Well, here we are-in countdown mode! Only 4 days until we leave for Ethiopia. Only 4 more days to enjoy hot showers...ice cold diet cokes....chicken fried steak... mashed potatoes and gravy...PIZZA!!...
But we are excited! We have prepared as best we can, and will leave the rest up to God.
After all- WE did not dream this up, or think where can we go to make ourselves miserable for 2 years? Nor do we want to be martyrs for a cause.
God has placed this desire in both of our hearts to go. Out of a sense of gratitude for all that He has given us. And since He has planned this, we surely have no reason to fret or fear...because the Lord has gone ahead of us to prepare the way. He has already started working in the hearts of our friends here to help-so many we can't count them all-and He is working in the hearts of people in Ethiopia-government leaders, tribal leaders, people who will want to help us to achieve God's purposes.
So....we may miss our hot showers, and our diet cokes and pizza-but what a blessing we are getting in return! We don't see this as a sacrifice-we see it as a priviledge. We will see and experience things that most people never get to see. And to have an opportunity to effect lives in a positive and longlasting way--well, that is way better than pizza!!
Probably this comment should go with the bread posts earlier. But here's the link to my friend Sara's blog where she chronicled her cooking adventures in Uganda, complete with lots of recipes. The newer posts are things she's cooked since coming home, but June 2009-June 2010ish are the Uganda posts. She's an amazing adventurous cook-- might be some useful tidbits there for you!
ReplyDeletehttp://sarasglobalcooking.blogspot.com/
I think about you and Tom every day. Almost turned into your place yesterday, but gate was backed up. I love you so much and you have been such a big part of my life. I know God has already blessed this Mission and has already "enlarged you territory". I think these 2 years will fly for YOU, but for those of us left behind, it will drag. Good travels.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers will always be with you both. I will be offering my penance up for your continued work there. May our prayers and your hope find it's home in the hands of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. amen.
ReplyDeleteIt was very hard to say "so long" today (1/9/11) over skype with Philly (but 'not' goodbye!) Just know that you'll always be in our minds and hearts, and that our love goes with you. May God bless you both for all your good works and may the work of your hands be fruitful! May God Bless you, Mary be near, St. Joseph and your Angels protect you! Be safe! xoxo :)
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