We had two little girls at CURE, ages 9 and 10, who bonded immediately upon coming to CURE. They were from different parts of Ethiopia, spoke different languages, and came from different religions. But both walked with some sort of assistance – one with crutches and the other with braces. These two little girls, who were so used to feeling alone and different, suddenly found kindred spirits in each other. During the week they were at CURE, they were inseparable. They bubbled with joy and laughter together; it was so much fun to watch. I hope that they both take some of that joy away with them as they travel back to their homes.

I read a sermon online Tuesday by John Piper about getting low — because Jesus got low (http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/for-his-sake-and-for-your-joy-go-low). The passage it centered on was Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.  But it also made me think of Christmastime and how Jesus got low and became a man.  I love the quote: “Jesus lived to bring God to us; He died to bring us to God” (I don’t remember where I read it, though, sorry!). That God came to us in the form of a man so that we could understand who He is and how much He loves us is astounding. Read the rest of this entry »

Ethiopia has an incredibly diverse population – there are over 80 people groups, speaking over 80 different languages. Some of these have as few as 10,000 members. The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, which is a Semitic language. The characters are pretty cool looking. Another very common language is Oromo. The third most common is Tigray. If the patients at CURE speak one of these three languages, there will be some staff at CURE able to communicate with them. Often Ethiopians will speak one of these languages in addition to their first language – the language of their tribe or people. But sometimes, people come from such a remote area, that none of us at CURE are able to communicate with them because they don’t speak Amharic, Oromo, or Tigray (or, obviously, English). English is the most widely spoken foreign language and is used to teach in all secondary schools and above. Sometimes on weekends our family goes to a local orphanage and helps friends of ours hand out fruit and give English lessons to the kids. Because this is the language used to teach them everything in high school and college, it’s very important that they get a good grasp of it. Read the rest of this entry »

We have so much to be thankful for as a family this Thanksgiving! God has so generously provided for all our needs as we have started a new life in a new country. We are so thankful for our home, for new friends, and such meaningful jobs and ministries. For me in particular: plentiful patients at CURE, all the medications and supplies that we need to treat these patients, and a team of incredible nurses and anesthesia providers to serve with. Read the rest of this entry »