An Open Road ...

We all like the way ahead of us to be "open" ...

It seems the past 18 or so months with Covid hitting globally, the word we have heard and dreaded the most is "closed." 

School is closed. Work is closed. Travel is closed.  

What a difficult season it has been for so many.  

I think for years to come, we will still be thinking about lessons learned and the valleys passed through during this pandemic time.

In June, when I boarded a plane from Ethiopia to the USA, I prayed.... God... please keep the way "OPEN" ... so I could see my family and get the Covid vaccine. 

And I prayed for my way back to Ethiopia to stay OPEN so I could return to live with the people I love so much.  

Would God keep open what seemed to be shutting?  I braced for His will and His perfect plan and slipped in and out of a barely cracked "open door."

The way stayed "open" for me to get to the USA safely.  

Immediately I was warmed by the temperatures in Ohio and was shocked by the loud noises of what seemed like an Egypt plaque of bugs in the skies and trees. Cicada bugs had decided to visit Ohio when I did.  That was lovely. Ha ha. Also shocking was how late the sun stayed in the skies- until almost 9pm every day.  Had it always been that way? I appreciated my mask because I froze in air conditioning. And on my first full day back... I started the Covid vaccine process. I don't think many realize how fortunate you are to have access to this if you do.  I got emotional on both the first and second vaccine shots, knowing how so many around the world would love the chance to get vaccinated and how many didn't have the chance or take the opportunity and didn't make it.

Listening for cicadas...not a fan...

cicada

I enjoyed rest and time with my family so much. It had a been a long time it seemed since I was home for more than a month in the summer time. I visited with my Dad and Mom- enjoying Father's Day, shopping, and big walks. I was amazed at the big clean pieces of ginger in supermarkets and the overall selection of food available. A few times we opened windows and I could hear grass being cut and it reminded me of my childhood. I had icecream and lemonade. I was able to see some new movies in theaters with recliner seating. Oh my gosh. So so so nice.  I visited with my sister- Noel- and her husband Mike. We went to the zoo and biked around their lake. Even in 90 degree weather and I was sincerely melting, it was fun and so enjoyable. I celebrated the 4th of July (America's birthday) and dressed in red, white and blue... even getting our dog, Buddy, in his own patriotic attire, ha ha.

I love my family soooooo much and truly cherished the time!

Big, clean ginger 

Movies

Shopping

The most shocking animal at the zoo for me

Mike, Noel, and my Mom...checking out the reptiles :-)

A lion lounging, I don't like any size of cat 

Giraffes...always a favorite

Cold in AC

So much fun with My Mom 

4th of July... finding red, white, and blue 

Buddy in his buggy and USA scarf, ha ha

Also very memorable.... my Mom and I had a good laugh one day... that I will never forget. It's one of those laughs that come from deep in your gut that maybe happens once in a decade....we cried our eyes out, literally, we laughed so hard. We will never forget it. ha ha ha ha ha ha.

When the vaccine had finally almost fully set in my arm- I was only down to about a week left stateside and I quickly had the privilege to speak at some churches and do some presentations about Ethiopia. To have time with many of my long time supporters and share about all God has been up to in the last ten years of my time in Ethiopia...was humbling and so encouraging. To share the stories and introduce the family God has given me was a privilege-...  so so so good!

.

Thankfully, the door to return to Ethiopia remained...OPEN...so thankfully this past week...I slipped back into the land I love.

Arriving back in Addis is and can be shocking, even after living here for so long. 

Rainy season had definitely fully arrived. 

My backyard looked like a jungle. 

My first week welcomed me with bug traffic on my floor and about three days with no POWER, it continues to be off and on.

I quickly remembered that power is a luxury for most of the world and to not take electricity and a good network for granted. 

But I was and I am so happy to be back!

The reunions have been so sweet. With friends, neighbors, students, and the family God has given me here. 

big rains are here

Catching up with my trainer-friend-coach- Belay

Lunch with my new neighbors...Hilina and her family

Noah(T-p) - soooo cute

Catching up with Abu

I feel hopeful for the way ahead here...  and so thankful for the open door to return.

Though my "work" here might shift significantly in the time ahead, what I hear God saying is that ...

 HE IS My Place, My Portion. He always has been. It is He is Who I stand with and in!

With Him, the way is OPEN and the future... is His to write... He will open things in His time and way.

 I can trust Him!!

We can trust Him!!

He positions us and plants us. He lifts our head and establishes our steps. 

The way is OPEN because He is for us and with us!

He is..."my portion; my cup"... He has "made my lot secure" and He is at  "my right hand.. I will not be shaken..." (Psalm 16: 6-8).  

AMEN!  

The way with God is OPEN ahead of us, He makes a way when there is not one to be seen!

God is the Author and the Finisher of our life stories. 

On the highest and brightest mountains, He is there. 

In the darkest of valleys, He is there too. He carries us if we let Him. 

He never leaves us or forsakes us and His promises REMAIN for us.  

Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 

He will finish what He started in us!

He opens and shuts the path before us, we can trust Him timing!  

He parts seas and levels mountains.  

He calms storms and crushes evil.

He removes obstacles and gives favor. 

He plants our feet and enables us to stand. 

His Spirit emboldens us and empowers us to be effective. 

His gives beauty for ashes and a spirit of joy for mourning.

He is our our Good Shepherd!

We have to nothing to fear about the future and our best days are still ahead, not behind!

You have taken hold of my right hand. You will guide me with your plan, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you and I desire nothing on earth but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever... (Psalm 73:23-26)

Do not fear, for I am with you. I have summoned you by name, you are mine... Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way.... (Isaiah 43)

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water.  It will not fear when heat comes, its leaves will always be green. It has no worries in a year of drought and its leaves will never fail to bare fruit. ... (.Jeremiah 17:18)

If your way feels closed or you feel that something is blocking you in this season.......remember God is with you and He makes a way. 

We can sing in the dark and in the tight spaces because our story is not done or finished!

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what I have prepared for those who love me..... (1 Corinthians 2:9)

I have set before you an open door... that no one can shut. (Revelation 3:8)

Our best days for God are still ahead and an OPEN road of life with Him is before us!

May we trust Him and move forward with confidence and hope!  

This is my prayer for my life and I will pray this for you as well!!!

Thank for continuing the journey with me!!! Your prayers mean so much!!!

Praises

-for the safe travel to the USA, time with family, and the Covid vaccine received

-for the safe return to Ethiopia

-for the Peace in Ethiopia, since the elections, so far

-for ETC- it had its graduation while I was away and I was so happy to see many of my best students finish their theology education. May God use these humble servants and bless them!

ETC... 2021 Graduates

Excited for this first graduating class of MA students in Youth Ministry

Prayer Requests

-for Clarity with work- that God opens up where that best is in my time ahead

-for Effectiveness

-for Good health

-for Peace in Ethiopia and wise leadership,  also for relief and remedy for the Tigray area and people there

-for Graduation at Hope Univ at the end of August- some of my best students will be finishing three, four and five year degree programs. Pray it's a great finale for them!

Arch, Year Five....finish line soon...GC

Arch , Year Five, GC

Jimmy, OC, Gech, ...Environment and Food Science GC Classes...
finishing soon, Year Four Students

Thank you again for your support and prayers!  Please let me know how I can pray for you as as well.

May again...we stand in the open place God gives us and represent Him well and never lose hope!

Shifting Seasons ... When You're Almost There, but Not Yet ...

I can't believe it's May.  

Sun and rain here in Ethiopia have been mixed and transition feels around the corner.

One thing I love about a season shift is a clothing change.

In USA now... that means goodbye to the winter clothes and hello to summer clothes. 

Boots and knit hats and thick coats are stored. Sandals, t-shirts, and shorts come out.  

Here in Ethiopia, it's the opposite...

Now sandals are stored, and closed shoes are put on. Jackets and scarves are on or are in your bag.  

When rains come here, they can drench you to the core unexpectedly. And with just a few degrees of a temperature shift down ... it feels like snow could fall.  Sometimes it rains ice... which again, is shocking.

But the season change is not here yet. It's on the verge. 

Days start sunny and hot and end cloudy with pouring rain.

That "in between" time can be so hard.

In life, that is also true. There are times when seasons are about to shift, but haven't yet.

It seems like the world is on the verge of a season shift. Not just in weather. but with Covid (at least in some places).  

We want it to be time to shift. For masks to come off. For things to open more fully and freely. 

But, it's not time yet. Almost... 

What do you do when a season hasn't shifted? When you have one foot in the door and one foot out of the door?  Do you move or stay?  Do you fully shift or stay in the middle or keep inside?

NOT EASY.

We don't like change. And other times, we want it more than anything.

So what do you do? The shift could change your life forever.

It could be with a relationship or with work.  Do you commit or break up? Do you start, finish or quit? Do you stay or leave? Do you stay a little longer?  Hard calls.

Looking back at my life ... there have been a million of those season shift times. When God was up to something and I was ready and willing to jump or change... but I was waiting for His call, His direction, His timing.

Even now, I feel God is changing things up in my life and I'm holding my breath almost, which is hard because I'm already not breathing fully in and out because my mask is on.  

But what do I do? Which way is God's way? Is the time now to make change?

God has been encouraging me to remember times before. 

What did God do in those season shift moments of my past?

I remember two key things .. when God moved mountains...

1. When I humbled myself and said not my will, but yours be done, God.

2. When I moved right when He directed and did exactly what He told me to do, even if it didn't make sense.

Those were epic moments. 

I want that timing and leadership to happen again and again and again. If change is needed and wanted by Him... for me to follow faithfully and courageously, without fear.

God is able to lead us perfectly. He might not show us the entire way ahead, but He can lead us step by step.

We don't have to fear or be impatient at season shifting times. We can actually be excited! God's timing and way is perfect. We just have to put our lives in His hands and trust Him. 

I think as you get older you realize all the more ... you don't have time to go down wrong roads.  You'd rather avoid the falls, the missed chances. I want to be wise and to be effective, maximizing my days for God.

So, let it be again God! That is my prayer.  Whatever you're shifting ahead for my life, bring it!

As seasons shift, put me where you need me!

Lead me, us, as you will God! We will take the cloud by day, the fire by night. We'll follow the still small voice or the donkey that speaks something. (I really do think by the way God will have a donkey here in Ethiopia say something to me at some point.  Because that would be hilarious and God has a sense of humor... ). However you want to lead me God or speak ... let me clearly discern your way and hear your voice and move at your direction. That is my prayer for whatever is ahead!

Are you in a shifting season? Are you needing, wanting, to make a move but you're not sure if the time is now or the way is right?

If so, be encouraged, with me, by these verses...

The Lord will guide you always, He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land. And He will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11)

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but it is God who establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go (Psalm 32:8)

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. Though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37: 23-24)

You will hear a voice behind you saying this is the way to go (Isaiah 30:21)

I am always with you. You hold me by your right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73: 23-27)

God make us brave for you! Help us to hold onto you as seasons shift. Give us courage to wait until you tell us to move. And help us to jump with courage when you say to!  May we follow you faithfully and may you be honored by the race we run towards home with you!

Amen!

Praises / Prayer Requests

-Ethiopia celebrated Easter (Fasika) this past weekend. As always, remembering Jesus and the sacrifice He gave - is a chance for hope and joy to be refocused on. I'm so thankful for our Savior and King, Jesus, who give us new life and new hope!

-Please keep me in prayer as I pray on some shifting things here in Ethiopia. May God help me follow Him so He can maximize my life and place me where He can best use me.

-Please pray for many who are sick with Covid here and those who have experienced loss. Cases are up and facilities, supplies, etc. are lacking.  Pray for good health and protection.

-Please pray for Hope University students as they begin a new semester soon.  Some of my best students will be finishing their education.  Not easy to finish with all that has happened with Covid this past year... please help them God!

-Please pray for Ethiopia ... for the election coming up in June- that those will be peaceful.  The country has been very unstable, especially outside of our capital city.

-Please pray for me as consider traveling in the time ahead and that God will work out the details.

And a big Happy Mothers Day to the amazing ROSIE GARRETT, my Mom, this coming Sunday, Mother's Day, May 9. I'm so thankful God blessed our family with the perfect Mom for us. She's classy, brave, She prays, she loves, she takes care of us all and models a Proverbs 31 woman. We love her so much, globally! 

Happy Mothers Day Mom! We will be celebrating you here! You are sooooo loved and appreciated!

Thank you for your prayers!

Please let me know how I can pray for you as seasons shift ahead.

May God be with us all!

Flipping It ... Remembering God's Power to Change Lives and Situations

Another month is underway here in Ethiopia... March 2021.

It amazes me how fast time goes and how days and seasons move forward...despite challenge.

It seems like my city, Addis, has change happening all the time. 

Buildings are going up everywhere....

Roads are under construction. 

I was thinking about all the change the other day when sitting in a big traffic jam caused by road construction.

It really does seem to take forever here for buildings and renovations once started...to actually finish.

When the building or road is actually completed though..... the results can be astounding.

One of my favorite things to watch when I'm stateside are shows that "flip" things.  

Often these are shows that flip rooms or homes.... from utter messes into beautiful places to live. 

 

Shows like "Extreme Makeover- Home Edition" ,  Fixer Upper, etc.

I also like shows where people have positive change like Biggest Loser... where people get healthy and fit and their lives are "flipped".

All the building construction and road repairs has had me thinking about how God also loves to build and change us for His good!  He has demonstrated His ability to "flip" situations and lives with such transforming power that it can leave our jaw on the ground. 

Have you seen God do this in a heart, a life, a home? In a workplace, in a health situation? 

God IS ABLE and loves to surprise us and delight with His ability to change things.

As you get older... you think more about what things should have been done at this point... things that should have "flipped" by now.  

Is anything on your list? Change that needs to come and should have already? Maybe changes in finances? In fitness? In health? In a relationship?  God is ready to help those flip.  Will you trust Him to help you?

It's interesting to look back in the Bible and see the lives and situations He "flipped."

There are SO many...

The situations that seemed beyond hope....Israel's captivity in Egypt; battles that seemed lost; storms that raged; prison doors that were closed and chains that were fixed; the Israelites at the Red Sea and Pharoah's army approaching; diseases that had ravaged; blindness and leprosy and paralysis that had taken years from people; demons that had tormented; ... Daniel in the lion's den; Shadrack, Meeshak, and Abindigo in the fiery furnace; Lazarus in the tomb; Jesus on the cross... God took these and so many more...impossible and overwhelming and defeated situations and HE FLIPPED THEM... for His Good and His Purpose...again and again and again. He has shown His power to flip things!!!

And not just situations...but He also flips people.  He changes lives. He turned people's trials and failures into testimonies and faith... He transformed people again and again and again... making heroes of faith from the most unlikely of characters....

-David- shepherd boy to warrior; adulterer and murderer- to a King after God's own heart

-Joseph- a prisoner to one who would save people and his own family from famine

-Moses- a hidden identity; a murderer and one who fled... to a deliverer of all of Israel

-Rahab- a prostitute to one who's faith and courage would lead to rescue and change for her family

-Saul- a persecutor of Christians- to Paul- the main writer of the New Testament and defender of Jesus

-Mary Madeline- demon possessed, to faithful follower of Jesus

-Samaritan Woman- an outcast to a witness

-All of the Disciples- simple, ordinary men to world changers

-God's people overall... flawed and sinful...yet through the power of Jesus...changed into a united family and army and kingdom of priests, darkness to light... Ambassadors.

God CAN change any situation and any life! But how can something or someone be flipped?

It seems...in these flips... that

1. Often darkness comes first... Desperation. A setback. A fall. A betrayal. Something hard. 

2. Then seems to come a humility.

3. Then a cry out to God in faith for rescue.

4. Then  a willingness to obey and follow .

And then... WAM... God's Spirit and Power came and flipped it.  

We have access to THE Master Builder and Designer... of our lives...Our God is there ...with all the resources of heaven ... salvation and grace through Jesus Christ... access to power in God's Spirit... all there... ready and willing to put in the work to make the change.

Are you ready for change? Are you ready for a "flip"?  God is ready to do the the work in you and your situation as you humbly submit to Him. Trust Him to do the work and finish it!

Today, Monday, March 8... begins a big time fasting here in Ethiopia for Easter. For 55 days... the Orthodox Christians will enter into a time of fasting and reflection...not eating things like meat and dairy... it's an act of humility ... and reverence... and remembrance...of God ...and His Son Jesus.... who gave the ultimate flip to humanity.  The Creator entered His own creation to flip the end of our story... to save us from sin... to give us a chance of life over death... and salvation and redemption over an eternity of separation and death.  The flip is ours to take or leave. And it's the biggest decision anyone has to make!

My prayer for this countdown to Easter... is the same as many...

I want to be quiet and reflective and reverent ... to really see where I am and where I need to be... what needs flipped in my life ...and to cry to God in desperation and humility and faith for the flips to happen and for the change to come so I can represent God well and become all He's made me to be!  I want to live my life well ...committed to Jesus...and sharing about Him and what He can do and who He is!

If you need a flip in your life, in your circumstances.... reverently submit those to God. He's ready to flip things in you and around you...

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up in due time...

1 Peter 5:6

Nothing is impossible for God.

Luke 1:37

He will finish what He started.

Philippians 1:6

Joy comes in the morning...

Psalm 30:5

He restores us

Psalm 23; 1 Peter 5:10

He is making all things new...

Revelation 21:5

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:  He will make your righteousness shine like the sun and the justice of your cause like the noonday sun, Be still and wait patiently for Him..

Psalm 37:1-7

He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Hebrews 12:2

We are being changed...

2 Corinthians 3:18

We are being built into a spiritual house where God dwells...

Ephesians 2: 21-22

Let God build you. Break you. Make you. Shape you. Let Him flip you and your circumstances. He's ready and nothing is impossible for Him!

Praises-Prayer Requests..

-Please pray that God gives me favor and courage to impact the best way I can as I continue to work and serve here in Ethiopia. That as He flips me and situations, even in the work I do, that I will trust Him and do my best to share Him.  He has a plan!

-My work permit and residence ID finally cleared and this time it was a HUGE challenge. I thank God for helping this and for those of you who prayed!  (Just this past Wednesday, all my paperwork cleared!)

-Please pray for Ethiopia- for this time of fasting in preparation for Easter- that God will do a new work in and through us here.

-Please pray for elections coming up in the summer... these elections have many nervous. We need peaceful elections.  

-Coronavirus is still around.... though numbers and death rates seem low and not to be increasing. Pray we can get vaccines here and can keep and stay healthy!

-A big shout-out to the AMAZING Jim and Rosie Garrett, our adorable parents, celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on March 26th...at the end of this month. We love these two so much and are so blessed to have them! They model true love and it's so endearing!

They married in 1971...50 years ago. My Dad was not working at the time... but he cashed his unemployment check and eloped with my Mom... they were ready to get their life together underway. . I love hearing all their stories from their early years.  My Dad always tell us about the first meal my Mom cooked for him.. hot dogs (that weren't done...ha ha ) and beans. He said he loved every bite.  

Please give them a high five and a big congratulations in and around this big celebration for them!  

We love how they love each other!!!  And are so grateful for their example!!!  We love you Dad and Mom! Congratulations on 50 years!!!!  Your love will be celebrated around the world!

How can I pray for you? What needs "flipped" in your life? 

May we trust God to do what He does best!  May we humbly submit to Him and watch Him "flip" all things for His good and ours. Watch what He can do! 

May this spring season ... this Easter Lent season...and time ahead... be our greatest one yet for God.

Blessings and Prayers from Ethiopia!