Home from Ethiopia

I'm home from Ethiopia. It was a long 16 days. Emotional. Trying at times. I found that so many of us don't know that we matter. That we have value. That we are worth so much more than the perceptions of others. That the expectations we try to live up to are often times way to high for even those who are setting the height of those expectations.

I guess that's why I love the Ethiopian people. They don't have those same expectations. If I sag in areas, it's ok. If I gain a few pounds, it doesn't matter. If I lose a few, no problem. All that's wanted from me is a hug and a kind word. A warm smile. A whisper of I love you as we say good-bye. Not even a promise of I'll see you again. All that's wanted is for me to be right here in the moment as we talk, laugh and cry. Not to worry about tomorrow but be fully alive in the here and now.

With each travel day, I found a piece of me I didn't know I had. With each moment that past, I found myself growing in ways I never thought I could. Never imagining that God would be using these trips to my advantage much less His. But, even as I sit here, being home for a mere 17 hours, back in the states for 30 hours, I see the dots being connected in preparation for the next phase in life. I know my God is good. His plans are good and perfect. I can trust him fully with all that he has planned and my deepest hopes, dreams and desires.

I hope to share about my trip as I process this one. I think it may be easier to share this time around as it was a much different experience than my first trip. Still powerful and life changing experience. But oh so different in every way.

For now, I will just say, it was amazing. Sweet! Sad. Glorious. Maddening. Different. Full of growth. Eye opening. Heart opening.

If you are being asked to go- say yes! It's so worth it

STWTHE,
Laurie