A Donkey's Bray ... Thoughts for Easter Weekend from Ethiopia ...

Many times a day here in Ethiopia… you can hear a donkey BRAYING. It’s a loud, long sound that lasts about 30 seconds.  It sounds like a frustrated cry.

It’s funny, when I first came to Ethiopia, I wondered what was up with the donkeys. Why did they make that noise? Were they in labor…. having a baby? Having a heart attack? Were they being threatened by another animal? Or were they just greeting other donkeys? Not being a farm girl, I asked google, ha ha.

Sometimes they’re frustrated or feel threatened… and these are common reasons they bray.

 

The other day, when I heard a donkey braying, I thought… I’m with you Mr. Donkey. I feel like braying too.

Life can be frustrating.  Seasons can bring times of stress or fatigue and you may feel like shouting or going somewhere and having a good long cry.  People let us down. We let ourselves down. And the world seems a mess.

In recent days, we’ve seen people killed by gas in Syria. We’ve seen churches bombed in Egypt. A lot of crazy stuff going on globally.

There seems to be a downward spiral lurking, a strong pull DOWN…into darkness… in all areas of life. Do you see it, do you feel it?

It’s in the world and even inside of us. It’s a pull to sin, to selfishness, to envy to hopelessness. It’s a like a depravity, a darkness is lurking.  And you see this pull down and its effects on your mind, in your body, in people, relationships, and even churches.  

I was thinking this week about all the chaos and then about Jesus’ final week.

This depravity, darkness, loneliness, separation from God…was the result and is the result of sin. There wasn’t a way to get away from it or conquer it. 

But today, over 2000 years ago, Jesus came to give us a way out. This muck and mire and sin and death, He came to save us from.  He reached down and offered himself as a way out, an escape… taking the punishment for our sin on Himself … and He offers to pull us up and out and offers us a new life!!!!

 

 

UNBELIEVABLE MOVE!!!

I’m amazed and so thankful- that Jesus gives us the ability to walk in newness … cleanness… having joy, peace, hope, victory, and relationship with God because of what He did!!!

 

Romans 5:8
God demonstrated His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23

…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord

Psalm 73:2; 22-26

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold… I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.  Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my 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 besides you. My flesh and my heat may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Romans 7

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. … I know that nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. … I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man am I! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 8

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because Jesus has set me from sin and death… Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus… We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us

Today, as we remember, Jesus’ final walk, as He was beaten and bruised and mocked and killed…may we remember this incredible sacrifice He made for us. May we be thankful and grateful that we don’t have to stay in sin and defeat.

For those who feel lost and pulled down and hopeless and alone, may you hear about and see the hand of Jesus- offering you a way out, a way up, and a newness of life that can’t found anywhere or in anyone else!!!  Nothing else and no one else satisfies or gives your life purpose and meaning- than God!!! Relationship with Him is offered and ONLY comes from accepting what Jesus did on your behalf.

John 14:6

I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through me.

Romans 10:9

If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Revelation 3:20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hers my voice and opens the door, I will come in…

On Sunday, Easter, as we celebrate Jesus, our Risen King, may we continue to give thanks for His sacrifice that changed everything.

And the times when we feel like braying like a donkey, may we remember the frustration and darkness and sin is not our end nor does it have to take us down. But it’s been defeated. We are pulled out and have a great road to walk ahead with the hand of Jesus in ours.  May we live into that with confidence and joy!!!  And may our braying become songs of praise!!!

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to God…

AMEN!

God Bless You and your Families this Easter weekend!  I’m so grateful for each of you!!!

Praises-Prayer Requests

-It’s been busy here. I thank God so much for all He’s done, all He’s doing.  My classes at ETC have continued and I’m grateful for the chance to encourage and challenge and learn with my brothers and sisters in Christ. My classes this spring semester are: Cross Cultural Communication; Small Group Ministry; and Evangelism and Discipleship.

 

-The spring semester started at Hope College. And I’ve enjoyed those classes too. I’m teaching Basic English writing to freshmen students- and have about 130 students in three sections. I’ve enjoyed getting to know these new students and I’m grateful for the continued opportunity to build into the youth here.

 

-I’ve started back with two Bible studies with students- and have been challenged and blessed in walking through life with this group as we talk together about the Word of God and apply it to our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

-This is a big holiday time here in Ethiopia, as in the rest of the world. Easter (Faskia) is a huge celebration for both Protestants and Orthodox. The Orthodox will be breaking a 55 day fast on Saturday night into Sunday. Today is a long day of bowing at churches and remembering the pain the suffering Jesus experienced. Most Protestant churches have all night prayer services on Saturday to usher in Easter. Last night, I attended a Holy Thursday service with some students and took communion in remembrance of Jesus’ final meal.  On Sunday and Monday, I will be with students and families celebrating.  May God Bless this time!

 

-Please keep my classes and students in prayer here. That I can be creative in planning and manage my time well, I have about 175 students between the two schools.  Please pray that God will use me in and out of the classroom to represent Him well.

-The weather has been weird so please pray for good health to remain.

-Please keep my Dad, Mom and Sister in Prayer. My sister will be traveling in the next few months on mission trips, please keep her in prayer. She’s so great!  I’m so grateful for my family. My parents celebrated their anniversary (46^th) a few weeks ago. They’re too cute. J  And I’m so thankful to have them as my Dad and Mom!

 

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. Please let me know how I can pray for you as well.

God bless you this Easter weekend and spring!!! 

Blessings and love from Ethiopia!

THE DEAD MAN FLOAT ... A Call to Surrender

I’ve been thinking about life overall in recent days… where I’ve been… what I’ve done. Things I still want to do.  How can the years go by so fast?

And as the Lent season starts today, I’ve also been thinking about what are the possible things I need to pull back from, surrender to God? Where do I need to refocus in honor of Jesus and all He did for me?

It’s interesting what keeps coming to mind is that in all areas of my life, I need to be doing the:

“dead man float.”

What is the “dead man float?” 

When I was younger, our family would often go swimming. In local pools or at lakes, I learned quickly that I liked the water.  At least, I liked sitting beside the water and watching waves lap the shore, so relaxing. I liked floating on top of the water in a boat or raft. But actually- swimming in the water- I never grew to enjoy too much. I couldn’t seem to get my eyes to open and my nose to close. So, if the water was deep or began to move, I felt panicked. And not at ease. I stayed in shallow and safe water most of the time and tried to hide the fact that I wasn’t a confident swimmer.

Now, the best swimmer in our family is my Dad. I loved watching him. He loved the water. And so many times, he would do the “dead man float.” It’s basically where you lie face down in the water, perfectly relaxed, and it almost looks like your dead. I remember seeing many a lifeguard look nervously at my Dad- because he could hold that position for so long. J

The dictionary actually says the dead man float is also called the Survivor Float and it’s a key float to learn. If you’re ever in a situation where you have to save your energy or you’re in deep water, doing this float can save your life.

But I think it’s hard for us to be still, to lay like we’re dead. We like to stay in control, to make moves.

But what God seems to be reminding me about this float is it’s like getting on the cross and staying there. I believe God is calling all of us to that place of trust, a place of surrender.

In all areas of my life, am I allowing God to lead me? Or are there places in my mind and heart or parts of my day where I’m making moves or doing things without asking Him for His leadership?  Am I really surrendering in all areas to God?

For God says…

Luke 9:23

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wanst to save their life, will lose it. But if you lose your life for me, you will save it.

Psalm 46

Be still and know that I am God…… He is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and… though the waters roar… the Lord Almighty is with us…

Psalm 37

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him… Be still and wait patiently for Him…

What makes one move out of that place of surrender? That place of stillness and trust of God’s timing?

Lots of things make us move without seeking God’s leadership first…

Storms can come and make us nervous. Just like the disciples when a storm came and waves began to crash against the boat they were in … they freaked out, thinking they were going to drown. Jesus was napping.  We get nervous in storms.

Then we see Peter doing a great act of faith, walking on the water towards Jesus. But when He took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the waves around him, He began to sink.

Then other times, we see things we want immediately, maybe a relationship or a new job and before we seek God about it, we move. Thinking if we don’t move or don’t fight to get that thing at that moment, we’ll lose it.

Sometimes we move because an enemy, like a shark, begins to circle. And we move off the cross of obedience where God has called us to be because we don’t want to get beaten or lose something.

But I believe what God is saying to me is that in my own life, I have to be doing the dead man float in ALL areas. To stay in a place of trust, every day submitting first to the leadership of Jesus in my life.

Now am I suggesting, to not move ever? To be lazy in life? No way. Following Jesus requires obedient ready moves.  It’s hard and life is not easy. You have to work hard to make relationships work and to get things done.

 

But I feel like God is saying the key is to be still first so you can hear Him and then He will tell you the next move. He will tell you when and where and how and with who. He says... Trust me. Listen to me. Let me lead you, I can. Stay yoked with me!!!

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

And thankfully, there’s a rest that comes when someone else is leading. We have a good leader, the best leader, the Good Shepherd, who died so we can live. We can trust Him!

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes to me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Remembering that...

Philippians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ, and yet I live!

In surrender, He leads us. And we then have nothing to fear!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for this Lent season for me, as I listen for God’s leadership in all areas of my life. I want to surrendered to His will and be at my best for Him. I want to seek Him first and most.

-Hope College started their semester this week, please pray as my workload doubles, that God will give me good time management and creativity in lesson planning. And more than anything opportunities to share about Him.

-ETC classes continue to go well. I’m enjoying the three classes I’m teaching: Cross Cultural Communication; Small Group Ministry; and Evangelism and Discipleship. Please pray God will continue to build the church here in Ethiopia through our staff team of instructors and in our fellowship with each other. What an honor it is to be with these students!

 

 

 

-All of my Hope small group  Bible study members are graduating this July. As I finale with these dear students, may these final months be ones of growth and unity as I run the final lap with them.  Please pray for them as many start businesses and apply for work and graduate school.  We had a slumber party for the girls last weekend which will be in heart always. Visiting with each other and the neighbor's kids, so fun. :-) What an honor it has been to live life with these students!

 

 

-Please keep my family in prayer. They’re doing great! My parents continue to bless many. And my sister is still in Ohio working for our home church in missions. Please pray God strategically uses her as our church and country moves forward.  It’s a critical time!

Thank you for your prayers. And know I appreciate each of you so much! Please let me know how I can pray for you as well this Lent season.

May this countdown to Easter for each of us be one where God also calls us to a place of deeper trust in Him! 

 

A SONG TO SING ... Thoughts for Valentine's Day Week from Ethiopia

Here in Addis, western culture is definitely having an impact. Products are trickling in … things like hair color, coffee mate, even snickers bars. Also, our holidays are being seen. This past week, I’ve noticed reds and pinks on mannequins in stores and special Valentine’s Day cards and candy being sold.  Even macchiatos, a favorite coffee drink, seems to have reminders this week of the approaching holiday...

  

 

For a single person, this holiday can be a grate on your nerves. A time when Satan can mess with your mind and make you think of what you seemingly lack instead of what you have. He’s the great deceiver and robber of joy. I’ve felt him already trying to say things to me.

But what I know without a doubt and have been trying to focus on is God loves me. He has proven without a doubt- His unconditional, unwavering love. It’s been a foundation to stand on; a refuge to rest in. It’s a love to be embraced, wowed by, and wooed by. I’m just amazed looking back at my life that God has remained with me, for me, it’s been so undeserved.

 

 

I’ve been reading through the “book” I’ve been trying to write since moving to Ethiopia. The plan is still to finish it, this is the year. J But over this weekend, as I flipped through the many chapters already penned, I chuckled at the memories written. And smiled through others. Other chapters, noting hard lessons learned and hard falls, were hard to read. Many times I have fallen down and have gotten lost. But God remained. And continues to remain. Through all seasons. It’s shocking that kind of love.

1 John 3:1

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God.

God doesn’t go offline or turn his phone off. He doesn’t disconnect or go on vacation. He waits for me to seek Him. He’s not pushy, but patient. And even if I seek other things first and most for a long time, He still doesn’t leave.  This is unconditional love.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.

I was thinking about how a long time ago, God gave me a song. He changed my path and gave me a rhythm, a heartbeat for Him.  I remember well when the song took hold.

It was in Haiti ...

                                     

I’d been living in Haiti maybe two months right after college. I was at my lowest point in every way. I felt separated from all I knew. The sun and wind and inability to communicate had wiped me and humbled me.

Night after night- I slept on the roof our mission because it was cooler there and there was a breeze. I could sit up in bed and see the ocean. Our compound sat on a hill overlooking the town.

It was under that immense sky, night after night, I saw and felt the bigness of God and the smallness of me. Wind and sudden rain storms would often pound me into my mattress.  I remember silently crying many nights for all that seemed lost and I would cower in my bed sheet from the rain and wind and bats that would swoop overhead.

But somewhere in that time, there was change.

I began to peek out and marvel at the sky. Hear the waves, and marvel at the Maker of it all. And I began to hear God speak to me. About His love, His mercy, His plan for my life.

Over time, my hands didn’t stay cowered in that bed, but they began to raise. And I remember singing in my bed to God. And I’m not a good singer, but a song welled up in my soul that I couldn't contain.

I remember even in the mornings, I’d rush to get coffee and then eagerly return to that same bed to sit a while longer to be with God and watch the sun rise.

A song had been born in my heart, a love ignited. Those times I’ll never forget. And the song is still in me. I can relate well with what David talks about in Psalms…

Psalm 63

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry land where there is no water … because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right upholds me…

Psalm 40:3

He put a new song in my mouth

Since those Haiti days, Satan has tried to steal my song, my focus, and I’ve had some major falls. And Satan continues to try to mess with my joy and peace. But God has been forever present and has remained and I’m so very thankful.  We have victory in Jesus Christ and no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We have a refuge, a hiding place, and a firm foundation to stand on that can weather any storm. We have a good Shepherd to lead us and strong arms to hold us. May we not forget that!!!

John 10:10
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; but I have come that they may have life and life to the full

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd … He leads me

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon formed against me shall prosper, this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, their vindication is from me…

Psalm 27

The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid … in times of trouble, He will hide me and set me up upon a rock … Wait on the Lord and be of good courage… and He shall strengthen thine heart.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble

These past five weeks in 2017 back in Ethiopia since my Christmas/New Year time might have set a record for busyness for me. I had way too many classes, way too many papers to grade, and way too much going on. But just this past Friday, I turned the last thing in. And now can return to a more normal pace. Looking back, how did it all get done? It was only because God was with me. He gave extra hands and energy and creativity to finish and that’s the only way it can be explained.

 What a great God we have!

Tomorrow, Monday, I will climb the mountain behind my school with some of our Protestant students to celebrate the semester’s end and pray for the way ahead. As I sit on that mountain tomorrow, I know my heart will remember the song and feel the song, the heartbeat that God gave me and continues to give me to be for Him and with Him always.

 

I’m so grateful for the One who loves me and will never leave me!

 For those celebrating the Valentine’s Day holiday this coming week, don’t let Satan trick you. For I know even if you are married or have a relationship, there can be loneliness. Know that you are loved by God. He says it in His Word and has paid for it with the life of His Son, a free gift for you to take or not to- your choice. But your sin can be covered and you can enter into the greatest relationship ever imaginable. May it be so.  Let Him give you a song!!!

Psalm 73:22-28

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; a brute beat before you. Yet, I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. … It is good for me to be near God. I have made Him my refuge…

Psalm 98:1

Sing to the Lord a new song

Isaiah 54:4-10

Do not be afraid; … you will forget the shame of your youth ... for Your Maker is your husband- The Lord Almighty is His Name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; … with deep compassion, I will bring you back … though mountains be shaken and the hills removed, my unfailing love for you will not be shaken..

May we stand confident in God’s love for us, with His song in our heart! And we may we tell others of Him!

Thank you God for all!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 Praises/Prayer Requests

-A huge praise for the past five weeks- the classes finished, the classes that began, the mountains and valleys passed through.  I praise and thank God for helping me. Thank you for praying!!!

Here is one class that finished and one class that began...

Leadership Developing in Youth Ministry, January Intensive Class

Evangelism and Discipleship Class

 

-Another huge praise- my work permit / residence visa processed successfully. This is a big deal in this part of the world, and somehow in the busyness, God pushed it through. So thankful!

 

 

-Please pray for my spring schedule- at ETC, the three classes I’m teaching- that God will bless those times and use me to help build the church here in Ethiopia. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach!

-Pray for Hope students, now on break for a few weeks, for a good time of rest and reflection; then a good start to the spring semester starting later this month.

-Pray for my sister Noel and a team in Jamaica this week, that God will bless their trip!

so proud of my sister

-Keep my parents in prayer, they’re great and so much loved!

 

my Mom and Dad on a recent vacation in South Florida, they're too cute :-)

 

-Please pray for me, that Satan will stay away from me and if He comes around, I can stand strong against Him. He’s always lurking.  May God keep his song in my heart always.
 

Thanks so much for your prayers. Let me know how I can pray for you as well.

BLESSINGS from Ethiopia! May God be the strength of your heart and your portion forever!

MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS....Thoughts for the New Year from Ethiopia

Life has ups and downs, doesn’t it? Many times you don’t know what the road ahead will bring.

Sometimes there are mountaintops… days when things seem to go right and doors open. There may be weeks or even years when you’re at your best. You’re in your sweet spot or at a great job or environment where you thrive. Relationships feel healthy and life is good.

My time at home with my family in the USA for the holidays was a mountaintop time. A time to celebrate and talk and laugh and walk and remember 2016. Then of course, Christmas- another mountaintop, I always enjoy and look forward to- remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Then there was my return to Ethiopia a little over a week ago- another mountaintop time. To reunite with staff and students and neighbors and friends, what a joy! And I got to celebrate Ethiopia’s Christmas on January 7. Loved that time with my friend and sister Shali and her family.

But life is not all mountaintops. There are also many valleys. When disappointment happens. Doors close. Relationships implode. Sickness invades. Death intrudes.

Already in this new year, there came a valley- it was over this past weekend.

The sister of one of my students passed away. As I traveled to Hilina’s home, my heart was grieved.

Her sister was young, her life so short.

For hours, the family, students, the church and the community wept and mourned this precious life.

Sitting in a mourning place for hours rocks something deep in you. It puts things in perspective.

Later, we walked to the grave site and buried this lovely girl. Though- we know we will see her again because she was in Jesus- it was still a valley. A hard hard hard valley to walk through.

This week, as I’ve been thinking about it all again, I’m just so thankful that through all of life, the mountains, valleys, and the in-betweens- we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We have a merciful High Priest, a Good Shepherd, who goes with us and will never leave us alone. We have Jesus!!! We have promises from God’s Word to encourage us and His Spirit who is with us. Even in the darkest of valleys- ones where sorrow and sadness and loss cover you, God can bring you through. A new chapter can be written in your story.

May we encourage each other on the journey, remembering what God has said …

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted

Jeremiah 31:13
I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…

1 Corinthians 15:55
Death has been swallowed up in victory… thanks to God- He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 126:5
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

1 Corinthians 2:9
No eye has seen what God has prepared for those who love Him

Hebrews 4: 14-16
Therefore since we have a great high priest… let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Let us then approach the throne of grace with grace and confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

John 10:14
I am the good Shepherd… I lay down my life for the sheep

Matthew 28:20
I am with you always, even to the end…

My prayer for 2017- is that whatever comes- my hand will be confidently in my Savior’s hand and that I will trust Him to lead me, to help me, and that the next chapter He writes with my life- will be my best for Him yet.

That the mountaintops will be savored, and the valleys will be passed through… and that I will come through them- stronger and with greater love for God and others.

Let’s be in prayer for each other in 2017! Here goes!

Prayer Requests
-Please pray for my student Hilina and her family as they continue to mourn the loss of their sister, daughter.

-Yesterday, I begin a two week intensive course at ETC, the Evangelical Theological College. This two week course is every evening and is focused on leadership in youth ministry. Please keep this class in prayer!

-My other three classes at ETC begin next week: Cross Cultural Communication; Small Group Ministry; and Evangelism and Discipleship. As I prepare and start those, please pray God will use me in these classes to help build the church here in Ethiopia.

-I finished classes this past week at Hope College and all that remains is the final exam this coming Wednesday. Please pray I can have a strong finish to the semester. There will be a short break time, then spring semester will start in February.

-Please keep my students and staff in prayer at both schools.

-Please keep my family- my Dad, Mom and Sister-Noel in prayer as they continue into the new year. I’m so thankful for them.

- A big shout to my Dad, the handsome and charming Jim Garrett- for his birthday on January 23. If you see him, high five him for me and hug him. He’s the best!

Happy Birthday Dad on January 23, You are LOVED!!!

Thank you so much for all of you who pray for me and who gave for my time at home and supplies. Also, for my return here. May God richly bless you in the New Year!!!!

With love and thanks from Ethiopia-
Holly