More Reflections From Our First Trip to Ethiopia- (December 6, 2010)

 Psalm 72:12  For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.

Throughout our days in Ethiopia, we journaled and reflected on different readings and verses.  Today's references reminded us that because of the heart-change we've experienced as believers in Christ, we are to defend the needy and the poor with all our available resources.  Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 29:12-17 reminds us of Job's character that is worthy of emulating.

All sorts of people paid respect to Job, not only for the dignity of his rank, but for his personal merit, his prudence, integrity, and good management. Happy the men who are blessed with such gifts as these! They have great opportunities of honouring God and doing good, but have great need to watch against pride. Happy the people who are blessed with such men! It is a token for good to them. Here we see what Job valued himself by, in the day of his prosperity. It was by his usefulness.

 How many who were ready to perish, now are blessing Him! But who can show forth His praises? May we trust in His mercy, and seek to imitate His truth, justice, and love.

The last line of this commentary is my prayer.  I need to continue to trust in HIS MERCY and  SEEK TO IMITATE HIS TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND LOVE as we experience the country and people of Ethiopia.

Today proved to be a great day with good friends. Rick was hopeful to catch an early flight out so we said goodbye and look forward to seeing him again soon.  We really enjoyed our time with him in Bahir Dar and back in Addis and are thankful God saw fit to weave our paths together.



Traditional Ethiopian Meal!

 We checked into the Riviera and then the rest of the day was spent shopping/sightseeing with Ribka and her daughter Tamirnesh ("Tami"). They leave us with such a captivating picture of the Ethiopian people: courteous, respectful, quiet, genuine, loyal, endearing and charming.  After shopping, we had a traditional meal with Injera, dorowot, beans, beef and all the spices! 

This is the ministry vehicle Pastor Mark's church (in CA) purchased and it's still running.  We are pictured here outside the restaurant, with the driver, Yoseph and Ribka.

Yoseph joined us after lunch. We are so thankful for our new family friends, the Mena's!

Sweet ladies in the shop where we bought traditional outfits for the family and scarves.

Yoseph presenting us with a set of Ethiopian "American sized" mugs!

Be sure to pause the music to the right.