Ready, Set, GO!

In less than 24 hours, I'll be en route on my eighth Lifewater trip!  I have a quick hop to Dulles early tomorrow morning, then a 14 hour direct flight to Addis Ababa, arriving at 730 AM Thursday local time (1230 AM EDT).  I'll spend the first day connecting with our partners, buying a few supplies, and generally trying to stay awake so I can get on a normal sleep cycle to beat the jet lag.  The rest of the team arrives at various times on Friday.  We leave Saturday morning for Hosanna.  Worship and prep on Sunday, then training begins on Monday, 6/17!

This will be an intense but fun training.  We'll work Monday through Saturday, then take a day off Sunday.  On Monday, 6/24, our participants will "practice" using some of the lessons we've done with students at a nearby school.  That promises to be the highlight of the trip!  Debrief and a few more lessons on Tuesday, then wrap up on Wednesday, presenting them their certificates in recognition of a job well done.

I'm not sure yet of our plans immediately after the completion of the training, but we will probably take a brief R&R for reflection and celebration.  Then we all begin our journeys home.  I leave late Friday evening, arriving to a warm greeting from Cindy and Pippin on Saturday afternoon 6/29.

Because of our very busy schedule and the intermittent availability of internet service, I will not try to post here while I'm in Ethiopia.  Instead, I will try to send occasional brief email updates.  After I return, I will post a few stories, reflections and photos.

Please remember us often in your prayers.  Along with the usual prayers for safety, health, and luggage, my primary request is that you pray that we would have open eyes, open ears, and open hearts to learn what God is doing in this region, and that we would discern what our role is that work.  Also, please pray for the relationships both among the participants, many of whom have likely never met, and between us and each member of the group.  It's the moments of individual conversation that have the most impact and create the lasting memories.  Thank you all for your love and support - we couldn't do this without you!