out.  It was not about my agenda or me. It was almost like, maybe even exactly like, God needed to bring me half way across the world just to break me and teach me about HIS COMPLETE SOVERIGNTY!!  I love that lesson.  I really do, however painful the experiences are for me to go through I would do it again and again to be able to grow and learn what God wants to teach me.  After going through all we did with my father’s illness and death I always said the one lesson I learned was about God’s sovereignty.  I prayed that whole time,  “God, you know the desires of our hearts but we submit to your will.”  Being able to trust and believe that God was not only in control but His plan was BEST for all of us was huge.  Submitting to God’s will was such a huge lesson to learn. Guess I needed to learn more. For some reason that situation seemed different than this.  I cannot even describe exactly why, but it just seemed like an isolated huge situation or event that we had time to process and get our minds wrapped around.  This however did not just seem like a single event.. After all.. I knew that GOD wanted me to go on that trip.  I was being obedient just by going.. Wasn’t I?  But GOD wanted more!  He wanted to teach me more… like submitting to God’s sovereignty and will does not just have to do with the major decisions and events in our lifes.  It has to do with everyday, minute, and second we live.  Relying on the fact that God is in complete control and if we do our part and seek after Him with all our heart than everything that happens and every situation we are in we can have complete PEACE, for if God did not want it to happen that way it would be different.   

         I am honored that God would think so much of me, that He not only knew what needed to happen to me in order to teach me these things but then He actually did it. (Honored or ashamed that He had to go to such great lengths to get it through my thick skull. ;-)) He brought me half way across the world, away from any thing and anyone I could turn to, to break me down in order to teach me these things.  THE LORD IS GOOD!!!

SHOUT OUT TO MY MAIN MAN!!

WRITTEN: FEB 19th, 2009

I have wanted to post something like this for a while but I never felt like I could express enough or in the right words how absolutely thankful and in love I am with my husband.  The things he has had to put up with are crazy!!  I have talked about and listed all the donations and support I have received from everyone else but truly he is my biggest support and LOVE!!!  It is not just financial, either.  For years, he has sat and listened to the visions and longings God has put on my heart.  He has put up with all the time I have felt confused and questioning of what God desires for our lives.  We have prayed together and cried together as we seeked God to reveal to us His plan. It has not been the smoothest journey but I am so thankful for the journey none-the-less.  I have never doubted his love and commitment to me and I have probably not been the best at expressing my love and commitment to him along the way.   I think we have grown together more in the last few years than in all of our (almost) TWENTY YEARS of marriage. He was the one who originally said.. “Amy, I think you should go!”  He is also the one who has paid for the this to happen and the one staying back home and running the house while I am gone (WITH THE INCREDIBLE ASSISTANCE OF NOELLE!!!  WAY TO GET THE ASSIST, NOELLE) I could not think of a better Birthday present than this, to be able to seek after God and serve him in this manner.  

I LOVE YOU MD! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!           

I am BLESSED!

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!!!)