After
one year of praying and planning I finally arrived in Ethiopia; travel
weary and ill. I had been hearing stories and seeing pictures for
several years and could hardly wait to experience God in Africa. Maybe
it was the long line we stood in to receive our hand written visa, or
having to check the math of the woman who exchanged my money into Burr,
or being greeted by the smell of exotic spices while still feeling
queasy, but my first thought was why would anyone want to come back to
Ethiopia?
We
piled into vans and we settled into the guest house. I could hardly
wait to fall into bed. I slept so soundly I didn't hear the muslim call
to prayer that seemed to wake everyone else. But when I did awaken, it
was with a sense of anticipation and excitement; in stark contrast to
my first impressions last night. After worshipping with believers from
around the world at Beza International Church I would have been
satisfied and called it an awesome trip. The Spirit of the Lord is
alive and active in Ethiopia!
We
had lunch at "The Rodeo" restaurant complete with the Texas Lone Star
symbol to greet us at the entryway. After enjoying pizza with moss
which we found out was just mozarella cheese, we headed to Mission
Ethiopia. As we got out of the vans we were swarmed by many beautiful
children. They shouted their greetings, hugged us, wanted to have their
pictures taken and play with us; total strangers. So opposite to
America where we have to teach our children to beware of strangers.
Ethiopia
is a county of contrasts. Business men in suits and finely dressed
women walk the same streets with those who live in the streets. Goats
and cows share the small grassy areas with children at play and those
with wares to sell. Donkeys are driven down the sidewalk while cars
dodge each other and pedestrians in the streets. Metal shanties are
built next to beautiful buildings. Loving, joyful children living in
poverty. Muslims are called to prayer five times a day while believers
access to the one true God anytime, anywhere. I am excited to meet more
believers tomorrow at Kind Hearts school. After a day like today, how
could anyone not want to return to Ethiopia? by Cindy Richardson
Mrs. Richardson
The whole crew eating pizzas after church
First power outage Sunday night!
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