September (ARRIVAL!)

I have only been in Harar for four days but I am already feeling at home here. Every day brings some new challenge, whether that means attempting new phrases in Amharic or bathing out of a bucket. I am learning much and adjusting to the culture of Ethiopia… but I love it!

The food is excellent, the people are extremely diverse and fascinatingly beautiful, the city of Harar is a maze that captivates my heart. There are Muslims and Orthodox everywhere. Beggars in the streets, half-naked children and lepers with searching eyes are constant reminders of the evil presence of poverty. The children are quick to love, and quick to call out “Feranji, feranji!” as we, the white Americans stroll by, trying to blend in. (Feranji means “Foreigner” in Amharic).

Every day I am meeting new people, building relationship with my new team family and learning the city streets and customs.

One of my favorite things about Harar is that people walk closely together if they are friends. For example, it is not unusual to see two men taking a walk with their pinky fingers linked as they enjoy conversation. Women hook arms with one another or hold hands. It is something here that is pure and innocent and has no other suggestive connotation to it. It is a bold picture of love so different from America that I adore.

September is the month of the New Year in Ethiopia. Here the year will soon be 2004, just one of several indications of a completely different timeframe used here. Like Thanksgiving in America, Ethiopian New Year is a special day when shops close and families gather together to eat and eat some more. The traditional dish for the holiday is Doro Wot, or chicken legs in a spicy sauce garnished with hard boiled eggs. I have had it at my restaurant in Pittsburgh, but I am eager to try it here in Ethiopia. It is good! Just today, Samuel, our base leader, killed the chickens we will use for the meal!

Yahawalashet holding our soon-to-be dinner! and Naphtali, Pastor Mohammad’s adorable son – he’s always keeping us entertained!

This is also the time when Ramadan ends. This is a very holy period for Muslims, who have been fasting for one month from sunrise to sunset and will have a big party called Eid Al Fitr to celebrate the end of the fast. There is much going on in the city.

Also I have been meeting our Bible School students and disciples. I have just met them, but they are so kind and welcoming. It is beautiful to hear some of their testimonies and see how Jesus is transforming their lives. Last night I attended a leadership meeting with past students. We met in one man’s home and prayed together, drank chai tea, and heard Samuel’s teaching on the Holy Spirit. Jesus has marked these people with His presence! They are eager to preach, love and serve. You can see the sincere smiles on their faces and know that their relationship with Christ is real. I feel so honored to meet with them and be a part of what is happening in Ethiopia!

Me in Jugol, the walled part of the ancient city of Harar :)

These are the first few days of my year in Harar, and I know that you are all praying for me. Your prayers are bringing me strength and comfort as I continue to adjust to my new life. I love all of you and your comments and letters are like cool water on a hot day! Thank you for your love and support.

Please Pray For…

• Harar Church of Joy! Pray that the holidays will not keep people home and away from church. Samuel has been preaching on healing and we are believing for many miracles and changed hearts this Sunday!
• The new Bible School students. They are in their third week of class and are being challenged to reach out evangelistically to their neighbors and city. Pray for boldness and an outflow of Holy Spirit love as they go out!
• The people of Harar who do not know Jesus! Our heart is to reach the unreached and to love the people to Jesus. Pray for God to give us many encounters and chances to share Jesus. Pray that religious walls will be broken and the pure Gospel will pour out from us to them.
• Me as I am studying Amharic and learning the culture. This country is third world and a challenge to learn, but Jesus has been so faithful. Please continue to pray that I will learn new phrases every day and discover creative ways of reaching the people. The love of Jesus knows no bounds!

I love you all. I will continue to keep you updated and continue to miss you. Thank you for your prayers!

Feeding the Hyenas outside Harar!!

Me and Gaby surrounded by hyenas! A crazy welcome to Harar!