We would like to share with you the great ways that
God has provided for us these past couple of weeks. I just returned from a pre-trip to Ethiopia
to work out several details before our family goes in May. Megan is usually the one to write these posts,
but since I am the one who went on the trip, we thought it would be good for me
to share the information.
As we approached the trip this past week, we were
unsure exactly what to expect. There
were questions concerning our living accommodations, obtaining a vehicle for
the summer, medical care possibilities while we are in country, and where we
could obtain food and water. Though we
are familiar with many things in the country, we were unsure about some of the
little details of long term daily living.
Although we did not know the answers to these questions, we both knew that
we would see ways that God has gone before us to prepare the way. I was overwhelmed by what I saw.
Our missionary mentor, Jim Palmer, was already in
Ethiopia working with teams this spring.
He had done some great ground work for us before our arrival, and he too was
excited to see how things were falling into place. Jim has been and continues to be a huge support, and we are excited to work with him and learn from him this summer. I was accompanied by two great friends, John Jackson
and Eddie Hilburn, who put their lives on hold for a week to travel with me and
support us. I was blessed in so many
ways by their presence. There is
something special and strong about a cord of three that was experienced for me
on this trip. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes
4:12) I am so thankful for these
wise, spirit-filled guys that God has placed in our lives.
In the five days we were there, we were able to
secure a vehicle for the summer, nail down lodging in both Addis Ababa and the
village of Bantu, find a great place to purchase supplies and food in Addis,
and explore medical care options for us and the children. I was able to meet and speak with a
pediatrician in Addis that we can use for the boys. He is a U.S. Board Certified General Pediatrician
and worked many years at a children’s hospital in Dallas. He even gave me his cell phone number for
after-hours situations. We found a
wonderful guest house we will stay in on nights we are in the city. They have laundry service, internet access,
and children our boys can play with.
Down the street is a very nice supermarket where we will be able to
purchase just about all the supplies we will need. We’re also excited about our living situation
in Bantu. We’ve anticipated not having
consistent electricity, water, an oven, and refrigeration, but it looks like we
will have these after all. I could share many
other details that fell into place. I
was in awe at how God used this trip in an affirming way, and we were able to
see how He has gone before us in so many ways.
I came back from the trip physically tired and jet lagged, but
spiritually on fire and encouraged.
However, we understand that it is not all going to
be rosy. It is not going to be easy, but
it’s not supposed to be. It will be a
culture shock for us all. There will be
some adjustments to be made by all of us.
We realize that there will be many wonderful days but also possibly some
hard ones. I was able to visualize some
of the challenges we will face as a family.
I came back home with a good handle on the fact that it is not going to
be easy, yet I am overwhelmed with the fact that God has chosen us for this
task. I am overjoyed that He has provided
this opportunity for our family to shine His light in a place where people are
living in darkness. Our three little
blonde-haired boys are going to shine like beacons everywhere we go. I love these words to the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail):
“Spirit lead me
where my trust is without borders;
Let me walk upon
the waters,
Wherever You
will call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander;
And my faith will be made stronger,
In the presence
of my Savior.”
This is my prayer for us and our boys.
-Larry
