Love Does

I don’t have a lot to say about Addis Ababa.  I think, for the most part, that I am still trying to take it all in. Everything here is different. Some things are similar to the US, but nothing is quite the same. Everywhere you look, there is something new to understand, or process, or laugh at. It’s really quite difficult to put it into words. I could tell you about the smells, or the sounds, or the people that stare into our van full of “firenge” (white people). But none of it would really be able to sum up the full experience. The pace of life is different, the rules of life are different. It’s so easy for me to see American culture as the only one, or the best way of life. But the people here have a different type of joy than us. They live an unworried, unrushed life. As we drive through the city streets, surrounded by cars inches from us on every side, our driver Ishy spends more time conversing with us than he does looking at the road. The first time he was cut off by another car, I expected him to become angry as I would. I asked him if it bothered him and he said, “Sometimes I am angry on the inside but I just smile and wave”. (Now that’s some wisdom). As we continued through the busy, smoky, bumpy roads, he never got upset about other cars coming into our lane. It’s accepted that signs, lights, and lanes are just a suggestion and honking is only for saying hi to the car 6 inches from your own.

Our time with the kids at Bring Love In has been simple. I expected to feel like a savior to them, but the truth is that they just want to be with us. Due to the hard work of the staff at Bring Love In and the generosity of many people in America, they have most of their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs met. Their joy and excitement for life is inspiring. These kids were once orphans, most of them left in the dirt somewhere in Ethiopia, with hopes that they would be found and brought to an overcrowded government orphanage. Here, they have a family. They have a mom and an aunt and brothers and sisters. Their stories are so far removed from what we could even imagine. How do you respond when three seven year old boys come up to you yelling, “Josh! Josh! Josh!” in their thick Amharic accents, hugging your legs and holding both hands? What do you have to offer them besides sitting with them? What can you bring them that would change their situation or their scarred past? We are not here to fix them or be their savior. Don’t be deceived. We have a lot more in common with them than you might think. They want to be known and loved, same as the rest of us. Do not be deceived.

The people of Addis Ababa and Bring Love In have shown us so much love, kindness, and hospitality. They treat us like royalty. What an honor to be able to spend time with them.

I am grateful for the chance I’ve had to love and cherish God’s children here, and am better for the love I’ve been shown.

Gratefully,
Josh

Today is our second day working with the kids at Bring Love In and it already feels like it’s going by too quick! I got to play soccer with all the boys in the morning (which they were very skeptical of at first because girls do not play soccer here) and then, as a whole team, we visited 3 homes in the afternoon. In all of it – the soccer, conversations, exhaustion, diesel fumes, long car rides – God has been at work in me. He has been using the people of Addis Ababa to gently remind me of His truths. I have felt Him saying “just be, don’t do”.

If you know me, you know I’m a “do-er”. I am Type-A – always prepared, always organized, always doing something productive. Within the first few hours here, I began to see that Addis is not a place for Type-A people. Time is very flexible and plans are always changing.

Our first full day here, we sat down at 7am to talk about the morning activities that would take place with the kids only 2 hours later (at 9am). I had a general idea of what we would be doing, but felt so unprepared and nervous. Everyone else seemed to be totally okay with a loose plan and few instructions, but I was struggling on the inside. I wanted to know more so I could be more helpful – be able to do more. However, I felt like I was struggling to even comprehend how the hours of the day would sort of play out.

We arrived at Bring Love In and I was scared – scared to meet the kids, scared to not be able to help them, scared that I had nothing to offer. They welcomed us with songs and flowers, coffee and popcorn, hugs and eyebrow raises. But in the back of my mind I was still thinking about what I had to do next. How I had to somehow help them with their english while teaching them a tie-dye craft.

After the welcome ceremony, we headed upstairs to our craft. I stumbled through some shirt folding patterns with unsteady hands and a flushed face. They smiled and nodded along as I did my best to explain. At the end of my demonstration, I offered to help all of them fold and rubber band their shirts. After I finished talking, they got right to work, folding the shirts near perfectly. I wandered around waiting for girls to ask me for help, but they never did. I wanted to help, to be useful, but they didn’t need me. So I just kept wandering around in the circle. That’s when I heard the “sit, sit” from Wenge. She didn’t want me to work, she wanted me to visit. After the girls were done, I saw an opportunity to do something useful so I started picking up trash and used dye bottles and Charity started to mop. Again, Wenge said “no, sit, sit”. That’s when I realized that the staff and kids at Bring Love In don’t need anything from me. They don’t want me to do stuff for them. They just want me to be with them. To “sit, sit” and talk. To build relationship.

I feel like this is what Jesus wanted to remind me of in my relationship with Him too. Stop doing and just be with Him. He doesn’t need me to do anything for Him – after all he is the big ‘G’ God of this world with all power and authority.

My prayer for this trip was that God would “DO immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV). My time here in Addis so far has shown me that maybe I should put to rest my efforts to “do”, and leave that to God for a while. Instead, I should just focus on “being” – with Him, with the kids here, and with the team. And I bet that through this time “being”, He will begin to use me in ways that won’t really feel like “doing” or striving at all. Rather, the things He calls me to do will be able to be done out of overflow of a life-giving relationship with Him. This relationship that enables me to do can only be formed when I learn to be with Him fully.

I want to learn to “sit, sit” more with Jesus and others. I think the people here will continue to teach me that and it makes me excited for the next week.

Expectantly,
Olivia Bierma

Sleep is such a docile predator. A necessary component of life that preys upon all of us. Whether we resist sleep like toddlers do with a plethora of excuses and counters or succumb to its attack by snuggling and cocooning into blankets for extra comfort. Thus one’s sleep is so drastically altered when traveling internationally.

Ours for example has been cut short the night of the July 4th, extended on a fourteen hour plane ride, and roughly attempted in a time zone of heat and dust.
Then when landing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; with the sun shining and the the air surprisingly fresher than anticipated we put off thoughts of exhaustion and global distance to be there in the presence of our friend and driver Ishy. With bags stowed and hotel rooms on a bustling and noisy street ensured, we decided to go to a dinner early knowing that tiredness would catch up, as it always does, and no amount of natural cane sugar Coca Cola could defy it. Thus after dinner, the gentle rocking of Ishy’s stick shift van through the blockade of traffic made most of us nap in a jerky fashion not unlike being on a fishing trolly rolling with the tide.

Night fell in Addis, distant lightening clouds look ominous but were ineffective. The group decided, or allowed themselves to go to bed right away before our debrief in the morning when we see the Bring Love In children and workers.

Like I mentioned above, sleep is a docile predator. For now in writing this it is 3:30 AM in Addis Ababa or 6:30 PM of the day before in Montana.

And I am awake.

The sounds of the city outside are finally quieted. Only the alley cats are hissing loud enough to be heard. Yet there begins to be another sound which is echoing through the floors of our hotel, the morning baker, I can only assume. With a random pot clang and shuffling of feet on the cold marble steps. I lay in my rented bed wondering where does this Ethiopian man or woman sleep. In a space that allows for sleep to be accepted or if it is a difficult process from the external forces within this city. From there, how did this baker get here, was there walking involved (as many Ethiopians do) for kilometers or crammed into a late night taxi van overloaded with people. Is it a pilgrimage to work for this baker that is constrained by time or carefully planned out? Don’t you ever wonder what all the other people around you are doing?

That’s what my mind is wrestling with instead of sleeping now at 3:50 AM.

Yet, here is what I do know. Jesus slept. In pivotal moments when he succumbed to it. As well in times of rest after holy excursions and messages.
Jesus slept, maybe not in hotel room floors after fourteen hour flights across the world, but he slept so that he could be present with the people he knew and the ones who knew him.

So here is my ask to all of you who will follow our trip: blog post by blog post, intermittent text through faulty WiFi, or picture sent from afar.

That while you sleep you would subconsciously and deeply of the personal connections you have with the eight team members of this trip. For when we will sleep half a world away your daily prayers will sustain us and encourage us to be there for the people we know here in Ethiopia and the one we will know.

It is now 4:00 AM. I am going to try to fall back asleep as the city begins to stir so I can be there on this first Monday in Addis that will be so life-giving with our friends and family of Bring Love In.

Keep following this blog space to hear the rest of the teams thoughts, emotions, and experiences for the rest of our time here. Good night and good morning.

– Carl

As we begin our journey home, it is hard to put into words and describe to you all that has happened over the past two weeks. This trip has taken months of planning, fundraising, team meetings, preparation with vaccines, planning to leave family and work…its hard to believe it’s all about over. This experience will be something we will never forget and has changed our hearts forever… in the best of ways. The trip started with some bumps but it was all in God’s plan and ended up better than I could’ve ever imagined. This team of people was the perfect group to be surrounded around for the past two weeks; to serve with, support one another, worship together, cry together, laugh together and most importantly grow together. When I think of this trip the word that keeps coming to my heart is “beautiful.” This entire trip has been a display of love, grace, compassion, chaos, joy, hospitality and kindness… it’s been beautiful. Ethiopia itself probably isn’t a place most would describe as beautiful… it may not be our Montana beauty… but it definitely is beautiful in so many ways. The people and especially the children are beautiful, inside and out. Even with next to nothing there is so much joy even through the poverty. We came to help and serve them but in return they went above and beyond each day to show us how much they appreciated us. The way they are so proud of their culture, the way they instantly step up to help without even being asked, the sacrifices they make for the greater good, the way they love each-other, their endless hospitality…. it is beautiful. I am so thankful I was able to see it all and be a part of it!

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14

– Brittany

Throughout this trip I have felt a multitude of emotions. I knew that by coming to Ethiopia and participating in my first missions trip I would get to have once in a lifetime experiences and make incredible relationships. But, while I focused on all of the positive aspects of this work I disregarded the challenges that I would see and feel. 

When we first got to Addis and met the kids at Bring Love In, I was overwhelmed by the instantaneous amount of love and joy that was offered to 15 strangers. We were greeted with hugs, flowers and songs. It was incredible to see how much love and happiness the kids had after coming from such rough backgrounds. As we continued to spend time with the kids in our individuals classes, relationships blossomed.

Each time I talked with one of the kids I was amazed by their willingness to share their stories. Every one of these kids has been through so much heartache and pain and I can not even begin to fathom the depth. And despite their past circumstances every single person exclaimed the power of Gods love and how it has transformed their lives. 

I led the painting/arts and crafts class. Every day was filled with so much laughter and joking. Even when we didn’t have enough paints, or bracelet thread or all of the materials to create the perfect Pinterest craft, our class was perfect. There was so much connection and utter joy that I forgot where I was and who I was with. I realized that the girls in my group were just wanting to have a good time creating, in a fun and loving environment. 

Having conversations with girls in my class and asking normal questions about what they like to do for fun, their favorite subject, or favorite music to listen to every topic turned back to God and their undeniable faith. Even the artwork that the girls made in our class showcased their love for the BLI ministry and Gods grace with little sayings of “I love Jesus” or “God saves” in English and Amharic. 

It’s funny talking with the team about our expectations for the trip and our preconceived notions and I realized I had many. I expected that our team would make a huge difference in the lives of these kids, and while that may be true, they had the biggest impact on me. They showed me what unconditional praise and love for God does even in the darkest of times. It is one thing to hear in church about the power of the Holy Spirit but a whole different thing to feel and see it in the midst of some of the hardest circumstances. We talk about leaning in to God’s power and I often forget what that looks like, but seeing the kids at Bring Love In fully embrace their faith can only be described as ‘faith alive’.  A phrase my mom explained to me where you feel the Holy Spirit with your entire mind body and soul. It isn’t just something that you think about, faith is a part of every aspect of your life and is interconnected with your very being. 

And then to go to other ministries across Addis like AHope and Embracing hope and see the power and impact of the Holy Spirit. The kids at Embracing Hope, who live right next to Korah the dump in Addis, despite their circumstances of living in the deepest poverty had so much laughter and love for Christ. 

To see how all of these people are so connected with God and continue to praise him and all that he does, is and has been the most incredible experience of my life. This was a testament to the power of God and the joy that he brings even the darkest of times. 

– Samantha

When we were in Bozeman and we left there were high hopes we would be Dubai by the end of the day but that got sidetracked due to not having visas. Which then we were stuck in Seattle for 3 days which may have been a blessing in disguise because we got to bond with our team and make a family that we would be with for 2 weeks. When we finally got our visas we were off to Dubai and were ready for the big adventure ahead. After the 14 hour plane flight to Dubai we had a 16 hour layover till our flight to Addis Ababa. 

When we arrived in Addis my first thought was this is gonna be a long week but as we met the people and how kind and happy they are it changed my opinion on that. When our driver Isshy arrived to pick us up it was really cool to see the relationship Brandon Jordon Chuck and Logan had with Isshy, it was very strong and you could tell that they were very happy to see each other. After little talk and catching up we were off to the orphanage/ Bring Love In.

When we got there we were greeted right at the door with roses and songs which was really special because they didn’t know a lot of us but treated us as if we were family. The second day we started to make friends and interact with the kids even from on the start they were all loving and loved to hug. And here are some things about the kids that I made close relationships with:

◦ Adebe, a 11 year old girl that was super sweet and kind to everyone she interacted with. Every morning I walked into vbs which is the English class that we taught me and her would just look at each other and smile which was really special to me even though we both speak different languages. It was super fun to play games and color and was fun to get to know her a little bit. I am so glad I was able to meet her.

◦ Bereket, an 8 year old boy that is very energetic and nice boy that was super fun to interact with and play games with. It was funny he would always argue with the other boys to sit in my lap. And it was really special how he would normally be the first one to meet me at the door and said TAIDEN.

◦ Satota, a 13 year old girl who is very sweet and nice and is the “Boss” over the kids. It was super fun to talk to satota snd get to know her she was also really helpful because she could help translate sometimes. It was also funny  because if someone hit satota then she would hit them back a lot harder.

◦ Eyob, a 7 year old boy who is nice and super funny. While I was at bring love in it was super fun to play games and interact with him. When I got to bring love in Eyob was the first one to want to sit on my lap while in vps and overall was super fun to interact with.

I also was able to talk to and get to know the older boys which was really cool because even though there is a little bit of a language barrier we were still able to play sports and have a good relationship with one on other.

I am so glad I was able to come on this trip and be able to make friends even though we were not here for a very long time. And I hope to be able to come again in the future. Thank you everyone back home for your generosity to make this trip possible.

– Taiden

There were many things that I was anticipating when coming to visit the ministry in Addis Abba, and many more questions.

What will the food be like?  What will the culture be like?   What will we be doing each day?  Will the kids like it?   Where will we be staying?

The first step off the plane was the beginning of sensory overload.   The sights, the sounds, the people (so many people).  And it wouldn’t be right not mentioning the insane driving skills and endless undisciplined vehicle traffic.   Or maybe it was the goats, cows or occasional horse drawn cart that was intermixed with all of those people and vehicles that seemed like utter chaos (until you realize it is more like a orchestra).   I realized early on there is simply no way to try and describe Addis Abba.  If they say a picture is worth a thousand words then I would say a thousand words would not describe the picture.

I’m  not sure if it was the prolonged delay and wondering if we would even get our visas?  Maybe the thousands of miles and hours of flight time?  Was it the lack of sleeping or the clouds of diesel smoke?  I’m not sure because it didn’t anticipate what was coming next. 

Day two; my head was spinning in a fog when we sat down to teach the youngest children about Jesus and various Bible stories. With all the commotion of the first day, I seemed to miss that which was most important, the bond between those on the Journey team who had been here before and the older children.  

The long hugs, the smiles that only connect long lasting friendships, the occasional tear of joy, the stories, and all of the laughter.  It was apparent that, that kind of connection began a long time ago. 

It’s not that I took teaching the younger kids lightly, it’s that I didn’t grasp the significance of it.   I realized the longer term Journey team members also once taught the younger kids and they were now seeing those younger children turn into teenagers, and even young adults.  Then I began connecting with Thomas and all of the wonderful people who have been around since the beginning. All of those postage stamp images I saw during the Elevate Orphan Sunday services were now the faces sitting next to me.  They were the faces connected to the arms wrapped around me and the hands that were holding mine.  Random curiosity, me in them, and them in me. 

I was experiencing what Paul was speaking in Galatians.

Galatians 5:6. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

5:13. “Rather serve one another humbly in love.”

5:14. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

5:22. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

I was seeing the fruit  And I was also learning how to plant seeds. 

– Jon

Brennan Manning says in his book Abba’s Child, “We encounter God in the ordinariness of life: not in the search for spiritual highs and extraordinary mystical experiences but in our simple presence in life.” Sitting in the living rooms of the families that have been created by obedience to God and through His love for all people, I have encountered the most beautiful “ordinary”. My new friends here give themselves over to a fullness of absolute joy in moments of gathering, deepening relationships, and celebration. 

A theme I have experienced since coming to Jesus is that this life with him is not easy. It is simple, but not always easy. That theme continues and is abundantly clear here – life here, for these people, has not been easy. But they rejoice in the simplicity of their love for each other and of their love for God and His unending love for them. 

The most overwhelming moments of connection with God I have felt since I’ve known Him have been in the realization of the ordinary. Being here brings an overwhelming “dose” of that realization… He is the same God here, there, and everywhere. We, his most prized of all creations, are the same everywhere – designed, loved, and saved by the same grace. There is a “filter” that seems to cover all of life… that screen is set aside when you are ignoring the complexities of life and embracing the ordinariness of life… afternoon coffee and conversation, laughing, sharing with ordinary people on ordinary days. Worshipping together, learning together, and just sitting and resting in the realization that we belong to a God who loves us. All of us, everywhere, we are His people and He is our God. He tells us in John 14:18 – He will not leave us as orphans, He will come to us. And He has. 

For Him, for all of this, for this understanding – my heart is overflowing with gratitude I can’t contain. 

If the “rest of my life” was only today… Encountering Him in the ordinariness of life would be enough. Jesus is more than enough. 

– Mindy

I came to Addis Ababa thinking we were coming to help and love on all the kids at bring love in. But no, we created friendships that will last a lifetime.

There were two girls in our arts and crafts class, named China and Kal. They both really kept to themselves at the beginning of the week. I think this is because they knew it was going to be heart breaking to see us leave if they connected with us.

After a few days they started showing their love for us. They called my mom (Charity) “mom”, and me their sister.

To be honest I didn’t think I would create strong friendships and relationships with the kids. I made lifelong friends that mean the world to me only in one week.

Seeing other teammates create strong bonds with other kids. It was so cool seeing how they bonded and interacted with each other.

It was heartbreaking for me when I saw all the kids crying because we were leaving. One of the girls started crying into my shirt because she didn’t want us to go. It is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

– Brya

We are sitting at a high school boys soccer game, watching them play on a dirt field without cleets, with mismatched shorts and no shin guards. But these boys play with such passion and a love for the game that none of that matters to them. They have the most enthusiastic cheering section, filled with their brothers and sisters from Bring Love In. It is in this moment that I experience a different kind of joy than I do at home. Laughing and cheering with the girls on the sidelines was so special. Salem taps me on the shoulder, looks me in the eye, and says, “I love Kevin Durant.” I start to tell her how cool that is and she grins and says, “when you come back, bring me his jersey.” I am kind of caught of guard by her request, but then I giggle a little bit and tell her that I will absolutely bring her a jersey. She then goes, “no, no, no. Write it down so you won’t forget”. 

It’s moments like these that make this trip so incredible. Moments giggling in the kitchen with kids who are beyond eager to learn. Or sitting in a tiny living room of a home filled with kids who want to invite you in. To serve you coffee and popcorn and share their time and talents with you. It is hard for me to express the things that I experience and feel here. No matter what I say, I know that I can not do this place justice. I can never accurately paint a picture of its beauty. I know that the Lord is teaching me so much, but to be honest I’m not sure what all of it is yet. I am leaving this place humbled because the people here have given me more than I could ever give them. I have created real friendships that make it hard to say goodbye. Goodbye at least for now. I pray that I can come back and give these kids another hug. Come back and laugh with them again. Come back and give sweet Salem her Kevin Durant jersey. 

– Sara