After being home from Ethiopia for nearly 7 months, my mind wonders what is next? Will we go back again soon? If so, where specifically will we go? Does God have more orphans in our future?
God knows the answer to these questions. We walk in faith knowing that what He has for us is for our good and that His leading is perfect. We wait for Him to lead us. And we know that He will.
In the meantime, we've found that there are many people in the Sioux City area that are from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Many of these people have desperate needs due to poverty, lack of language, lack of cultural understanding, and even discrimination. We've found these people to be extremely warm, giving, and kind people. And we've found that even though we think about helping people in Ethiopia, there are many Ethiopian people right here that need help. With them set in front of us it is clear that God has great opportunities for us, and those opportunities only require a brief drive.
Our hearts realize that this involves inconvenience to our schedule - and our schedule is very important to us. Our schedule is often more important than the needs of the people around us. And in addition to schedule impacts, it's just not as cool to drive across town as it is to fly to Africa! But the needs are here and the needs are plenty.
We're thankful to God for opening the doors to those around us to remind us that we are very blessed, that happiness is not found in possessions, and that there is joy in serving others.
Thanks for the reminder of the great needs in our own backyards. i've been a bit out of touch in blog land. looking forward to catching up.
ReplyDeleteheather-are you going back to c4c this year????
We agree. Amazing how God has shown all of us that we have Ethiopian and Korean people right here, in Sioux City! God bless your journey. Praying for you guys! :)
ReplyDeleteRuss, I'm so excited that you posted again. I've missed your careful diliberation on the impact that the gospel should have on our lives. It's been such a blessing to watch you and Heather and your oldest kids grow in Him over the past couple of years as you've reached out to the least of these. Thanks for leading the way in our church body reaching out to the struggling immigrants in our own town.
ReplyDeleteThe rich blessings of His grace to your family!
Denise for Jim and the tribe
I suppose now would be the time to let the cat out of the bag and say I've been praying for some new Nordstrom(s), wherever they may be! Itook you seriously when you said there was room for more! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!