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!