After getting settled in the Bethel Guest House and getting some much-needed sleep, the team is finally starting to get settled in Ethiopia. We started off the day by having a fabulous breakfast prepared by the house staff, sharing memories already made on the trip, and reading and discussing our morning devotionals that were led by Liz. We prayed for the children, staff, families back home and for God to show Himself on this trip and to use each team member for His glory. After our devotionals we got ready for church. The church we went to was BEAUTIFUL. It had many courtyards and some really amazing architecture on the inside. But even more amazing than the building itself were the people in it. What an amazing energy this place had! We felt more like family rather than strangers. It’s an international church, so there were many nationalities and ethnicities present. It reminded me, at least, that Christ is the ultimate unifier. Christ transcends every culture, language, skin color, and background. Isn’t that incredible that we are a part of something that incredible and monumental? I think so!
The message from the guest pastor, Alemseged Ketema, was very applicable for the team- it was about coming with eagerness to use your spiritual gifts that God has chosen for you and to practice them in an orderly manner. The team is a unique blend of spiritual gifts that we pray will be used in our program for the kids this week.
After the service, we went to eat lunch at Sishu with the Bridges. We had a great time discussing our plans and ideas for the week while enjoying some surprisingly good hamburgers and fries. We then traveled back to the house for dinner and debriefing. While we have had a great time so far, I think everyone on the team is just ready to see the kids. We are ready to put our months and months of training and work to practice. We are so ready for the countless hugs and love that these kids will show us, and that we will show them. It will be fantastic.
We toured the facilities that we will be using for the next week and it is amazing. God never ceases to amaze the team - those who have past years to compare to and those who are experiencing for the first time. We had a wonderful dinner at the guesthouse followed by birthday cake for Meme! Our team baker, Joyce, made the cake back home and flew it over here on dry ice. It was delicious and an excellent celebration for Meme’s birthday!!
Don’t forget to remember to pray for our team. We start our program tomorrow, so pray for a lot of children to attend and that we communicate effectively what the Lord has laid on our hearts to share.
Love, Bradley and the rest of Team Ethiopia!!
PS Don’t forget to comment – we read them every day!!!!
