Behind the Exterior

Here in Addis, I've been so shocked in recent days of all the changes.  Many of the small shops that lined the streets here are gone.  The government has literally ripped the faces off of all the storefronts. I think the purpose is to widen the roads and improve the overall look of the city, but for most people here, a facelift is not going to change the deeper issues that need fixed. 

This is also true about life.

At many times in life, we put on a "good face" for others to see. We smile, we say I'm fine, and on the outside, we may look and even sound "put together."  But the reality behind the exterior of us, might be what we call here: "chigger." There might be trouble going on inside of us. 

Maybe deep inside of you is resentment or anger. You might have insecurity or fear.  You may feel sadness. Loneliness. Depression.  Maybe you have disappointment. Bitterness. Maybe you feel forgotten by someone or even forgotten by God. But no one can see these things because you hide them.

In thinking about my life here in Ethiopia, having lived here now through many seasons, I remember many times when I put on a smile and went to class. When I sat in meetings and looked like I understood. When I rode in taxis and seemed at ease. When the reality was NOT that at all. I remember fear and sadness and loneliness and loss. I remember disappointment and anger and insecurity.  But I also remember God.

And I think what has grown in me more and more over time is a deep gratitude to the God who sees me, all of me, in all seasons!!!!! And He still gives me love and grace and mercy. He still is with me and hasn't given up on me. He sees what I don't show others and yet, still believes in my potential and what I can still become.  This brings huge gratitude to my life and humility because it's so undeserved!!!

We have a God who knows what is behind the exterior of our lives. He knows what's behind the closed doors and what we try to hide or cover up. God knows it and sees it all. 

And still God says to us ...

I love you with an everlasting love ... Jeremiah 31:3

I came to give you life ... John 10:10

I heal the brokenhearted and bind up wounds ... Psalm 147:3

I set the lonely in families ... Psalm 68:6

I will dry every tear ... Revelation 21:4

I will go before you and make crooked things straight ... Isaiah 45: 2-3

I am making all things new ... Revelation 21:5

Inwardly you are being renewed day by day ... 2 Corinthians 4:16

I will guide you always; I will satisfy your needs and strengthen your frame .... Isaiah 58:11

I can do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine ... Ephesians 3:20

In your weakness, I am strong ... 2 Corinthians 12:10

I will plant you for my splendor ...  Isaiah 60:21

I will never leave you nor forsake you ... Deuteronomy 31:8

You will hear my voice behind you telling you the way to go ... Isaiah 30:21

I  will supply your every need ... Philippians 4:19

I'm preparing a place for you ... John 14:2

If you seek me, you will find me ... Jeremiah 29:13-14

I go with you to the end ... Matthew 28:20

What???? What amazing love is that!!!!

This week as many gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, may time be taken to reflect on life and on God.  He's been there through all your seasons. He's still there! And I believe He's still writing your story and mine. He has new things to show us in the time ahead! May we continue to trust Him and thank Him!

He's worthy!!!

If you're not feeling gratitude at this time in your life, spend time with God and let Him remind you of His love. He sees all things in you that you don't show others. He can clean what is there. He can heal what is there. Let Him in, He already sees it all. He's there and wants to be your "portion." He can meet every need and make your heart glad in Him!

May we give Him the gratitude He deserves!  Now and as we continue to journey on!

Praises

-for opportunities God's given me to speak and teach in different places this past month, I'm so humbled by those continued opportunities

some of the Addis Ababa (Mexico) region leaders
that I had the privilege give a message to this past week

-for the 12 new EvaSUE staff that finished their orientation training and were launched into their areas

-for a trip I took to the southern part of Ethiopia to see an EvaSUE staff wedding and to teach. I was also so blessed to see a fellowship there using art like we did at our national events

Congratulations Bisrat and Hayu

Jimma University Fellowship

Amazing art exhibition about the book of Matthew

-for recovery from some weird illness I had after that trip

-for all of you!! 

Thank you so much for your partnership with me here! I'm so grateful!

Prayer Requests

-for many of our staff traveling in the coming weeks to give support to new staff and to areas without a regional coordinator; pray for a team headed north to help establish a new staff person there; we are so excited to give support to that region again

-for a regional coordinator consultation time we have coming up, that God will bless this time with these key leaders

-for my trip home for Christmas, that I can raise money for that trip so I can spend a few weeks at home for the holidays.  Also for funds to return and supplies needed. 

If you'd like to give for that, you can do so through the link below. Let me know if you'd like specific funding information on what I need to raise too. Thank you for whatever you might be able to give! 

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

I appreciate you so much!

Please enjoy the turkey, stuffing, football, family.  All the great things about this holiday.  

Especially enjoy the presence of our great God with you!

Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday to those of you celebrating!  

I thank my God every time I remember you ... Philippians 1:3

Give thanks to Lord for He is good, His love endures forever ... Psalm 136:1

Blessed November and then start to the Christmas countdown to you all!