Widow's Mite, Hippos and the Axe-man!

Tim preaches the WORD!

Beautiful Widow

Jervaun enjoys a Sunset Hippo Cruise
This is the Baby...look at its protective mom.


Isn't this a handsome boy?Juliette Gets ready for soccer!With the "Axe-man". Isn't he just about the sweetest looking man holding an axe you have ever seen? And he played soccer with Juliette, just like this. Tim Promotes Eden!
Superintendent Mekbib changes a flat. What a handy guy!

This weekend we attended the Joshua Campaign hosted by the Shashamene Ammanuel Light and Life church among other Shashamene churches. We know that at least 64 people accepted Christ, and others were delivered from oppression and illness. About a thousand attended on Sunday alone, it was standing room only.

One moment that captured my eye was during the offering when I glanced up and saw this woman giving. I don’t know if she was a widow, but she was alone; or if this was her last birr, but she certainly was not wealthy, and it just reminded me of the story of the widow’s mite in the Bible. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” It is one thing to read that story, quite another to witness it.

We also took a little time for some R&R and went to see the hippos on Lake Awassa again. It was a bit of a disaster. Last time we did this (in May), one of the hippos chased our boat. So when we got close to the hippos this time…there was a bit of “freaking out” from the male hippo-watchers on the boat (not naming any names). So we cut it short…but not before I got a few awesome shots.

We had a flat tire and Juliette played soccer with a man carrying an axe. You really don’t see that every day. He was the sweetest axe-carrying man I have ever met, really. Timmy entertained himself by throwing stuff. Tim entertained himself by standing on the road and waving at cars…wearing his EDEN shirt. If he had had a sign to spin, it would have been perfect. We entertained the locals…by having a flat tire. Supt. Mekbib changed a tire in his suit…you really do have to do what you have to do. We praise God for a safe trip and productive campaign.

Children in Jimma

Flag Pole at Jimma School

The Third Grade Class
Helping write letters


The Three Amigas

So stinkin' cute

The sound of children’s voices singing the Ethiopian National Anthem with gusto as the flags of Ethiopia and Oromiya are raised. I wonder how the student is chosen who gets to raise the flag. I will have to ask next time.

Watching sixth and seventh graders, who felt honored by the way, come in and help the younger kids write letters to their sponsors (the kindergarteners and first graders especially needed assistance), really opened up the personalities of the older kids to me. One young boy, Abel, was so incredibly studious, polite, helpful, smart…you know, that stand-out kid. There were a couple of little faces that grabbed my heart too. You know, I am really smitten with all of these school kids. Shooing them away just isn’t my style. I would be prone to hang out with them for hours, maybe I would be breaking some rule or something…but you know what? It so wouldn’t be Jesus’ rule now would it? I kept telling myself over and over again “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

My trip to Jimma was great, although it was hard to be away from Tim and the kids. I had a great time learning the responsibilities of ICCM and like I said, hanging with the kids. My souvenir? A nasty cold.

Contrasts

You know how some people cringe at the thought of snakes? Rats? Spiders?
Here’s mine…
And then…there is such beauty in my life that it makes me want to cry.

The kids entertaining themselves.
My bed with my WOTC Quilt. Now one of my most treasured posessions.

Ethiopian Ladder. Ephrim and Tim tring to get me more light

in the kitchen to scare the crawlers away. Didn't work :(

I got a really sweet compliment the other day. It was something along the lines of “no matter where you are living, you always make such a nice home for your family.” It came from the one who set the example: my Mom.

We are settling in…with only two pieces of furniture (beds and mattresses), a stove, a fridge, and a washing machine (that does not work yet), we are slowly making our home in Addis Ababa. We do school and eat on a blanket in the living room (absolutely no eating in the bedroom, we don’t want bugs up there!) I have cooked a few meals, but there are no California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizzas, everything is made from scratch. I did find some Cup-a-Soup though…cream of tomato. That and garlic bread…there’s lunch. Clean up the kitchen…time to start dinner.

Juliette's Birthday

We celebrated Juliette’s 12th birthday at Family Restaurant. Known for their nachos and fabulous desserts, this was Juliette’s choice! Our friend Ephrim, two adoptive families and the Triers had a great night. Juliette got a cool purse, a mankala set, a jewelry box, 150 birr and a gigantic wedge of parmesan reggiano. She had a Cookie Mountain Surprise for Dessert. I am hoping to post pictures of the house soon. I am really able to easily post pics to Facebook. So if you feel like you are missing out…log on to Facebook and find me by first and last name.

Where is our focus?

We got here and our immediate focus became “getting set-up/getting settled in”, when our focus should have been Jesus. It should always be Jesus. Of course we know this, but as humans we get distracted, don’t we? Our focus gets blurry. I found myself wondering and having doubt as to whether we would ever have any time to “do ministry” as we are running round, jumping through hoops. Of course, ministry is everywhere and effective not in our power but in that of Christ alone. We have children, spouses, the guest house employees, taxi drivers, adoptive parents and children, children on the street, neighbors… Our focus should be on Jesus and we must be available, willing and prepared for those divine appointments.

I was teaching the kids out of Acts Chapter 3 (1-10) the other day…where Peter and John are heading to the temple via a gate called “Beautiful” . They see a crippled man who has been begging for money there daily for quite some time. The scripture says that Peter looked “straight at him”… it is translated that [he] had [his] eyes fixed on him.^[1] . They did not give him their money, (“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you^[2] ), yet they also did not walk by this man and ignore him. Instead, they fastened their gaze upon him, commanded him to look at them and then by the power of the Holy Spirit, this man was healed.

Later that afternoon we were walking by a grocery store and a man was begging; not an uncommon sight in Ethiopia. I thought he was sitting on the ground and kept on following my family. Then I stopped dead in my tracks. He was not sitting, because you can’t sit if the entire lower half of your body is missing. But there he was, as I turned around, holding his hand out to me, looking at me. And I had the honor of fastening my gaze into the eyes of this man, going to him grabbing his hand and holding it, and telling him “Xavier ebarke” (God bless you), and I gave him the small change I had.

It wasn’t exactly like the Acts story, because the Holy Spirit did not work through me to heal this man. In fact quite the opposite: the Holy Spirit worked through this man, in that moment to heal me: to heal my blurred and unfocused vision and allow me to refocus and see Jesus in a beggars’ eyes on the street in Addis Ababa.

Settling into Addis

Are we even close? Not so much. We have secured a home which we will move into at the end of the month. It needs some repairs to the leaky roof and non-working kitchen sink. The owner has also agreed to paint it for us. It is not a mud hut, or even a mud house, but it is also definitely not Lake Elsinore or Canyon Lake! Then we need to outfit the house; beds and a kitchen table and chairs to start. Consider this: Outfit a house, there is no Target, Ikea, Bed Bath and Beyond, or even Wal-Mart. I will probably get to visit quite a few places just to get the basics. It’s okay…. I love to shop….don’t I? (This just may cure me of my affection). I did bring a few of my favorite Pampered Chef cooking utensils, and a few spices as well as frosting and sprinkles to make Juliette her birthday cake. We also brought some towels and sheets as they are VERY costly here. Tim is still struggling mightily with being able to complete his schoolwork for Wesley Biblical Seminary, simply due to internet issues. We are working on getting better internet for our home. Right now we are at the mercy of crowded internet cafes, and patchy internet at the guesthouse. Please pray for this…not because we are internet addicts (I admit we have been, but there is no time for that here…it is all business), but because communication is essential to the call God has placed on our family and the threefold ministry to which he has called us. Everyone is healthy, we have started school and the kids are doing great! We praise God for that and so much more. A few items on our list of to do : get residency with immigration so that we can open a bank account, complete our rental agreement details, and register for language classes. We thank you for your prayers. Serving Jesus together,

Tim, Jervaun, Juliette and Timmy Trier.

Update: Celebrated a unique and lovely birthday in Ethiopia. My kids planned a surprise birthday party for me (coffee ceremony and cake), with a lovely dinner out. We also bought some very cost efficient bamboo furniture for the house J

First Week in Ethiopia

Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with only one item removed (how did a lighter get in our luggage?) and one item broken (French Press, this is very sad indeed!). We were shown incredible favor on our flights, with seats being moved into one row from Chicago to Germany. We did not even ask the airline for this, we asked God! We are staying at a guest house in Addis Ababa in a section called Lafto. It is primarily an adoption guest house, so every few days there are new families and new babies and children. It is amazing to see God’s hand in these children’s and families lives. We are vicariously living these adoptions with these families and they are gracious to share baby love with us! Yippee! Holding babies is a great way to soften the loneliness and sadness of leaving home. Besides getting our body clocks in order we have accomplished the following:

-Looked at 6 homes in the Lafto area
-Had dinner at the Letourneaus home. These incredible missionaries have been here for a year and a half.
-Registered at the US Embassy
-Found a store with an adequate supply of Coke Light
-Had a welcome lunch with the entire staff of Ammanuel Light and Life and ICCM Ethiopia.
-Took a public minivan taxi (with Hibret, not by ourselves)
-Had a campfire celebration at the guest house; ate goat and dulet (goat intestines).
-Purchased an iron for all of our wrinkled vacuum packed clothing
-Attended International Evangelical Church (Pastor’s name is Gary, ironic?)
-Attempted without success to purchase a broadband internet card and system. They did not have one in stock. They said maybe in 15 days, maybe tomorrow. Welcome to Ethiopia!

Setting out to do 10 things in a day is unrealistic. Small accomplishments become momentous. God is clearly in Ethiopia, we sense His presence constantly.
The children are starting school today. Bible and Language Arts only; we call that a soft start. Take into account the Amharic, cultural changes, new people, places sounds and tastes, the children are learning much! So are we!
We have great pictures, but cannot load them at this time. Soon and very soon. Until I write again, blessings to you and we thank God for you daily.

Family Goodbyes!

I have another sister and brother who live in San Diego. They came up for goodbyes, too. It was kind of hard when my sis asked, "so you'll be gone for one Christmas?" and I was like, "no two". Yeah. But they were healthy goodbyes, and I think we left with a blessing. No, I am sure of it. Wwe left with a blessing. God is good! Tim looked at Di's computer....yeah just buy a new one. Really.

Nothing like a friendly game of Scattergories.

Fictional Character: John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt for 3 points!

We have (back row) my brother in law's mom Phyllis ,

my brother in law Steve, the dog Tucker, Steve's dad, Al.

(middle row) Tim, my mom, me, sissy Diana, sissy Rhonda

(front row) Timmy, Jewels and my niece Jordan

(not pictured bro Tony and niece Elise)

Going Away Celebrations.

Over the past two weeks there have been rare sightings of me (Jervaun) as I have come out of "the cave" also known as my office (of Doctrine, Thelogy, and Inductive Bible Study), for the occasional beach day and going away celebration. Here are a few pictures of the unusual sightings. With Wedding coordinator extraordianire and friend : Layne An exact replica of our wedding cake cutting (adding a few pounds and wrinkles)! With my girlfriends, Wendy, Jen and..... Kristy

And finally with the ultimate planner, My sister and friend...Diana Ross!

Tickets Purchased!

The clock is ticking!We have purchased out tickets (one way) for Ethiopia! We leave Sept 1. Pending all of our FM Coursework being done. Hey! I have pulled allnighters before, I can do it agian. Pray for packing, giving away, healthy goodbyes and Timmy to survive shopping with me for socks ("These hurt my toes!")

Garden of the Gods, Rodeo, Hiking and Rock Climbing.

Again folks, this was cramming a summer's worth of vacation into a weekend and a couple of weekday evenings. But we did it well!

Rock Climbing at the Gym for 2 and 1/2 hours!Timmy walks the "tightrope" Juliette attacks her first climb!
Holding up balancing rocks at Garden of the Gods!

Timmy holds on for 8 seconds!The Real Deal! Juliette Gives it a Go!The View from our hike up at Ben Loehman Ridge
Family Photo at the top of the Rigde

Juliette and Timmy pose at the Air Force Academy

We love each other!

The Air Force Academy Chapel.

3 day-old cadets.

And then of course there was class all week long :) Learning a lot, but the pictures of the classroom are just that! So we just included the playtime!

White Water Rafting

I was frightened...I was frightened that the kids would be frightened, and that I would fly out of the boat. I was worried the water would be cold and we would be miserable. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! Seriously one of the best adventures we have had. Even though we are at MTI training, we are using the weekend to cram in a little vacation. Because when we get home, it is time to get packed and get going. I will probably buy tickets on Monday....for Sept 1. WOW!

So we are packing a summers worth of activites into a weekend and taking advantage of all of the amazing activities that Colorado has to offer. We LOVE Colorado!

Colorado Update

I've been locked in a box ( really it was fun!), in a simulated Jet Blue immigration holding room, subjected to food torture (three meals a day, much too much good food, that I don't have to cook) beaten at bowling and scrabble and FORCED to hike for 2 and 1/4 hours (Tim and the kids are taskmasters). So tonight was a much needed respite for some fun and games, bowling and watching the Space Station go over: here are a few pics.

Jervaun pulls a spare; my only one:(

The Nickname Team

Here are the boys! They had a blast!

The "YOUNG and the Beautiful!" And finally God's amazing light show.

Colorado is the land of thunderstorms and rainbows, truly amazing!

Mission Training Internationl

The whole family is in Palmer Lake Colorado, near Colorado Springs for a three week training preparing us for the emotional, spiritual, cultural and familial aspects of living overseas. There are 20 countries and 16 sending agencies represented here. We have met some amazing people. The children have their own program and as I write are on a fieldtrip to the Garden of the Gods (rock formations, not pagan indoctrination). The were not told where they were going in order to help them deal with the unexpected.

The weather here is amazing, sunny and hot, then thunderstorms, wind, sun and lightning...

reminds me of Ethiopia. (Above, catching lightning in the lens!)

The majestic promise of God.

Juliette and Timmy have adapted well,

love going to their classes, playing games, sewing, making smores.

In a lesson about expectations, Tim plays the role of Mr. Feelings. The other students are holding giant rubberbands, which they were
occasionally instructed to let "twang" or snap on Mr. Feelings.

Commissioned to Go!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

Commissioned 1: to furnish with a commission: as a: to confer a formal commission on b: to appoint or assign to a task or function

On May 15th, the day after we returned home from Ethiopia, Tim and I were formally commissioned as missionaries to Ethiopia at the Free Methodist Conference of Southern California's Annual Conference. This commissioning service was presided over by Bishop Matt Thomas, Dr. Art Brown (Executive Director of Free Methodist World Missions) and Conference Superintendent Steven Fitch. Pastors and laypersons from all over the Southern California conference were there to pray and bless us as we prepare to go. All I can say is...it was really cool. I loved speaking the words that so many missionaries have spoken, and have such incredible men of God speak such beautiful words over us. To top if off our pastor (Gary) came up laid hands on us (which has so many layers of sentiment) along with Guillermo Flores and Denny Wayman.

Dr Art Brown reading the charge.

With Bishop Thomas, Steve Fitch and Dr. Brown

Prayer and the laying on of hands.

Afterward we had a moment to share our experience and God's vision for Ethiopia!

Tim speaks as Bishop Thomas looks on.

Congratulations to all of the candidates who were officially ordained at the conference. It was humbling to see the fruit of all your work and be witness to the conferring of authority upon you to be ministers of the Gospel.

Back in Addis

Okay, so I will have to post the hippos chase photos later. After visiting Eden, checking out the city of Awassa, and taking a luxurious lake cruise, we returned to Addis Ababa to spend a few relaxing days in the city. We looked at a place in Addis to live (too big), and visited Bambi's and Friendly's, both pretty decent grocery stores. It was great to just chill in one place for a couple of days before heading home. While in Addis, we also visited the ICCM sponsored study center for AIDS affected children which has a preschool program as well as a lunch/tutoring program for elementary aged kids.

Feeling at home and acting goofy!
Kaldi's Coffee is Ethiopia's answer to Starbucks. Here you can get the usual...in addition to milkshakes, ice cream, and humburgers. (not a typo)

Down to the logo and green aprons...the similarities are striking

(no High Speed WI FI, however).

One of the challenges in Ethiopia, children working when they should be learning.

Children begging, when they should be sleeping.

The view from the hotel in Addis...This was a nice neighborhood, government offical homes...embassies, etc.

The bookstore across the way from the hotel. Indian owned, this store had many text and reference books, and if you are a good customer, you can take coffee or tea.

The traffic of Bole Road.

Why would people take a picture of a huge chunk of Grana Padano cheese...or a Coke Light or Coffee Mate? Because they offer the familiarity of home and because we are just goofy like that!

FM Emmanuel Light and Life church in Addis Ababa.

Subject to flooding.

The soundbooth inside the church, for bad sound guys, who need to be locked up. (Not good sound guys, like the ones at Lamb's). Oh and chair cusions , too.

Tim with Getu and Pastor Megbib.
Starting to say our good-byes for now. This is Tsega; she is the bookeeper/accountant for the Ethiopia FM Churches and also helps with Childcare.

With Lois Meredith. Lois has faithfully served as a missionary for 39 years and continues on (even though she is 'retired') volunteering in Ethiopia with ICCM.
Timmy says "good-bye" for now to Hibret.

The joys and sorrows of a long flight home. It was bittersweet and we look forward to our return in a little over 75 days or so. Thank you for taking this blog journey through Ethiopia with us. Until we return, we will keep you posted of our travel and packing plans in the interim!

On Lake Awassa, Hippo Adventure Part 1

While all of the pictures of the hippos (chasing us) are on the digital camcorder (just another learning curve for me), I wanted to at least post some photos of our beautiful boat trip on lake Awassa to go and SEE the hippos! Out boat was made out of matchsticks for lack of a better word. Don't be deceived by the life preservers either, they had no air in them. But hey...at least the boat had a really reliable motor. I mean it!

Doing the "reverse Titanic move" was a must do for the kids (and some of the grown ups, too!)
Carrie Adams

Getu

Juliette and her Papa.

My ridiculously good looking hubby and I, oh and the Rasta boat driver.
The boy knows how to work a camera, comes by it naturally.

Doesn't he look like an ad for L.L. Bean?

Just one Lake Awassa sunset, can't wait to see more!
The whole crew ( except for Getu....he was taking the picture!)

The day was a great and fun (and sort of scary) memory for all! Even those who have lived in Ethiopia their whole lives. Coming soon, hippos in action!

Eden Reforestation Projects: Udo Escarpment and Gallo Argessa Nursery

Eden Reforestation Projects recreates healthy forest systems that restore hope, alleviate suffering, empower people, and build local economies in impoverished communities. The Trier Family had the opportunity to visit the Udo Escarpment and the Gallo Argessa nursery near Awassa, Ethiopia. Here we witnessed first hand, the devastation that deforestation/erosion brings, the reforestation that this project promises, and the restoration that Eden brings to the land, individuals and communities!This is the deep erosion that takes place when it rains heavily and there are no

trees or plants to hold the top soil in place. In the foreground the hope of new trees on the Udo Escarpment,

and behind the obvious need to PLANT more trees.

In broad daylight, we saw this hyena runing through the Eden trees...everything lives where trees live. One must assume that if there are hyena's ...there is prey. This is a community that lies just below the planting area, an example of a community that has been restored physically and spiritually, through Eden Reforestation Projects. On top of the Udo Escarpment with Dawit and Tesfaye, leaders with ERP. Always looking for that Christmas Card photo....but this isn't it!
Tesfaye walks Juliette down the tricky slope. Tesfaye has daughters of his own,

and it showed. He is a very sweet and gentle man!

At the nursery in Gallo Argessa we stood among 1 million tree seedings...I counted!And more wildlife...Timmy thought it was a bald eagle, but my really smart friend and ornithologist, Adele, told me it is an African Fish Eagle.

Looking forward to hearing its call when we go back!

Dawit and Tesfaye.

This was the crowd of kids that gathered just outside the nursery.

Precious and beautiful in His sightThis little guy actually climbed throught the fence and very carefully made his way over to us. But he was still very shy and cautious.

For more information on Eden Projects Reforestation visit:

http://www.edenprojects.org/

Arbegona: The Falls, Millenium Park, Upper Elementary

Because Ethiopia still follows its own ancient calendar, it started the new millennium on September 11, 2007. As such, many cities in Ethiopia have what they call a "Millenium Park" commemorating this date. We visited one of these parks in the Southern Highlands of Arbegona.
From the park there is a beautiful view of these falls. I do not know the name of them, but next time we are there we will surely try to hike much closer. They were stunning even from a distance. This is Linda Adams (ICCM Director) standing near one of the (Sidamic?) huts that was built as a historic monument for this park.

The inside of these huts is surprisingly large. Divided into three separate rooms, two for sleeping and one for hangin' out. This is the bed platform...I don't think a Sleepnumber goes on top of that! Jervaun and the kids in front of the hut. You can see how big it is. This hut was specifically designed as a meeting hut. It had a built up bench that encircled the entire ut and the center was for fire!

This is the Upper Elementary campus of Arbegona's School. They have a full size soccer field, a small computer lab, a library and even a rudimentary science lab. The teachers and students alike are very proud of their school and were so eager to show us the entire campus.

The students line up for the flag raising ceremony and "program" where the students sang for us and we spoke briefly to them.

Then we had a short time of prayer, both for our journey and for their school!

Patiently waiting to raise the flag...

One of the highlights of our trip was getting to meet and present a care package to a child that my dear friends, the Jackson family, are sponsoring. Kaleb was so sweet and handsome. It was so fun to give him a hug on my friends' behalf. Kaleb is in sixth grade and the Jackson's have been sponsoring him since he started school in Arbegona. I look forward to attending his graduation, God willing, in the near future!

Arbegona Campfire

One of the highlights of our trip was the rainy "campfire" we had at Arbegona school. Really it was a"program" with prayer, speaking, gifts, singing, a bonfire, and a cooked (right in front of us), sheep. I really enjoyed spending time with the teachers and talking about the joys and challenges of educating children. Side note: In Ethiopia it is not considered impolite to ask someone who they voted for in a major presidential election. Again, Ethiopians are very proud that Obama is the First United States President of African descent.

Rain did not dampen our campfire. Here is my artsy picture for the trip.

The instuctors and staff waiting out the rain!

Our campfire dinner awaits us! Sheep.

Look what I have created! It's a giant outdoor wok!

My beautiful juliette in the rain.

"This is actually really good!"

Timmy likes it too...nothing like a gigantic plate of meat!

It's a praiser-totter!

I believe I can fly!

It is always important to take time out for play! The kids remind us of this constantly. Next up: The bigger kids school in Arbegona!

Arbegona Primary

Once we settled into our luxurious Arbegona Hotel accomodations (tongue very much in cheek), we were able to visit the students at Arbegona School. I was amazed that children in KG3 (about 5 or 6 years old) were whippin' through multiplication problems.

Our greeting with roses and song by the children of Arbegona!

Scarves, too!

This little cutie was so shy!

Linda and I being blessed with beautiful flowers! The many students

(and teachers) of Arbegona behind us :)

Multipication and Candy! Sweet!

Here we are greeting and sharing with one of the classes (and passing out candy, too!)

It took me three takes to get this smile! But it was well worth the wait!

In this school, the children fold their arms as a sign of discipline, readiness and respect, much as children in American schools fold their hands. (Just like at my house...Not!)

I love these beautiful faces!

Her eyes captivated all of us!

We thought this young student looked like the Ethiopian brother to our nephew, Mason!

The kids really warmed up to us on the playgorund! If you look closely you can see one sweet boy about to plant a kiss on Big Tim!

On the way to Arbegona

Arbegona is a woreda (district) in the Southern Highlands of Ethiopia in what is known as the Sidama Zone. In Arbegona there is both an amazing school (gold standard), and a wonderful church with five outreach churches. WE were pleased to meet with both Pastor Taye and Principal Temesgen as we visited this region. We were amazed at the GREEN, and beauty of this area. The people of Arbegona were amazed that white people come in such small sizes (i.e., the kids) We were told that white children had never been seen in this area before.

Did you know that there are NO gas stations with restrooms on the way to Arbegona???

We do...now. This little guy was on his way to get water. I would love to see him in school instead. There is plenty of water and green on the road to Arbegona.

A mosque on the side of the road. At this time Christians and Muslims live in relative peace in Ethiopia. The area of Arbegona claims itself as about 60% Protestent according to a 2005 census.

Day 4 Passing Through Awassa

On the way to the southern highlands of Arbegona, we stopped in Awassa. Awassa is a pretty town on the banks of Lake Awassa, which reminds me of Lake Elsinore, only about 3 times the size! We saw various sights and modes of travel, as we drove in and waited by the bank (money bank not river bank).Remarkable beasts of burden carry many times their weight. People, too are often beasts of burden, whether it be for firewood, water, or other life necessities. One mode of transport for people is a donkey drawn cart. We were supposed to take a ride in one of these, but never had the chance. Maybe that was a good thing. Another mode were these little blue guys; three wheeled taxis. You can actually get three passengers into these. Maybe someday...Another familiar site, are people...women and children, old and crippled, sitting on the streets...waiting.







Animals Crossing: You see as many animals in the streets as people. And you wonder...where are their owners? We saw goats, cattle, dogs, cats, chickens, donkeys...just cruisin'.A beautiful view of the lake from the main drag of Awassa! Awassa is known as the southern capital of Ethiopia. This is where we returned later to have a hippo encounter.

Day 2 Part Two and Day 3: Off to Shashamene

After leaving Alem Tena School we were off to Shashamene. This is where Tim spent about 3 weeks in 2005 building a church addition, with Dan, Rick, Mark, Ken, Jack and George.

When we arrived we had just enough time to get some dinner, check out a market,

see some strangely incongruous sights and hit the hay! Coffee Mate at the Market. Oh yeah! 2 plusses for Ethiopia, Diet Coke and Coffee Mate.

Ethiopians are as proud as Kenyans of Obama's rise to the White House.

Street kids in Shashamene, showing us their best moves!
Linda Adams (Director for ICCM), Tim, Pastor Dawit (Shashamene), Jervaun and Hibret

Kindergarteners waiting to start their school day.

ICCM Director Linda Adams surrounded by children from the Shashamene school.
The children were not in uniform on this day as they are washed on Wednesdays and Saturdays!

Tim had fun lining these cuties up for a picture!

These are the bright smiles that one longs to see. Healthy, happy, bright, sponsored schoolchildren. This young lady taught us quite a few Amharic words; she was both leader and teacher among her peers.

Kids hanging out before the start of their school day. Behind this you can see the door and window to one of the guest rooms in Shashamene. This is an additional source of income for the church and school.

Juliette took this photo. I think she has a good eye and I like the composition.

We call it "Hangin' in Shash"

Day Two Alem Tena School

Our first stop on the road to Shashamene was to visit both the Alem Tena School and Church. One of the Alem Tena schools biggest challenges is that they need more space and soon may have to move from the space they are renting. In addition, the water in Alem Tena is highly flouridated, which causes dental flourosis, or mottled brown and yellow teeth. Fortunately, there are a great group of people who are looking into a well that will remedy the latter problem.

Our welcome from the young students at Alem Tena School.

Juliette and Timmy were also greeted with bouquets of roses and song!

A photo with the staff and the staff's children from Alem Tena. This day was actually a holiday, but the staff and students came in to show us their school. We were most appreciative. That is Linda Adams, the Director of International Child Care Ministries in the back center!

One of the best parts of this day was the lovely coffee ceremony, they had a cake for us, delicious fresh baked bread, popcorn, soda, and most importantly bunna (coffee).

Children in thier classroom...nothing fancy, huh?

But they are attentive, eager and grateful for the education! Ahh...the contrast. Later we adjourned to outside where the children sang to us read poetry, recited scripture and blessed us by sharing their knowledge and skills.

Hanging with the kids...not sure what's up with the hair thing! I think it is because it moves so easily...not sure. Really fun!

For Kim Oliver who donated soccer balls, this is an amazing testimony of what your gift means to the children of Alem Tena. Thank you!

And everywhere we go the children must take some time out to play! Teeter Totters are very popular...but not always super safe. It's a mom thing.

Arriving in Addis Day 1

The following will be an attempt at a chronological pictoral recap of our trip through Ethiopia. After a late night arrival in Addis and a marginally good night's rest at the A@t guest house, the kids were up bright and early for our voyage down to the Shashamene/Awassa area via Alem Tena (3 hour drive).

Every transition had this massive loading and unloading of the van. Gabre, our driver, really earned his keep in this manner!

Our first stop was a quick visit to the office in Addis to drop off some luggage and a quick pic with Hibret who became a fast friend and our 'guide' for the trip.

And first things first, a Coke Light. Not always accessible in Ethiopia, but I now know of a few key places where I can get my fix!!! They will have a regular customer. Note the ridiculously happy grin on my face!

Next up: Alem Tena school on the Road to Shashamene.

On our way...

Okay, you know me. I love the Internet. Blogging, Facebooking,
e-mailing, searching, finding. Some may even say I am a bit obsessed
with the Internet. Is this God's sense of humor? Dial up? Sticky
public keyboards you literally have to pound with your fingers? Power
outages in the middle of it all? Whoever said there is good internet
in Ethiopia is quite possibly deluded. We have not yet found it.
Aside from that, We are still in Addis Abebe, we travel home this
evening @ 1:35 AM so please pray for our travel. I am sorry for the
lack of stories and photos. I feel God will break us down to the bare
necessities of technology here. Other than that we are all doing
well. Timmy is reading a book about birds, and Juliette is doing math
problems. On her own...why?... I am not sure, maybe because it is
familiar. We are supposed to visit the Study Center here in Addis,
where children are fed and tutored, however Tim is not back from a
meeting this morning. They told us it would end at 11:30 AM, now
12:35....not too bad for Africa time...we shall see.

We are very excited and also daunted by the amount of work to be done
here in Ethiopia. We will not be bored. Can't wait to share photos
and stories.

Ethiopia and the Internet

Well Friends, This will be a learning curve for sure. We are in Ethiopia, safe and learning so much about the churches the children and Eden projects. It is all very new and exciting! Internet is very frustrating at this point. Can't really load any photos and may need to wait until we are home. It may just be a matter of shrinking our photos, we will see. We are now going on a boat ride to see some hippos. We have also checked out housing and how much things cost, pharmacy, supermarket ( I use that term very loosely). Miss everyone very much and hope to add photos very soon!

With love, the Triers.

Pizza and Friends!

Tim, Timmy, Juliette, Jervaun, Ernie, Gina, Kathy and Mark

Last night we met at C's Pizzeria (aka Toms Cafe) with some of Tim's friends from school. Great people, lots of laughs, really good pizza! Mark is regretting the third slice already! Today we are going to visit Tim's Uncle Denny and speak at Hillside Free in Evanston! More to come.....

On the Plane and In Chicago

Here are the kids opening their mile-high goodie bags from Jen J. Those sure came in handy! Thank you!

We are staying in Johnsburg, Illinois with our host Mark Hiller. We rolled in Thursday night at about 12:45 AM and got to bed around 1:30. At 6:30 (AM) his "three amigos" Luke, Haley and Morgan had to get to school, so we rolled out of bed to meet them before they took off. Next time we visit we hope to spend more time with this awesome family! Mark has agreed to taxi us around as we visit family and old friends in town (pronouned "tahown"), and speak at Hillside church in Evanston. We appreciate this humble servant and his amazing hospitality.With the t

Three Amigos and Dude.

WE MADE IT!

Well....we made it to Ontario International Airport and through the first round of checking all of our bags and getting through airport security. Don't worry friends, I am not going to update the blog everytime the kids go potty (twice, so far!). But we are just so darn excited! No trip could be started without stopping to see one of our very favoritist (it's a homeschool word) people. Pastor Gary. He and David H joined us for a photo as we hit the road.

Timmy and Juliette are so rad. You should have seen them at the security, whippin' off their shoes, taking their DVD players out of their backpacks, slappin' those white bins back in their piles! Like seasoned travelers. I love my kids.

Gate 403 at Southwest. Julie takes a minute to crawl up on to Daddy's lap. More to come...

What it Looks Like!

How sweet it is! Thank you to everyone who has sent us well wishes and prayers for our trip. A special shout out to The Curry 5 for the incredible travel basket and J-Jack for thinking of my kiddos as we travel. I love our converstains too! You are a precious friend. And props to WD for special delivery of the raincoat for the Timmer. We were all so very touched by your generosity and thoughtfulness!

Travel Goodies!

4 Jumbo Suitcases All In A Row :)

Ever wonder what it looks like to pack a family of four to go to Ethiopia? Well don't think too badly of us, we are using this opportunity to leave some things in Ethiopia in preparation for moving there in the summer!

This bag... a carry on for sure... has extra medications, Travel Johns (Yes, I am their spokeswoman and if you ever want me to expouse their wonder...just let me know...best invention EVER!!), deet products, oatmeal, pedialite, tissue, Propel packets....uhm you name it! Again...all stuff we can leave behind. Tim has also packed a couple small cases of books and resource materials for leaders, and I packed a lot of extra toiletries and stuff to leaver there as well.

And just in case you were wondering how VERY cool travel pillow can be..Jewel and Zozer are here to demonstrate!

BTW Here is a copy of our travel itinerary in case you did not get an e-mail! Please pray for health and travel safety and...of course...our luggage to make it :) Love and Hugs!

Thursday April 30 : Board plane for Illinois 3pm (5 hour flight)Friday May 1st : Vision Casting with Illinois Friends from Tim's High School
Saturday May 2nd: Speaking Missions Banquet Hillside Church, Evanston
Sunday May 3rd: Speaking at Hillside Church Childrens and Worship ServiceSunday May 3rd: 3:45 Board Plane for Ethiopia Via Germany Monday May 4th: Arrive Addis Ababa Ethiopia 7pm, Night at Guest House in Addis.Tuesday May 5th: Travel to Alem Tena (school), Leadership visit, CRS well project, Shashemene
Wednesday May 6th: Shash school & Church, leaders(Equip), children(Care). Church Speaking
Thursday May 7th: Travel (safety) to Arbegona, learn about ministry and greet leaders, Thursday May 7th: Visit school in Arbegona, Stay night in Arbegona motel.Friday May 8th: Arbegona to Awasa for the night. Saturday May 9th: Eden(Plant) or Awasa visit market, check housing test Internet, relax.
Sunday May 10th: Tim is preaching at Shashemene church.
(Sunday afternoon when Tim finally finishes speaking we will fellowship with church members and retire back to Awasa for the night. We part ways with Linda(ICCM Director) and Carrie(daughter) Adams who return to Addis for departure. Pray for their safe travel.)
Monday May 11th: Eden Reforestation or Awasa Udo escarpment, visit villages, plant treesTuesday May 12th: Depart Shashemene to Addis meeting with ministry leaders in Addis.Wednesday May 13th: Meet w/leaders, Visit marketplace, look for housing, site see, Thursday May 14th: 1am in the morning - Board plane in Addis Ababa/Germany/USA. Friday May 15th: FMCSC Annual Conference.

Juliette's First Missionary Interview

Last week Juliette had her first interview as a Missionary. We met at the most likely place for interviews...Starbucks! Sarah K. had to do a report on missions, so she called us up and we were happy to oblige. Juliette shared about where we will live, what we will eat, what school will be like and how it will be to make new friends. I am very blessed by how God is raising up Timmy and Juliette to this call. He is good...all the time!

Preparing to Go

Ethiopian Consulate in Los Angeles

Last week we visited the Ethiopian Consulate in LA to obtain travel Visas for out upcoming trip. It was cool to see materials in Amharic and look at the display cases full of spices and coffee. Best of all was learing phrases of greeting like "tena yistllign" which means "hello". Well, it's a start. Also wonderful was seeing Melaku from Ammanuel Light and Light church. Such a sweet and humble man. And always so calm.

Visas :)

Preparation to travel to a foreign country cannot be complete with a trip to Outdoor World...even I like this store. But it is like the camping store for the Rich and Famous...seriously. We want to be good stewards so we limited ourselves to sleeping bags, an insect and snake bite kit (ponder that!), Deet products, and a couple of those roll-em-up-in-your-suitcase-all-weather-sunscreen shirts for Tim (clearance only, baby!)

Brookside Free!

BROOKSIDE FREE METHODIST CHURCH IN REDLANDS

JULIETTE ADDRESSING THE CHILDREN

March 29th found us at Brookside Free Methodist church, where Pastor Rick Harrell allowed us to share our story and the goals for the Ethiopia District, ICCM and Eden Reforestation Projects. Juliette and Timmy (that's right, Timmy!) both shared with the kids before they were dismissed for Kidmo! They really made great friends at this church and enjoyed playing tag and all sorts of other loud, outside (no running in the sanctuary!) games on the lawn.

This incredibly mission-minded church, held a wonderful banquet planned by Jenny Switkes, Kari, Amber, and the rest of the missions committee. We are incredibly grateful for their support, prayer and love! Thank you Brookside Free!

Celebrations WITH Diana and Verdugo Church

As many of you know, I have had the privelege of sharing in the fruits of Diana Ross, my beautiful sister's, wedding coordinating business for the past 11 years, (yes, that' really her name and, incidentally, she shares the same birthday as THE Diana Ross). Celebrations...by Diana has been providing expert wedding and event coordinating service in Temecula, San Diego and Orange County for over 13 years. (Shameless plug!) Well, this was a Celebration WITH Diana. We gathered to share great food and laughter for Di's "something or other" birthday. It was great to rest and relax and hang with my sissy!

Diana and Jervaun

Tim, Jervaun, Juliette, Timmy, Cousin Jordan, Diana and Steve

***

The next day, March 22, we were off to Verdugo Church in Los Angeles. We visited with Pastor Susan Skomesa, Steve Skomesa, Danielle Garcia and Annie Genato, and all the rest of the incredibly fun and welcoming Verdugo body! Graciously received and wonderfully fed, we are so happy to have the Verdugo team on board for God's vision for the Ethiopian Church and Eden Reforestation Projects.

Our EVER-wonderfully behaved children during announcements!

With the Verdugo Crew!

Weekends in March!

Revival Christian Academy's Home School Retreat

Blondies on the mountain!

Skiing and Praising!

Some of my friends from Revival Christian Academy

Teaching some of the ladies from my small group how to pose like pageant girls!

As Tim was coming back from Mississippi, I was leaving for a Mountain Top retreat with Revival Christian Academy, my homeschool group. As one of the retreat planners, it was not very restful, but very fun. It started with a day of skiing with my girlfriends, then we had a scavenger hunt, worship, teaching, laughter and food!

Missions banquet at Lamb's Murrieta
With Pastor John Hansen

Pastor Don Rogers

The weekend of March 21'st was a very busy missions time for us starting with The Lamb's Fellowship in Murrieta's Missions Banquet on Friday evening. Pastor John and his church body fed us a great meal, introduced us, prayed for us and welcomed us on board as new missionaries that they are supporting. Then Don Rogers from Empowering Live International spoke, and we felt that familiar fire and passion for East Africa, that God, through Don, initially stirred in us six years ago! He is a great example, mentor and friend.

Story Tellers at Lamb's LE
With my mom, Irene, Juliette and sister in law Jen (for whom we saved a seat!)

Juliette's first time speaking to about 40 beautiful, loving, nurturing sisters in Christ.


Storytellers at Lamb's Lake Elsinore: This Women's Ministry Event for LFLE was so beautiful and inspirational. It was a time of bonding generationally and hearing some of the stories that we all have to tell. Juliette was one of the four speakers...it was her first time speaking. Her introductory statement..."My name is Juliette Trier and I am a missionary to Ethiopia." Wow. I was honored to get a glimpse of how God plans to use this precious vessel that I get to call "daughter".

Butterfly Kisses and I Loved Her First!

Butterfly Kisses and I Loved Her First are two songs that I hear often at weddings for Father Daughter dances. They were a little sweeter and a little more fresh last Friday night. Juliette and her Daddy went to a Father Daughter Dance with our school group. It started with him picking her up, greeting her with a corsage and taking her to Hana Sushi (one of her favorites!)

When they arrived at LFLE where the dance was held, Daddy was greeted by a poster that Juliette had made for him; extolling his many good qualities. There was a chocolate fountain and plentious other sugary sweets to get them all hopped up and keep them motivated on the dance floor.

The highlight of the night was its culmination; with a slow dance between father and daughter. Tim and I looked at each other across the room. It was our wedding song "You Are So Beautiful." Yes, I loved him first! But I am so grateful that Juliette gets to have this incredibly sweet memory with her Daddy. He loves her so!

The Amazing Race Part Two!!!

Part two of the busy week started on Wednesday evening with Tim and I giving a couples testimony for Lamb's Fellowship Celebrate Recovery (no photos of this ...cuz what is said in the rooms of CR, stays in the rooms of CR :)

Then on Friday night we were blessed with an amazing meal prepared by Chef Joe and Lori Mies at Lamb's for about 75 volunteers. Our youth pastor Dave Snow and his wife, Kim, served us and it was just such a sweet night to relax and enjoy conversation with our church family.

See...Jervaun talks, too!

Late Friday night, both kids started in with a low grade fever and body aches. Imagine that! All those injections took a toll on their tired bodies. Sadly (for the kids, anyway) we had to load them in the car with their movie players and trek down to Escondido Light and Life, so I could share at their Women's Brunch. What an awesome group of godly women, just lovin' on each other and me! Not only are they supporting us, but I know we can count on their prayers as we travel and live in Ethiopia. A special thank you to Maureen and Crystle for the invite!

Blessing us with the laying on of hands and prayer

(note that Juliette is still in jammies, poor baby!)

Jervaun shares "the story" at Riverside FM

(I almost have a "hand heart", Jen!)Tim shares "the vision".

Thank you to Pastor Lee and Riverside FM for an incredible welcome, lunch and enthusiasm for Ethiopia Missions.

Next week we will enjoy a Sabbath, of sorts as we take Timmy and jewels to Disneyland for Timmy's 10th birthday!

The Amazing Race Part One!!!

That is what the past week has felt like. It has been a busy and productive time, speaking and preparing to go :

It started last Sunday in Chino with a visit to Latin American Free Methodist Church where we were welcomed by pastor Omar, his family, and his very loving congregation! Tim makes friends very easily, as noted with our little friend and their strings!

New friends!

Tim preaching

With Pastor Omar and his family!

With Pastor Omar and his church family.

Our translator :)

Then we were down to San Diego to get 12 shots! Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Fever, Tetanus, Menengitis...yay! Pictures tell this story (graphic content...lol).

9 out of the 12 shots.

Tim takes it kind of hard.

Juliette...brave and stoic.

That's right...the number I got in my right arm :)

This little face says it all, but he hung in there.

Katie, the very beautiful and sweet needle lady!

I mean who takes a picture with a needle lady, honestly!

The Best Valentine's Day Ever!

Two incredible guys just took me and Juliette on a date.

It was Juliette's first date, as she says..."with a much, much older man". At the suggestion of a very wise pastor, my husband wanted to teach Juliette just how a date was supposed to be. How she should expect to be treated...like someone's precious daughter; like a precious daughter of the King. So he took her out for Valentine's Day.

And likewise,Timmy also needs to learn how to treat a beloved daughter of the Most High. So he took his Mommy out. It started three days ago with the guys sending us invitations, telling us to be ready at 3:00. Then they came to the door: Both Tims wearing cologne and bearing flowers . They took us to dinner at P.F. Changs (thanks for the gift card, Mom), then to see a show. Afterward they took us to Golden Spoon for frozen yogurt...and there they both read us each a poem. They took us home and said goodnight at the door.

When little Timmy came back in, I asked him (as if I had been home all along),

"How was your date?"

His reply, "It was very nice."

"Did you fall in love with her?" I asked.

He replied, "I've always been in love with her." Yeah...he said that.

And the Creator of the Universe loves me more than that? It is just too much. Too much.

We had the best Valentine's Day ever!

If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

We had the absolute honor of speaking with Barstow Free Methodist Church this past weekend. Since we visit Barstow (and our friends the Kochs) often, it is like a second home to us. I shared the amazing work that God has done in our lives, and Tim shared from John 15. This tied together in that, in our lives before Christ...we bore very little fruit. All of the titles, jobs, money, cars, boats, accomplishments, etc. were rather vacuous apart from Him. We have, as Christians been exhorted to abide in Him. So that we can bear much fruit. So that He may be glorified.

We are thankful to Chris and Ingrid, and the body of believers at Barstow FM, for welcoming us, encouraging us, sharing hospitatlity, and supporting us as we seek to bear fruit in Ethiopia.

In other exciting news (well it is to those of us from So. Cal), we had some actual "weather" during our overnight stay in Barstow. Coming home over the Cajon Pass, these were the amazing shots we took of SNOW!

Someone is Listening!

Today at Mountain View Free Methodist Church in Upland, we were welcomed by Pastor Brian Cooper, his wife Heather and their incredible missions and hospitality crew, to kick off their 2009 Missions Season.

Pastor Brian and Heather have a great heart for Ethiopia. They have spent time there, loved on the Ethiopian people and brought a passion back to Southern California, for a mission district that is half a world away. Brian and Heather are proving to be GREAT supporters of the ministry and an amazing resource for us as well. We look forward to continued partnership with this amazing body of believers and lovers of Christ.

Today we learned that great encouragement

comes in knowing that someone is listening.

We were handed this handwritten poem on an envelope, as we packed up to go:

Touching Lives

Seven years ago, this very day,

A life transformed, God came to stay.

A loving family, a growing faith,

Kingdom value put in place.

Planting trees, touching lives,

A continent away, this point in time.

T.H.

The reference to "seven years ago this very day", was for Tim's salvation birthday, which is today, January 18. Mine was yesterday...January 17. We are blessed that Ted was listening :)

Living Spring Christian Fellowship

We were so busy chatting with people about Ethiopia

that we forgot to get a picture with Pastor John..

so a parking lot picture on the way out is all the proof you get!

We had an amazing visit with Pastor John Rittenhouse at Living Spring Christian Fellowship in Garden Grove. We were welcomed with hugs like there was no tomorrow! We felt so at home. People were so eager to let us know that they "knew Pastor Gary when" and "knew Don and Amy when"...and then there were the folks who said, "We're friends with Buzzy." "Were you at his Drop Dead Christmas?" ..."Uh huh." And then that quiet exchange of knowing nods.

Tim gave an amazing high-tech presentation using Keynote, for which many thanks go out to Nate at the conference office. One never knows how a new presentation will go over, but the map distortions, quiz and photos had a great impact. Tim presented eloquently and with much passion. We were very encouraged by our visit to Living Spring and their shared heart for missions.

The Desert - Filled with Living Water

Jen's epiphany, "I like the mud!"

Buddy takes a ride with the girls!

Johnny and Francis

Tim, Bob and James

Kathy, Jervaun and Jen

Not sure who has the bigger grin!

Buddy Loves to "go?" "Wanna go?"

We love hangin in the desert with our good friends, Bob and Kathy. Just outside of Barstow...this little home away from home gives us an opportunity to relax, play in the dirt (or mud), visit, eat and enjoy God's beautiful creation. We are grateful for this haven, not only becuase we get to camp with friends, but we get to visit friends and supporters Everette and Leitha (Hinkley House of Faith) and Chris and Ingrid (Barstow FM). Happy New Year!!!

In the Here and Now...As Long as it is Still Called Today

Christmas...2008

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad IN it. Psalm 118:24.

People have asked.."How was your Christmas?" My response...It was better than I expected. That seems so strange to say. Was I expecting Christmas to NOT be good? Well...sort of. And isn't that what gets us tied up, sometimes? Our expectations?

Moving out of our house on the 21st (totally interrupting my baking, wrapping, shopping, cooking and decorating) and also facing some unknown variables at one of my family Christmases, put me on guard. But God is faithful, He delivered and by His spirit, reminded me that Christmas is the culmination of Advent. The coming of the Messiah. And it portends His second Coming for which we eagerly wait.

Christmas was beautiful...we had snow, great food, grandparents, presents, hugs, choir, (sniff sniff). But best of all...we have Jesus.

It's entirely up to God and His timing...but more than likely we will be in Ethiopia next Christmas. No Dessert Night, no hanging with my choir buddies, no cookie making in The Tucker's giant kitchen, no unexpected gingerbread house parties, no post-Christmas desert trip. No watching the Chargers beat the snot out of Denver...oh sorry...I digress. It was getting a little maudlin.

What will Christmas be like in Ethiopia? Do they celebrate it the same way? At the same time? Will I be able to bake with the kids? Have a tree? Get presents? Will it really matter?...I am not sure. I have a dear friend who would have LOVED to spend Christmas in Africa. Will I feel the same way?

Well, for this year....I got to spend this day here. With my family and friends...doing things I love to do (except the moving part). I guess that is what is meant by "Live in the here and now". THIS is the day...

Tim, Juliette and Elise troubleshooting the iPod
Aunt Jervaun and Jordan
Tony, Diana, Dad, Jervaun and Rhonda

Timmy and Mommy

With my mom

Steve and Diana Ross

Kids by the tree...Christmas morning

Christmas Eve

Tim and his dad, Earl...note the toupee on Tim

Jervaun and Tim's Mom, Lynette

Roberta, Earl, Timmy, Jen and a Nerf Gun

Cousins and Buds!

Bringin' home the tree on December 23rd!!!!!

Finals!

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

Tim is studying for Finals :)

.

.

However, to honor my husband I must also share

that he is moving us, acting as our personal director of development, doing a few side flooring jobs and studying for finals. Add to that being a great husband and Dad and ...well...he deserves a little snooze. God bless him.

Moving

The Picture says it all.

Moving day is December 21st.

Ladies Dessert Night

First of all: props go out to my husband Tim for bearing with me through the stress of shopping and cooking for this event and releasing me to do that which I love to do for the 2008 Lamb's Fellowship Ladies Dessert Night .

We had 300 ladies gather for a light meal and dessert, entertainment, fellowship and a feast for the eyes. The theme this year was "Seasons". The stage reflected this, as did the table decor and menu selections. In addition the lives of four women will be followed with video updates of this "season" of their lives throughout 2009. The journey I am on... our family's call to Ethiopia, preparing to go and eventual field deployment is being chronicled as part of this series.

This year Juliette was finally old enough to attend Dessert Night and I think she had a pretty good time. She liked the desserts , but wasn't crazy about the meal. Funny...she always likes my cooking at home.

I want to give a special shout out to Kristy, Maddie, Amy, Lynette, Jessie, Wendy, Juliette, Mr. Robledo, Mr. Cody, David and the rest of the men who stepped up at the last minute to get "dinner on the table". If I forgot anyone... I 'll remeber at like 3:00 in the morning and update this. Oh wait...it IS 3:00 in the morning!

Give Thanks!

We spent Thanksgiving in Fallon, Nevada. It was cold and crisp! We enjoyed relaxing with Grandma and Grandpa Trier for a much needed visit. The kids loved playing on the rope swing and raking Fall leaves. Even Buddy got in on the action. Other highlights included a round of "cheap" golf for Tim and my purchase of 60 pounds of Butternut and Acorn Squash for Ladies Dessert Night.

International Medicine

After all of the candy from the recent Halloween and Harvest events, Juliette complained of a sore tooth. Looking in her mouth, I didn't need a DDS to tell me...she had a huge cavity. With no dental insurance, I called around; shopping for the best price. Many offices will not even DO an amalgam filling. We were looking at $210 to $450 for a filling. Well I kept calling around and I got a referral. Baja Dentistry...that's right, this freak of a Mom actually took her daughter to Mexico for dental work. Let me tell you...the office was cleaner and higher tech than many offices I have seen in the US. The doctor was knowledgeable and very patient and kind in answering all of my questions. Juliette was at ease and said it didn't hurt a bit. She ended up needing a root canal and a crown, not just a filling. We were out the door for $250.00, and the price of a cab ride from the border and back. I would take my kids there anytime. The care and service were excellent. They didn't even mind all four of us cramming in the room and taking pictures. Juliette was the first to experience "international medicine". And we're not even in Ethiopia yet!

Why Ethiopia?

We got to answer a question on a bio the other day: “Describe your call to missions”

We have also heard this one: “Why Ethiopia?”

Here is our answer:

We have a pastor who has a heart for missions, especially in E. Africa. Hearing him share stories of transformed lives of individuals in Tanzania, Congo, Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia created an unexpected “heart-tug” in us, that would not let go. However, growing up in non-Christian homes, where missionaries were nothing short of “crazy”, the idea of us traveling anywhere beside nearby Mexico seemed “foolish”. In fact Tim likes to joke that on all of those career assessment tests, “missionary” fell in to the “not applicable” category. Praise to our unlimited God that He had other plans for us.

Tim journeyed to Ethiopia in 2005 to build a church extension in Shashemene. Following this, he came home and told me we needed to “sell everything and move to Ethiopia”. I was so totally not there. Well, about 2 years ago, Tim took a position as Director of Development for Empowering Lives International (ELI), a dynamic ministry in E. Africa. At this time we were both asked to visit Kenya and Sudan to become familiar with all aspects of ministry. This time in-country confirmed our love and desire to help the poor and oppressed in this area of the world. Over the next year and a half, as Tim worked in the US for ELI, our desire to serve globally increased and was confirmed in many ways. One of the most significant aspects of this confirmation was a vision, followed by seed of an idea expressed to us, which we nurtured with prayer and which ended in appointment by FMWM to serve in Ethiopia.

Missionaries to Ethiopia ? ! ? !

Somebody pinch us…okay not really. But really, this all seems so surreal.

As you probably know by now…The Trier Family - North, (not to be confused with the Trier Family – South…) has been approved…officially…after a four month process by Free Methodist World Missions to “Go” and serve as Extended Term Missionaries to Ethiopia.

The purpose of this blog is to answer frequently asked questions, share our journey and preparation, and report to you, our supporters, whether in prayer or finances, the amazing things that God is doing through us (this includes you!). You see, we consider ourselves a team, partners in ministry. We will be on the ground in Ethiopia, and you will be here, but we are all “workers in His harvest field” (Mt. 9:38).