A New Year Begins...

This past week felt full as the Ethiopian New Year 2004 kicked off on Sunday-Monday. We noticed on the days leading up to Sunday- lots of sheep being bought and carried on peoples' backs, and on cars and buses through the city- and we knew they would be NO more soon. Yep.  Roasted meat served as tibs (like sirlon tips) would be served with injera- the large fermented traditional flat bread. Also different kinds of “wat”-stew. There was a barley drink we were served this past week too. And large pieces of grass to decorate homes were also being sold everywhere. So interesting to observe it all.

Happy 2-0-0-4 :-)

many sheep around BEFORE New Years

Most people on New Years Eve- seemed to be involved in a prayer service of some kind. Many churches had all night prayer services. On Monday, New Years Day, many kids were all dressed up in traditional Ethiopian clothes. Groups of kids could be seen roaming from gate to gate singing songs. Very cute. Friends and families visit each others' homes. This even extended into Tuesday for many people. We enjoyed visiting homes and taking it all in. 

one beautiful little girl showing off her dress

On Wednesday through Friday, we largely tried to rest and get some reports turned in. We also all got hit with colds and stomach issues. Mosquitoes invaded our room as well. Oh the joy. :-) But the rains have been less frequent and the sun shining more and we believe that this change in weather will help with our health.

We did experience some great home visits and celebration times, besides the New Years related ones this past week too. Favorites for me...one was the 17^th birthday celebration- that included a huge cake, followed by cookies, popcorn, candy, orange slices and of course bunna (coffee). Life is meant to be celebrated and we enjoyed hearing her share 17 memories she had from her life, things God had taught her, on the journey thus far.

some of the birthday party celebrators :-)

big cake and lots of popcorn :-)

Another visit we had- blessed us so much too. The young people in one family invited us to dinner in their home. They are living on their own in Addis- (ages 22, 20, 17) while their parents live away from them- still ministering in their home rural area. They talked about persecutions endured and what God had taught them. Over injera and bunna- we heard this family of five share- and we were deeply touched by their passion and their sacrifice.  Wow!

For me personally over this past month here in Ethiopia, I've seen the great need to find those quiet moments with God. For me- the best time is in the early morning on one of our guesthouse balconies. If I don't connect with Him...you can tell that later in my day. I need His perspective, His peace, His strength, His wisdom to be anything effective or meaningful to anyone. 

One of my favorite quiet time places

And as with most “mission trip experiences” - and living in a place where you're not comfortable and things can't be controlled by yourself easily- I've felt my weaknesses and my “gaps” yet again. I've remembered I need to lean hard on God's "strength made perfect in weakness.” I'm grateful for that mercy and comfort and that He fills our gaps and actually can be BIG in our SMALLNESS. 

Also- I've remembered that God calls us into times or seasons of stretching sometimes - to help refine us and define us or realign us with Himself, usually preceding a NEXT POST OR NEW FIELD ASSIGNMENT. So, I'm grateful for this time so so so much. And expectant of something big next ahead, but not sure what that is yet. :-)

So the Ethiopian year 2004, and this 2011-2012 time, for me personally- is one needing prayer. My prayer for the coming months here- is that God will do all the pruning of me He needs to and that even in that refining time, He will use me for His intended purpose to make a difference for Him. And for what's beyond, may He make His perfect way clear.

beautiful mornings here remind me of God's promises

This coming week, we are taking a trip to the northern part of Ethiopia- a sort of sabbatical time. Noel, Kristyna, an Ethiopian friend and I will travel to at least three of the biggest historical places and we're excited for the time out of Addis for this. This coming week will also be Kristyna's last full week here. She will go back to the Czech Republic on Monday. It's been a blessing to have her here and to see her love for the people of Ethiopia and Africa overall. I know God has big plans for her.

it's been fun to see these two "czech" mates together :-)

Prayer Requests for this Week

-For good health for us all

-For a safe trip north for the four of us traveling

-For the staff here remaining here in Addis- that they will be able to have some rest this coming week

-and For the E year-2004- that it will be our best year yet in honor of our God

Hope you enjoy the fall weather and college football; also schools-colleges kicking off globally-ENJOY

Each day is a gift. Take those quiet moments to enjoy God, allowing Him to use you in His work as well. I plan to do that here as well- enjoying walks and seeing kids play and listening for God and being about His work.

Thanks for following our journey!!! We will post again next weekend after our trip north.

Love and Blessings from Addis-

Holly, with Noel and Kristyna