great expectations

I am really great at having expectations. Unreasonable? Often, yes, but nonetheless, there they are. Being in a foreign country does many wonderful things to work on these seemingly insignificant and justifiable character flaws.
At home, I schedule my days to the minute: Get up, eat breakfast, go to work, come home, meet with this person, call that person, have dinner with this person, followed by several things on the never-ending to-do list, go to bed, repeat.
Here...all of those things are irrelevant. And, even when you do make a plan, it seldom works the way you envision in your mind.
I'm learning to appreciate this. This morning, I intended to try out a new church on the other side of town, and, checking what I could find on the internet, made my way there- only to find out I was 2 hours late and the service was just about to finish. So, on to plan B, which was really God's plan A because He already had my entire day scheduled anyways. And, His plans are ALWAYS better than mine!
So here is how I've been learning to start my day:
Lord, thank you for another day! I pray for your plan, your leading, your guidance and above all else, your will for this day. I pray for encounter and adventure with you today, anywhere that you may lead. May you be glorified! Amen!

And then I get to watch and experience the adventure of following our great God who is perfect in all His ways.

World Vision Visit

I have sponsored Freihiwot for around the last 5 years through World Vision. I remember the day that I chose her name and picture, knowing that she lived in Ethiopia and praying that one day I would have the opportunity to see her, and this week that opportunity came! It was one of the most amazing and exciting experiences!
She lives in a town that is 265 km northeast of Addis Ababa, so World Vision picked me up on Sunday morning at 8am and we made the 6 hour drive out of the city. It was so wonderful to get out of the city for a couple days. Fresh air, green countryside, less people, noise and slower pace. As we made our way further and further from the city, first we passed through lush green farmland, then beautiful, windy mountain roads, and finally, drier lowland farms.
I stayed at the World Vision staff compound so I spent the evening eating with and getting to know those who live and work there. There was also a tv so I was able to watch the final World Cup match. Sorry Holland, I was cheering for you!!
Monday was the day I'd been waiting for. After having breakfast and devotions with the staff- where I was asked to share- we were off to meet Freihiwot! The car dropped us off and we had to walk back through a dirt road/path up a hill to get to her house. And when we arrived, she, her family, and half the village was waiting!
We hugged and I was invited into her home for coffee ceremony and popcorn- traditional ways of welcoming people here.
It was hard to believe this was actually real. As many of us sat huddled in the main room of their house, which serves as a bedroom for 5 people and living room, you could feel the heat and the love. We asked each other questions, talked about our families, things we like to do, eat, favorite colors...
Freihiwot is the middle of 5 children. The children range from 9-19, she is 14, and their parents have both died in the last 5-6 years of illness (probably AIDS). The children live by themselves in this home that their mother built and left for them. They are all in school, healthy, and beautiful!
We had such a good time talking and playing together, we played with bubbles, drew pictures for each other, and watched their acrobatic and karate entertainment outside. I was overjoyed as I watched Freihiwot laugh so hard she was crying! We have a lot in common ;)
All too soon, it was time to say good-bye. I cried as I shared with her what a privledge and honor it is to help her and her family in such a small way and to be graciously invited to their home and have the opportunity to meet them.
The afternoon was spent visiting other projects that World Vision has sponsored in the area: a Kindergarten, a health post, water storage, and a small dairy farm which is run by people with HIV/AIDS who aren't able to get other jobs so they are able to raise these cows and sell the milk.
I returned to Addis on Tuesday- back to the cold and rain, but also grateful to be home to my bed, a hot shower, friends, and city life.
I praise God for this opportunity that He has given me- to be able to invest in the life of someone else on the other side of the world is such a blessing and to be able to meet this people and have a relationship is even more incredible. God is so good!

splish! splash!

My account of walking in the rain:

One has to be very careful in these particular circumstances, and be aware of one’s surroundings at all times. Looking down, you need to be mindful of the uneven sidewalk, boulders, puddles, rushing rivers, garbage, and, the all-too-frequent hole in the road (We’re talking large holes folks!). Looking up, keep your eyes protected from passers-by with various sizes of umbrellas in a vast array of colors and shop canopies that add their own contribution to the downpour. Look ahead to be aware of fellow pedestrians forging their way ahead to escape from the rain as quickly as possible, who may or may not be looking ahead to notice you. In their hurry, they may even run through a large puddle, leaving you wearing the contents of that puddle. Also take notice of traffic coming from many directions, which cares very little about the poor state of pedestrians on the street and may either run you over or drive right past in the flowing, rushing river which is greatly accumulating on the side of the road, again, leaving you in quite an uncomfortable state. All of this is done without the aid of street lights, and the reflection of the cars headlights can cause quite a glare.
To guard oneself from such a state, one may join the congregation of others who are waiting under any shop awning or overhang until the rains let up just enough to dash to the next resting point. If you are lucky, a taxi will stop near you which is going in your direction, but you’d better run! Because 20 other people will vie for their position in this vehicle and only 10 will make it. If you happen to be one of them, you’re in for a treat! It’s toasty warm inside! We’re talking steaming sauna and the smell is really nice (no, not really)! But, alas, you will be home soon, wearing warm, dry clothes and blogging about another great adventure!

So laugh, and enjoy this moment!

lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

or at least just lions. (I tried to add a photo of me less than 2 feet from the lion devouring it's dinner, but I'm having trouble uploading photos)
Adventure day in Addis today! Complete with visiting the "zoo" where there were many lions that you could get dangerously close too. You could literally reach your hand through the fence if you were so inclined. I, however, chose the safer route and just had my photo taken. I prefer to keep my limbs today, thank you very much! Very interesting experience. The cost for Ethiopians (Habesha) to enter is 1 birr. Cost for Foreigners- 10 birr. Cost for my camera's admission- 21 birr. Hmmm...
At the zoo, a very nice young lady from China came up to me very excitedly to ask me to take a photo. I thought she wanted me to take one of her and the man she was with...nope! She wanted to take a photo with me! It was hilarious! She was so excited and asked where I was from. Can't say that's ever happened to me before.
After the zoo, I experienced the National Museum, which boasts having the most ancient human skeleton "Lucy" that was discovered here. Again, price for admission for Habesha- 2 birr. Price for Foreigners: 10 birr. This time my camera came along for free. Many interesting artifacts and art. I was quite impressed.
From there we made our way to a different part of the city where I went to the Cinema for the 2nd time so far. Our options were incredibly limited so we saw the Sorcerer's Apprentice. Certainly not a movie I'd watch at home, but there were many hilarious parts.
The night was completed by the children behind us on the taxi trying to sell us some "nice chewing gum" as they chomped away rather loudly to advertise their wonderful product. I considered paying them to spit their gum out- ok, not really, but it was funny. One of the children was then fascinated by my hair apparently, and I felt a strand being forced from my head. My Habesha friend turned around to lecture them on the importance of not pulling hair and told them to apologize. It was followed with "I'm so sorry baby!" I couldn't help but laugh! I tried so hard to keep a straight face, but it was the kind of laughter that I just can't contain and soon my eyes were filled with tears!

Tomorrow, I'm travelling to see the child I sponsor for World Vision. I'm so excited and can't wait to share the experience when I return.

life in ethiopia

I can't believe that I've been here over a month already! Time is flying by!

I celebrated the 4th of July with a large group of expatriates- most from the United States, but some from Sweden, Canada, and Australia as well. The event was complete with watermelon, hamburgers, potato salad, and 3 fireworks! Yep, that's right folks, you can get fireworks here! I made sure I kept myself at a safe distance, however, as they were a bit sketchy...

This week I was sick for the first time. Oh the joys of your body adjusting to a different place, foods, etc. Praise God, it was short-lived and I'm better now :)

On Sunday, I'm going to be traveling outside of Addis to visit my World Vision sponsor child. I'm super excited to see a different area of the country and get outside of the city for a few days. I've sponsored her for about 5 years, so I'm really excited to meet her! This is one of those goals in life that you're not sure if it will happen, and now it is! I can't wait.

Please pray for safety in traveling, and that we would have a good time of fellowship and time together.

the lost practice of Sabbath

(Photo of my view from the top-floor restaurant. Cows walking in the lane of traffic, on their merry way.)

I love Sunday's in Ethiopia! In America, people tend to carry on with business as usual. Here, Sabbath is just a part of life. I walk to church from where I live. It's about a 30 minute walk. The streets are much quieter than the other days of the week and the frequent calls of "Farenge" (foreigner) are much less. There is time to think, time to pray, and time to just enjoy walking in the presence of God and worshiping Him for who He is and what He is doing in this city. My prayer over the last week or so is that I would have eyes to see where He is at work, and that I would be attentive to how He's asking me to join in His work. I want to do nothing out of my own desires or ambition, but only what the Father is already doing- otherwise, it's all in my own human effort and has no eternal value.

After church, I had a wonderful lunch with new friends: a woman from Romania, one from Canada, and 4 of us from America, atop a large building overlooking some of the city. We have found that much time and conversation are spent on the topic of food. What to eat. Where to eat. Is it safe? What will we eat next?...You get the picture. Afterwards, we strolled downstairs to Kaldi's the local "Starbucks" where I enjoyed the most splendid caramel macchiato! Have I mentioned I love this place?

It was just so refreshing to talk, laugh and not have to be on a time schedule. No place to be. No things that need to be done. Just be. Right here. Right now. I'm still learning to do this, and I pray that with each passing week, I will be better at it.

Market Day!

Today was a wonderful day! Once a month, there is a Bazaar held at the church that I go to, where local NGO's who are doing work here come and sell their goods. Every farenge (foreigner) makes their way. You didn't realize there were so many expatriates here until you come to the market. It was a great time! I met my friend Katherine and we sat and enjoyed a cup of buna (coffee) and talked about life and our families. I just met her a week ago, but already she has been such a blessing to me. I bought a few things: a beautiful new scarf, a woven basket/bag thing, and a little potted flower for my room, as well as some homemade rye bread and brussel sprouts! Can I just say I was most excited for brussel sprouts! Yum! Made them for dinner tonight with my spaghetti. Mom, you'd be so proud :)





Time is now going much faster here. I love the fact that I live in Addis Ababa! I can walk down the street to go to the bank, buy bananas, or even walk to church. And I'm learning how to get around by taxi and on my own. I'm meeting so many wonderful people and enjoying the time I have alone with the Lord. The first 2 weeks were very difficult. I was very scared and felt so alone, but clung to the knowledge that I KNOW God has called me to do this. Now, I'm just loving life! I'm sure there will be many ups and downs in the year ahead.




I enjoyed ice cream this week! That was one of my highlights. Also enjoyed the girls at Women At Risk again. The photo above is with my Yerusalem, one of the women that I met there. We got a chance to hear some of their stories this week. It's so amazing what God can do with a willing heart!





I'm trying to blog as often as I can. The internet is dial-up and I pay per minute. I will be quite interested to see what my first bill looks like!! Yikes! Often I can't even access the blog.

First 2 Weeks

This is a photo of my room.

Here are some highlights from my first 2 weeks here:

- Starting to sleep through the night!

- Found a great International Church with people from all over the world- a little taste of Heaven!

- Making friends with Ethiopians (Habasha) and other expatriates (Fareng)

- Starting to get around on my own by walking and taking taxis

- Visiting the Women At Risk Program (a program that disciples young women who were formerly living in prostitution and on the streets. Here they are taught about freedom in Jesus Christ, counseled, taught English and job skills.) These girls were so amazing and I'm looking forward to spending more time with them.

- My English class began. I have 7 students. They are so sweet and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better.

- My friend Meseret, who helps me with cooking, invited me to her house this weekend. I had lunch with her family including Dora Wot (chicken stew) Injera (bread-like food that you eat with) vegetables, and barley juice. Followed by traditional coffee ceremony & chocolate cake!

- Seeing my beautiful friend Renee & her husband Jason and their new beautiful baby!

- Lots of time to hang out with Jesus!

- Being part of a prayer group with missionaries that have been here for a very long time and experienced many things. Praying together, hearing their stories, gleaning from their wisdom, and encouraging one another.

There have been moments that are difficult. I suddenly came to the realization the other day that I can't just pick up the phone and call home. Nights are kind of scary and lonely. Please pray that I would be bold and courageous, and that all critters would return to the fields where they belong :)

I'm looking forward to beginning language study (Amharic is the primary language here) very soon to begin communicating with people on a more meaningful level.

afternoon storms

Sitting outside under the thunderclouds. Blackness begins to set in and cover the sky. It is time for the daily rain and thunderstorm, which I have come to count on around 2 or 3pm everyday. The clouds are about to give way & I sit enjoying the musical chorus they give all around me. It's so amazing to me that the Lord holds all of this in His hands.

I did eventually come in, just in time before the floodgates opened. This was the biggest storm we've had yet, which included measurable amounts of pea-sized hail.

Tonight I had the opportunity to leave my room and the confines of the compound where I live. A missionary friend picked me up and we went to a prayer meeting with about 15 other missionaries. It was so exciting to look around the room and think of all the stories, miracles and experiences they represent. It was a great encouraging time of fellowship, and, most of all lifting each other up in prayer. Afterwards a few of us went out to dinner. I am so grateful for the people God is placing in my life. "He sets the lonely in families" was a Scripture He showed me the day before I came, and I am finding this to be true in my life.

I started reading Experiencing God yesterday, while I was sitting outside watching this storm, and God has been breaking my heart these past two days for so many who know about Jesus, but do not KNOW Jesus. This is where eternal life lies, in being in a loving, dynamic and personal relationship with the God of the Universe! And He is longing for all of His children to be in this relationship with Him! It was very convicting to my heart, because we never arrive at this place. It is a life-long journey where we continue to seek Him and fall more and more in love with Him daily. So, I share this to encourage you- no matter where you are in your faith journey, know that there's so much more!! We will never know the limitless measure of His love on this side of Heaven, but I know I want to waste my life to experience the depths of His heart.

I'm home!

"I'm home" was the thought I had as we were about to land in Addis Ababa last night. It brought such joy to my heart knowing that this is where God is calling me for this season, that it melted away the sadness of leaving my family and friends on the other side of the world.

God has already answered so many prayers. Today was such an amazing day, it's hard to believe I'm actually here! I was picked up for church by Samuel & his wife Yodit. They are such wonderful friends! They took me in and totally blessed me today. We went out for lunch after church & afterward spent time at their home- they didn't want me to be alone today. They prepared a room for me to rest and rest I did- I took 2 naps! They were wonderful. Afterwards we had traditional Ethiopian coffee and visited.

I experienced the Ethiopian tradition surrounding funerals this evening. A friend of theirs lost their mother yesterday. In Ethiopia, the person is buried the same day or the next day. 7-10 days are spent in mourning. We gathered at their home where there was a tent set up outside & many benches and chairs. People were gathered conversing with each other and the family.

I am already learning so much, I don't know if I can retain it all! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Please feel free to email me at: jillian597@yahoo.com or I can receive mail at:

BWTC- Jill Osterdyk

PO Box 2323

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Blessings to you on the other side of the world from Ethiopia!

PS- The photo is my view of the Alps! Breathtaking!

1 Week!!

In just one week from today, I depart for this journey of a lifetime!

I can't even begin to put into words the thoughts that are going through my head.

There is so much to do in the week ahead: packing, shopping, saying good-byes, planning lessons, and enjoying the simple pleasures of my every day life here in America.

A new beginning awaits me and I know that God has amazing things in store.

I greatly look forward to sharing this journey with you.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

Here I am, send me!

This song is so amazing!

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmU8lF_LXEs

I'm moving to Africa! I just 6 weeks, I will be packing my bags to move to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for 1 year!

I will be teaching at Berhane Wongel Theological College, beginning with an English course over the summer. I will also be spending my time working on learning the language (Amharic) and immersing myself in the culture.

I will be going through Converge Worldwide, and in order to do what I know God is calling me to do, I need to raise $18,210 in pledges to cover the expenses of the upcoming year before I can book my flight.

I NEED YOUR PARTNERSHIP on this journey. Please, join me for a night of spaghetti, silent auction, bake sale & quilt raffle on Thursday, April 8th from 6-7:30pm at Hope Lutheran Church.

Tickets for the dinner are $10 and can be purchased at the door of the event. Hope Lutheran is located at: 5200 Emerson Ave N. Minneapolis, MN 55430. RSVP's are encouraged for planning, but not required.

Please invite family, friends, co-workers and neighbors! See you there!

**If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution, checks may be made out to:
Converge Worldwide
Attn: Daniel Boerst
2002 S Arlington Heights Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Please include Ministry Account# 187961

I am eager to share the testimony of God's faithfulness and provision with you on this journey!!