Timket 2015

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrated one of their main holidays a couple of weeks ago. Timket. 

Timket celebrates the baptism of Jesus with parades and fanfares around the country.  Members and Priests of the Orthodox Church march with their replica of the Ark of the Covenant from their church to various central locations where they are baptized with holy water.  Since the priests only walk on a carpet, it is a slow moving parade (the carpets are continually run from the back to the front). 

Here is a little video I created to try to depict the celebrations. Now you want to come visit, right?

**Disclaimer #1: I don't know very much about this holiday (but I did enjoy a day off school!).  Please feel free to google it and become more knowledgable.

**Disclaimer #2: I've never used iMovie before, so please don't judge my movie making skills! 

I'm back!

I made it to Ethiopia last Saturday evening.  Traveling here was quite uneventful and all of my bags arrived!

I am still working on getting over jet lag, and I am enjoying getting settles into my new routine and apartment.  This week, we are taking time to learn more about Ethiopia and the school.  It has been a nice way to ease back into the swing of school.  I will be teaching Grade 4 Science and Social Studies, Grade 3 Science, and a variety of other support roles in different classes.

Here are a couple of pictures....

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View from my window

Packing and Prayers

How long does it take you to use a stick of deodorant? What about a bottle of shampoo? Your favorite lotion? If you're going on the mission field any time soon, I suggest you start a nice spread sheet now. 

I'm leaving Friday, January 2nd, and I would appreciate your prayers. Here is how you can pray for me...

• Good health.  The stomach bug has visited our family, and that's no fun. 
• Safe and smooth travels.  I have a short connection in Houston.
• Last minute details and packing to all get done with minimal stress.
• Saying goodbyes to family and friends. (And for the people left behind.)
• Smooth transition into life and teaching in Ethiopia.

Anybody want to come help??
And yes, WinShape friends, that is a token in my suitcase.

December

I've fallen behind on updating my blog, but I sure have enjoyed celebrating the Christmas season with my family. Take a look at some of my December adventures. 

I took a quick trip to Athens, GA to visit dear friends. #campfriendsarebestfriends

One of my favorite Huntsville Christmas Traditions.
Live Nativity in Downtown Huntsville.

And a beautiful walk through downtown. 

This semester, I had the opportunity to work with the Student Ministry at church.
It was a pleasure to serve alongside these people.
Tacky Sweater Christmas Party 2014

Day trip to Nashville to see this dear friend from college say "I do."
It was a nice reUNION. 

My favorite type of Christmas dinner!

Christmas at home.

Christmas Selfie

Every family has two sides, so another Christmas selfie.

Learning to cut the brisket. Poppa approves. 

Sweet TN visits from one of my roomies from college. 

Nana and Poppa

Don't mess with me. I can cut branches off trees. 

Breakfast with this dearie!

Cousins came to town for a night.
Family picture outtakes. 

Quick vacation to Nashville with my family.

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Just running into famous [and tall] people. 

Marmee

What a special time to spend with family and friends.  Now it's time to put the final touches on packing. Ethiopia bound on Friday.

One BIG thank you!

THANK YOU for purchasing t-shirts!

Nerd Bird Creative in Memphis did a fantastic job printing the shirts, and my dear friend, Katie Staples, did an excellent job with the design! Greg is a pastor by day and a creative nerd bird for fun. Katie is a (almost) graduate of Georgia Tech with a beautiful heart for ministry. What a blessing it is to have people use their gifts and talents to support my ministry. 

With your support, I was able to raise over $3,000 from the donations.  That covered over 40% of my one time start up fees.  What a blessing! Please remember to pray for my ministry in Ethiopia whenever you wear your shirt. 

I love all the selfies!

Keep sending me pictures! Love it!

I am only 8% away from my final goal.  Would you consider helping me get to the finish line?

laurakay.richardson@sim.org

The final stretch...

If this was a race, the finish line would be in sight.  It's time for the final sprint. It's time to give it all you've got.

Well, the end is near. Or maybe the beginning. Depends on how you look at it. 

When I decided to return to Ethiopia with SIM, I knew the Lord was calling me to step out of my comfort zone.  I had such a sense of peace.  I just knew that He would provide, and I knew He would provide in His perfect timing. 

I set a goal to raise all of my financial support and prayer warriors in 50 days.  I have two weeks left.  The end is near. It's time to sprint. 

Monthly budget needs

I only need 12% of my monthly support before I leave in January.

Ministry launch funds

The Lord has provided all of my one time needs! Any more one time gifts will now overflow into my monthly support.

All of this would not be possible without people who have a heart for spreading the love of Jesus to the ends of the earth.  Thank you!

Interested in helping me get to the finish line?
Click Here, visit the Financial tab, or email me: laurakay.richardson@sim.org

They are the future...

Why teach at Bingham Academy? This pretty much sums it up.



They are the future.