Rest.

Rest. It's a hard thing to do. It's hard to stop what you're doing and really rest, and I'm bad at it. 

I had the opportunity to get away from the city for the day and really rest. Rest in Jesus, and rest in his calling on my life.

 

I'm going to be honest, when I heard about a prayer retreat outside of the city, I didn't want to go. I have a lot to do to get ready for school, and I just didn't want to make time for it. I had preconceived notions about the event, and I wasn't sure I would even know anybody. I knew God was telling me I needed that time, but I still had my excuses. To make a long story short, I went. 

I love how God knows exactly what we need... Honestly, I've felt like I've been walking through a spiritual desert, but sweet time with Jesus was just what I needed. What a blessing it was to simply reflect on the way He saved me from my son and called me to this place. I was reminded of the importance of coming together as community to worship. I learned (or should I say that I'm still learning) about the importance of rest. If you don't take time for rest and refreshment, you'll burn out, and that's the last thing I want to happen. Rest is essential for successful ministry. 

I'm so thankful for SIM and the opportunities they provide for us to come together from all over the world to worship Jesus together. What a sweet blessing. Now, let's start a school year! 

School's out for the... rainy season?

That's right, friends! School's out for the rainy season.  I'm sitting in my apartment right now wishing that I could feel my toes.  Who knew it would get so cold and wet in Africa? Not me.  Even though it's wet, cold, and muddy, I can't stop thinking about how rain brings new life.  Even though I miss the warmth and sunshine, I can't stop thinking about the importance of this time for farmers.  
"He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills." Psalms 147:8

I love that we serve a God who is in control of everything. Even the grass. It's easy to complain. But, today, I think I'll just grab an extra blanket, make a cup of tea, and lesson plan for the upcoming school year. 

Quick Updates

• School finished in mid-June. Graduation, banquets, and too many goodbyes. What a busy time!
• I will be teaching Kindergarten starting in August! It's going to be an exciting year!
• I had the opportunity to travel down country to lead a kid's program with a friend in two different villages (see pictures).

Favotite Recipes

I've always liked to cook, but I've really started to enjoy cooking in Ethiopia.  It's adventure, for sure! There are certainly things that I used to take for granted... For example, we have to bleach all of our fruits and vegetables, you can't buy cream of chicken soup, we live 7,726 ft. above sea level (so you have to change everything for altitude). 

Contrary to Pinterest, there is no such thing as an "easy" recipe. 

But even though it's a challenge, I can buy beautiful fresh produce and delicious bread right out of the gate for just a few pennies. How great is that?

Here are some of my favorite recipes that I have recently tried...

Carrot Apple Bread

Potato Corn Chowder

Homemade Wheat Thins

Q&A

In February, I asked for questions about my life in Ethiopia.  Here are your questions and my answers!

What's your favorite ethnic food from Ethiopia & why?
The traditional food of Ethiopia is injera, but I have not grown accustomed to the taste.  They ferment a grain called ‘teff’ for three days and they turn it into a sour sour dough thin pancake.  You use it to scoop up the different ‘wats’ that they put on top.  I usually just use bread or a tortilla to scoop up the wats and that is quite nice! I do love macchiatos.

How long is the sun/ daytime light out there?
It is similar to back home.  The sun comes up around 6:15 and stays out until about 7.

What is the hardest thing to have to get accustomed to (aside from language & being away from home)?
Right now, the hardest thing is that I always stand out when I leave my compound.  People are constantly calling you a foreigner, asking you for money, or practicing their English. You can never blend in.

How much does it cost to get a plane ticket to see you? 

Depends! :) I found one for about $800 the other day!

What is your favorite part about the culture of Ethiopia? 

My favorite thing about Ethiopian culture is the simplicity and love. People live a much simpler life here.  Time doesn’t mean the same thing.  Walking is easier than driving. Food is fresh. Roads are made of dirt. And people are quick to love.

Are there any other young people about your age working there? If so, do you get together with them for fellowship and study?  Yes, there are several people my age that work at Bingham.  We do things together almost every weekend.
 
What kind of things do you do for fun over there?

I get to hang out with kids all day! That’s pretty fun! Besides school, I enjoy taking walks around my neighborhood, painting, watching movies, grocery shopping, or going out to eat.

How has working and living in an international community taught you new things about God and his character? 

I’ve been learning a lot about God’s love. Sometimes it can be hard to love people when they constantly yell at you outside the gate. It can be hard to love the child that is constantly in trouble and looks at you with defiance.  I find myself having to take a step back and remember who made these people and who loves them. I pray that God will continue to show me ways to love his people.

What is the funniest sounding word, in your opinion, in Amharic and what does it mean? 

The funniest word to me is ‘feet’… It means ‘face’.

To how many odd foods have you been introduced?

Several.  Injera and all that goes on top is very different from food that we eat in the US.

 
 
 

Recent happenings...

Being a first year teacher in a new culture is creating a busy life. Here are some updates from the past couple of weeks.

• I went on a field trip to a local school with the first grade class.
  
• I had the opportunity to get away from the city for a few days to lead the children's program for a church's weekend away.  I plan to write a separate post about that.
  
• I got out of the city for a few days on Spring Break.  It was nice to recharge.  The Lord has been teaching me a lot about the importance of rest. Sometimes it just means not taking work home, and sometimes it means you need to get away.  It can be hard to rest when you can see your office from your living room window. 
  
• I went to visit the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis. It was so inspiring to see the legacy that one couple has left in a country (and the work that she continues to do at the age of 91). Check out what they do for the women of Ethiopia.
  
• I celebrated Easter with my new church family. What an answer to prayer.
  
• My roommates and I hosted a couple of families for dinner at  our house. 
• I've been preparing for the 4th grade Science Fair. They're so excited! 
• I dominated in the Richardson family March Madness bracket. Apparently my guessing skills are better in Africa. 
• I'm officially a resident of Ethiopia!
  

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. 

The Little Things...

Sometimes you have days where nothing goes right. The lesson is a flop. You can't find anything at the grocery store. You don't understand the language. Sometimes those days happen. Sometimes Ethiopia wins.  

Other times, you have good days. Days where you remember to appreciate the small things. Today was one of those days. 

I got my driver's license-watch out Addis!

I bought a pressure cooker! 

My roommates and I found a delicious pizza place. 

I found Diet Coke in plastic bottles. (Add some Mentos, and we'll have great fun in my science class!)

I found scented candles! 

Today, I remembered to be thankful for the little things.

 

Sounds

Have you ever taken time to just sit and listen to the sounds all around you? I'm sitting in my classroom, waiting for my students to come back, and I am enjoying all of the new sounds I hear everyday...

donkeys 

children playing

car horns

birds

roosters

wind rushing through the trees

sirens

music from the Orthodox church

Call to Prayer from the mosque

construction

happy giggle

school bells

goats and sheep

cheering

more car horns

hyenas (at night)

dogs barking

worship from the church outside the gate

I love the sounds of my new home! Even in the middle of the night...