I was (re)born in Yirgalem, Ethiopia on March 5, 2010. I was serving on a team for Lifewater International, conducting training in Transformational Community Development and WASH (water, sanitation & hygiene) Promotion. During those two weeks, I developed incredibly close relationships with many of the participants. Names are very significant in Ethiopian culture, and my new friends proudly told me the meanings of their names and the family stories behind them. At the end of the training, the participants honored us by giving us new names in Amharic, the national language. My new name is Tesfalem, which means "hope for the world". My good friend Zeleke (see photo) told me that they chose that name because I had hope for the world and brought hope to the world.
That name is precious to me, because it speaks so much about what I believe and what I aspire to. No, I don't believe that I am the "hope of the world". That title is reserved for Jesus Christ. I'm just a messenger who wants to share his love with all the people that God puts in my path. I am so thankful that he blazed that path all the way to Ethiopia! I also have the opportunity to share the hope for a better life that comes through clean water, improved sanitation, and effective hygiene. I pray that God will provide more opportunities and locations for me to live up to my name!
Many of you have followed my travels over the past few years and have faithfully supported me through prayer and finances. I've decided to simplify my communications with you by creating this blog. Please bookmark this site and check back for updates. You never know where I might end up next!
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