Life here in Ethiopia the past few months have been very full. Tons of rain and sun, ups and downs on the road of life.
So thankful for God with us! He's there to help us celebrate on the mountains when there's sun. He's also there with us in the valleys to carry us and lead us when it's pouring rain.
Some big mountaintop summits were celebrated this past month, big life milestones for some of my Ethiopian family here. There was the wedding of my dear sister- Heldana - that happened in late May. The birth of the second child of my dear sister- Hilina happened around the same time. There were smiles, laughter, tears of joy ...
 |
| Heldana (Hidi) and Yodahe (Yodi) |
 |
| Wedding party... |
 |
| Hilina... before Ana's arrival |
 |
| Welcome to the world Ana (Mimi)! |
Mixed in the past few months were also some valleys and heavy rain. There were times of sorrow and sadness. Times of illness. Struggle.
Sometimes one foot was in a valley and the other foot was on a mountain.
When the wedding of Hidi was happening, Hilina's new baby went into ICU.
How do we deal with the ups and downs of life? When we are pressed by pain, loss, sorrow, disappointment... how do we keep pressing on?
How do we live here and maximize the time, while also longing for "there"- home in heaven with God? We want the rest, the peace, the freedom from suffering and loss. We want the new body, the new mind, to be reunited with loved ones that have gone on before. The road between here and there is not always easy, it has rain and sun...mountains and valleys... and everything in between.
The constant in it all is God. He goes with us to the end!
May we honor Him and hold onto Him in each moment and represent Him well!
He has promises we can hold to...
I am going to prepare a place for you... John 14
We are hard pressed on every side but are not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned. Struck down, but not destroyed. So we do not lose heart... 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9
We are sorrowful yet rejoicing, poor yet making others rich... 2 Corinthians 6:10
To live is Christ, to die is gain ... Philippians 1:21-23
While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh ... 2 Corinthians 5: 1-10
I press on to get hold of the prize offered to me in Jesus Christ... Philippians 3: 12-13
I am with you always, even to the end... Matthew 28:20
If you're in the sun or in the rain, remember God is there with you on the journey!
And in sun and rain, here until there, may we share and enjoy the journey with Him!
Praises
-Praise God for Hidi and Yodi's Wedding! I'm so happy for the union of these two and was so blessed to be part of the wedding party and to help walk my dear sister into the next chapter of her life. May God continue to bless this amazing couple.
-Praise God for Ana, Hilina and Peniel's new baby girl. She recovered from ICU and is now home. So thankful for her recovery after some very stressful weeks.
-Praise God for many of the successes and hard work of EvaSUE the past months. God has done much. The regions had successful events. Thousands of people heard about Jesus. Many were trained and equipped to be disciples. May God continue to bless this humble team.
-Praise God for the ETC semester finishing. Graduation is this weekend.
 |
| Cross Cultural Communication class with visitors |
-Praise God for the successful visit of EvaSUE's General Secretary, Robel, and Abenezer to the midwest and my home area. I was so happy they got to meet my family and visit CLC, my supporting church.
-My Mom and Dad have a new "baby" arriving late June. Meet Lucy. So excited they found this little lady and pray she will bring them great joy.
Prayer Requests
-Health issues for friends, family
-EvaSUE's busy month of National Events kicks off next week. Please pray for our national events this rainy season (summer)- that God will bless students and staff! Our National Staff meeting is next week, followed by a week of Manuscript Bible Study. Our National Mission Summit is in mid July and our National Leadership Summit is at the end of August. May God anoint these trainings as we serve and mobilize students for the Kingdom of God!
May God bless you in the sun and rain .. on the road between here and there as we journey on.
Blessings from Ethiopia!
