double double dutch dutch

WOW! What an incredible few days!

On Sunday, we attended a church service and once again we were moved by the praise and worship. Then we had the opportunity to hear an Ethiopian pastor friend from Minnesota preach. How cool is that! Being in Ethiopia at the same time and attending the church he was a guest preacher at – it was a gift!

That evening, Brad led us in a time praise and worship time. We sang. We prayed. We reflected on the goodness of God. I really have no words to describe the beauty of this time together.

Monday, we headed to the school. Swarmed by the students, we took in all the hugs and kisses, the multiple games of Double, Double, Dutch, Dutch and then spent the afternoon with the staff. I shared part of my story for the first time – the brokenness and how everything changed when God became the Lord of my life.

That evening the team spent time in praise and worship again. It was such a sweet, beautiful time together. In fact, another man (someone from another team who is staying at the same guesthouse) asked if he could join us. He had listened the night before and wanted to be a part of what he had heard.

The man is from India and grew up a Hindu. His wife and her family are all Christian, and he has given his life to Christ. The joy of Jesus just exuberates from him! It is quite something to hear a man share his testimony and his love for Jesus… a pure and genuine faith. He also shared, with a heavy heart, his sister and mom, are not believers. If you think of him, would you please pray?

Tuesday, WOW again! Being at the school was incredible. I spent a lot of time with a grade 6 class. I did some English teaching and listened to them practice reading their English – they did quite well! Later in the day, one of the boys from that class came and got me along with a few of his friends and led me back to his classroom where he proceeded to sit me down at one of their desks. He gave me a pen and paper and asked me to start copying down what he wrote. He was going to teach me his language… Orimiffa. We didn’t get to finish… but I will let you know how it goes because I will be returning for my lesson tomorrow.

Devotions continue to be an incredible blessing! Brad has led each one with intentionality and wisdom. He is encouraging the team to think deeply and dig into the goodness of God. And what an incredible experience it has been to lean into God – focusing on listening to and hearing what He might be telling us.

 I am not sure any member of this team will return home unchanged…