No simple itinerary. A schedule of faith.

I am hesitant to put out our itinerary only because I completely expect to emerge myself in Africa time and the way of the biblical disciples, which to me means, entertaining less concern with being in specific places at specific times and accomplishing our “to do” list and more about following that still quiet voice of God guiding us each and every day.  That is not to say we have not planned.  We have planned and prayed and scheduled and emailed our peeps and changed the plan and prayed some more and repeated that process many times.  We have big dreams and ideas and hopes in our hearts for what God is going to do in us and through us while we are in Ethiopia.  HOWEVER…

We won’t allow our plan to keep us from stopping alongside the road.  We are ready to put the plan on pause at a moments notice when God directs us to stop.  We are in unity to be patient on Him and wait in his presence.  God Loves us so much and he Loves the beautiful people of Ethiopia and this trip will be an outpouring of His love, kindness, tenderness and generousness for all of us.  The anticipation in my soul is rising.

After landing on Thursday night we will be whisked away to the Baer family home.  Delighted to see these friends!  Friday we hope to gather and organize our thoughts, our 600 plus pounds and catch up with a few friends.  On Saturday we will journey to Alex’s hometown in the countryside where we helped the village put in the spring fed well.  This will take between 8 and 12 hours of driving on the very broken roads that are under construction.  It was reported to us that on our visit last year, it was the first time the village had ever had a foreigner or white people in their village.  The people were very gracious even though we looked a little scary to the children!

Sunday morning we hope to arrive at the church in the village, share with the people and pray blessing over their community.  We will venture the 1 hour hike down into the valley to see the well and complete a ceremony with the villagers.  Ashebir, Alex’s brother, managed the project and worked diligently for several months.  He dug by hand, brought in supplies on donkey back, rode the bus for 12 plus hours to get water samples tested numerous times and just poured out his heart and soul for his community.  Ashebir never gave up.  We get to congratulate him on a job well done and pray blessing over him. 

Armed with a potty, sleeping bags and camping rolled up mattresses, we are ready to sleep in “mama’s” home in the countryside.  Yes, our bags and clothing are sprayed with special repellents to make us less likely to get Malaria from the mosquitoes or so many of the other bug born diseases.  We are also taking the Malaria meds, have had the Yellow Fever shots and so many others.  I can only imagine what it will be like to sleep in the jungles of Africa.  Not so much the physical aspects that could be compared to a hike in the mountains and sleeping under the stars, but the spiritual aspects of breaking down barriers.  Traveling from one world to another yet being in unity because of our love for Jesus.  Of course, I am only imagining what it might be like….

Monday we will check out the sanitation, the school situation and the local clinic.  We will try to determine if there is a need that God would have us to partner with or if our work in the village is completed with the well.  Tuesday we will travel back to the city.  Wednesday and Thursday we will be in Addis and we have several stops and people we would like to see….waiting on the Lord for the specifics.

Friday we will be partnering with Six Baer Essentials and Sally as we will be delivering approximately 160 chickens and 10 baby sheep to begin a sustainable farm animal program.  Sally has been working with the local government to identify some of the poorest families who will agree to pass on the baby chicks and push the program forward.  This is an incredible beginning.  We have had many wonderful people give chickens and I can hardly wait to take these pictures and post them for the families giving and receiving!

Saturday we hope we will get to catch up with Kimberly and Aser Heye who have been serving as part of a two year committment.  They are from the Beaverton Oregon area which is so much fun for us!  Aser was extremely instrumental in helping with the integrity and governing of the funds being distributed for the well.  What an amazing blessing we could never have anticipated.  Kimberly and Aser, in addition to their “giving jobs” also volunteer with Children’s Heaven and we hope to see this lovely group.

Sunday and Monday we will be hanging out with Jerry and Christy Shannon of Embracing Hope.  They are living in Kore or Korah, the garbage dump of the city.  They are privileged to love on moms who are trying to make it and support them through a comprehensive day care for the sweet little children.  They have just been granted by the government permission to double the size of their program so we are bringing a portable crib, vitamins, cloth diapers and towels that will contribute to the start-up of the expanding program.  What an incredible privilege to peak into their lives and spend time with their family. 

One of the most heart pressing thoughts that God brought to me after our last trip was to acknowledge the families that are living in country and have volunteered to give up their American lifestyle for themselves and their children in serving some of the “least of these”.  I think it is SO important that we encourage, pray for and remember these children and their parents.  To get to visit them in just such an honor.

Tuesday will be our final day, rounding up the last moments, saying good-byes, walking in God’s plan and ultimately leaving the country.  We will be back in Portland on Friday for any of you would like to greet us as we return.