1) I know it's been quite some time (give or take three months) since our last update.
2) Pics coming soon...
3) Below is a little something I wrote on the way back from my most recent trip... enjoy.
It’s been one month since we said “see you later” to Ethiopia for our three-month furlough to the States. We’re at about the one month mark, and it’s been a whirlwind of flights (on my tenth flight as I write this entry), seeing family and friends, sharing with local churches, and some pret-ty amazing conversations.
While I miss our friends, the Ayeles, the kids at EGCH, and the many relationships built over our first year in Ethiopia—I know I’m in the middle of something pretty special. That something pretty special is two-fold. On one end, it’s the reminder of the relationships that have been established over the years because of the God-story He’s written in our lives. On the other, something pretty special involves these connections building a bridge between some amazing local churches to Ebenezer Grace Children’s Home (EGCH). “Never” is word I seldom use. However, I’m quite confident saying that I never would have met the people God has brought into my life, without following Jesus.
LOVED. I marvel that love isn’t a time-based condition with Jesus. He didn’t just love me in a moment. Nor is it shallow. It keeps going, and going, and going… I’d also like to add a double portion of marvel, being reminded that one of the many ways He chose to demonstrate this love, is through these relationships cultivated over several thousands of moments. Whether it’s a cross-connection made a few hours ago, or over the years, I know His love more because of these relationships. I’ve experienced His love through others’ words, tears, and smiles. I’ve experienced His love through others giving, sharing a meal or having coffee, and taking the time to listen. I’ve experienced His love from the aged and not-so-aged. I’ve experienced His love—even today—through a child’s hug. I could go on, and then some.
This love goes beyond me. This love reaches across many miles (or kilometers), across cultural barriers and continents, to the children and staff at EGCH. It’s the love that keeps on loving. It’s love rooted in something—someone—greater. His name is Jesus.
Thank you to our family at Calvary Chapel Bible College Europe, Calvary Chapel in the Ozarks, Calvary Chapel Texarkana, and Calvary Chapel Portland. There’s no way to quantify what it means to be connected to you, and supported by you through this adventure. Congratulations. You have succeeded in being used by Jesus... to love.
*pinching self* Oh, and there’s still more to come.
All the best in Jesus,
Shaun
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