Hi All,
I made it safely to Ethiopia! With only 2 checked bags it was the most uneventful trip ever. (Although Ethiopian customs did open a bag to look at several pieces of PVC pipe that I brought to use as balling guns (pill poppers) for livestock.) I’ve had one day here and the jet lag hit about mid afternoon. I was thrilled to greet lots of friends in English, Amharic and Oromo languages. It was a good exercise for the mind! I was able to pick up my landcruiser from the person who was truck sitting her…It felt good to be driving it again.
While I felt ready to go when I was in America now that I am here lots of emotions and questions keep popping into my mind. Am I ready to be here? Will my health go downhill? Will my back pain return? The reality that I am only here 4 months and then pack up and say good-bye is hitting hard also. It will be hard to say good-bye to lots of friendships. I know that it is the right decision as God has not provided other missionaries to come alongside and to build a team.
I know that I am in a much better state of mind than I was in 4 months ago when I left Ethiopia for a break. At that time I found myself very fearful of getting close to anyone. I am reflecting on the power of Christ that I have in me and getting strength from His Word. As always He is the one who will equip me and provide. I am looking forward to Amber coming on Thursday. Pray for her travels and that we would be good encouragement for each other.
Pray for me this week as I discuss with the SIM Ethiopia offices what I need to do in the next 4 months to finish my project well and to wrap up my ministry here for the time being.
The first day back always seems to be the toughest, and I am looking forward to a little easier day today.
Blessings from Addis Ababa!
Denise
Posts
Glad to hear you are "home" again for the next few months and made it safely back.
ReplyDeletePrayers for a great final wrap up and peace thru the difficult farewells
Great to hear an update. Sounds like you'll have a busy (emotionally and physically) few months.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad to hear about the lack of team there as each time we read your updates, I'm amazed at how God has provided for you to be there.
Would you be willing to go back at a later time if there was a team???