Light.

"Jesus once again addressed them: "I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in." - John 8:12

Light versus darkness seemed to be the running theme of the day today. We woke up to no power (which happens frequently in this area due to rolling power outages) and dark, rainy skies. It didn't seem to slow us down too much. We had a yummy oatmeal breakfast before heading over to LIA to pick up Develle (our LIA staffer that has been traveling with us), and then on over to Merkato. What a touching morning....we spent a couple of hours helping with the quarterly Merkato Street Project distribution. It was so humbling to see all of these people (representing 150 families) gathered to collect their supplies (and extra gifts from the church family at Cedar Ridge Christian Church). We were able to speak a word of encouragement (via a translator) to the entire group. Several of us took turns speaking and sharing our hearts. Then the giveaways began. It was a very orderly system. Mostly women and children came to collect their items, and they stood in pouring rain for an hour or more to receive it. Although it was very soggy outside (and has been the past couple of days), it did not seem to dampen the spirits of this joyful people. Smiles and gratitude abounded (there were a lot!). It was incredible to see the excitement and thankfulness for one spiral notebook, six pencils, a travel tube of toothpaste, and a bar of soap. Life is so different here....

The afternoon was spent split into two groups traveling to at-risk family homes and to the hard-core boys' homes. I was with the group that visited the hard-core boys' homes. We were able to visit 5, and the experience was incredible. Frankly, we were all kind of hitting a wall today....tired, emotionally drained, worn out. But spending a couple of hours with these boys seems to have re-energized our group. The third home we visited was the home where Abera lives (with three other boys). When the translator was telling us this boy's name, he happened to share the translation/meaning of his name (which he had not done with any of the other boys). I smiled when I learned his name means "to turn the light on". No coincidence. And this special boy is turning the light on indeed. He spent several minutes telling us (amidst his humble surroundings) how "my desire is not to be wealthy, but to do the will of God". He firmly believes that his purpose on this earth is to be God's servant amidst the poor. At the end of our time together, he asked if we would pray for him - that God would strengthen him and empower him to do His will. Of course, we said we'd love to pray for him, and he quickly bent down to his knees....then all the way down with his face on the floor. I cannot tell you how powerful it was to lay hands on this young servant of God (who has endured more in his 19 years than most of us will in our lifetimes) and pray for him in his humble home. I am certain that God will use Him as a tool to light the path for many.

We have so many photos to share (and video!), but the internet access makes it really difficult to upload. Be prepared for photo overload when we return home! Tomorrow we are headed to the countryside to enjoy a change of scenery, and see more of this beautiful country. Holly has likened it to Eden. Sounds pretty amazing to me! We will be visiting a church and a few other cultural spots. It is about a two hour drive, and we will be back by evening.

We love you and we love sharing our journey with you. We carry your hearts for this country and these people with us as well. A special shout out to Erin Wooodward - you are SO with us in spirit on this journey. We have decided that God must have needed you covering us in prayer from home because we know what a mighty prayer warrior you are. Your prayers are impacting this team and the people we encounter. Erin, you WILL meet Getty one day. You are two peas in the same pod, only an ocean away!

Probably no updates tomorrow, as we will be traveling. Hope to update again on Sunday.

Much love....

The Africa Team