Archive for August, 2008
I Made It and I’m Doin Fine!!! : )
Monday, August 25th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
HELLO OUT THERE!!!!
I’m alive and fine here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I have actually been here about a week, but it’s taken me a while to figure out how internet works around here!! My flights went really well. I was even able to visit some dear friends in England on the way and had a lovely time with them! On my flight to Ethiopia I met a really nice girl who will also be teaching kids here. It was so comforting to meet someone who is doing the same thing and knows Jesus! Thanks God! I love having airplane buddies!! : )
Confirmations at Church
Sunday, August 10th, 2008 | Uncategorized | 2 Comments
I went to church with my parents today and felt like the whole service was made just for me. It’s very rare when that happens, but it’s so special when it does, especially at times like these. It’s a wonderful reminder that god is faithful, in control, and loves me a whole stinkin lot!
One of the worship songs was “Oh, The Wonderful Cross” which my mom and I had been listening to on the way there and talking about how I am really dying to myself in some ways by going to Ethiopia. The sermon was based on the story of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus… a story that I have thought about many times in this whole process of leaving for Ethiopia. I just happened to sit next to a woman who has a friend who lived in Ethiopia and told me more about what that was like. I’d been looking for the song “Hold Me Jesus” by Rich Mullins at home earlier this week and didn’t find it, but it happened to be the meditative song during communion. And then I was prayed over by some wonderful people, two of whom have taught English in another country and were able to pray very specifically and appropriately for me in light of their experience.
Crazy, wonderful, confirmations!! And honestly, this is what it’s been like over the past year. I meet random people, who just happen to mention the country of Ethiopia without me saying a thing about it. It’s very impressive and it’s so comforting to know that no matter what difficulties and joys I will encounter in Ethiopia, it’s all meant to be because this going to Ethiopia stuff was all in the plan for my life! Thanks god! Wow god!
Time For Me To Step Out On The Water….
Sunday, August 10th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
This chorus by Chris Tomlin has been my theme song for the past few months……
“Time for me to step out on the water
Time for me to just loosen my hold
And it’s time for me to leave here all that I’ve hoped for
Would you take me where I need to go?”
Sometimes it’s hard for me to be in reality with moving to Ethiopia. I have wrestled god on it for so many months but he just kept confirming it over and over again, and he continues to. Stepping out on the water also reminds me of Peter who went out to meet Jesus as he was walking on the water. Sometimes it’s easy to give Peter a hard time for not continuing to look at Jesus when he got overwhelmed by the waves. For where I’m at in this journey, I just like to think about what an act it was for Peter just to get out of the boat. As I step out of the boat of my comfort zone into and ocean of unknowns, I feel a lot like Peter. Sometimes I don’t keep my eyes fixed on Jesus in this whole process. Sometimes I am afraid of all the unknowns. But I am so thankful that god does not depend on my perfection to be faithful. And I’m excited to see all that god has in store for me as I step out of the boat, relinquish my hold on my average life here, surrender, and ask him to take me where I need to go! (God, please give me the grace to do just that!)
Welcome to Ruthie’s Blog!!!
Sunday, August 10th, 2008 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Hello Family and Friends!
This is my brand new blog that I just set up with the help of my friends Ben and Johanna! (Thank you! : ) I wanted to find a way to share my thoughts and feelings with all of you as I begin this new journey to Ethiopia. I’m not the most technically savvy girl, but I’m hoping this will help with that! So, Welcome to Ruthie’s Blog and thanks for reading!! : )