Day 6!!

Toilet with view: 

We started the day again today with a delicious breakfast on the patio at Lalibela. The view was amazing and the food delicious! We have been so thankful for the gracious and attentive staff at this lodge! Our team was well rested and energized for our final tour of the ancient churches. 

As we walked toward the last church of our tour, we traveled through a long, VERY dark tunnel which signified a journey from hell toward heaven. Along the way we were encouraged to pray, and feel God‘s presence as we moved toward the church of the Emmanuel: God with Us. We were a bit nervous at the time, but later reflected on how this experience impacted us. Many were thankful for the team and how we offered encouragement and guidance while walking through utter darkness. Personally, I thought it was a great reminder of how much we need each other as we walk through life, especially during dark times.

Leaving Lalibela was bittersweet  because we were all so amazed with the beauty of that part of the country, but we’re very excited to get back to Addis Ababa and start our work with the children at Hope for the Fatherless.

This evening, we were grateful to get back into our hotel in Addis, and spend time singing and dancing together as we prepare for VBS. We had a good dinner, spent time in reflective discussion, and are now settled in for a night of rest. We are all very excited that Parker has (finally) arrived in Ethiopia this evening and will be joining the team tomorrow after a delayed start to her trip. I will be grateful to hand over the leadership reins to her, although I was honored to be the temporary lead of such a fantastic group! Keep us in your prayers as we continue our adventure! We are all truly encouraged and strengthened knowing that so many are praying and supporting us from home! 

Love to you all, Rachel.