...the saga continues.

I wish I had a catchy name for this update.  Some under considerations were: "a hop, skip, and a jump"; "try-alls"; and/or "the beat goes on".  Before I give an update on what is presently going on, let me give you paragraph or two to get caught up with what has happened in our family and  ministry since our last update.

After getting the necessary organization paperwork on the Ethiopia (ET) side, we bought our tickets, and departed for ET on May 29th.  Our fare differential, a.k.a. out-of-pocket expense was only $210 for our family!  Add to that, we were able to change our flights to different airports, layovers, and arrival times.  The kids did great on the long flight... Definitely a God-thing.  

It's been great getting acclimated back into the swing of things.  Since our departure in late January, we've added a home with six orphans with HIV into the ministry fold.  We've also had two children enter into foster-to-adopt families locally, as well as three children get reintegrated with their mothers.  Right before our arrival, we had six children arrive as well.  Things are perpetually changing at EGCH.  Furthermore, on the horizon is a home for children with special needs, that will be called Lantu's Home.

We've also faced some hard circumstances coming back.  Here are three such challenges and request for prayers in each regard...

1. One such difficulty occurred, the night of our arrival as one of the new children that had just arrived--an infant girl--passed away.  As her mother had died at birth, there were no known relatives, and she had arrived just days prior, the sting of her death might seem small.  However, in spite of these factors, her life and loss is significant.  Hers was a life created by our Creator, who in His sovereignty chose to call her home after a short time.  Similarly, another one of the children received was hospitalised as his condition was critical.  His condition seems to be improving.  Please pray for these new EGCH arrivals.
2. Another difficulty has been the feeling reality of some missing.  Those missing are Rachel and Gracie Ayele.  Rachel had to return to the States to have some medical tests run on Argaw and Rachel's daughter, Gracie.  Some volunteers have really stepped up in this time "bearing the load" in regards to the care of the other children.  Argaw is as busy as he's ever been as well.  Please pray for clarity in regards to Gracie's medical condition, for Argaw and Rachel--as I know both are stretched, for the Ayele kids--who miss their mom, wisdom and strength for Bethany (one of our volunteers), and the kids at EGCH who miss their "mom".
3. Lastly, our paperwork.  #idontlikepaperwork  Our documents, that were used obtain my visa, are now insufficient for the next step of the process.  Tomorrow, I will be sending our paperwork back to the States (yes, the same place we were for four months prior).  Additionally, there will be a cost $95/per document to have each of the seven documents authenticated by the ET Embassy in the States, as well as other fees for state department authentications on some of them, shipping costs, etc.  I will also have costs associated with  applying for an extension to my original 30-day visa, as the paperwork will not be complete by original window.  Thankfully, I have two very faithful friends that can help with the logistics stateside.  If anyone is led to prayerfully contribute to these costs, you can do so HERE (our account number is 1161).  Please pray for this process... resources/provision, timely document arrival(s), favor with the necessary authorities, safe travels, and His peace upon our family.  Honestly, this process has been arduous (what?)... yeah, arduous--for our family.

He is still at work.  I've been reminded of Romans 5:3-5 in this season.  We need Him... there isn't an area of our lives that we don't need Jesus and His touch.  

Thanks for your continued love, prayers, and support.

All the best in Jesus,

Shaun... Megan, Jude & Sonya

a coffee and an update.

Anyone who has spent any amount of time with us knows how much we love coffee.  After living in Hungary, and now in Ethiopia, let's just say we may be tinkering on the cusp of coffee dependancy. :)

From coffee time in Portland, OR (March)

Sipping on this morning's latte I noticed the ring-like caramel coloured layers left behind on the inside of the cup after each sip.  I like to swirl it around to get the perfect combo of mousse-like foam and coffee.  And then eventually you hit the bottom.  And in many ways this is much like this season... layers on the inside, some swirls, and then empty.  

Last Thursday night was my empty.  Empty.  Sounds a bit melodramatic.  And I would agree with you now looking back.  That was decision day for us as to whether or not we were going to fly out to Ethiopia this upcoming Thursday, April 16th, or delay our tickets until ______.  Only 50% of the approval process was complete for the organizational paperwork.  And if we went, we would only be going on 30-day business visas.  Megan and I shared our thoughts, prayed together and separately, spent time in the Bible separately and still not a ton of clarity as to what to do.  

It's easier to make a decision when your single and can "couch surf".  Or when there's a clear right and a clear wrong.  A clear obedience and a clear disobedience.  Cake.  But when both decisions seem right, when both require faith... and there seems to be an almost tangible battle between logic and emotion--trying to hear God's voice in the midst of it--and there's no tip in either direction on the proverbial scale it comes to a point of empty... and then you I cry out, "HELP!"

God didn't speak to us through an audible voice, a burning bush, or a donkey.  He just reminded us of who He is--period.  And we stepped.  We stepped onto the path of He had last led us down--towards Ethiopia.  And though I didn't sense much of confirmation in either direction, I was reminded--yet again--of His character.  And slowly this cup [pointing finger at chest] is being refilled.  

So here's the timeline of what's been going on up to this morning:

• Friday = Decision made... we are leaving on April 16th.
• Weekend = Since decision is made, start packing / Sunday night get to share about EGCH at CC Costa Mesa.
• Monday = Consulate day.  We were going to apply for our business visas only to find out that the process changed and there's a few new steps required that will have to be handled in Ethiopia.  So no visas.  Now, we are not leaving on Thursday.  We have to change our tickets.  We go to Disneyland (just because).
• Tuesday = Call Airline (and anticipated paying an exorbitant amount of money to change our tickets).  One source said our airline charges $400 change fee/per ticket.  Multiply that by the four tickets we have, and you can do the math.  Plus there would be a fare differential for the tickets... upwards of too much money we don't have.  I call, explain our situation.  The agent asks what our family is doing in Ethiopia.  I shared briefly, and before I knew it, he thanks me and said it would be his pleasure to wave our change fees!  [Enter total from above that we don't have to pay + now our ticket is open-ended].  Boo-yah!  Thanks for that miracle Jesus.  
• Today = ?

I'm thankful that He fills my cup and does so with something greater than coffee.  I'm thankful that whatever and whenever the outcome... He is always faithful.  

Please continue to pray for... 

• His will, His timing, for our departure.
• A fruitful season for however long the remainder of our time will be.
• The Ayele family as their hands are FULL.
• EGCH and for favor in all administrative aspects.
• All the kids that call EGCH their home.

Thanks for all of your love, prayers, and support.

All the best in Jesus,

Shaun... Megan, Jude, and Sonya

The Certainty of Uncertainty.

It's been three months since our last update.  Hope as we share that others will be encouraged by the One who gives us strength in uncertainty.

The uncertainty of waiting.

I would love to come to a place where I can say that I relish waiting.  But with that, comes the confession that I’m not even close.  I continue to be reminded that Jesus is ever present in these uncertain times of waiting.  He knows me.  And He's not afraid or surprised by my cycles of doubt, discouragement, and apathy, but has been--and will continue to be--the faithful One, meeting me in those places.  Knowing that changes everything.  Related, a very good friend once shared with me that: 

“Jesus can change everything without changing anything.”  

Those words rang true when I first heard them, and they resonate in this season.

Concerning our return to Ethiopia, there is no news to report.  Every human measure has been exhausted.  So we wait.  Overall, it’s been eight months since the paperwork was submitted for the organization to be permitted to grant work permits to foreigners (that would be us), and still little to no progress.  Here’s the potentials as we see it:

• Scenario 1: a) We leave on our original departure date, April 16th.  b) Then obtain our work permits and residency, with the hope of adding two children to the Havelaar family within the next year.
• Scenario 2: Beginning of April rolls around and still no news.  a) We change our tickets until after local elections, allowing of enough time for the approval to go through (July??)  b) same as Scenario 1b.  
• Scenario 3: Request for approval is denied, we go back give most of our stuff away, and move to ________ (yeah, your guess is as good as mine).  

Going back to the quote… Jesus hasn’t changed anything in the circumstance, but He’s changed everything as this season continues.  Then… What changed?  How did it change?  In a word--Perspective.  It boils down to the constant reminder that JESUS LOVES ME.  He doesn’t love me because I’m so lovable.  He doesn’t love me because I do stuff for Him.  He just loves me.  And in that radical reality comes the security of knowing that no matter what happens, He will still love me.  I wish there were more news to share, but that’s the reality I have to share… that Jesus loves you.

Prayers are appreciated.

The uncertainty of loss.

The man who encouraged me with that quote (as well as many others) was my friend, Jeff Stewart.  Of the many things that made him a great friend, was an unreal ability to make me laugh when I seemed to need it most, and most importantly, a willingness to always point me to Jesus.  He offered honesty, access to his life, and grace towards me.  In the same manner, he gave me the opportunity to reciprocate the same towards him.  In the messiness of this life, in the failures and fears, he was certain of the magnitude of love and the unworthy acceptance lavished on him by Jesus.  I’m SO thankful he shared this certainty with me.  

Last Friday, I had the honor of sharing at his graveside service--that the same Jesus he received he gave away to people.  And just days ago, joined the thousand (or so) at Jeff's memorial service.  In both services, Jesus was present and glorified.

At 49 years old, he went home to be with the Savior whose love he paraded, and the woman he adored, Karen (she passed away almost five years prior to cancer).  Another friend who shared at the memorial, discussed Jeff’s most prevalent passions: a passion for Jesus, a passion for his wife, and a passion for his kids.  I can’t think of much more that I would want to leave as a legacy.  What he often said, seems so fitting:

“Jesus is the best thing about us.” 

I especially grieve his loss for his children: Hannah, Grace, and Titus.  The uncertain times of the present and the ones that lie ahead are an inescapable reality.  And it’s in this reality that I am certain of two things: 

1. Jesus loves them and will meet them in a place that no one else can.  I don’t know when.  I don’t know how...
2. I’m certain that I absolutely love them.  

Whether you knew Jeff or not, I would ask that you join me in praying for his kids.

Thank you Jesus for such a great friend.  You are missed so much, Jeff.

Thank you Jesus that YOU ARE the certainty in our uncertainty.

All the best in Jesus,

Shaun

P.S. If you are interested in contributing to Jeff's family as they navigate through their "new normal", you may do so through their Crowdrise Campaign.