Sunday, December 5, 2010 (5/12/2010)
On this Lord’s Day, what a great reminder from our Old Testament scripture readings for the day, that God is upholding our cause and does not forsake us.
Isaiah 41:17”When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.”
Psalm 140:12 “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.”
It would be easy to think differently when you see the disparity in the physical needs of this world. However there is a simplicity to life here that is enviable. BUT the two worlds need to collide where those of us blessed with health and resources must extend physical hope so that spiritual rescue can become a very real HOPE for salvation…”HANDs AND FEET OF CHRIST”
We spent the day with a new friend, Zellelam or “Z.” Rick, Dick and I rented a car and “Z” gave us a terrific tour of Bahir Dar. ”Z’s” testimony out of the orthodox religion was refreshing and uncommon I suspect. Beautiful young man with wonderful spirit of hospitality and grace. He taught Dick how to eat Doro Wat with the injera!
Highlights:
*In Ethiopia they start counting the midnight hour with sunrise.
That means when Ethiopian clocks or people say 8:15 it's actually six hours difference, so it was 2:15 p.m. It's also 2003 in Ethiopia, which uses the Julian calendar. They will ring in their new year on September 12, 2011!*Orthodox Church Tour- We had to pay $3 a person and you had to be “Christian” to go in.
We learned about the drums (kebbero) and bronze shakers (sistra) used during their church ceremonies.
*We then went to a Kali Hewit church (Word of Life Church) for the last song of worship. We hope to attend a KH church when we return next month.
*Below is the traditional canoe-style boats (tankwa) of a very ancient design. They are made from tightly bound bundles of papyrus grass like those used by the ancient Egyptians.
These men will gather these papyrus leaves to be sold and used on the ground for the traditional coffee ceremony.
*Visited a neighborhood where the people/children were warm and friendly. I would love to have spent the entire day there.
Checked out the Homeland Hotel as a possible base for LCC leaders.
*Shopping in a few different places was fun.
*Beauty of the Blue Nile, Lake Tana, and the monument of Haile Selassie.
*View of entire city from a hilltop. Paused to pray for Amhara Region and the plans He will make us aware of as we remain obedient to His will.
Returned to Addis exhausted, filled to overflow, and with great celebration for the beautiful God we serve!
So excited for your return to bring your daughter home! Would love to hear more but I know time is short. Praying for your trip, your bonding and transitions!
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