Gabrielle's last 5 days in Ethiopia...

Our dear sister Gabrielle Weber was not able to join Juan Carlos and I in Kenya on our last mission trip. But she was able to stay an extra 5 days in Ethiopia after we left with our dear friends there.  Below is her excellent recap of those last five days...  

 Hello Jerry! It has been such an amazing time. We didn’t have much of a plan for my time here but God unfolded the day as it went. I received blessing after blessing on this trip.   

I’ll share some highlights:

On Thursday, we heard about an Amharic worship service and decided to go impromptu. It was such a beautiful time. The service wasn't flashy or fancy but was filled with a true spirit of worship. So many young people poured out their love and devotion to the Lord. Although I didn’t understand the words, I felt such unity with my Ethiopian brothers and sisters as we worshipped the Lord in spirit and truth.  

On Friday, we had a powerful prayer group meeting. I had the privilege of playing an Amharic worship song on the guitar with my sister Narlos singing. It was so powerful! The Lord really ministered to all of us as we prayed for the country and for each other. On that same day I was also able to go back to the Life Center and give a little talk to the kids there. I felt like the Lord wanted me to share about Ps139. Afterwards, as the kids were headed home, I really connected with a sweet girl named Betlehem. She has dreams to be an architect and is quite talented in poetry and drawing. As I was headed out, she asked me, "Will I see again?" My heart was so touched-- at that, how could I not see her again! It sealed the deal for me. I knew in my heart that some day I would return to the beautiful land of Ethiopia.   

Saturday, we had more fellowship with each other. I had a long morning and fellowship in the Lord with Koni. And then we had an impromptu coffee time with other friends in the afternoon (Ahadu, Kalaeb, Hana, Gideon-the head of ministry of justice!) I was touched at how everyone made the time to be with one another even on short notice. They are truly family.   

Sunday, I had the privilege of going on a hike in Entoto Park, which was developed by the Prime Minister just two years back. My friend Emi showed me all around and then took me to see a family in the slums. What a privilege to meet them! They performed a coffee ceremony and we prayed with one another. One of the elderly women in the family had been imprisoned for a year and half under the communistic regime. I was so honored to meet this dear woman and hero of the faith!  

Monday, I was able to meet an American missionary and hear her story of how God called her to Ethiopia. It was really encouraging. After that, Koni spoiled me and took me to the spa! Wow. I was continually amazed at everyone's generosity. And then I ended my last day with lunch and dinner with my new Ethiopian family that I made.   

The Lord has blessed me so so much on this trip. I didn't know that I would gain a new family. It made leaving hard! I'm not sure how Ethiopia is in my future, but it has a special place in my heart.   

I would love to get together with you Jerry if possible, just to debrief a little and pray.   See you on Sunday!   Gabrielle