Lockdown, Sheltering in Place, Masked ...

... all such weird words.

Though I've lived in Africa now for almost a decade and years ago lived in Haiti, which was always under a state of emergency, these days have been hard. I know for some parts of the world, these conditions and words are common. But for me, here in Ethiopia and having grown up in the USA, these times are NOT normal.



The world has changed so much in just a short time.

Here in Ethiopia, where coronavirus cases are still small, and only in the past few days has the number began to increase, to watch the news and then feel the effects of this virus spreading has been shocking.

Schools and businesses closing, then wearing a mask enforced... WHAT happened to the world as we knew it?

Huge lessons I've learned so far as I've tried my best to work from home, close my doors, and cover my face.

I don't know if many of you have felt the same as me. But for me, it has overall been shocking and disturbing, like a bad movie. And for me ... I've felt the full range of emotions.

In the beginning, I actually laughed to see people here in masks. It looked ridiculous and many didn't wear them correctly. Then I became irritated when asked to wash my hands or put a mask on, it seemed extreme. Then came worry. If I coughed or sneezed or didn't feel well, which is part of living here, was I infected? I would wash my hands singing "happy birthday to me" two times through (I'm not sure where I saw to do that). Everything became weird, or as my dad has said..it's "spooky." I also felt grief. I missed my students. I missed the gym. I missed the freedom of movement. Our school campuses sit empty. I've felt sadness. Again, it's just overall shocking and weird, this time in history. Will things ever go back to the way it was before?


Now I know for those in the family of God, He tells us He is a strong tower. He calls us to take shelter in the shadow of His wings and to fear not. Yet maybe at no other time in history has such a global crush ...been felt. Where security and freedom and movement have been stilled and sidelined. And I think for every person, it's had an impact. Why has God allowed this now? I know students have struggled with this question. Our graduating class students... were at their last lap... and now they're struggling.

I've been wanting to blog for some time now. But I struggled with what to say or think because I was so shocked.

But I do want to try to share from here now what I've learned and observed so far about myself and what I feel like God has been teaching me and trying to remind me of during this time. I think He still has alot to teach me and help me with.

First of all, God has been teaching me about perspective. I've been reminded- this world is actually sick already, and it has been for a long time. There's a virus called sin and it spreads. It's a killer that brings destruction and death and separation from God forever. But a free vaccine has been given by God. It's Jesus. If you don't have Him, you're dead in your sins, no cure. The vaccine is not going to church or doing good works. It's not fasting or being a good person. It's Jesus. Either He's with and in you- having paid for your sin, or not. It's life's most important vaccine to consider now. Jesus gives perspective in storms...peace, joy, hope, relationship. He's with us as a good Shepherd and doesn't leave us.I've been thankful He's with me- giving me hope and perspective. On good days, bad days, blah days ...He's been with me, seeing me through. I'm so grateful for Him. He's my Savior. My vaccine. My friend. My King. This gives perspective.

If you're with Jesus, He's told us...this world is not home, we're only passing through.Heaven is home. We will be with God forever, maybe sooner than we think. We can be excited for that. A new body with no aches and pains. No tears. Time to catch up with people who are already there. Heaven will be sweet. So we hope in that. It's the not the end, it's a door to the biggest part of our lives. That will be a blessing- whenever it comes.

But if we're given the chance to continue here, that's also a blessing. Why? Because some people still don't know about Jesus. And they need to. We can't take stuff with us out of this world, but we can take people. Who else might need to know the good news about Jesus? Who can you share Him with? And you might say Holly, how can we share Him when churches are closed and there's social distancing? The church isn't closed, buildings are. The church is not a building, but a people. A people who actually do best in these circumstances. There's more on that ... below.

Another thing God has talked to be about during this time... has been issues with my "house". I'm usually not there. So being there- I saw to a greater degree what needed cleaned. What got in that I didn't realize. What needed fixed.

A SNAKE came in twice to my house while I was trying to "work from home." Yep.



Good gosh. Maybe for the past nine years...snakes came through my house every day and I just didn't know it. Not anymore. I closed its entry point. And it hasn't returned. Thank God!

Maybe like me- you've seen issues with "your house." That could be ...what's in your mind, your body, what's in your own personal space. Maybe you've seen what's in your home..with your family. Maybe you've seen things that have gotten in your house that shouldn't be there or things that need fixed. God can use these days to help us get our houses in order. To clean them. To fix them. To make them well. These can be blessed times if we allow God to help us see what we need to see and what do what needs done.

I've also learned that time matters. Even now... I think some have given up. They've stopped living or working or reaching out. I think God can use these days for Him. Otherwise- He'd already take us out if there was nothing else to do. If these are our last days and corona takes us all out- then there's work to do until that point. Jesus to share. Who can you call? Who can you share Him with? Who can you forgive? Who can you make peace with? Who can you love? What more can you learn about God and how you can bless Him? You can make Him smile by your creativity, your devotion, how you love and serve.

I've noticed also it's a time to get done what I should have done already and to try new things. Budget. Book Writing. Language learning. Cooking. I've found new favorites like running outside. I always liked running on the treadmills here in Addis in gyms because outside kills the lungs and clogs them- bugs can fly in your eyes and down your throat, people see you sweat. Not a fan. But I've learned to love morning runs... Addis is so very pretty at these times and God paints AMAZING colors - reminding me He's here.














I've also been reminded... life still has good here. Even in masks, there's love, there's life. One of my best girls had her first baby. Very big congratulations to Hilina Hailu and Peniel Yohannes on the birth of their first child, an adorable little guy named Noah! Another one of my favorite sisters here got married. Congratulations to Redi and Kb! Life is still good and God is still doing miracles.














And I've taken time to reflect. This has been good. Sometimes we're so busy, we don't reflect. What have I done with my life? What more is there to do?

And I've remembered my God and the family I'm part of. I've remembered what happened to people in the Bible when they were in prisons or dungeons. When they were up against the wall, it looked like the other shoe was going to drop on their heads, it looked over, finished....but what happened in those darkest nights ... amazing songs were sung, chains loosed, books written. Seas parted, tombs opened, bodies healed. In shut in places, the people of God can know God deeper. And come out- .... better, stronger, sharper, and more humble. They can have testimonies and ministries born from the darkest of nights and the hardest of times. That's our legacy, that's our heritage. What will be said of us when and if this time passes?

Every day during this pandemic is a battle. A battle of trust. Do I trust what the news says or trust what God says?

God says to trust Him. Darkness lasts for a night, joy comes in the morning.

May we do our best to honor our God by making His name great during these days!
This is my prayer.

Let me know how I can pray for you!

Prayer Requests from here

- Cases have been increasing daily this past week. Pray God's protection and peace and for His church here to shine
-ETC is finishing online, pray we can finale with students the best we can
-HUC is continuing online, please pray for wisdom as we try our best to help as many students as possible finish the semester
-Pray for my family in Ohio- my Dad and Mom, Noel and Mike. All are well and I thank God for that
-Pray for Ethiopia and the world, that Jesus is shared.

Praying for you from here,

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support for me, the work here, and my family!

I'm grateful for you...so much,

Holly

Not a "Good Friday"

I'm not sure if anyone in the world now would say this Friday is "good" or that in a few more days ... we should prepare ourselves for a celebration.

In most places in the world... doors are closed...faces are covered...streets are empty.

Coronavirus has effected almost every country- drastically altering lives.

There is a heaviness and dread in many places... as "positive" cases and death rates increase.

A blanket of uncertainty and fear can be felt.

Will humanity come out of this alive? Will my family? My community? My country? Will I?

Will jobs be there?

Will life ever be like it was before? When there was freedom to move? Freedom to greet others and share meals? Freedom to travel? Or has those shifted forever into history?

All of those are big questions for this Friday that will still be there on Sunday.

Here in Ethiopia, Covid 19 has arrived. But we really don't know for sure it's reach. Testing is minimal. But it's influence has still been felt. Schools are closed. Gyms are closed. Many churches are closed. Many businesses and places where I like to study and work are closed.  For me- it's felt like a major disruption.

I think in Ethiopia the effects overall compared to other places have been minimal. Our supermarkets are still open. . Supplies still seem largely in stock. You have to wash your hands before entering places and you're spread out on taxis and in lines- but not everywhere. But people know its here.

There's not a feeling of celebration- as usually is the case now. As the Easter (Fasika) holiday approaches- there is usually anticipation and excitement mounting. This Sunday is Palm Sunday called Hosanna, usually such a colorful holiday. And next week is Easter, which will end a long time of fasting for many.

But again, the mood doesn't seem right. Faces seem downcast. There is fear in peoples' eyes.

This Friday and next Friday... doesn't feel good and probably won't feel good. There is stress and fear about so much.

Yet even if we don't feel like it's a "Good Friday" ... the fact remains though...that there was one.

Over 2000 years ago, a Friday happened that led to a Sunday that would change everything for all of us. That is why we can EVEN YET.. CELEBRATE!

God's Son Jesus came and in his final three days..on a Friday to a Sunday....He finished what He came to do. In an incredibly humble life marked with love and grace and power and truth, He finished it...dying a death that was supposed to mine and yours and then He ROSE. WHAT? He got up! And because He lives, so can we! Because He got up, so can we! Because He conquered Satan and death, so can we! We can rise!

Jesus paid for our sin and offers us forgiveness and a new life. Accepting that gift changes everything! Your identity and perspective and foundation shifts. Your eternity shifts. Our hope and our life becomes not about us but about Him. Our security and our purpose is not found in a relationship or in a job, but in God and with God. And nothing can separate us from Him.

We realize.. to live is Christ, to die is gain.

So when storms come, when plagues come.. and they will... it doesn't change the fact He's with us. We can endure. Sickness will come. Betrayal. Pain. It's part of life on the planet. But we can pass through and even rise because in us a risen Savior lives. We can overcome and be better from what we passed through!

So what will you do with you life now, your time?  In this weird period of history, during an epidemic, what will you do? How will you live?

You might say... I know what I will do after Covid 19 finishes. Well, maybe it won't finish... so what will you do NOW? Now is what we're given.

God wants us to love Him and love others NOW. How can you do that from your home? Even under "lockdown" or with social distancing?

As an American, we struggle with "down time." We think being still is often a waste. But God wants us to be with Him. Sit before Him. Study Him. Learn Him. Talk to Him. Worship Him. He's there. He's in your home. In your closet. Get in there with Him and shut the door. Be with Him!  This time can be treasured.

He also wants to love others. Check on them. Call them. It's time. Forgive. Why? You can. Maybe tomorrow... that will be even more difficult.  Love your family. Enjoy the time with them if you're with them. It's a gift.  I've loved seeing pictures of families together... having dinner, making funny videos, doing crafts, parents homeschooling kids... you won't forget these days.

If you have talent or a skill- use it for God during this time. Write. Draw. Paint. Plant. Sing. And share God's love and His message with others. This is still in your hand to do.

I've been trying to write the book I tried to write years ago. It's time to finish!

Some day soon I hope, when the "plague" has passed by, we...like the Israelites coming out of Egypt... will leave our homes with songs of gratitude and joy as we march out and shout we made it!

But even if we don't, we do have freedom to celebrate in Jesus Christ and we can march into forever with Him!

Be encouraged. For even if it's not a good Friday, we have a "Good Friday" to celebrate...when Jesus finished what He came to do.

And then came Sunday... He rose up and walked out in victory...so we can as well!

 Let's celebrate that Good Friday and that Resurrection Sunday because it changed everything!

Because He lives.. I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives...all fear is gone
Because I know, He holds the future.
My life is worth living just because I know He lives.

Victory in Jesus, My Savior Forever.

Celebrating that Good Friday with you and That Resurrection Sunday!

Praying for you and us All,
With Love from Ethiopia,
Holly

LIFE INTERRUPTED.... Keeping Hope and Finding Rhythm

Living in Ethiopia for many years now, what I've learned is that life here has daily "interruptions."

Power is interrupted. Network is interrupted. Huge cattle run through the streets interrupting forward progress. A donkey can bray outside your classroom for an hour disrupting your teaching. A sudden rain storm can cause blackouts. A sudden feeling of nausea can hit and you are sick in bed for a few hours or days. A lizard gets in your home and you can't catch it.

Tons and tons of interruptions here can have you automatically shifting to a plan B, C, D, E, F, even Z.

It's a culture where you have to just go with the flow, you hurry to wait, and you learn to do your best to relax and just take life as it comes.

And you definitely pray... because you do have many days and times when you remember that God is the One who keeps you safe and alive. And without Him ... life is too hard..

Despite learning to live very adaptable here and prayerful, the past month or so, has seen some MAJOR disruptions that has literally caused shock and has brought days and movement to a standstill.

For me coming back into the new year, I still hadn't found good rhythm just overall with a schedule. My ETC and HUC schedules and positions have changed and are shifting and that still is not set...so I was already feeling a bit of unsteadiness in my pace... when a first major shock came.

For me, the first major news that shook me here and others was an accident that happened. A well known British-Ethiopian.. Caleb Meakins... who was inspirational to many... was injured in a car accident and he was put into ICU for a week. For many who knew Caleb- he literally had such a bright light for God... that it felt like Addis suddenly had the lights turned off and the oxygen depleted. Accidents, even tragic ones, are not uncommon here. Yet, Caleb was a church youth leader, elder, business owner, ..so full of life and humor and creativity and energy...and he was so well known, so well respected, and so well liked and admired.. that the accident brought shock. And though his church family and many globally prayed for a miracle, he ended up passing away. For many here, the shock of that remains and there's still sadness.

Caleb and his Grandma

Caleb's Mom and Sisters at his funeral.

Then came the Coronavirus.  Goodness. Talk about something that has interrupted life for so many now globally. It's been shocking to see the news. To hear whole cities and now even countries on "lock down." Cruise ships unable to dock and let passengers off. People fighting over toilet paper. What? From here in Ethiopia, it looks like madness.

And people of course have been praying it stays out of this part of the world for so many reasons. But just a few days ago, the first reported case here was confirmed. So now.. there's uneasiness and fear. For here in Ethiopia, the medical facilities and supplies are not enough. It's a group-oriented culture. You share food, you share tables, you shake hands and you kiss cheeks in greeting. And I would also say...you sneeze freely and cough often. It's just part of life here. There's dust, heat, and your throat is often dry. And there are large populations of old people here. Literally, it seems, to stop the spread of it here would be impossible and it could wipe out a huge portion of the population. So what do we do now?

How can we keep hope and even rhythm when life is interrupted?

I think in this time of isolation or self quarantine for many, we can take the space given to really evaluate our lives....

What do we do in our lives and why? Are we maximizing our lives, living in appreciation of our days? Have we done what we've been made to do? If God does call us home now, have we had the conversations we've needed to have? Have we said sorry? Have we told people what they've meant to us? Have we shared with people about Jesus? 

And if and when life does return to normal...do we need a new rhythm ...new focus areas, new priorities?

My prayer has been..." God...teach me to number my days...and forgive me God for any time I've wasted or times I've missed. Give me new chances to share..to show you, to love you through my life and the days you give me that remain."

God is the Author of our days. Our time has already been set.  We don't have to be afraid. Our life is actually just a short "trip" ... through a world that is not actually our home. Our time here is not the biggest part of our existence. God has created people ...in His own image... to be with Him forever. And when this life ends, our life with Him continues. We don't have to fear the door we pass through. But we do need to be ready. And with the time we're given here, we need to do our best to leave a mark, bring a change...

Caleb said it well ...

With coronavirus, it's bad and dangerous.... But there was and is another "killer" still rampant on planet earth. And what you do NOW..about that...affects your forever. A long time ago, a virus.. sin... came into the world. It disrupted everything. Polluted everything. It was the worst virus without a cure. It caused brokenness, selfishness, greed, pride, and utter destitution and destruction of heart and life. It brought death... eternal separation from God forever. And you can still see it's here. But God gave the cure, the remedy... that can keep you vaccinated and safe with God forever. And that remedy- is a person- God's Son- Jesus Christ.  If you don't have this cure from this virus, that is the one you have to fear the most.

Caleb knew this and shared this. So should we...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkMiEQ4Pq68

In the disruptions of life... when we're reminded of it's brevity...we can stand on the hope we find in Jesus. We have been saved from sin and have life forever with God. God is for us, with us, and nothing can separate us from Him, In trouble, He's peace. His hope is living and doesn't change or fade. He's a rock we can climb on and rest on- a refuge and our great joy and portion.

We CAN keep running confidently towards home... inviting as many people as we can to go the same way.

In the disruptions of life...as they continue and even get worse.. may we keep our eyes on Jesus, our hope in Him, our message- Him, our strength- Him. May we keep pace and not lose heart or hope!

When the lights go out, the doors close, in isolation, in quarantine, in panic, in darkness... may the light of God's people... the hope of Jesus... be bright and shine in us for all to see! For our hope remains.

I'm praying for you! Please pray for me here as well.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for many who are still facing tragedy and loss here, that God will comfort

Please pray the coronavirus ..that it will not spread here. For protection of the vulnerable and wisdom for the government. For chances to share the hope of Jesus.

Please pray for ETC and HUC- that I will represent God well at both schools.  I have a Health and Sport Class at ETC. And we've just started a new semester at Hope. I'm transitioning to be the full-time Student Dean at the school- pray for that huge chance

Please pray for a good schedule at both schools and continued favor to speak, teach and lead

Please pray for good health and good impact

As the countdown to Easter continues, may we remember...the tomb is empty. Death has been conquered! and Our Savior lives!

Let me know how I can pray for you!

Here are some pictures...

Quiet Time with God... where perspective and hope is found

Health and Sport Class- ETC

HUC...new semester and office renovations

HUC's Student Parliament...so honored to work these student leaders

A NEW YEAR ... With the God Who Stays...

Landing back in January for another year in Ethiopia is always a quick adjustment.

One school, ETC, is preparing to start. The other school, HUC, is finishing the semester with exams.

There are two big holidays- Christmas and Timket.  January is huge...

Adds Ababa

Looking back, and planning ahead

Holidays

Christmas with the Kennas

Timket...

There's unpacking, cleaning, and reorganizing to do. The warm sun is shocking and the air often brings a cold and some nausea. But, having done it many times, I just try to get my legs back under me so I can stand up and run hard and confident into a new season.  I'm really so humbled to get to live life here.

My Dad's birthday is also in January...it's TODAY... January 23. More on than in a bit... because about the great Jim Garrett, there is so much to say about this amazing Dad!!! I'm so proud to be one His girls. Here we would say..."Abat-te..yene ambasa"..."my dad, he's a lion! We love him so much!

2020. A new year. What will the new year bring? May God take the lead!  All is in His hands and it's His call! We can trust Him to place us in His time and in His way.

When I was in Ohio for the holidays a few weeks ago, one song I heard repeatedly on the radio was "The God Who Stays" by Matthew West.

Those words have kept coming back to heart and mind as I've settled back in for another year here....

THE GOD WHO STAYS

(Verse One)

If I were You.… I would've given up on me by now
I would've labeled me a lost cause
'cause I feel just like a lost cause

If I were You.… I would've turned around and walked away
I would've labeled me beyond repair
'cause I feel like I'm beyond repair
but somehow You don't see me like I do
Somehow You're still here

(Chorus)
You're the God Who Stays, You're the God Who Stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God Who Stays

(Verse Two)
I used to hide
Every time I thought I let You down
I always thought I had to earn my way
But I'm learning You don't work that way

…but somehow You don't see me like I do
Somehow You're still here

Have you ever like you've been left? Abandoned? Not chosen? Someone didn't stay for some reason.. and you felt forgotten and discarded?

Thinking back over my life, I've met so many people who have impacted me greatly. Some I thought would be there forever, but few have stayed.

Life has different seasons and God has different reasons for bringing people into your life.  This one quote I read rings very true ...

But a constant in every season of my life has been.. God! He stays. It's shocking His ability and consistency to give us grace. To not run when it's deserved. To not abandon us or give up on us. He stays!

I think there's no greater pain than to feel abandoned or left.

Sometimes just life causes people to leave. Death separates. Changes in jobs or schools can create distance. Sometimes we choose the break. Other times, sin does or selfishness. Other times God might tell you to let go.  But it all feels bad usually- to lose a connection. Satan likes to hit that wound over and over so confidence is crushed and hope. He wants you to lower your head and slump your shoulders and make you think you weren't enough for whatever reason and that you're alone. He's such a liar!

The good news is .. we have a God who stays! He believes in us...has chosen us. And He doesn't leave. Nothing can separate us from Him. We can base our life in Him and on Him and be fully satisfied in Him. That unconditional love is shocking.  He lifts our head, enables us to stand on the heights and says...I am here, I'm staying with you!

You are chosen people
1 Peter 2:9

Nothing can separate us from the love of God
Romans 8: 31-39

He enables to stand on the heights
Psalm 18:33

I'm so thankful for the God who stays with me!

If you're feeling abandoned in this new year already. Or maybe feeling like you've never been chosen at all, don't be fooled. You are GREATLY loved. You have been chosen and not left. God goes with you into this new year. A faithful partner, a forever friend, a reigning and victorious King, a Good Shepherd, your Savior and Merciful High Priest.  Take confidence in Him.  He's with You!

May this be my greatest year with Him and for Him! This is my prayer for 2020!

Listen to this song and be encouraged ...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHMVSdIjBcg

Today, I'm also grateful for another who has stayed through all the years and seasons of my life. The great Jim Garrett, My Dad. He has stayed with us, provided, encouraged and remains. No words for the example He is for our family and how much we love Him!  Happy Birthday Dad! So thankful that God gave us YOU...to lead our family. We will celebrate you here and around the world!!!  You're an example to us all!  We're so proud of you! Please wish my Dad a Happy Birthday today or give him a hug or call (1-23-2020)

In 2020, may we stand on and with The God Who Stays. May we walk with Him and know Him, and we can thanks to Jesus. May we show others this unconditional love. May we share Him with others. Praying for you and please pray for me as well.

Other Prayer Requests for the New Year...

-Please keep ETC in prayer as the new semester continues to kick off this week.
-Please keep Hope University in prayer as my position transitions and that God places me in His best place.  The semester is finishing and is in final exams now.
-Please keep my work permit in prayer, it's in process and is always a challenge.
-Please pray for good health and great impact, leaning on the God who Stays!

How can I pray for you?

Grateful for you, Stay hopeful in God!

Holly