Over the course of our week we heard incredible stories of individuals living out God's plan for their lives. They are walking in obedience to His call and we were inspired and encouraged by their faith and their courage to live out their lives so sacrificially. We also heard story after story that broke us. And just when we thought our hearts could break no more we would hear of another struggle, another mother hurting, kids living on the streets, another child longing for the love and comfort of a family.
There is still so much processing going on in my head and my heart. I've tried to reconcile our abundance and their need but the fact is there's just no way to make peace with the disparity. For whatever reason God chose for me to be born in this country of plenty. And you can't tell me that we aren't rich. We are wealthy by most of the world's standards. In our backyard sits the most beautiful chicken coop my dad is in the midst of building for us. While I am so grateful for my dad giving of his time and using his talents to build this home for our chickens, that coop has caused me heaps of guilt this week. That chicken coop is more than many people have for homes. It makes me sick.
This was our guard at the guest house. I don't know all of his story. I know that he serves with his whole heart. His smile was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen and he was continuously eager to help us. I know that he sleeps in a small metal enclosure with an even smaller opening that he climbs into each night. I also know that every morning he begins the day in his Bible. His joy comes from the Lord and he has something that no earthly possession could ever satisfy. These are the stories of the people I will forever cherish.
I am tired. I'm still getting over jet-lag. I have what I like to call "Africa tummy." I'm feeling the pressure of VBS next week. My kiddos need my attention after being gone and now being pulled by ministry duties. I am still trying to make sense of it all. But the intent of our time in Ethiopia was to share their stories. We had the honor and the privilege to see the brokenness and share in the joy. We listened with tear filled eyes to the battles being fought and rejoiced with our brothers and sisters over the triumphs. God is doing a great work in Ethiopia. He is using some ordinary people just like you and me to write extraordinary stories. I hope that I can do them justice.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
*Please stay tuned for an upcoming series on the ministries we
visited and how you can be a part of their stories.
2 comments:
Oh Shan, thank you for sharing. I am tearing up, just at hearing a hint of your experience. I too have seen desperate poverty by our standards, yet great wealth by heaven's standards in the hearts of those who are so faithfully following Him in the face of such adversity. You are a treasure, and I look forward to reading and hearing more. Maybe even joining you one day... <3 Shan
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us Shannon, you write beautifully. It is convicting and humbling to read about people who have so much less materially than I do who are doing so much more to glorify God than I am managing to do with all my undeserved prosperity. Just scratching out a living in such poverty would probably break me, yet I am blessed with a life of ease - so many resources, so much free time, and I'm wasting it. Thank you for opening my eyes....
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