I don’t know how to sum up 8 months …I especially don’t know
how to sum them up when they were spent in Ethiopia, with brand new everything.
It was an adventure, a challenge, a life changer, and a dream. It was
everything I thought it would be and everything I thought it wouldn’t be. It
was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am eternally grateful for being
given. The following are highlights and
memories that resonate to be the key and favorite moments of these 8
months…enjoy
I saw many things that reminded me of the brokenness of this
earth. My heart longs for heaven in a new way. There were good days and bad
days. There were remarkable days and mundane days. There were days where I
wanted to run home and days where I couldn’t imagine stepping on a plane.
I laughed and danced with some of the sweetest humans. I
cried with them as well. I went to a wedding and a funeral within the first
month of living here. I went to the hospital twice. I went to many festivals
and holiday celebrations. I celebrated my birthday in the middle of an African
plain surrounded by three amazing friends.
I was reminded daily that this life is not my own, it isn’t
meant to glorify myself…ever.
I worshipped in a church filled with over 60 races.
Jesus revealed himself to me in new ways daily...through the
eyes of an old woman, the touch of a newborn, the noise of a child laughing,
and ways less tangible that only the depths of my heart could know. Through
every low of sickness, and every high of great joy the Lord carried me through
this time away from everything familiar.
I fell head over heels in love with Isaac. His small life
has taught me much. Spending each day with him humbled me and reminded me that
this journey wasn’t about successfully teaching English to hundreds but
absolutely adoring those hundreds with love and grace.
I fell in love with the kids I taught. Their constant desire
to learn inspired me to continue on my own path of learning and discovery.
Their smiles, laughs and joys are stamped on my heart; they have left deep
impressions on my soul.
I watched women leave the deadly life of prostitution and
fall into a beautiful life of Jesus, fellowship, and success. Their testimonies
of courage and resilience will inspire me forever.
Almost everyday my eyes filled with tears, from laughing so
hard. Whether it was a rat in the office, a lizard in my house, Rahel’s
pronunciation of the English language or a crazy man proposing to me, each day
was filled with hilarious adventure.
Our house was a place I loved to come home to. Our patio
served as one of my favorite places. We had parties, we ate meals, I sun bathed
or watched the sunset. Our kitchen served as a place for domestic disaster and
dance parties. Our doors were always open, and 4/7 nights a week a friend was
sleeping on our couch. My iHome became my good friend and an enemy of our
landlord. Music always rang through our tiny house.
Rahel and I always seemed to find ourselves in weird
situations. Like dealing with homeless men attacking us, taxi’s catching on
fire, and going on walks very late at night just to get some chocolate. We
became regulars at multiple cafes and the movie theater. We also got to
experience Kenya together, a trip that goes down in the books as one of my
favorite vacations ever!!!
It really is unbelievable that this chapter is ending. I can
still feel the heartache of saying goodbye to home and the wonder of that first
day in Ethiopia. It is only by the Lord’s grace and kindness that I had this
opportunity and the courage to pursue it.
And my incredible parents had a little to do with it
too…okay…they had everything to do with it. From long phone calls at odd hours,
to advice on everything under the sun they have been right next to me through
it all. I know a lot of people thought they were crazy for sending their 18-year-old
girl off to a new land but I know it is because they trust the Lord first and
foremost with everything in their lives. Their love has no end and they are two
of the greatest blessings I will ever have on this earth.
Friends, your support meant the world to me. The many
emails, texts, and snapchats made this venture so much more enjoyable. I am
thankful for you all, and I am SO excited to see you all soon.
I hope you enjoyed following my journey.
For one last time
Love from Addis,
Love from Addis,
Becca
