Thursday, January 16, 2014

Moving Day.




This past weekend was my birthday and I was blessed to have 25 of my closest friends and family around me.  Aside from a few friends who couldn’t make it from out of town, everyone was gathered in my backyard around a warm bonfire, enjoying delicious food, and celebrating my birthday and soon-to-be departure to Ethiopia.  I looked around and realized I was surrounded by my most loved ones.  These are my people.




I have the most amazing friends in the world.  I have friends who serve God and work in Kenya, Chile, Thailand, and other countries around the world.  I have friends who are extremely intelligent and applying their God-given skills in medical school.  I have friends who are disciplined and beat their bodies and train to run marathons and even 100 miles.  I have friends who are dedicated to being amazing teachers, loving caregivers, and responsible leaders.  I have a best friend who is the most compassionate, faithful, and perseverant follower of Jesus that I’ve ever known.  I could go on and on, and don’t even get me started on my family!  These are my people.

Being surrounded by my family and friends this week was the perfect send off for me to move to Ethiopia for a year.  This verse came to my heart this week.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3

Now let me be honest here.  If it was me writing this letter, if it was my nature and attitude, it would go something more like this:  Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, such wonderful godly encouraging family and friends, then STAY.  Stay among them.  Stay where it is comfortable, enjoy the fellowship of friends, receive love and affirmation, and be built up together.  That might be what my heart would say right now, but that’s not what the Word says.  Now don’t get me wrong, I am SO EXCITED TO MOVE TO ETHIOPIA, but there is a big part of me that doesn’t want to leave the people I love.  That’s how I feel, but I also know what God has called me to.

I know that God has called me to move to Ethiopia, and I want to “run with perseverance the race marked out for me”.  Long before God blessed me with this position with Water is Life I knew that God was calling me away, was going to lead me away from Gainesville or even the U.S. to somewhere else for a new purpose that God would give me.  It’s amazing how God in his faithfulness has taken me back to Ethiopia, and has now given me a place there for the long-term.

I couldn’t be more excited to make this move, and begin my year in Ethiopia serving with Water is Life!  I know that this year is going to be full of new adventures, difficult challenges, wonderful cultural experiences, and sights and experiences that will forever change my heart and my life.  Thank you for supporting me, following my journey, and also (please!) praying for me.  Stay tuned.  I honestly can’t imagine what’s coming next, but I know it will be amazing, and I’m ready for whatever God has in store.

In eager anticipation of this journey,
 

1 comment:

  1. WOW. You are incredible! Your energy, passion, drive, enthusiasm, compassion, generosity, and love flows out in everything you do (and write). Stephie, I can see Jesus in you and praise God for the way He is working in your life.
    It warms my heart, and makes me smile, to read this and to get a glimpse into your US life. I'm looking forward to seeing your Ethiopia life!
    You are such a blessing to those around you (near AND far), and God uses you in mighty big ways. Praying for you as you start this next chapter of your adventure. God's already gone before you, is with you, and surrounding you as you move across the world -- "seeking first HIS kingdom".
    With BIG e-hugs, and prayers. I love you!
    Meliss

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