Thank you God for giving me grace grace today!!!
Our little family of five was so excited to join our friends and the Visiting Orphan’s team for Sunday service at Beza Church! Last Sunday, we were blessed hearing Pastor Zi share on giving, but today was the healing service and this was going to be a powerful message! Zoie couldn’t wait to join her new friends at kid’s class, too. We were all ready to worship and join with our new church family in unity, joy and blessing in the Holy Spirit.
We spent extravagant time with Jesus. It was simply beautiful enjoying time with our brothers and sisters singing and praising and loving Jesus together. As I looked around the congregation, there were so many people groups from all over the world. We had friends sitting near us from Africa, United States, Australia, and even France. The testimonies of healing glorified God and encouraged others to go forward for prayer. “The whole church must take the whole gospel to the whole world.” (Live Dead)
One of the things God put on my heart was letting go of all my “plans.” It took me weeks to plan what to bring to Africa for my family. I planned on the things I anticipated we would need here for the four months in Ethiopia, but already I realize most of the 
stuff I packed was unnecessary. I never thought I was much of a planner, but enjoy the surprises that come along with adventure. However, in my mind, I made a lot of plans about how I thought things would go. I keep reminding myself, I have no agenda when I wake up in the morning, but I can sense in my heart how much I crave feeling needed and wanted. The worst thought would be to go through an entire day and not serve big or love big. Today, God reminded me that the only thing He wants me to do daily, hourly, second by second … first SEEK God’s kingdom. Jesus says, “Fall into freedom; trust me, and stop worrying about what you have or don’t have.”
So, today sitting with my new church family, I confessed my motives and weakness to make my own plans to serve my purpose for the day. I want to step aside and let God make the plans. He knows exactly what He wants me to do during my time here in Ethiopia. He will use my strengths and weaknesses.. I just need to obey. I’m so grateful for the ministries and missionaries and adoption families that I love are [here] with me in Addis Ababa. There was no way I could ever have planned that!! I want to be a “happy helper” but more than anything, I want to please my
heavenly Father and enjoy each and every day in freedom. I look forward to living this day to the fullest and not worry about tomorrow.
The rest of the day was unplanned and so much spontaneous fun! We headed to our favorite restaurant, Lime Tree with our EGH friends for lunch and cupcakes. We met up with 2 adoption families and had wonderful fellowship and laughs. I didn’t plan on going to the traditional dinner and dance show at 7:30PM, but decided at the last second to join the group. It was so amazing watching our daughter, Zoie come alive with dancing along with the music and dancers. I sat by Hannah and loved watching her laugh with new friends. Our super-nanny, Dovie enjoyed the VO team and traditional dinner … I think she actually ate a few bites of injera!!
Read Matthew 6:25-33. Ask yourself what it is God is saying to you. What does it mean to the plans you have made? What effect will you let it have on what you do or how you live THIS day? (Live Dead)
OPERATION:MERCY – we are raising funds to purchase Mercy’s flights to the states for medical treatment. Please consider praying and supporting this beautiful girl and the miracle God has done in her life. Together we can make a difference!! Thank you for praying for the past year for Mercy to receive her medical visa!! God is faithful and good!! Just click on the special donation button on the right side or you can write a check to our non-profit, Simply Love.
