Aaron's travel journal--part 6 (the last entry)

Part 6 of Aaron's travel journal (the last entry)...

January 1, 2011, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin

Our luggage came on the last day we were in Ethiopia.  We were able to deliver all 9 crates of donations--clothes, bedding, art supplies, medical supplies and more.  What a relief.

When saying goodbye to Misikir and Hawi, Misikir said, "I love you."  That was my favorite moment in Ethiopia.  I got to talk with him more through a translator.  He's excited about fishing and snowboarding--oh, and driving.  Hawi continues to be a bit more guarded, and that's still okay.

We started home late Wednesday night (Dec. 29).  Finally got to see the Frankfurt airport (infamous as it is after shutting down last week).  What a drag.  Inefficient and unfriendly.  I was glad to fly into Chicago.  Home at last.  Almost.

Flights to Central Wisconsin were being canceled due to some bad weather.  Instead of waiting all day (about a 6 hour layover) to find out if ours would be canceled, we took a bus to Madison, where Jean [Michelle's mom] and Tom [Aaron's dad] picked us up and drove us home.  What a relief.

The last two days have been healthy "recovery" time.  I put together three short music videos of our adventures.  I'll share them with the church tomorrow.  I also have the task of sharing a message, ideally something tied to our adventures in Ethiopia.

As I have thought about what to share, I keep coming back to the disparity between USA and Ethiopia.  We have high luxury and immediate access to basically whatever we want.  People in Ethiopia are much more limited.  Yet, when I think about our driver and friend, G., seeing how we live, I'm afraid it would ruin him.  I'm afraid he would see the entitlements we live with, and begin to feel dissatisfied with his life.  That would be tragic.

Part of the importance of staying focused on Christ (and G. is a Christian) is that He keeps us grounded, whether we are entitled Americans suffering through low water pressure and lost luggage in Ethiopia, or we're Ethiopians struggling with a desire to live like the people in Hollywood movies.

Philippians 4:10-13

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again.  I know you have always been concerned about me, but you didn't have a chance to help me.  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or with empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.  --Paul

Every situation has its challenges.  We learned through our temporary situation in Ethiopia.  Misikir and Hawi will have a lot to learn from their upcoming (more permanent) situation in USA.  May Christ give us all the strength to be content and effective for His purposes.

For now, I am grateful to God for bed and my family.  It's good to be home.