the ones outside the fence

While traveling to Ethiopia with a team, we try to debrief during our time there. Whether it the first time to Ethiopia or the fifth, there is always something that needs processing so we talk through our highs and lows each day.

I remember two days being particularly difficult. As we conversed after dinner, we reminisced the days events. During the two days, all the students sat quietly in a shaded area right next to one of the schoolyard edges which was outlined by a fence and listened to how David cared for and protected his sheep and how Jesus loves and cares for us. But it wasn't just the children at Ekklesia listening. Other children from the Sendafa community had gathered outside the fence. 

Those children have not been chosen to be on the inside. They don't have the privilege of an education. Unlike America, children don't have to be in school and sometimes... they don't have the means to be there. If they cannot afford the uniforms or supplies or for whatever reason they are needed at home, education may not be an option for their lives.

The lows on these two days... those who were outside the fence.

And really... how does one process this?

As I try to wrap my head around it, I think about our purpose of traveling to Ethiopia. Our desire is to go, spend time with the children and staff as well as people in the community - building relationships and sharing life together, learning from each other with the hope that all will know Christ.

It is always difficult to wrestle through the whys of some things. But I trust in God even when I don't understand (Proverbs 3:5). I trust that He will use the words shared and the love given - whether we were inside of the fence... or outside. I trust that not only the lives of those we spend time with will be transformed, but our lives will be changed too.

And I see it happening...