There was a wedding today (a complete surprise to us!) at the church we went to in Yetebon. It is amazing to me that these people, this couple, would have us at their wedding on what we in America call “our day”. You would never see complete strangers at someone’s wedding in the states! It was so selfless and not about themselves, and once again God is showing me that these people would have no greater joy than to serve. It makes me think what’s wrong with the picture of my life at home. It’s all about us, or really…it’s all about me most of the time…
The beauty here is indescribable. The mountains, the clouds, the rich soil, the people, the language, even the huts and the mud are works of art made and inspired by the work of God’s hands. Even the air smells different. (kind of like a bonfire but at the same time something totally unfamiliar). I think it’s the most beautiful place beyond the words I could ever find to communicate. But more than the physical beauty, it’s beautiful because it’s different and that makes me feel small. Which makes me see God’s glory. That’s what we have been praying for and he has brought it. When we were driving by these mountains covered with smoke earlier today, I couldn’t help thinking about when Jesus left his disciples to go up on the mountaintop to pray and be with his Father. These mountains shout of Jesus and remind me of how he loved people. There is no question that we are seeing God’s glory and wonder and mystery. Just being in awe of him is what he desires for his people. It’s what we were created for. My prayer is that I would not only experience the glory and majesty of God in these days, but that I would actually be able to share Jesus’ glory with the kids we are playing with in the orphanages (eph. 6:19-20). My flesh wants to think that because of the language barrier this is difficult, but Jesus is so not limited to that! He speaks in all tongues, especially laughter with these precious kids. Or when we sat though an Amharic church service without an interpreter today but we just knew, when he was reading the word of God and preaching with such passion and praying, I just knew that he was speaking to the same God we speak to…and that God hears them and us, and who knows how many other languages and dialects…that…is humbling. That…is holy mystery.
-bford
Well, Jesus started his ministry at a wedding in Cana, right? May you continue to see his power at work this week.
Thanks so much for the updates – I look forward to them morning and night – thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I am so proud of ALL of you. Were you able to take pictures at the wedding?
Wow! Brittany first let me say that your words are written beautifully….of course we can expect nothing less from you. Wow! How refreshing to hear how God is present EVERYWHERE the team goes. Love that even though you didn’t have an interpreter, you experienced time with God. Sometimes He just wants us to be quiet and listen! Praying for all of you and sending lots of love, hugs and good thoughts. Miss you!
Love and prayers,
Mama Daisy