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I am so excited to see what God is doing in the lives of so many as we learn to love and serve together.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Ethiopian Mansion, A Means to an End.
When we moved into the apartment last fall, the dream was unfolding but the goals were clear. We wanted to know more about Ethiopia, we wanted to have little or no debt including our properties, we wanted to know who we could partner with and where monies could be used well to help.
We knew we wanted to be givers and not just consumers. We wanted to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Now, as our trip has come and gone and the Ethiopian mansion begins to feel very small, I feel it is time to ask the question, "Is it time to make the transition into a more permanent home?" I feel conflicted. I dont want to loose sight of the sacrifice that made this experience real for our family. Part of the gift of the trip to Ethiopia was walking away from our big house and from many of our treasures we had stored up for years.
I do want to feel a little more settled. A little less in transition. Even if we just buy a small condo, a place to call home that we can invest in. Isn't that the American dream? At the same time I feel so unsettled in my heart. Many of my Ethiopian friends don't even know what it means to be "settled" into a long time comfortable home. My American friends living in Ethiopia live lives far from "settled". They are in constant transition.
It is so hard to describe the lack of consistancy they walk through each day. Items on the menu in a coffee shop or restaurant are rarely the same as they are often running out of items and supplies, streets are of filled with traffic or workers changing routes, taxi's are difficult to get and not consistant, even little grocery stands dont carry the same items from week to week. I remember how hard it was to find a Diet Coke in Ethiopia and then when I was so delighted to find it at one store, three days later, they no longer carried it! Power and water are running one day and not the next without real rhyme or reason. Packages might come and then not come. This all might seem quite insiginifigant but it isn't. Almost every area of their lives, they have chosen to allow it to be unsettled in Ethiopia. All in Love. Embracing the culture and their new lives with the hope of seeing hope and love come to people who would not likely find it on their own.
So why do I want to much to be "settled" and feel like I can rest again? Our lives here on earth are only temporary anyway. My heart won't allow me not to be motivated to help. Our ability to make a difference isn't going to change with a small move. I do hope I will be able to sleep again at night and maybe think more clearly. I know God has good gifts for our family and for the temporary has not called us to move to Ethopia. He has called us to help. I just want to live like I care for others as much as myself. Whether it is my neighbor in Tualatin, Oregon or in Ethiopia Africa. I want to do my part and not be so absorbed with my own dreams and aspirations and desire to be settled that I loose sight of the goals...
We knew we wanted to be givers and not just consumers. We wanted to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Now, as our trip has come and gone and the Ethiopian mansion begins to feel very small, I feel it is time to ask the question, "Is it time to make the transition into a more permanent home?" I feel conflicted. I dont want to loose sight of the sacrifice that made this experience real for our family. Part of the gift of the trip to Ethiopia was walking away from our big house and from many of our treasures we had stored up for years.
I do want to feel a little more settled. A little less in transition. Even if we just buy a small condo, a place to call home that we can invest in. Isn't that the American dream? At the same time I feel so unsettled in my heart. Many of my Ethiopian friends don't even know what it means to be "settled" into a long time comfortable home. My American friends living in Ethiopia live lives far from "settled". They are in constant transition.
It is so hard to describe the lack of consistancy they walk through each day. Items on the menu in a coffee shop or restaurant are rarely the same as they are often running out of items and supplies, streets are of filled with traffic or workers changing routes, taxi's are difficult to get and not consistant, even little grocery stands dont carry the same items from week to week. I remember how hard it was to find a Diet Coke in Ethiopia and then when I was so delighted to find it at one store, three days later, they no longer carried it! Power and water are running one day and not the next without real rhyme or reason. Packages might come and then not come. This all might seem quite insiginifigant but it isn't. Almost every area of their lives, they have chosen to allow it to be unsettled in Ethiopia. All in Love. Embracing the culture and their new lives with the hope of seeing hope and love come to people who would not likely find it on their own.
So why do I want to much to be "settled" and feel like I can rest again? Our lives here on earth are only temporary anyway. My heart won't allow me not to be motivated to help. Our ability to make a difference isn't going to change with a small move. I do hope I will be able to sleep again at night and maybe think more clearly. I know God has good gifts for our family and for the temporary has not called us to move to Ethopia. He has called us to help. I just want to live like I care for others as much as myself. Whether it is my neighbor in Tualatin, Oregon or in Ethiopia Africa. I want to do my part and not be so absorbed with my own dreams and aspirations and desire to be settled that I loose sight of the goals...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Take aways from Ethiopia, the simple things.
If I could aspire to greet my friends and family like an average Ethiopian, I would show amazing love like most American's have ever known in a greeting!
If I could be a better person by following the example of the Ethiopians, I would learn to embrace like they do. When a person walks into a room, one at a time you circle the room, grabbing the other person, shaking their hand and often kissing their cheeks at least 2 if not 4 times. The Ethiopians ask each other about their families and how they are with all sincerity. Not a person in the room is left out. Each person rises to meet the other and everything stops for such greetings.
The same happens when someone leaves. I have heard even in businesses when someone comes to work that they will greet even 100 people in this way.
Taking the time to really look a friend in the eye. I have to admit, my greetings can some times look like a head nod to the front while picking up toys, cooking, talking on the phone and putting on my socks all at the same time! Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration, but real concern and love for everyone who comes in my front door and who I meet each day. Looking at them directly in they eye and giving a great big hug that says I care. This is something I can be much better at and aspire too.
Thank you Alex for your inspiration and wonderful example.
If I could be a better person by following the example of the Ethiopians, I would learn to embrace like they do. When a person walks into a room, one at a time you circle the room, grabbing the other person, shaking their hand and often kissing their cheeks at least 2 if not 4 times. The Ethiopians ask each other about their families and how they are with all sincerity. Not a person in the room is left out. Each person rises to meet the other and everything stops for such greetings.
The same happens when someone leaves. I have heard even in businesses when someone comes to work that they will greet even 100 people in this way.
Taking the time to really look a friend in the eye. I have to admit, my greetings can some times look like a head nod to the front while picking up toys, cooking, talking on the phone and putting on my socks all at the same time! Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration, but real concern and love for everyone who comes in my front door and who I meet each day. Looking at them directly in they eye and giving a great big hug that says I care. This is something I can be much better at and aspire too.
Thank you Alex for your inspiration and wonderful example.
January 7th- Jen's ET Journal
Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated much differently than our holiday. It is a holy day with rest, family and the eating of a feast usually consisting of a goat or a lamb. Tibbs with Ingera. If they are Orthodox it is also the break of their vegetarian fast.
Yordonos asked if we would be willing to leave at 6AM Christmas morning to see if we could find Aleta Wondo for some pictures. My friend’s little boy is from this area and we thought it would be cool if we could get some pictures for him. Something to show his history. After all, if it wasn’t for him, we probably wouldn’t have made it to Ethiopia as a family in the first place!
So we leave really early. It didn’t take long before we ran out of paved road. We were on quite a bumpy ride. Our driver Yordonos was awesome to ask people along the way which direction to go, as it is very difficult to get a good and accurate map. At first we were looking for the village. We had three categories deep to go.
When we finally got to the village, no one knew where the school was or the family we were looking for. Someone suggested we talk to the town official. Of course it was Christmas and the holy day so no one was working and everyone was enjoying their family time. We got a phone number for this official and he wasn’t answering. So, they took us to his home and pounded on the door, stirring him from sleep! African culture is very unique! Can you imagine on Christmas morning, the mayor of a city being woken from sleep so some tourist could ask a question? Well, he came out and chatted with Yordonous for some time, then asked outside to some of the people around, made some calls and then hopped in the bus with us and we were off up a dirt hill. We stopped several times and made turns, asked questions and at one point I thought we saw the school so I got out and took a bunch of pictures. I thought that was the end. But then the official said to me “let’s move”! Okay…I wasn’t sure. Yordonos said it wasn’t what we wanted. We kept going further and further into the dense tropical forest and up this very bumpy dirt road. It really didn’t seem as if cars ever came this far. Most of the time I thought it might be faster to walk! At some point there was a man with gold teeth who also was invited to get into the bus. He may have been a local teacher.
At one of the stops they asked us to get out. Hmmm….what was going on? He is going to be here soon. Who? In 5 minutes, he is coming? I thought maybe another person who had more info. The boy’s dad! In 5 minutes was going to be here. Sure enough, out of the thick of the bushes, comes a young pleasant looking man, nervous, emotional in yet courageous and running to meet us. He is younger than I suspected. We give hugs and kisses all around. The words are flying in all three languages, the native tongue, Amharic and English. I feel so blessed to be in such presence. We share back and forth. He tells us the story of losing his first wife, struggling to feed his family and the anguish in which he gave his son for a better life. He hopes someday he will see him again.
(Later when I asked Yordonos about what had happened he said that dad had received a phone call that the white people were coming to talk to him so he looked flushed because he dropped everything and ran the entire way through the jungle to see us. This is why we did not see any of the other family, because he didn’t even tell them, he just ran to us.)
One of the questions the adoptive parents had been curious about what the mother’s family, since she was the one who passed away. I asked him about her. He said, “Do you want to see?” I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant, a tombstone or a city 3 hours away or? And he said come on! So I said okay and we hopped in the van. We went about 5 minutes, and with the condition of the road I still think it would have been faster to walk. Anyway we hopped out again and he took us down a path similar to a hiking path in a beautiful tropical garden or campground. We entered one place that had a mud hut and then we went back into the thick of the jungle again. Three or four minutes of walking and we came into the big green area where everyone was there. Again it is Christmas. A holy day. He quickly explains to the family and everyone is emotional and excited and begins to hug and kiss us. Dad hugs and kisses everyone.
I hold onto grandma and then the two aunts. It is all very amazing. Difficult to even describe the surprise and delight and concern on their faces. They all begin to ask when the boy is going to come see them. They want to hear his voice, to see his face, to know he is okay. I tell them I will pass on the message to the family. Finally I ask them and tell them, I have come this far, I am like an Auntie to this little boy, don’t they want to know how he is? Do they want me to give them a report? Finally they are excited and say oh yes! Like it hadn’t even dawned on them that I was here to tell them how he was.
After a few minutes of discussion and report, we present dad with a soccer ball. Not sure how it happened, but out of the 25 balls or so we had brought, we had 3 in the van that day and one of them just happened to be Ethan’s. K and Harrison and Ethan had played with it many times. We shared this with his dad. He seemed quite proud and satisfied. He then handed it to grandma to hold. It was their proud trophy.
We lined up the children and shared with them each a piece of gum, a balloon and a sucker. They were all so excited.
To finish up our time, we took group and some individual pictures, said goodbye and away we went. Only God knows the future and the impact of this visit…but it is certain that all of this was not by accident.
On our bumpy way back down the mountain, the city official took us to a restaurant where we had Shiro and Tibbs. How fun it was to visit with his guest, a Peace Corp worker from Colorado who had been living in the community for two years. His brother was also visiting. It was amazing to have him share from his perspective about the community, their needs, the problems and the best of the culture.
Mind you, this is all before noon on Christmas. A miracle, even by American time standards.
We set off to meet our sponsored son Zelalem and to meet him for the first time. (not through World Vision) We actually had sponsored two boys but upon our arrival we discovered one of the boys had never made it to the school. His mom was afraid for him to go and kept him back. We are still sorting this out. At first our hearts were broken thing that we had been given the opportunity to give this young man a chance and he had been overlooked. The big picture is that so many children are receiving help, but even God cares about the individual and we grieved for this one child who was lost in the shuffle.
Our meeting with Zelalem was glorious. He had colored pictures for us and had written scripture in a notebook for us to take. We spent the afternoon with him loving on him. At one point he took us to see his dorm room. A small room, honestly a little like a cell with 5 beds. He was so excited. For the first time in his life he had his very own bed. I caught this right away and asked, him, are you serious? Just for you this big bed? Oh yes! He was so proud and so thankful. Humbling for sure. We were able to give him a small back pack with one pair of pants, one tshirt, notebook, color crayons, pencils, and eraser and some candy. He was so overwhelmed and in an effort not to cry he had to stop several time from pulling everything out. Less than $30 in precious treasures. More than he has ever owned in his life. He showed us the light bulb the size of the end of my pinky that he and the other boys in his room were able to light up with a small used battery. He said that is was for Malcom Gehna. For Christmas. That was it.
It was difficult to leave this sweet young man of 14 years of age. I could not promise him a return time nor know when we would even be able to communicate again. He gave Harrison a gift of a purple avocado to show his love for our family. His love for us is so strong. We blessed him and left him with our hearts heavy. Heavy no knowing when God will allow us to seem him again and also heavy for the boy who was still living in the trash dump and not receiving this blessing which we had hoped to prepare for him.
That evening we drove back to Awassa feeling very full of the day’s events. Too much to even really be able to process. God, what do you want us to do with this big gift you have given us? The gift of the journey, the relationships, the opportunity and the world we have to return to?
Yordonos asked if we would be willing to leave at 6AM Christmas morning to see if we could find Aleta Wondo for some pictures. My friend’s little boy is from this area and we thought it would be cool if we could get some pictures for him. Something to show his history. After all, if it wasn’t for him, we probably wouldn’t have made it to Ethiopia as a family in the first place!
So we leave really early. It didn’t take long before we ran out of paved road. We were on quite a bumpy ride. Our driver Yordonos was awesome to ask people along the way which direction to go, as it is very difficult to get a good and accurate map. At first we were looking for the village. We had three categories deep to go.
When we finally got to the village, no one knew where the school was or the family we were looking for. Someone suggested we talk to the town official. Of course it was Christmas and the holy day so no one was working and everyone was enjoying their family time. We got a phone number for this official and he wasn’t answering. So, they took us to his home and pounded on the door, stirring him from sleep! African culture is very unique! Can you imagine on Christmas morning, the mayor of a city being woken from sleep so some tourist could ask a question? Well, he came out and chatted with Yordonous for some time, then asked outside to some of the people around, made some calls and then hopped in the bus with us and we were off up a dirt hill. We stopped several times and made turns, asked questions and at one point I thought we saw the school so I got out and took a bunch of pictures. I thought that was the end. But then the official said to me “let’s move”! Okay…I wasn’t sure. Yordonos said it wasn’t what we wanted. We kept going further and further into the dense tropical forest and up this very bumpy dirt road. It really didn’t seem as if cars ever came this far. Most of the time I thought it might be faster to walk! At some point there was a man with gold teeth who also was invited to get into the bus. He may have been a local teacher.
At one of the stops they asked us to get out. Hmmm….what was going on? He is going to be here soon. Who? In 5 minutes, he is coming? I thought maybe another person who had more info. The boy’s dad! In 5 minutes was going to be here. Sure enough, out of the thick of the bushes, comes a young pleasant looking man, nervous, emotional in yet courageous and running to meet us. He is younger than I suspected. We give hugs and kisses all around. The words are flying in all three languages, the native tongue, Amharic and English. I feel so blessed to be in such presence. We share back and forth. He tells us the story of losing his first wife, struggling to feed his family and the anguish in which he gave his son for a better life. He hopes someday he will see him again.
(Later when I asked Yordonos about what had happened he said that dad had received a phone call that the white people were coming to talk to him so he looked flushed because he dropped everything and ran the entire way through the jungle to see us. This is why we did not see any of the other family, because he didn’t even tell them, he just ran to us.)
One of the questions the adoptive parents had been curious about what the mother’s family, since she was the one who passed away. I asked him about her. He said, “Do you want to see?” I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant, a tombstone or a city 3 hours away or? And he said come on! So I said okay and we hopped in the van. We went about 5 minutes, and with the condition of the road I still think it would have been faster to walk. Anyway we hopped out again and he took us down a path similar to a hiking path in a beautiful tropical garden or campground. We entered one place that had a mud hut and then we went back into the thick of the jungle again. Three or four minutes of walking and we came into the big green area where everyone was there. Again it is Christmas. A holy day. He quickly explains to the family and everyone is emotional and excited and begins to hug and kiss us. Dad hugs and kisses everyone.
I hold onto grandma and then the two aunts. It is all very amazing. Difficult to even describe the surprise and delight and concern on their faces. They all begin to ask when the boy is going to come see them. They want to hear his voice, to see his face, to know he is okay. I tell them I will pass on the message to the family. Finally I ask them and tell them, I have come this far, I am like an Auntie to this little boy, don’t they want to know how he is? Do they want me to give them a report? Finally they are excited and say oh yes! Like it hadn’t even dawned on them that I was here to tell them how he was.
After a few minutes of discussion and report, we present dad with a soccer ball. Not sure how it happened, but out of the 25 balls or so we had brought, we had 3 in the van that day and one of them just happened to be Ethan’s. K and Harrison and Ethan had played with it many times. We shared this with his dad. He seemed quite proud and satisfied. He then handed it to grandma to hold. It was their proud trophy.
We lined up the children and shared with them each a piece of gum, a balloon and a sucker. They were all so excited.
To finish up our time, we took group and some individual pictures, said goodbye and away we went. Only God knows the future and the impact of this visit…but it is certain that all of this was not by accident.
On our bumpy way back down the mountain, the city official took us to a restaurant where we had Shiro and Tibbs. How fun it was to visit with his guest, a Peace Corp worker from Colorado who had been living in the community for two years. His brother was also visiting. It was amazing to have him share from his perspective about the community, their needs, the problems and the best of the culture.
Mind you, this is all before noon on Christmas. A miracle, even by American time standards.
We set off to meet our sponsored son Zelalem and to meet him for the first time. (not through World Vision) We actually had sponsored two boys but upon our arrival we discovered one of the boys had never made it to the school. His mom was afraid for him to go and kept him back. We are still sorting this out. At first our hearts were broken thing that we had been given the opportunity to give this young man a chance and he had been overlooked. The big picture is that so many children are receiving help, but even God cares about the individual and we grieved for this one child who was lost in the shuffle.
Our meeting with Zelalem was glorious. He had colored pictures for us and had written scripture in a notebook for us to take. We spent the afternoon with him loving on him. At one point he took us to see his dorm room. A small room, honestly a little like a cell with 5 beds. He was so excited. For the first time in his life he had his very own bed. I caught this right away and asked, him, are you serious? Just for you this big bed? Oh yes! He was so proud and so thankful. Humbling for sure. We were able to give him a small back pack with one pair of pants, one tshirt, notebook, color crayons, pencils, and eraser and some candy. He was so overwhelmed and in an effort not to cry he had to stop several time from pulling everything out. Less than $30 in precious treasures. More than he has ever owned in his life. He showed us the light bulb the size of the end of my pinky that he and the other boys in his room were able to light up with a small used battery. He said that is was for Malcom Gehna. For Christmas. That was it.
It was difficult to leave this sweet young man of 14 years of age. I could not promise him a return time nor know when we would even be able to communicate again. He gave Harrison a gift of a purple avocado to show his love for our family. His love for us is so strong. We blessed him and left him with our hearts heavy. Heavy no knowing when God will allow us to seem him again and also heavy for the boy who was still living in the trash dump and not receiving this blessing which we had hoped to prepare for him.
That evening we drove back to Awassa feeling very full of the day’s events. Too much to even really be able to process. God, what do you want us to do with this big gift you have given us? The gift of the journey, the relationships, the opportunity and the world we have to return to?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
January 1st, 2011 - Jen's Ethiopia Journal
First off this morning we read our daily scripture. My friend Sandy had prepared verses for us each day of our trip. What a huge blessing. Then it was off and running.
Variety and flexibility encompassed our day. 500lbs of donations in our room was finally catching up with me and I had the itch to resort through everything and begin to designate what was going to which ministries. For weeks I had been imagining who needed what, how we would be able to get it and then God really just miraculously brought to us through wonderful friends, the desires of my heart for the people in Ethiopia. So, this morning I sorted through and designated gifts, the kids packaged more goodie bags and we set out for a variety of stops as the time would allow. You never know on Africa time how the plans might change.
Our first stop was at Yezalem Minch. The children were attending to their special Christmas program and the main room was packed. Outside in the parking area there were a few children that we visited with while waiting for Shane, Bisrat and Yordanous to deliver some oranges for us. Because of the busy day and special programming, we decided to meet up again later to visit with the sponsored children and to deliver the goats to the families. With gifts and donations from friends we were able to leave oranges for 1000 children attending the programs and their 3 locations. Fruit is a novelty and the few children who watched them be delivered to the back of the kitchen were giddy with anticipation.
Next stop at the request of my friend Tamara Birk, was Kolfe. Kolfe is a government programmed orphanage with all boys. There are around 200 of them all together. The youngest is a 5 year old deaf boy. There are several ministries and teams of people from the US who are attempting to become more involved with the boys as the facilities are a little rough. We stopped by here for a quick visit and delivered a very special Christmas movie DVD and letters to several of the boys from Tamara. We also purchased on her behalf oranges for all 200 of the boys. The boys wrote several letters back in which I will mail upon my return.
The condition of this place is rough. I was having a difficult time keeping myself together. My struggle surrounded the love that I know Tamara and her family has for these young men. It is such a helpless feeling when you care deeply for one of these children in Ethiopia and all you want is to snatch them out of their situation so you can hug them, hold them and love them in a tangible way. I wanted the boys to know truly how much she loved and cared for them. I held each of them tightly for an extended hug and told them this was a hug from their mom. They all seemed somber. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like for them. Knowing they are loved but still being left in this pretty awful place. Knowing that someone wanted them as much as they wanted her. It almost seems cruel, a mirage of commitment, love, gentleness and closeness, but just out of reach. These are the moments when I just have to remember that God sees them. He loves them and he is in control. We each are giving our best and then we have to trust God, daily. We have to walk away from our normal American Christianity of having trust and security in our jobs, our family, our money and then God. In Kolfe and for people like Tamara, there must absolutely be a minute by minute trust in God first because all of the other is so much out of our control.
While on our way to Kolfe, Bisrat mentioned that we were passing by some street people who were sleeping because they were starving and just wanted to die. He asked if on our way from Kolfe if we could feed them.
We left Kolfe and we didnt have much time but we pulled to the side of the road where the homeless people were sleeping in the middle of the roundabout. It seems as if everyone in Ethiopia is hungry and poor but these guys were different. Bisrat and Shane woke them up and asked them if they wanted to eat. They eagerly followed Shane and Bisrat to the restaurant across the street. Bisrat quickly ordered some food and the grown men began to cry pointing toward the sky. “God has brought us food, we won’t die today. Thank you, blessings to you from God.” They also told Shane that they were laying there to die, trying to sleep so they couldn’t feel the time pass. When Shane came back to the van, he was nearly sobbing himself. What seemed insignificant, to stop and feed a few men, became an impacting moment that we won’t forget any time soon. Around 5 people fed for two meals for around $10.
It was time for lunch for our family and we were blessed to catch up with the Heye family. They are serving in Ethiopia as a family. Kimberly teaches and Aser works with a construction crew for a non-profit. Their 5 children are beautiful. They took us to a favorite place which is the rehab center for the Fistula hospital. There is a small lake, and the women who are recovering work in the café. We had the most delightful pot pies. Sharing our stories and being inspired this family was a highlight. It was a joyful time, away from the smog and fantastic for our kids to talk to other kids living in Ethiopia. Could we be like them? I don’t know. I would like to think we could. Truly an un-measureable gift to live and serve in the country like they are.
Our evening wrapped up with popcorn and trail mix for dinner in our guest room. We stocked tiny Christmas stockings for the workers. We included a little cash, a hygiene item, candy and a hair tie or toy. Most of the workers have kids.
Finally we met with Ephram and we swapped soccer stories and shared Jerseys, shorts, balls, pumps and shoes with him for the boys and their tournaments.
By the time our head hit the pillow that night, we fell fast asleep.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Rice Cooker and the Surprise
Cleaning the kitchen in my house is routine. I cook dinner for my family almost every night and eating out is not a big line item in our budget. My Japanese rice cooker is one of my favorite appliances for a quick and easy add to dinner. We like Basmati, Jasmine, long grain brown and even sticky brown rice. On occasion we throw in some white rice for a Mexican variety or pilaf. Most of the time, much like my salads, I add a little twist to give it a different flavor. Much to my disgust one morning this week, I noticed the steam holes had gunk stuck in them. I poked at them for several minutes as I like to think I am mostly Mrs. Clean. I was not going to settle for unwanted treasures in my valuable possession. After prodding, poking and then tugging a bit, the metal inside pan popped out! It had never done that before. Who knew? After three or 4 years of partnering with my favorite appliance, I learned the metal pan on the inside pops out and to my chagrin, there was nasty stuff built up from the years of use, under the metal plate! I was horrified. After inspecting the metal plate more closely, I noticed there was Japanese writing with little arrows pointing to the clips that were previously holding it in place. It dawned on me that this entire time, there were directions on cleaning this beauty and I had completely overlooked them because they weren’t in English. An oversight? Oh yes, but how could I know?
A crazy thought totally and quickly came to mind. In my life, where do I have gunk, even when I pride myself in trying to do the right thing or keeping myself cleaned up, where I just have ignored the instructions? Maybe it is an innocent ignorance like with the rice cooker. Maybe no one has demonstrated for me or shown me before. By chance, it just got so bad I couldn’t help but explore further. I don’t really have a strong conclusion to this little story but I really hope I am willing to pay attention and ask God to show me more clearly where I have gunk built up and how to remedy it in my life, in my attitude and with my friends. Maintaining our lives by God’s instruction book is so much easier than and a whole lot less embarrassing than pulling out the big gunky mess after a long time of build up.
A crazy thought totally and quickly came to mind. In my life, where do I have gunk, even when I pride myself in trying to do the right thing or keeping myself cleaned up, where I just have ignored the instructions? Maybe it is an innocent ignorance like with the rice cooker. Maybe no one has demonstrated for me or shown me before. By chance, it just got so bad I couldn’t help but explore further. I don’t really have a strong conclusion to this little story but I really hope I am willing to pay attention and ask God to show me more clearly where I have gunk built up and how to remedy it in my life, in my attitude and with my friends. Maintaining our lives by God’s instruction book is so much easier than and a whole lot less embarrassing than pulling out the big gunky mess after a long time of build up.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
We had the “What If?” talk.
Making Happy Birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve...everything is a first for Alex
Are we really willing to give it all to God? Even our lives? What if something happens to one of us or two of us or even three of us for that matter? Are we willing to trust God completely? Will we still believe in him and give him the glory no matter what happens in Africa?
The chances of something bad happening are probably worse in a small car on interstate 5 but I think this is a good time to remind ourselves that we have given our lives to God. It is a time to reflect and ask ourselves what that really means. What does it mean to say “no matter what, I believe, I trust, I give my life to live or die for Christ Jesus”? No Matter.
I would ask that if you are reading our stories that you would pray for us, that you would trust God with us and that you too would choose to allow God to have his will in our lives even if that means a loss for you.
No Matter What.
The journey to ET begins officially tomorrow…
I received a phone call tonight. Alex was checking on all of us to make sure we were okay. He was very concerned and wished he could be with us tomorrow to go to the airport. Because we were leaving from Seattle after spending Christmas in the Olympia area with my parents, it just wasn’t practical to have him come from Portland to Seattle. He said it would not be a problem to ride the bus back. That would be one long bus ride…We tease Alex because when he first came to Portland he was lost several times and with his accent being so strong, and not necessarily asking the right questions, ended up in many of the wrong places! It is painful for me when he tells me he is going to take the bus some place new! He is quite the professional now but still…
Alex’s cousin, Michael, is going to be meeting us in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Wednesday. Our first anticipated adventure is going to be a long drive (8 plus hours and a long walk) to Alex’s mothers home. We will meet much of his family. Alex was on the phone with his mom (yes a cell phone out in the bush somewhere) and she just doesn’t quite understand who we are or why we are visiting. She doesn’t understand what it means that Alex lives in the United States. She thinks he must be in the city somewhere. Alex doesn’t think the nieces and nephews that live with her have ever heard of “white people” or even know they exist. We have recorded video messages and pictures of Alex to bring to his family so they will believe us. We are not sure exactly why or what to expect but we feel peace in pursuing this visit of his family. We hope to bring mutual love, respect and a melting of our family with his. A long term approach and plan. Details will be uncovered in time. For now, we are attempting to be open with our hearts and our mind as well as our ears to God and we are asking for courage to take the steps toward His plan.
Alex’s cousin, Michael, is going to be meeting us in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Wednesday. Our first anticipated adventure is going to be a long drive (8 plus hours and a long walk) to Alex’s mothers home. We will meet much of his family. Alex was on the phone with his mom (yes a cell phone out in the bush somewhere) and she just doesn’t quite understand who we are or why we are visiting. She doesn’t understand what it means that Alex lives in the United States. She thinks he must be in the city somewhere. Alex doesn’t think the nieces and nephews that live with her have ever heard of “white people” or even know they exist. We have recorded video messages and pictures of Alex to bring to his family so they will believe us. We are not sure exactly why or what to expect but we feel peace in pursuing this visit of his family. We hope to bring mutual love, respect and a melting of our family with his. A long term approach and plan. Details will be uncovered in time. For now, we are attempting to be open with our hearts and our mind as well as our ears to God and we are asking for courage to take the steps toward His plan.
The return of our Annual Charity Christmas party at BFRG
Several years ago, we felt prompted to share the joy of being generous with our clients and friends. In addition to celebrating Christmas and a wonderful business year, we expanded our party and time with our friends to include the opportunity to share financially with some of our favorite charities the company had helped to support over the year. Each year has been special.
This year was unique and delightful in ways distinguished from past shindigs in that the Ethiopian theme emanated throughout the night. Decorations, coffee and tasty dishes all brought delight to our guests. I believe I enjoyed it as much as anyone. Students from Horizon Christian School sang carols; we saw pictures and videos and just shared our desires to help the orphans with each other.
My emotions ran high as I was again humbled by the kindness and generosity of our friends…5 beautiful Ethiopian children were sponsored. The life of a child and their family will be changed forever. For that child it means education, food, medical care, opportunities to learn about God, and support. Support might not seem like a big deal, mostly because we are so used to built in infrastructures. We don’t think anything of the local elementary school, the roads we take to get to it, the stoplights that keep us from accidents, the grocery store where we are able to get food for our lunches or the kind teachers who are there. It is all automatic for us. Being sponsored helps bridge the gap where those valuable necessities and the infrastructures are missing. Alex was just telling me about when he was a kid and when they “had it good” they took popcorn in their pocket for lunch. Being sponsored gives the child the opportunity to thrive rather than survive.
The highlight of the evening had to be Alex sharing a glimpse of his story. His coming to the United States and the divine meeting with our family. I can’t help but believe that we needed Alex as much as he needs us. We do have this on video to share sometime soon.
Be blessed!
This year was unique and delightful in ways distinguished from past shindigs in that the Ethiopian theme emanated throughout the night. Decorations, coffee and tasty dishes all brought delight to our guests. I believe I enjoyed it as much as anyone. Students from Horizon Christian School sang carols; we saw pictures and videos and just shared our desires to help the orphans with each other.
My emotions ran high as I was again humbled by the kindness and generosity of our friends…5 beautiful Ethiopian children were sponsored. The life of a child and their family will be changed forever. For that child it means education, food, medical care, opportunities to learn about God, and support. Support might not seem like a big deal, mostly because we are so used to built in infrastructures. We don’t think anything of the local elementary school, the roads we take to get to it, the stoplights that keep us from accidents, the grocery store where we are able to get food for our lunches or the kind teachers who are there. It is all automatic for us. Being sponsored helps bridge the gap where those valuable necessities and the infrastructures are missing. Alex was just telling me about when he was a kid and when they “had it good” they took popcorn in their pocket for lunch. Being sponsored gives the child the opportunity to thrive rather than survive.
The highlight of the evening had to be Alex sharing a glimpse of his story. His coming to the United States and the divine meeting with our family. I can’t help but believe that we needed Alex as much as he needs us. We do have this on video to share sometime soon.
Be blessed!
Horizon Kids Church with Harrison and Alex
In anticipation of our journey across the world, Pastor Jenny invited Harrison to share his concerns for the children of Ethiopia. On the Sunday before Christmas, Harrison and Alex gladly stood before the children, shared of the needs and their heart and promised to bring back videos and pictures. The video of Korah was then shared. Here is a glimpse of the boys….the children were delighted.
Many of the students were asking questions. One of the best shouted from the middle was from a little boy. “Alex, Alex, Alex!!! Did you have (e)lectronics when you were a kid?” Alex just smiled and said, no.
Watching my son was beautiful. I believe right now he is really sharing out of his faith and his unknown. I am so very aware that even for him it is going to be so real very soon. I am praying that the raw nature of the adventure will keep his heart soft and sensitive and motivated to help. I am trusting the Lord that it won’t break his heart completely.
At the conclusion of the service, Pastor Jenny had the children come forward and lay hands on the missionary Harrison and his mother. The sweet little boys and girls gathered around with their eyes closed tightly and their hands reaching to touch us, several of the children prayed out loudly with strength and faith only found in a child. I couldn’t help but let the tears stream down my face. I couldn’t quickly swipe the tears as my arms were pinned by the children who stretched to touch me. It is in those weak moments where I am so aware of my insignificance, my inability to change the world, my complete dependence on the One, the only One who truly can go before us and work through us to accomplish what he wants do.
Many of the students were asking questions. One of the best shouted from the middle was from a little boy. “Alex, Alex, Alex!!! Did you have (e)lectronics when you were a kid?” Alex just smiled and said, no.
Watching my son was beautiful. I believe right now he is really sharing out of his faith and his unknown. I am so very aware that even for him it is going to be so real very soon. I am praying that the raw nature of the adventure will keep his heart soft and sensitive and motivated to help. I am trusting the Lord that it won’t break his heart completely.
At the conclusion of the service, Pastor Jenny had the children come forward and lay hands on the missionary Harrison and his mother. The sweet little boys and girls gathered around with their eyes closed tightly and their hands reaching to touch us, several of the children prayed out loudly with strength and faith only found in a child. I couldn’t help but let the tears stream down my face. I couldn’t quickly swipe the tears as my arms were pinned by the children who stretched to touch me. It is in those weak moments where I am so aware of my insignificance, my inability to change the world, my complete dependence on the One, the only One who truly can go before us and work through us to accomplish what he wants do.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
This ain't Hawaii...4 minute video of our destination.
I couldn't be more delighted by our choice to visit...
Korah in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
If you are wondering why I keep asking for treasures to take with us...check out this video and you will see a glimpse into why we want to share the love.
I dare you to let down your guard, EXPERIENCE, and dare to be moved.
If you are wondering why I keep asking for treasures to take with us...check out this video and you will see a glimpse into why we want to share the love.
I dare you to let down your guard, EXPERIENCE, and dare to be moved.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Final wish list for ET...only 2 more weeks.
The countdown till lift off has begun...
We will be leaving Portland Oregon on the evening of December 25th, 2010. We will fly from Seattle on December 27th. This means we have just about two weeks to finish our hunting and gathering...
Yes we are limited in how much we can take, but because there are four of us, each with two suitcases, that still amounts to 400lbs plus carry ons. This is still quite a few treasures we can hand carry to the programs caring for orphans and the extreme poor.
Here is a list of some items still on our wish list. Think creatively and if you want to know if there is something more you can send or you have an idea, call or message me.
fleece blankets/throws (the children currently nap on the dirt at Sally's preschool)
coloring books
any children's DVD’s
children's cassettes- (music)
composition books
Preschool toys- high quality- like blocks, board books, plastic stacking toys, things that won't break down and can be used by many small hands.
Formula and diapers
Jeans and shoes in excellent condition
Soccer or sport jerseys, deflated soccer and basket balls, beach balls and pumps
Classroom style pencil sharpener and small sharpeners, pencils and erasers
Soap, lotion, toothpaste, tooth brushes, nail clippers
Small toys from the dollar store, small baby dolls, cars, hair bands
English training materials geared toward elementary level english
Books, especially bible stories
Simple medicial supplies: bandaids, neosporin, anitseptic, bandages etc.
Socks and underwear for children
Used eye glasses
Small sewing kits, scizzors
Gently used children's clothing
We are collecting loose change and financial gifts for medical visits, food and resourses for a few grassroots organizations that are doing their best for the cause. 100% of all financial gifts will be given directly to nonprofits. If you have a preference on such a gift, we will honor that to the best of our ability or return the gift.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Why not just help locally?
This is an honest and fair question. Why not help locally? When some of my friends are honest with me, they will say...but there are so many kids in this area that don't have school supplies or coats. There are so many who are struggling to make ends meet. Why send our charitable giving out of the country when our own at home aren't making it?
I guess to start with, I believe that people are God's diversification plan. Kind of like having a financial plan diversified in several investments. Some are long term investments, middle and short term. Risk can vary across the board. Some are better at some strategies than others because of their attention to detail, their patience or knack. I believe in part that this could be true amongst people who help. Our hearts get tugged in many different ways and "helping out" doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
When I consider Ethiopia, as I am sure is the same with other majority world areas, there just isn't anything about their extreme poverty, death rates and their sickness that come close to what we have to overcome in the US. There are somewhere around 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. I'm not talking about foster care or state assisted kids. We are talking about kids on the street whose family members have died, kids in big box orphanages and children living in the dump. We aren't talking about kids who don't have school supplies or are living with their Aunt, we are talking about kids who might as well be naked and eat a couple times a week. Children actually starving to death.
We are talking about broken systems where the child just can't ever get ahead.
I have also been asked, but what about Aids? Why don't the people just stop messing around and spreading the disease? I suppose if they would the spreading could stop, but they don't. So are we just going to wait for people to "wise up"? But what about the now and the innocent children that are infected? Some women are raped. Some don't know their spouses are infected. So many are sick because someone else wronged them. Why do we feel the need to pass judgement on why they are sick anyway? Don't you realize their are so many other diseases like Polio and Malaria and leprosy that haven't been eliminated from the society yet either?
How does the cycle stop? By telling them to stop messing around? Even at that, how can we encourage them if we don't engage with them at some level? We just think they know because we know? In the US we have so many diseases that we inflict on ourselves through many vices such as food, drugs, alcohol, too much TV, over working etc. We don't hesitate to cash in on our own health insurance even when we are sick by our own hand. But we say we won't help them because it is their own fault?
The idea that we truly are islands in our economy being successful all by ourselves and others around the world should just buck it up and do the same, is kind of ridiculous. We have so many advantages. Even if you are a "self made wealthy person", you still had some benefits from the outside: parents, or education, roads and infrastructure, cars to buy, supplies available, mentoring at some level, hero's to look up to, people to watch and so much more. What if truly none of that was available? I really don't believe that people are truly "self made". We just take for granted our advantages.
My goal is not to sway you to think the only needy place is in majority world countries. My goal would be for the reader to acknowledge that the need in the majority world is nothing like it is here. There isn't the advantages there that we have here. We take for granted our opportunities, our freedoms and our community or societal help. My desire would be for you to understand how far a little would go somewhere else. Most of all, rather than over analyzing everything, start somewhere and help. If you want to help locally than do! Or, better yet, diversify your investment and do both.
Regardless of where you decide to give, give sacrificially free of judgement and with your whole heart as unto the Lord. Don't hold back.
I guess to start with, I believe that people are God's diversification plan. Kind of like having a financial plan diversified in several investments. Some are long term investments, middle and short term. Risk can vary across the board. Some are better at some strategies than others because of their attention to detail, their patience or knack. I believe in part that this could be true amongst people who help. Our hearts get tugged in many different ways and "helping out" doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
When I consider Ethiopia, as I am sure is the same with other majority world areas, there just isn't anything about their extreme poverty, death rates and their sickness that come close to what we have to overcome in the US. There are somewhere around 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone. I'm not talking about foster care or state assisted kids. We are talking about kids on the street whose family members have died, kids in big box orphanages and children living in the dump. We aren't talking about kids who don't have school supplies or are living with their Aunt, we are talking about kids who might as well be naked and eat a couple times a week. Children actually starving to death.
We are talking about broken systems where the child just can't ever get ahead.
I have also been asked, but what about Aids? Why don't the people just stop messing around and spreading the disease? I suppose if they would the spreading could stop, but they don't. So are we just going to wait for people to "wise up"? But what about the now and the innocent children that are infected? Some women are raped. Some don't know their spouses are infected. So many are sick because someone else wronged them. Why do we feel the need to pass judgement on why they are sick anyway? Don't you realize their are so many other diseases like Polio and Malaria and leprosy that haven't been eliminated from the society yet either?
How does the cycle stop? By telling them to stop messing around? Even at that, how can we encourage them if we don't engage with them at some level? We just think they know because we know? In the US we have so many diseases that we inflict on ourselves through many vices such as food, drugs, alcohol, too much TV, over working etc. We don't hesitate to cash in on our own health insurance even when we are sick by our own hand. But we say we won't help them because it is their own fault?
The idea that we truly are islands in our economy being successful all by ourselves and others around the world should just buck it up and do the same, is kind of ridiculous. We have so many advantages. Even if you are a "self made wealthy person", you still had some benefits from the outside: parents, or education, roads and infrastructure, cars to buy, supplies available, mentoring at some level, hero's to look up to, people to watch and so much more. What if truly none of that was available? I really don't believe that people are truly "self made". We just take for granted our advantages.
My goal is not to sway you to think the only needy place is in majority world countries. My goal would be for the reader to acknowledge that the need in the majority world is nothing like it is here. There isn't the advantages there that we have here. We take for granted our opportunities, our freedoms and our community or societal help. My desire would be for you to understand how far a little would go somewhere else. Most of all, rather than over analyzing everything, start somewhere and help. If you want to help locally than do! Or, better yet, diversify your investment and do both.
Regardless of where you decide to give, give sacrificially free of judgement and with your whole heart as unto the Lord. Don't hold back.
Partnering with Sally Baer
One of the most exciting parts of this journey is partnering with others who have already given their lives for others around the world. Many of you have graciously asked how to help or what to donate. One of my ideals has been connecting with the different groups ahead of time so we could bring exactly what they need and want.
Sally Baer and her family is one of those rare individuals who has chosen to live in Ethiopia and dedicates everyday to serve. We will be meeting up with her and her family on January 5th for a Christmas card and pencil distribution in her community she serves outside of Addis Abba. In addition we would like to contribute toward her preschool and after school program. Her are some items from her Christmas Wish List...
• fleece blankets/throws (the children currently nap on the dirt)
• coloring books
• any children's DVD’s
• children's cassettes- (music)
• composition books
• Preschool toys- high quality- like blocks, board books, plastic stacking toys, things that won't break down and can be used by many small hands.
6 Baer Essentials, http://www.baeressentials.org/ We have designated 100lbs for her after school program. Be blessed and share some love!
Sally Baer and her family is one of those rare individuals who has chosen to live in Ethiopia and dedicates everyday to serve. We will be meeting up with her and her family on January 5th for a Christmas card and pencil distribution in her community she serves outside of Addis Abba. In addition we would like to contribute toward her preschool and after school program. Her are some items from her Christmas Wish List...
• fleece blankets/throws (the children currently nap on the dirt)
• coloring books
• any children's DVD’s
• children's cassettes- (music)
• composition books
• Preschool toys- high quality- like blocks, board books, plastic stacking toys, things that won't break down and can be used by many small hands.
6 Baer Essentials, http://www.baeressentials.org/ We have designated 100lbs for her after school program. Be blessed and share some love!
Tualatin Life Article....
I can't quite figure out how to get it legible in this format so if you want an easy read version of the article...check out November's post called "New to our Blog?"
Thank you all for your encouragment!
Thank you all for your encouragment!
Monday, December 6, 2010
the lump in my throat
Clam diggin this weekend with Harrison and Kaytlynn and the cousins Chase and Molly
I'm not sure how to describe it but it seems I have this choked up feeling welling up inside again and it just won't go. I'm sure there are a few contributors. It seems like the farther I have come from my trip, my emotional side would lesson and my logic would kick in. Let's see, I returned at the end of July...I'm going into my 5th month. I was only there a week with very minimal exposure compared to most everyone else. Seems like heart and head should be in alignment by now.
The Facebook friends I have made and reading their blogs, watching their videos and seeing their pictures takes me in with out much warning. I feel compelled to read, to "listen in", to see how they are living out the opportunity to participate in what God is doing. Surely this is not enough to keep me in this state.
We are in the final sorting from the ET mansion move. (If you aren't up to speed, read November's "New to our Blog?") Tonight it was some old half filled photo albums from high school. I peeled a few pictures from the sticky pages with the hopes of scanning them in the near future and dumped the rest. There just isn't room for anything without purpose. I also found a manual I had written for managing all of the maintenance and day to day operations of my house. The combination really was strange...from high school misfit (athlete, band-o, wanna be smart girl) to successful business owner, followed by a successful surrender to the market crash, to my current state of ET mansion dweller really swirled my brain.
What's really important? What do I really want? Is it too much to ask of those who love me and live with me? After all, I have helped to contribute toward the creation of this life they love. How could I ask them to give it up?
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
I guess even when I think about the albums and continuing to cleanse the "extra". There are parts of my life that in the past weren't in the way. The boxes stashed in the garage that weren't causing any problems. But now in this new stage I wonder, what needs to go and what can stay. What remnants do I need to save of my previous life's journey, what can be recycled, trashed, sold, shared and so on. What really has lasting value and importance.
Do I have to figure all of that out? Hasn't it all been written for me in the bible? Where are the directions to me regarding Ethiopia? I know there is plenty about orphans. Living amongst them or bringing one home? Honoring my family and their needs? Helping others to follow the dream?
What about the orphans? HIV, education, water, LOVE that only Jesus gives through us? How and when and how and when. The lump just sits there.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
disguised as a police officer
Despite what some might think from reading my stories, although my heart is in the clouds of Africa most of the time, I really do work. Today I was meeting with a favorite client, almost everyone is a favorite because I enjoy people so much! Anyway, I was listing a house for one of my clients and we were done with the paperwork in about 15 minutes but we all lingered and the most amazing conversation transpired. The surfaces slid away.
Officer D. began to tell us about his own heart felt passion. Like most other Americans, he works hard each day and provides for his own family. The option on traveling around the world to rescue children isn't possible. But he didn't let his own circumstances keep him from making a difference, a significant investment with what he already had. Officer D. has a friend in Haiti who helps rescue girls from sexual slavery. He has to go in under cover and pull them out one at a time with out blowing his cover. It is often dangerous work. Officer D. has listened to many of his stories and felt compelled to help his friend. He was able to gather old vests and equipment that would normally have been recycled. His friend for the first time was able to get a large vest that would protect him during a raid. He said that his friend was so encouraged by the gesture and the friendship. It will make a big impact for him and for others making raids.
Our conversation really encouraged me to remember how important it is for each of us to use the opportunities that we have to help others. I think it is easy to look around at others and think they are so much more talented or they have so much more to give or they just have a knack for that....when really all of us have connections in some small way if we are creative and think about it a bit.
It also encouraged me to look, really look and hear the people around me and see through the disguise of their profession, their status, their person. There are so many stories, there are so many generous and caring people around us, sometimes we just need to listen. Slow our day down a bit and listen to each other and really share from our hearts. When stories are shared, we encourage one another...we love...we bring change.
What's your story? Your passion?
Officer D. began to tell us about his own heart felt passion. Like most other Americans, he works hard each day and provides for his own family. The option on traveling around the world to rescue children isn't possible. But he didn't let his own circumstances keep him from making a difference, a significant investment with what he already had. Officer D. has a friend in Haiti who helps rescue girls from sexual slavery. He has to go in under cover and pull them out one at a time with out blowing his cover. It is often dangerous work. Officer D. has listened to many of his stories and felt compelled to help his friend. He was able to gather old vests and equipment that would normally have been recycled. His friend for the first time was able to get a large vest that would protect him during a raid. He said that his friend was so encouraged by the gesture and the friendship. It will make a big impact for him and for others making raids.
Our conversation really encouraged me to remember how important it is for each of us to use the opportunities that we have to help others. I think it is easy to look around at others and think they are so much more talented or they have so much more to give or they just have a knack for that....when really all of us have connections in some small way if we are creative and think about it a bit.
It also encouraged me to look, really look and hear the people around me and see through the disguise of their profession, their status, their person. There are so many stories, there are so many generous and caring people around us, sometimes we just need to listen. Slow our day down a bit and listen to each other and really share from our hearts. When stories are shared, we encourage one another...we love...we bring change.
What's your story? Your passion?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The highlights of today...3 more sponsored!
Today was a day of delight. All days certainly don't go that way but today was wonderful, full and fast. I remember when days would go by and I wondered if God would allow our family to be used for something grand, maybe something average or really anything at all! Looking back it is always easier to see the seasons that have come and go and their influence on our current path.
Discussions of Ethiopia and the vast opportunity to serve, to explore and to dream began early today over coffee with my friend. More conversations continued with another dear friend over how to really allow the children at church to experience a connection with those across the globe. Stopped by the office to send out my newsletter sharing my heart with so many of my friends. Then off to pick up Kaytlynn and Harrison early from school as they had a short day.
We had arranged to follow up with our presentation to Shane's coworkers. Last week, with Kaytlynn cheering in the background, Harrison presented to adults mind you, the need in Ethiopia through his written out speech and the documentary video about Korah. Today we returned with sponsor packets and actual children who needed help. We set up a table with trinkets and pictures. Included was a bucket for shinning shoes, coffee, a native shirt, hand woven table cloth from the leprosy hospital, beaded jewelry, a bottle with dirty water, hand made animals and a woven basket. Alex came out to see what was going on and was shocked to see "his country!" on the table. He escorted Kaytlynn and Harrison around the offices to see if anyone might be interested in sponsoring a child. Today, 3 beautiful children found a future and a hope.
I can see the confidence in Alex rising. His belief in really being able to make a difference and help his country is building. He would stand tall with Kaytlynn and Harrison and nod strongly. "Yes, my mother still drinks water like that." "Yes, the children shoe shine and sometimes go to school after if they are lucky." "Yes, most kids don't go to school." "Yes, they need help." A partnership is being woven. Ever so intricately. "Yes, I lived like that for 14 years, until I took myself to the big city."
How many years did he wonder if God had a plan for him? Maybe he didn't even know he could dream for a plan. Today he would say to his coworkers "Someday I take you to my country and you will see". He wants to bring water back for his mother's village. Maybe the thoughts and dreams have always been there, cultivating slowly.
I made a quick dinner, answered some emails and went to show houses...
Now home again and glancing in my email I see a copy of the proof for the article to go out on December 7th in our local paper. I see another email from a friend who is going to donate beautiful handmade ornaments for the craft fair to raise funds for the people. I am filled with thankfulness. It feels like a miracle. I am reminded by this friends story and his adoption/sponsorship when he was just a boy in Bethlehem.
For a moment I relish in the connections, the human love, the closeness I feel to those sharing in the dream and watching their own stories unfold.
Discussions of Ethiopia and the vast opportunity to serve, to explore and to dream began early today over coffee with my friend. More conversations continued with another dear friend over how to really allow the children at church to experience a connection with those across the globe. Stopped by the office to send out my newsletter sharing my heart with so many of my friends. Then off to pick up Kaytlynn and Harrison early from school as they had a short day.
We had arranged to follow up with our presentation to Shane's coworkers. Last week, with Kaytlynn cheering in the background, Harrison presented to adults mind you, the need in Ethiopia through his written out speech and the documentary video about Korah. Today we returned with sponsor packets and actual children who needed help. We set up a table with trinkets and pictures. Included was a bucket for shinning shoes, coffee, a native shirt, hand woven table cloth from the leprosy hospital, beaded jewelry, a bottle with dirty water, hand made animals and a woven basket. Alex came out to see what was going on and was shocked to see "his country!" on the table. He escorted Kaytlynn and Harrison around the offices to see if anyone might be interested in sponsoring a child. Today, 3 beautiful children found a future and a hope.
I can see the confidence in Alex rising. His belief in really being able to make a difference and help his country is building. He would stand tall with Kaytlynn and Harrison and nod strongly. "Yes, my mother still drinks water like that." "Yes, the children shoe shine and sometimes go to school after if they are lucky." "Yes, most kids don't go to school." "Yes, they need help." A partnership is being woven. Ever so intricately. "Yes, I lived like that for 14 years, until I took myself to the big city."
How many years did he wonder if God had a plan for him? Maybe he didn't even know he could dream for a plan. Today he would say to his coworkers "Someday I take you to my country and you will see". He wants to bring water back for his mother's village. Maybe the thoughts and dreams have always been there, cultivating slowly.
I made a quick dinner, answered some emails and went to show houses...
Now home again and glancing in my email I see a copy of the proof for the article to go out on December 7th in our local paper. I see another email from a friend who is going to donate beautiful handmade ornaments for the craft fair to raise funds for the people. I am filled with thankfulness. It feels like a miracle. I am reminded by this friends story and his adoption/sponsorship when he was just a boy in Bethlehem.
For a moment I relish in the connections, the human love, the closeness I feel to those sharing in the dream and watching their own stories unfold.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Letting Him set the Pace
It is so easy for me to cross the line. I don't mean to, my heart just wants to help, my brain wants to figure out the plan and fix it, my will won't give us and keeps driving to accomplish it.
Sometimes that sounds like good attributes.
Desire, creative thinking and determination. Other times it looks like wanting my own way, kicking through road blocks God puts up for my protection and stubbornness.
Sometimes that sounds like good attributes.
Desire, creative thinking and determination. Other times it looks like wanting my own way, kicking through road blocks God puts up for my protection and stubbornness.
Exhaustion is often the result when I let it look like the later. I find comfort in this verse from Romans 3: 28. It isn't about me figuring out the plan or leading the parade, it is about watching, listening and following what God is already doing. Being on the team. God's team.
What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade. Romans 3:28
Being in step with God sounds carefree. It makes me think of Kaytlynn or Harrison walking between Shane and me, holding tightly to our hands and occasionally swinging their feet up in the air. It is peaceful. No worry about the course or the direction, just holding on tightly. No running ahead or falling behind, just in step, right on time.
Lord, help me to hold onto you tightly, to stay in step with you and to follow your lead and your pace. Amen
What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade. Romans 3:28
Being in step with God sounds carefree. It makes me think of Kaytlynn or Harrison walking between Shane and me, holding tightly to our hands and occasionally swinging their feet up in the air. It is peaceful. No worry about the course or the direction, just holding on tightly. No running ahead or falling behind, just in step, right on time.
Lord, help me to hold onto you tightly, to stay in step with you and to follow your lead and your pace. Amen
Saturday, November 27, 2010
New to our blog? Our story unfolding...
Our family has lived in Tualatin, OR for just over 10 years. We have always been passionate about sharing our love, our time and our resources with others who would be blessed by them. This year we have had our heart tugged in a very special way…just in time for Christmas.
I visited Ethiopia in July accompanying a dear friend who adopted a 4 year old boy. I had no idea how this trip would rock my world and drive me beyond where I have ever been with compassion for children, for those who are sick and for the devastated poor. When I returned, I chose not to forget, not to close my eyes, not to justify the extremes in which I had just been exposed to. My husband Shane, my daughter Kaytlynn (11) and my son Harrison (8) supported me and listened to countless stories, watched many videos and stared at the pictures with me. They chose to be moved inside.
We decided to start with what we could control…eliminating expenses and liquidating our treasures. We had a whole house garage sale and sold about 90% of our belongings. We leased our house and moved into a tiny apartment. We used the funds from the sale to buy plane tickets for Ethiopia on December 27th, just two days after Christmas. Since that time we have been making contact with NGO’s and non-profits already in Ethiopia serving the people.
Even without even seeing Ethiopia themselves yet, Kaytlynn and Harrison are volunteering to tell the story anywhere and to whomever will listen. They have been asking their friends to support them by collecting loose change and needed items to take with them on the trip.
Our hope is that we might be able to change the world for one. One child, one family, one community at a time. We hope to keep our eyes wide open and to Embrace Compassion rather than cover our head when the time comes to face the pain and suffering of the extreme poor in Ethiopia. There is one small community where we will spend some of our time, just outside the capitol city of Addis Abba Ethiopia. It is called Korah (Kore). Many of the locals do not even know this forbidden area that was once just for lepers. It now contains three generations, around 100,000 people, including babies and children scavenging for trash to eat. Orphans are overly abundant, unprotected and unseen.
We know that we may be one grain of sand on the beach or one drop of water in the ocean, but we will not use that as an excuse to not give who we are and what we have. As we have shared with our friends, we have found many others sharing the same hope and dreams for Africa. Many are giving in different ways of themselves and of their resources. We are not alone. The connections are deep and meaningful almost instantly as we are all fighting for something much bigger than ourselves. Much more important than a fancy Christmas tree or a big house.
We will be hosting an informational Christmas celebration complete appropriately with Ethiopian food, music and a story from a new Ethiopian friend who has just lived in the US himself for only 8 months. If you would like to know more how you can be involved or if you would like to share in this story unfolding, come see us at the Bridges Financial and Realty office in Sherwood on December 18th, 2010 at 7pm. If you would like a presentation in your classroom or at your office for the opportunity to make an impact for one, please contact Jen@bridgesfinancial.com. www.embracecompassion.blogspot.com as the story unfolds. Please find me on Facebook as Jennifer Bridges or Embrace Compassion.
I visited Ethiopia in July accompanying a dear friend who adopted a 4 year old boy. I had no idea how this trip would rock my world and drive me beyond where I have ever been with compassion for children, for those who are sick and for the devastated poor. When I returned, I chose not to forget, not to close my eyes, not to justify the extremes in which I had just been exposed to. My husband Shane, my daughter Kaytlynn (11) and my son Harrison (8) supported me and listened to countless stories, watched many videos and stared at the pictures with me. They chose to be moved inside.
We decided to start with what we could control…eliminating expenses and liquidating our treasures. We had a whole house garage sale and sold about 90% of our belongings. We leased our house and moved into a tiny apartment. We used the funds from the sale to buy plane tickets for Ethiopia on December 27th, just two days after Christmas. Since that time we have been making contact with NGO’s and non-profits already in Ethiopia serving the people.
Even without even seeing Ethiopia themselves yet, Kaytlynn and Harrison are volunteering to tell the story anywhere and to whomever will listen. They have been asking their friends to support them by collecting loose change and needed items to take with them on the trip.
Our hope is that we might be able to change the world for one. One child, one family, one community at a time. We hope to keep our eyes wide open and to Embrace Compassion rather than cover our head when the time comes to face the pain and suffering of the extreme poor in Ethiopia. There is one small community where we will spend some of our time, just outside the capitol city of Addis Abba Ethiopia. It is called Korah (Kore). Many of the locals do not even know this forbidden area that was once just for lepers. It now contains three generations, around 100,000 people, including babies and children scavenging for trash to eat. Orphans are overly abundant, unprotected and unseen.
We know that we may be one grain of sand on the beach or one drop of water in the ocean, but we will not use that as an excuse to not give who we are and what we have. As we have shared with our friends, we have found many others sharing the same hope and dreams for Africa. Many are giving in different ways of themselves and of their resources. We are not alone. The connections are deep and meaningful almost instantly as we are all fighting for something much bigger than ourselves. Much more important than a fancy Christmas tree or a big house.
We will be hosting an informational Christmas celebration complete appropriately with Ethiopian food, music and a story from a new Ethiopian friend who has just lived in the US himself for only 8 months. If you would like to know more how you can be involved or if you would like to share in this story unfolding, come see us at the Bridges Financial and Realty office in Sherwood on December 18th, 2010 at 7pm. If you would like a presentation in your classroom or at your office for the opportunity to make an impact for one, please contact Jen@bridgesfinancial.com. www.embracecompassion.blogspot.com as the story unfolds. Please find me on Facebook as Jennifer Bridges or Embrace Compassion.
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