LIVE INTENTIONALLY!

Even after three trips to Ethiopia, I find myself learning so many new things. As always, I am struck by the culture of joy and gratitude despite the climate of poverty and destitution. I also admire the faith of the people here. It is such an inspiration to see people who cling so closely to God. They have no money or materials to lean on, so they trust God completely with their lives, something the Bible commands all believers to do. 

The culture in Ethiopia is wonderfully infectious. I find myself going up to children and kissing their cheeks. Time is no longer a resource that runs out, but a gift to be enjoyed with others. Most of all, I feel constant joy at little things in life. Ethiopia is a place where God’s work is abundantly clear. He makes Himself known in the smiles of beaten down mothers and the laughs of impoverished children. All His children are truly so loved by their Creator, and he provides for us all. Looking out our bus windows, I was reminded of Jesus saying, “Blessed be the poor.” I don’t think that ever resonated with me before this trip but pondering it I saw clearly what He meant. These people have so little and take nothing for granted. We have so much and take everything for granted. Blessed be the poor for their gratitude, joy, and faith!

One of my favorite parts of this trip has been seeing kids who remember me from years past. Eldana, a girl I met in the daycare my first trip, has now moved on to KG. Her eyes lit up when she saw me across the room, and she waved shyly. It absolutely made my day. She allowed me to squeeze her tightly and cling to her hand as her classmates swarmed me, just like our days in daycare together. Her smile is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.   

Many of the Trinity girls remembered me as well. Freye, Kalkidan, Selam, Betsinat and a couple others whose names I can’t remember nearly strangled me with hugs during recess on Monday, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. One girl showed me her backpack, where last year she had written “Alayza” to make sure she would remember my name. I was both overjoyed and saddened by their love for me. It makes me so happy to know that my brief time in Ethiopia truly does make an impact in these girls, but I regret that I will never be a permanent part of their lives. When I leave, I think of them living in squalor while I am surrounded by luxury. I am reminded that every minute I have around these kids should be spent intentionally. To waste any time being tired or not fully present would be selfish. 

Perhaps the most impactful part of my experience was my interactions with the daycare staff. At one point, I began to worry that my exuberant dancing was an overbearing American annoyance to the daycare staff, but Silenet danced right alongside me. She copied my moves and put her own spin on them. I have never had a better dance partner! Sweet Tiruke was also incredibly kind to me. I recently began sponsoring Waga and Eldana. The latter is a tiny little baby in the daycare who absolutely detested me at first. It was only with Tiruke’s gentle coaxing that Eldana allowed me to sit by her, play with her, and eventually, hold her. There were at least twenty babies in that room, each one with intermittent runny noses and dirty diapers, but Tiruke sacrificed her valuable time to make my day a little better. She is the epitome of selflessness, a woman who seeks to help those around her in every circumstance. One day, I hope to be able to look back at my life knowing I have given it to something as worthwhile as these women have. Of course, this is something to trust God with, but I must be obedient enough to follow where He leads. 

This trip, I have also been pondering Acts chapter 1. Peter says, “silver and gold I have not, but what I have I give to you.” In every situation, I always have the message of Christ. At every moment I have the potential to change a life with the love of Jesus, yet how often do I waste this? Adera not only provides for people’s physical health, but also their spiritual health. I cannot always provide for people with food or water, but I can always nourish their hearts. In my life at home, I want to give the gift of Jesus as often as I can, trusting in God to provide opportunities. 

So…. what next? Going home after a trip like this is hard. I am faced with the wastefulness and pointlessness of American culture. At times, guilt and sadness is overwhelming. How wrong it seems for me to have so much while so many sweet souls have so little. However, as Miss Julie said, guilt is not an appropriate response to this experience. Rather, I should be determined to use my newfound knowledge to change my perspective and make a difference. So, when I return home, I want to pursue conversations that bring up the good work Adera does. I want to be bold in sharing about my experiences and what the Lord is doing in Ethiopia. I want to take time to write down the stories I have heard. I want to take after the amazing people I have encountered like Tiruke and serve others wholeheartedly. I want to think of myself less and of others more. I want to rely on God completely and depend on Him above all else. I want to acknowledge that all good things come from God and thank Him rather than myself. To summarize all this into one phrase, I want to LIVE INTENTIONALLY!

Eliza Peacock