I John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
Friends and Family,
This trip and this past week especially, I have been struck by the community and love that exists here amongst almost everyone we have come into contact with. We have had the opportunity to visit many different households and experience an incredible amount of hospitality and care. It began with a coffee ceremony at Pastor Mateos’s house a month ago. His family cordially welcomed us and made every effort to make us comfortable. Last week we were able to attend Jerry’s house, the young girl from the feeding center, and were humbled by her family and their sacrificial love as they spent precious birr on bread and milk for their guests. Last Friday night we were invited to a party at Abraham’s boys home. The boys home is affiliated with the girls home where Katie spends time on Monday’s and Thursday’s. The party included both groups and was celebrating Jeremy and Reid, two college-age English teachers, for a month of dedication to the girls and boys of both homes. Joe and I previously had limited interaction with the girls and previously no interaction with the boys, but within the first hour we had met each guy, seen their rooms, artwork and favorite soccer posters, as well as a few life stories and how they came to be in Abraham’s boys home. (The girls were still practicing the songs they were going to sing for Jeremy and Reid) Jeremy told us about life at the boys home and how impressed they were the sense of community present. Every Friday night they take their mattresses into the living room, watch a movie, and fall asleep together. It’s one big slumber party every week. They greet each other with kisses on cheeks and often kiss each other after a good laugh or funny story. They were full of joy and it was a beauty to watch, but it was also contagious. Soon enough they were sitting on our laps and kissing our cheeks as well. They welcomed us into their tight-knit community with open arms and invited us back. I was reminded of 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” They love without hesitation and without boundaries.
The following Sunday I was able to visit with my friends Yanet and Zelaelum, and they invited me to their house. I didn’t know it at the time, but that afternoon there was an engagement party for Yanet’s brother. There house is in a poorer section of town, but they would be considered to be the at the top end of the lower class. They have a tattered couch, some chairs and a sweet T.V. from the 70’s. I had never met Yanet’s family before but upon arrival they insisted I sit in the head chair, reserved for honored guests. The entire family had gathered for this momentous occasion and here I was, just some foreigner sitting in the guest chair instead of the newly engaged couple. To top it off there was obviously not enough seats for everyone in this small living room, though they did manage to seat like 20 people somehow, so I was sitting while older aunts and uncles had to stand. There were a variety of desserts hand-prepared and with each new item brought out I was offered first choice. I tried to refuse a piece of cake because there would not be enough for everyone, but her mom was insulted and made me take two. They treated me like royalty though they had just met me. Hebrews 13:1-2 says, “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have unwittingly entertained angels.” In their actions, I saw Jesus clear as day, and that image has stuck with me and constantly served as a reminder of what my actions should look more like.
Finally, this past Wednesday we had dinner with Zenebe, the executive director of Hope Enterprises, at his home here in Addis. His family had prepared a delicious feast for us and again, we were treated like royalty. It was humbling to be in such a respected person’s house being treated in turn with the utmost respect and care. They even brought out a special Ethiopian dessert for us that is a prized possession. I could go on and on with examples: our stay at our guest house and the family we have all become, the feeding center, the three of us as our own tight-knit community, etc. All of these experiences have been a vivid, tangible reminder that I need to make love a constant expression in my life rather than a commodity. As we come upon our final week in Ethiopia, pray that we would utilize our time to its utmost potential, but also that would not feel any sense of urgency as time runs out. Pray that we can continue to open up to each other and share our hearts as our minds process the entire trip and prepare to leave. We appreciate all of the prayers and support, keep it coming.
Thanks,
-Josh and the slightly smaller Ethiopian Entourage
Friday, August 10, 2007
