The past three months living in Ethiopia have been nothing less than amazing. While I was reminiscing on my time here in Africa, I decided to make a list of a few things I never want to forget.
- African children belly-laughing at Kung Fu Panda
- The African sunrise/sunset
- Orthodox priests chanting at 5am
- Cutting grass in the fields
- The Christmas Eve stars
- African church (these services are long and Spirit-filled)
- That time a badger basically attacked my team during manual labor
- Singing at the top of our lungs to Chicken Fried//Zac Brown Band while washing dishes
- When a street kids grabs your hand while walking to the market
- The 45 minute walk to the HOPEthiopia Reforestation site
- Binge watching all the Marvel movies on off days
- Coffee and Bible reading on the couch
- When I slept beside Jaynna and she steamrolled me to go pee at 3am
- 6am runs in the compound
- Our kitchen ladies, Hildana and Zanet
- Coffee ceremonies in the children’s village
- Elena getting healed of her gluten intolerance
- Stretching for the splits (pictures to come)
- Stopping the van to let a herd of camels cross the road
- Eating Injera
- Getting lice for the first time (and having to keep coconut oil in my hair for a week)*side note: I used to be terrified of getting lice, and now I would take all the lice in the world if I could cuddle an African kid one last time
- Making pancakes with the kitchen ladies
- The walk to the guesthouse every morning
- Doing laundry by hand
- Movie nights with the kids
- All the love notes Daawit gave me
- The cram-packed van ride to Addis Ababa to submit financial reports
- Mange (one of our local friends who works with HOPEthiopia) saying the word “boujee”
- The beautiful mountains that surround the compound
- How the Lord bestowed His love on me in totally new ways
I could go on and on about how much I love Africa and the people here, but my list would take forever to read. I am definitely sad to be leaving this beautiful place that I have called home for the past three months, but I know the Lord has so much greater things in store for both Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
You are loved beyond words and we are so proud of you for allowing God to direct and use you. Safe travels and looking forward to see what God has in stored for you the next three months
Cherish. Every. Memory. God’s plan for our life is amazing and purposeful. I love reading your list! Brought a smile to my face! Praying for the next leg of your journey!! Love you so much!
I loved your list, Gracie. It was wonderful to get a glimpse of what has been happening with you the past three months!! I am sure it was hard to leave but God still has more in His plans for you. I miss you so much but so thankful for what God is doing. Anxious to hear more!!
You are a breath of fresh air young lady. May God continue to bless you and your family.
My eyes filled with tears as I read your list. Had to go back & read a second time. So thankful you share what God is doing in your life. Two items on list about child taking your hand when you’re walking to the market & you getting lice but still wanting to hug child again speaks to the difference Christ can make in our lives. God bless you!
I love your list!!!! Thank you for sharing, so we could fall in love with the people of Ethiopia with you.
What a great list. Ethiopia has been such a beautiful time for your squad. Love you!
Your post made me stop & think how fortunate we are & the little things we take for granted. May your beautiful smile & love of God help the people you meet. God bless.
Your post made me stop & think how fortunate we are & the little things we take for granted. May your beautiful smile & love of God help the people you meet. God bless.
Your post made me stop & think how fortunate we are & the little things we take for granted. May your beautiful smile & love of God help the people you meet. God bless.