Megan's Summer Update

Hello Everyone! Here's an update of what's been happening with us in Ethiopia these past two and a half months.  Before getting into the details, we want to thank all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, sent us Scripture, and supported us during this time. We are consistently humbled and blessed by our "extended" family. 

During this season we definitely faced some challenges: Shaun was only given a 30-day business visa and had to get his work permit in that time, we found out that some of our paperwork had to be sent back to the US to get authenticated at two different places (we weren't aware of this step), our documents got lost when we sent them to friends in DC, both the kid dealt with sickness.  Sonya had febrile seizure and Jude got stung twice by something.. the first time was his whole hand was so swollen he couldn't even hold a cup (aka HULK hand).

BUT in all of this we continued to see God's faithfulness.  Shaun was given a 30-day extension, our paperwork was found, and dear friends of ours in Washington D.C. were able to take our documents to get authenticated.. and they didn't get lost on the way back :)  Jude and Sonya got better.  And while time was ticking on Shaun's first visa extension... just three days before he was going to have to leave the country he got another two-week extension, and by God's grace he got his work permit the next day! 

Through all these circumstances we see God used them to take us deeper in our relationship with Him.  I know it's not some huge, new revelation... He was simply reminding us that we are His kids and He is a faithful and trustworthy Father.  His Word tells us many times that He is faithful and trustworthy, but through times like these He gives you the opportunity to understand His character, through the experiences He sovereignly places us in.  Whether through trials, spiritual warfare, or tough circumstances where we--alone--would be unable to handle... He proves Himself faithful and true, all because He loves us.  

Paul said this about his own hard circumstances he faced in 2Corinthians 1v9, "...But as a result, we stopped relying ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead." 

We serve a very powerful God.. One who sees the whole story. 

As for the ministry, there is a renewed sense of purpose in why He has us here.  In serving the kids at EGCH I'm reminded that they (along with many in this world) are ones whose trust has been broken. Every single one of them... their trust has been broken by the two people they should be able to trust the most.  They are learning to trust too... and to feel safe, loved, and valued.  We can tell them with our words that we love them, that they can feel safe here, and they are valued so much by God that He brought to them to EGCH... but they need to experience God's love and faithfulness for themselves. So we pray for them, love them on their best days & on their worst days, and plant seeds of His truth into their hearts.  You can pray for us, the team here, that we would reflect God in a way that is honoring and glorifying to Him.  And please pray for the Ebenezer kids... that while we see their value and worth... that would someday KNOW in their hearts that they are loved & valued by Jesus. Thanks. 

Here are a couple of photos from the past couple of months:

Sonya will turn three next month!  Time flies.  She's such a smart cookie... loves being outside, riding her scooter, and loves to talk and sing all the time.  When she's not singing she loves watching herself sing from videos on our phone :) She's even learning songs in Amharic on her own.  Above is a photo her and daddy... we celebrated his 36th birthday in July!

Jude is four and a half... and all boy!  He loves anything and everything that has to do with super heroes and ninja turtles.  He loves going to Rachel and Argaw's house and playing with their kids... and having EGCH boys over to our house to play cars and dress up like super heroes. :)  It's been so fun as a parent to watch him learn and grow.  He's such an observer and I love when he lets us in on what he's thinking. 

This is Gideon (Tegegn).  Many of you know that he went to the States in July to get a cyst removed on his head that was effecting that right side of his brain.  The surgery went well and he's doing great.  He won't return back to Ethiopia for another few months.  You can check out his whole story on the website: www.ebenezergrace.org 

A good friend from our bible college days, Tim Warholic, came out in July.  He brought a team from Paradise Calvary Chapel, a church he pastors in Las Vegas.  We've known Tim for over 10 years and it was so great having him out!  The team was such a blessing to the ministry.  They did a week long Vacation Bible School (VBS) program for the Ebenezer kids and other children from the community. They did some painting, organizing, repairing beds, and holding babies at the children's home. It was great getting to know the team and reconnecting with our good buddy, Tim!

Below, is a picture of the team and the VBS group.

Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support.

All the best in Jesus,

Megan