Three weeks in Kenya had me struggling with some back pain so I was happy to be back home in Ethiopia in my own bed. Still not sleeping well (thanks to a mouse keeping me up ’til midnight), but I’m home.
B and I have found a great lady who’s a masseuse who comes to our house. She’s a constant in our lives as we travel so much and the different beds, planes, busses, etc…, tends to put kinks in our backs. Honestly, she’s probably what keeps me going with no chiropractor.
Today, Birknesh came and I started asking her about her Easter traditions (called Fasika in Amharic). She told me she used to go out and borrow money and have a big celebration, somewhat in competition with neighbors, but no longer. “Now, every day is a celebration because I have Jesus Christ.” Every day. To live simply, trust Jesus, and serve him. Every day seen as a celebration of life eternal.
I listened as she told me how this week she had her six neighbors over who were fighting with each other. For a simple meal and coffee, they came but wouldn’t talk with each other. Then she asked them “What is one good thing your neighbor has done for you?” And so the dam broke and restoration happened. Through her daily living she was able to share Christ.
Humility, faith, and love flow from her heart and healing from her hands. Today body and soul were ministered to and I was challenged. Her example and faith poured Living Water on my soul.
And so I ask myself “How do I celebrate today?”
This is beautiful, Lisa. What a challenge for all of us…to live simply, humbly, gently reflecting the image and reality of our God in daily life. Thank you for sharing. May you sense the powerful reality of this same God in your celebration of His resurrection…even far from “home”.