Brewing Faith
Facing the fire
Over the last few months, a series of events have made it evident that my time at my current job is coming to a close much sooner than I had anticipated or desired. So, as of January 2nd, neither Luis nor I will be employed. Although this reality should terrify me, and truthfully, it occasionally unsettles me, I am reminded that He cares for the sparrows in the sky and the lilies in the field.
God has called us to walk out of the relative safety of the boat and into the unknown waters where He is waiting. I want to be like Peter and take the first steps onto the water of my own volition and not be like Jonah and make my friends and those around me toss me out of the boat.
Although this refining process has not been comfortable, I am reminded of a parable of sorts regarding coffee. It seems fitting as we are being called to leave our homeland and serve in Ethiopia, the country where coffee was discovered. On a stove, there are three pots of boiling water. Carrots are placed in the first one, eggs are dropped in the second one, and coffee is poured into the third pot. So, too, are we put in challenging times, periods of “hot water,” if you will. And it is dependent on me and on you, whether we cave to the pressure. Do we turn to mush like the carrots? Or maybe we harden ourselves like the eggs and wall others out? Or can we become like the coffee and produce a fragrant aroma that those around us can appreciate?
I am glad to see the hospital where I have worked for the last five years, the people I have worked with who have become friends and like family, and the patients I have sacrificed for and cared for deeply will continue to grow and thrive. But it is still very humbling to watch my tasks and positions be taken over by others. “I’m irreplaceable!” I want to shout, but God is showing me humility and that there is something different for my future. So, I want to complete this chapter gracefully, end well, and be the fragrant aroma for those around us.
What’s Next:
Over the next 8-10 months, Luis and I have various courses and training that we must finish before leaving. We need to prepare our four children for this transition. We also need to go about financially partnering with others so that we can actually go to Ethiopia. That, too, is humbling. For me, it is easier to give than receive. Ever since my junior year of college, I have been self-sufficient. But this is something we cannot do alone. The hospital in Ethiopia does not have a salary for us. So, without the generous partnership of our family, friends, and colleagues, we will not be able to serve the people of Ethiopia. We humbly ask you to consider partnering with us. We welcome any questions you have regarding that process and would love an opportunity to discuss it further with you.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help us on this journey, please click the link below!
