Right now in my life

Hi!

I know it's been to long! I wish I could write more, but I don't have Internet for time being. I borrowed a computer so I could let you all know whats been going on in my life.

First... I moved back to Tennessee. I missed my family and church so much. I felt Tennessee is where God wanted me. I think PA was only for time.  I learn a lot from my friends the Conroy's and Wyman's though while in Pennsylvania. I learned things that I will keep forever. God work on my heart and I fell in love with my Heavenly father more. I understand him more and his love for me. I am so beyond greatful for Mike and Liv Conroy taking time to listen, to love on me and help me fight through my pain.  God use my time in PA to begin healing and restoration in my life. Also, I am so blessed by the Wyman's for giving me a place to stay. There was never a dull moment in the house, which I loved. I was so humbled by how they all welcome a stranger in there home. Thank you!

So I AM BACK in Tennessee!

Living in a new place( another blog about that)

Enjoying being at my church

Loving every moment I get with my family. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!

God and I working on facing my fears and not letting insecurities get in my way of what God is asking of me. I never realized how insecurities in our lives effect everything. How many times did I not minister to someone because I was scared of what they might think of me or not said said hello to someone at church who was new. It so important that we all feel secure in our father. Everyday I take small steps towards facing my fears. I want to bold for God.

Finally, after almost a year I got a full time job! Praise The Lord! I am nanny for two little ones. Harlow who is 4 years old and Lawson who is 18 months. I love my job!

Everyone keeps asking me about Ethiopia and I think I have come to point of healing to be able to write about my time. I will share in another blog. I can't believe this month will be a year since I left the country I love so much. I do miss it and want to go back for visit so bad. I save money here and there. Right now, all I need is enough money for a plane ticket. I can't wait to get back and hug those kids. Please pray that God will open doors for me to visit!

Praying constantly for whats next in life my life. I don't know what's next but I know HE has great plans for me.

Please keep me in your prayers

Much love

My Sister

I wanted to share with you all someone who means so much me in my life...

 My sister!!!

My sister is mother of 4 children and a wife to a pretty awesome man!

There are not enough words to express how much I love her and how blessed I am to call her my family. MY entire life my sister always has taken care of me. Even when I was a baby my sister took care of me.

Thats right folks, lets not forget who the oldest is:) 

Almost two years ago my sister took me into her home, so I could do what God had called me to do in my life on the mission field.  No questions asked! In that time God let me enter the world of a family, my family that I love so much. I never met a women so dedicated to God, her children and husband. 

 My sister is someone I look up to be one day. A women sold out for Jesus. A women who leads her children to God. A women of prayer and mediation on the word. A women that can cook great food :)  A women of cleanliness. A women of a strong heart. A women that is selfless. A women that follows her husband. A women that serves her church. A women that enjoys life. 

Anyone who knows my sister, knows my sister is AMAZING!! 

I love her!

Thank you for bringing me in when I had nowhere else to go. Thank you for showing me the greatest church family in the world. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see and be apart of a Godly family. I miss you all terribly! 

So today, I want to say...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MUCH OLDER SISTER!! 

Praying her home

Aniyah



Year ago I met this little girl. She forever changed my heart! Her smile and laugh are so contagious . I will never forget her sense of humor and always making me laugh. How smart she is and how it always stops me in my tracks. Her courage always bring me to my knees to God. I never met someone so little go through what she has been through. Her strength exceeded my expectation. God has such AMAZING plans and has given her a story of Gods love for his children.


I remember the  first time I met Aniyah. I just got off the plane from America and I watched Ashli  put this little one asleep. I had asked Ashli her story and what the plans where for her . She began to tell me her story, how she lost her mother a couple weeks ago and how they found her dirty, and covered in lice.  She took her in until she could find another home for her . But unknown to us GOD had a different plan. I remember trying to go to sleep that night. I was overly excited to see all the kids the next day. As I was praying I fell asleep, then I heard Aniyah crying! She was crying "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy," over and over. I ran down stair to wake Ashli. She rushed to her and picked her up and rocked her while she cried for her mom. I remember leaving the room crying. I can't imagine being 6 years old and losing my mother. The most amazing part is GOD place Ashli to hold her every time she cried out to her mom.  Its always a reminder that God is always holding us when where broken.


The relationship between Ashli and Aniyah began to change and everyday I could see Ashli was becoming a mother for this little girl. I knew then this is why God brought Ashli 8000 miles away from home and new finance. God brought her to find her forever daughter. Over time while Aniyah was living with us God began to show his plan to Ashli and the calling for her life. After time of praying Ashli and her(at the time) finance felt God was leading them to adopt on her.

And then the journey began... to bring Aniyah home to her forever family!!

Its now been close to a year  and we are still waiting for the LAST piece of paper that needs to be signed by the Ethiopian government to allow her to GO into the orphanage.  I have watched Ashli fight for so many Ethiopian children to come home to their forever family. NOW time for us to all step out in prayer for this little girl so that she may be with her forever family!! We need to pray that the government finds favor for Aniyah's life. Please be in prayer for Ashli and Spencer and it is so hard to be 8000 miles away from a daughter they love so much.

PLEASE PRAY ANIYAH HOME!!!


I am so beyond blessed to have watched this story unfold and had the privileged to care for Aniyah for a time. I can't wait to see this little girl back into her mommy arms again. I pray that she never again has to cry out for her mom again. God couldn't have given her better parent the Spencer and Ashli Richardson.

Praying you home sweet girl....

Trusting Gods plan

I am here in PA. I live in a small town called Factoryville. It looks like your typical  northeastern town. Its been really chilly here. Its been the 50s and 40s at night and raining a lot.

I  live  in a house with 6 other people and one bathroom:) We will see how long that last because 5 of them are women. I do live with a family! There is Jennifer(the mom) and she has four children, Amy 24, Bethel, 20, Ruthie 19 and David 17. Also Bethel friend Carrie lives here. So there is a full house and never a dull  moment.

I have been really homesick. I never been homesick before. When I left for Ethiopia I never felt this way.  I miss my family and my church family a lot.

Been wondering why God called me here or what my purpose is. Maybe he called me to here just to test my  faith or for me to understand Gods love for me even more. Maybe he is just equipping me for my next journey on the mission field. One thing I know is I have to keep trusting him with my life even though I want to get in my car and drive back to Tennessee. I know that God knows whats best for me and I want to fulfill his dreams for my life.

I got a part time job at the local supermarket:)

Please pray that I can find a full time job and that God  continues to give me his strength for this journey. Pray that God gives me the opportunity to use me while I am here.

Missing my church family!!!

Also, I want everyone to know that I haven't stop preparing for a trip back to Ethiopia and a trip to Kenya. I'm  hoping maybe by September God will make a way for me to go to the place my heart longs to go. So far I have raised $600 dollars. I just need to raise $2,400 more!!  Thank you to all that donate to me and believing in what God has called me to do:) I can't wait to get back on the field and fight for children souls.

I'm moving...

Well, Everyone is going to be shocked but..... I am moving!

 

I am moving to Factoryville, Penn. It is near to Scranton ( yes, that's right all you "Office" fans) .

Its all the sudden, crazy and fast, but I know that God is calling me there.

About 6 month ago I met some people on Facebook who as much as me LOVE Ethiopia. We began a great friendship. Mike who is a pastor at Grace Fellowship and Liv is his lovely wife and they are parents to 3 beautiful girls. One is adopted from Ethiopia and they are in the process of adopting a 10 year old boy from Ethiopia. We started are friendship with a weekly bible study (which I Skype for that). There are no words to describe what these 2 have helped me through. Coming home from Ethiopia was so hard and was very draining on me. They were willing to equip me and disciple me. Through them God has taught me so much. Together we have been praying to see where God is calling me.

I have been living in Manchester, Tenn just unable to get a job. It really does a toll on you when you can't get hired on at a job anywhere. I became very sad because I was uncertain that of what God was wanting me to do. Friday I went applied at another job and I didn't get. I just couldn't understand why wouldn't God give me a job. I prayed about it and this is the verse that came to my mind.

" You have stayed here long enough at this mountain!" Deuteronomy 1:6

I feel like God is telling me to GO where he has called me. My friends in PA have been inviting me to come live there for months . So I am taking a leap of Faith and going where God is leading me. I know nothing of future or what it hold but I know God does. God is always there taking care of his children. I know God has great plans for me. 

Now, I bet your wondering where I will stay... Great question!! 

Let me introduce you to......

Bethel and Carrie. These to lovely ladies attended the weekly bible study that I attend through Skype. We have began a friendship. These two have a huge heart for mission and love Ethiopia just as much I do. They have such open hearts to wherever God is calling them into the mission field. Bethel has offered me a place to sleep until I can get my feet on the ground.  They have been so encouraging and loving towards me and I am so grateful for them.

So this Wednesday I am taking the 14 hour drive to PA and starting a new chapter. Please pray for me because this is very hard and scary for me. I am yet again leaving everything I know and going into the unknown. Praying this is another door that will get me back to Africa

Lately...

I think since I have been home I have cried more then I have in my life and felt more uncertain of the future. Ever since I gave up my life for Christ to go where God called me, my life has never been the same.
Being a Christian is not an easy road, but a road I would run down million times.

Lately...

I have been unable to get a job since I got back from Ethiopia. Uncertain why. Weird.

Wondering where I belong here.

Bill are piling up.

Lonely

I miss having friends.

Praying God brings friends into my life that we could change the world with.

Dreaming of Africa everyday.

Wondering who my husband is.

Made new friends in Pennsylvania. Who have helped me through a lot of tears.  I hope I can visit them soon.

Enjoying spending time with my family everyday and watching my nieces and nephews grow up.

Learned this past month that I truly don't understand the LOVE Christ has for ME. Crazy since I teach and tell so many how much God loves them, right. I believe that it comes from my childhood, being rejected from my father, abuse I have dealt with as a child. Always feeling a burden and disappointment etc  I never realized this, but this is how I though Christ thought of me. Its so hard because I wish I could feels Gods tangible love.

Praying for a revelation and wounds to be reveled, so I can begin to heal and become a better me. Needing all the prayer and help I can get.

One thing I have been doing is listening to music and repeat words over and over to myself  telling myself this is how God feels about me.

One song (it actually on my playlist) "Make you feel my love. " The Adele version, of course! Its a perfect title for my situation. I had originally put it on my playlist because it was the last song I heard in the van on my way to the airport and sitting next to Birhane, who was shedding so many tears.  I remember thinking I hope that Birhane knows how much I love him and how hard I tried to show a Gods love to him and all the street kids. I really think the song is meant for me. All the ways Jesus try's  to show us how much he loves us. Here are the lyrics...

                                                                                    "Make You Feel My Love"

When the rain is blowing in your face,

And the whole world is on your case,

I could offer you a warm embrace

To make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear,

And there is no one there to dry your tears,

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love.

I know you haven't made your mind up yet,

But I would never do you wrong.

I've known it from the moment that we met,

No doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry; I'd go black and blue,

I'd go crawling down the avenue.

No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do

To make you feel my love.

The storms are raging on the rolling sea

And on the highway of regret.

The winds of change are blowing wild and free,

You ain't seen nothing like me yet.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.

Nothing that I wouldn't do.

Go to the ends of the Earth for you,

To make you feel my love

To make you feel my love

Perfect!!  Just soak these words in from this song!

God wants our love!

Life in Ethiopia

I am not sure if I let you know what I did in Ethiopia! Here it is..

I put together a bible study class at my house

I feed them lunch

I did this 4 days a week. 

Also let some of the kids teach as well

This is Chekol aka Chocolate! He wants to be a pastor when grows up. He so much loves Jesus. We would do prayer request at the end of the day and he would always say "I want to glorify God in everything I do."  Amazing boy!! Please pray for him!

Also did artwork :) 

We went to buy shoes for the kids. First time shopping for shoes for them. They didn't know which pair to choose.

We got to redo a home :)

Drank coffee of course. IT'S Ethiopia!

Hand washed my clothes. People this takes all day and then days for your clothes to dry:) Lol 

We sang!

We went to church! I miss Beza church and the worship!

We also partied!! 

And we danced

 We went swimming

No big deal, there just monkeys in the trees here:) 

This was my view from my window

Just add this picture because he is so CUTE!!!! 

So many sweet memories! I will never forget my time in Ethiopia or these kids. There always in my heart! I hope I left a little bit of Jesus's love with them.

New Beginnings

Hello!!

Have you missed me:)

I know, I know, I know I have been missing for months now, but I am back with a brand new blog!

What do you think?

This blog is going to be more about me and my life, so I can share more with you. I am still working out some problems I am having, but soon it will be complete.

New Beginnings for me this year...

 As you all know I spent the last 2 years helping the street children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I went through a lot of trails, pain and cried a lot to make this choice... but I feel that my time in Ethiopia has come to an end:( I hope that one day I can share with you my time I had last summer/fall. I know that I will always visit Ethiopia, so I can continue planting seeds in hearts and keep in touch with relationships I have there. Its still like my second home:)

So, I have been praying about where God is leading me now in my life.
I know I am called to do mission work in this world and I have been praying about where I should go next to do ministry. So I am excited to announce to you where God is leading me .........

KENYA

Well, Now the question is where or what will I do?? That is a great question. I have friends who have lead me to some places that they have worked at in the past in Kenya. I have been making some connections and praying through them all.

One place that has spoke to my heart in called Agape Hope Center www.agapehope-childrencenter.com. They have a school,orphanage, feeding and sponsorship programs and are in desperate need of help. I feel this is a place to share Gods love and the gospel message.

So this leads me to my next step...

I feel I need to make what I like to call a VISION trip to Kenya. I want to go for 3 weeks to check out ministries in Kenya. I want to become more familiar with the ministries and see if they are a perfect match for what God is calling me to do:) 

So my plan is to go to Kenya and Ethiopia July/Aug 2013. I have some friends that served with me last summer and really want to serve the street kids again. The plan is to spend a couple of days in Ethiopia to enroll/ pay for kids school fees for the up coming year and minister by telling them the gospel message. Then fly to Kenya to work at Agape Hope Center serving the least of these. My friends that are coming with have served before at Agape Hope Center and really loved it.


Sooooooo this is where you,  all that believe in me and really want to help me with what I am doing come in.

I need to raise $3,500 dollars for my VISION trip to Kenya/Ethiopia.

I feel like it such short notice, but I know if its Gods will there will be a  away. I need to raise $2000 in one month to get my plan ticket. The longer I wait the more expensive it gets. The rest of the money is just expenses for living and food.

If you like to help me get to Kenya to help me minister to God's children. There is donate button located on this page or email me rebeccajbrown84@yahoo.com

Also the number one thing you could do is pray for me. I need clarity, guidance for God will and to make the right choices on this new journey God has me on.

Really couldn't do any of this with out any of you!! You have BELIEVED in me and my calling and that means more to me then anything:) 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Let the fundraising begin....




 










 

God Blessed this home

So my first story I wanted to share with everyone is about Brhanu:) I have written and talked about Brhanu alot in the past. I have talked  about his life and his home. The is a story about Brhanu's home.

What can I say about Brhanu, just that I love that kids sooooooooo much! His smile is beautiful and he his so kind. There is something about Brhanu in his eyes I feel hold alot of hinded pains. I pray that one day God will begin to break these chains that he has in his heart. Brhanu is so smart, but he needs a little push to realize his potential his has in school. I have never met a boy who loves soccer more then he does. HE plays every stinking day. He says he dreams of being a professional one day. A hindin secret about Brhanu... he is a twin:) His twin brother does not live him though.  Brhanu has 4 other siblings living in his home. Brhanu is so fortunate because he has both of his parents in his life, but they are both blind. Brhanu has a lot of responsibility in his life to care for his family. I pray that one day God will give him a sponsor. I have been to Brhanus school and talked to his teacher and he says that Brhanu is very smart, but just doesn't come to class often. Well , its because he has to work a lot of the time so he can eat. Life for any of these street kids can be difficult.

Now last year, I wrote a post called, "Jesus to the rescue." It was a post about Brhanu and his living condition. Brhanu's house was in really bad shape and needed to be fix more then anything. So, for a year I prayed that God will help me fix his house. This summer some people from the states came on a mission trip and I told them about his house and how it needed it to be fix. Weeks later I had money given to me to fix it!! PRAISE JESUS!!!!! How AMAZING!!

First we started with cementing the walls to keep the bugs out ...

Before Cement ...

After,,,

 We did the outside too...

They choose green for the wall colors!! So bright:)

Two things about this photo... if you look at the roof  WE GOT IT FIXED!!!! Also If you look the women in the picture is the house cleaner. I suggested if someone could donate a years worth  of salary for someone to keep the house clean and wash the clothes. Their parents are blind and don't see how filthy the clothes are or the house so this helps them. I don't know who did this, but someone donated the $275 dollars for years worth of salary. PEOPLE GOD is working in favor of this family:)

Also we gave them glass for the window. Their home was sooo dark and they never open the window. It had dirty plastic on it. You couldn't even see out of it. NOW they have a window!!

Now Gods light can shine through this house!

We were able to get a bunk bed, twin size bed, shelve, mattress,sheets,blankets and pillows. HOLY COW! God is GOOD! Mother told me she had never slept on a mattress or pillow her INTIRE life!!!!

Drum Roll Please!!!!!!

MOVE

THAT

BUS!!!!

I welcome you all to Brhanu's NEW house!!

This is such an AMAZING story of God! How much he hears are cries! There were times I tought how could I ever help Brhanu and his family with there house. The need was to great!! BUT don't we have an AWESOME Daddy who carries the burden and took care of it all. He put it on other people hearts to donate their money to this. For those of you who listen to God when he spoke to your heart. THANK YOU!!! You are planting seeds in this families heart!! Thank you to the person that donated a years worth of rent and a food for him to eat!! This is only something GOD can do!!  

May God CONTINUE to bless this home...

Life right now...

WOW!! it has been a long time since I have written a post. I am soooo sorry to the people who want to know whats going on in my journey. I honestly can say my computer has been broken and life since I have got back has been a bit crazy.

 I flew to Oklahoma as soon I got back to the states to say goodbye to a women who played a grandmother in my life for 19 years. Very hard time to say goodbye to someone who has been in your life since you were 9.  I am so blessed that I got to sit with her and share my stories of Ethiopia and what God is doing. One thing is she got to meet Birhane on skype and see the faces of the kids I am fighting for. When I left Oklahoma I was at peace with saying goodbye or really its not goodbye, but I see you later, Grandma:) Today she went to be with Jesus.

I been in Manchester for a few weeks really trying to put my mind back in pieces. My 5 months in Ethiopia were the hardest I experienced. It was a very painful time. I never really had time to recuperate since I got back. It literally felt like time stop since I got back, meaning everything was the same. People and there routines never change but I had. Its hard going on this journey alone. I mean I know I have Jesus, we share this journey and burden together but nobody to share with. I talk about the kids or a situation and people cut you off or there not interested in what you have to say.The whole time I am screaming in my mind "he is real person with real problems who needs your help, come back!" I went to church one night an watched people throw sooo much food away. Tears were welling up and I had the worst sick feeling of wanting to throw up and all the while thinking of kids names who would do anything to dig through that trashcan. WHY as Americans are we so wasteful? We have everything we need and still want more. So all that to be said adjusting always is a bit difficult. Also adjusting to showers, washing clothes, outside(clean), even going to the toilet(I still look for a trashcan to put my toilet paper in, lol) getting in my car to drive and even fast food.

God is doing some crazy things since I got back. I met a girl, Elsa that lives 10 miles from me who was adopted from Ethiopia when she was 15. Her story is Amazing!! I hoping she can teach me more Amharic while I am here:) My friends Nate and Jenn are in Ethiopia spending time with the kids right now, checking up on them and ministering to them in anyway they can.  I am so thankful  for Jenn and Nate for wanting to help fight for these kids with me. Also, not sure right now, but there might be a possibility that I might have people come with me next time to minister, still praying for that. I do plan on returning to Ethiopia in June if I have all my funds by then. I'm hoping for a 6 month stay this time.

Needing prayer right now for me to grow so much more as a missionary, spiritually and mentally. Prayer for the funds to come for my return, for a job( I need a job so very soon), for God to keep opening up doors to minister in Ethiopia. Prayers for the kids to find Jesus as there personal Lord an Savior, for the holy spirit to speak into their lives. They need prayer for the attitudes and mind and for the enemy in Jesus name flee from there lives. Pray for something radical for all of them.

Don't worry there are going to be stories. Thank you to everyone for the love and support you have given me. I hope your still out there to share the journey with:)

Everyday Life in Ethiopia

I am so sorry I have not been posting on my blog:( My life here is so crazy and finding the time to tell you all what is going on has been hard to do, so hopefully I can keep up with this:)

I AM FINALLY HOME!!! The place my heart longs to be. I love waking up everyday and knowing I am here in Ethiopia. I get to get up and serve my Savior everyday!

I wanted to share with you my everyday life here in Ethiopia...

I live with my friend Ashli who is a missionary from TN. She is greatest and helps me a ton while I am here. We have 7 children that live with us. These children come from the a place called Korah. Korah has a landfill of trash that many families go and find food. Very poor community but God has given us the opportunity for us give them a home while they are home from boarding school. The children wake up bright and early, so sleeping in is difficult:) I get up and fix breakfast for me and children. They eat there traditional food and I usually eat eggs or oatmeal:) I do, however miss eating cereal every morning. After breakfast, if there is electricity we all take shower and get ready for the day. As I am typing this I don't have electricity, so hopefully my battery last til I finish.
I go shopping for food everyday for the program. I have a set menu that I have for the kids everyday. I hired a cook to cook food for the kids, which makes things so much easier.
So, by 12 or 12:30 I head to the post office in Addis ( 20 min drive) to pick up the kids. They all pile up in the car and we head back to my house. It has been difficult lately because so many children want to come and I have to turn them away. They chase after my van wanting to get in. I wish I had more vans and a big house for them to all come.I have the space for about 15 kids and I need space for at least 30 kids 
My program is at my house:) Houses here in Ethiopia have rooms outside the house within the compound. So, I have a small room that I teach the gospel in. I decorated it and had tables and chairs made by my sweet Ethiopian friend Alex. After, the lesson we have lunch and after lunch the go to a field that is near by and play football. These kids love FOOTBALL(soccer)!!
My program runs about 3 to 4 hours long and then we head back to the post office. When I get home its about 6 in the evening. Dinner time!! Food here for me is hard. I love Ethiopian food but they have this stuff called burberee and my stomach cant take it. The cook only knows how to cook Ethiopian food. So, I don't eat much! I miss food at home. I really miss my sweet sisters cooking! HOME cooked meal from AMERICA:) or Chick-fil-a would work too:)
Most days here are great but some days I just feel very overwhelmed by the kids. Everyday I am ask for SHOES. How crazy it that! Shoes are what kids want here, as well as food:) Children mob my van asking me for food. I always smile and say I don't have but it kills me every time inside that I can't help them all. I just pray that God can use me to help these children.

Soon to come... I will blog about some of the children here:)

Please continue to pray for me and the children here that I am working for

Remembering Garrett Coble



Friday, May 11th a dear friend of mine, Garrett Coble went to be with Jesus. It still doesn't seem real. I still feel like I can pick up the phone call him. I met Garrett at Total Health were I worked as a massage therapist. Garrett came everyday to workout. He always told me he wanted to look good ladies. It still makes me smile. Garrett found out my love for Jesus and mission and we instantly became friends. Garrett introduced me to lifegroup and overflow. "Garrett, thank you for introducing me to the greatest people I know and to a place that I could come worship the Lord for an hour."

Friends from Lifegroup

Celebrating my birthday in Dallas with Trisha and Garrett

Garrett and I would talk about mission and life for hours. He really inspired me to follow my calling onto the mission field. Garrett was my number one supporter in what I do for the children of Ethiopia. I really wanted to share with you all my last conversations I had with Garrett on Facebook. Looking back God is amazing for the little things he gives you.

"I was just thinking about how incredible you are today. When I think about how short life is, and how long eternity will be to look back, I can't help to think that we're going to be looking at your life saying..."wow."

 
Garrett, I was just thinking how incredible you are since you left! People are looking at your life and saying "WOW"

"How much longer are you there? My family is working with an orphanage in Peru right now too. I hope someday you can go there."

Garrett, I hope that I get to see the place you have talked so much about:)


No! What!?!?! Who are you? Jobe!?!?! I'm so sorry. Please, please let me rent a room in your mansion in Heaven. You really are an inspiration. I can't wait until you get back on the field. Actually, sign me up as a supporter. Rebecca, you have the most beautiful, pure heart for missions I've ever seen in my life. I cannot wait to see what comes out of this trial. Hold on! Be strong! It's a season.

I got this message when I had malaria and was very very sick. I am sure dear friend that you were praying for me then. This message reminds how funny you were. Garrett, PLEASE let my rent a room in heaven where you are. Words can not express what you have done for me in my life in missions. Your spirit was so contagious and love for people. I wanted that to. I knew that what you had was Jesus in you. The Holy Spirit would come alive in you. You always taught me nothing was impossible with Christ. That all my dreams for the mission field could be done. You are an inspiration to me.

I had written Garrett about his fiance and this what he said...

Sometimes she's unbelievable, then I realize she is legit. She has a calling for Latin America, speaks spanish, and loves God with all her heart...and she's white! She's a perfect fit, and everyday that becomes more real.

Garrett and I would talk about him finding his perfect fit. I was so excited when he did. I never did get the chance to meet her, but I know that she will do great things for the kingdom of God, Garrett. Garrett always told me that he would marry a spanish decent women, so it was an inside joke about his fiance being white:)  I always knew you would, Garrett.

"I Am at total health. Made me think of you. Hope you're doing well."

Last Conversation with Garrett

"Thank you. That means a lot. I hope you know you are still my idol in missions. I know it's tough waiting, but I believe with all my heart every great missionary was in your shoes for a while, going through the fire before doing those great things. I'm honestly jealous of your life. Your heart, your love for those kids, and your willingness to step up to the plate and actually give it all. There's a special place in eternity, I'm sure of that. Thank you so much for everything you do."

Garrett, I am jealous of you! You get to be in heaven with the Lord!! I remember I came home from work and got this from you and tears streaming down my face. Garrett, the is a special place for you now, I am sure of that. I wish that I could tell how God used you to encourage me. I am so glad that I did write you back and tell you that are an inspiration to me and that you help spark a fire in me to fight for people souls. Life is so precious and people need to know about Christ.

Garrett, In 7 days I leave for Ethiopia for a 6 month mission and I am going to dedicate my trip to you. I am going to tell all of my kids about you. Garrett, if it were not for you financially, I could not be there to tell them about Christ. I will never forget you and what you did for me in my life. You changed the world for so many. I will truly miss you friend, I know I will see you soon! I will always keep fighting the fight of children's souls. I will never forget your words that you sent to me and I am so thankful for God for the little gift he gave me of your notes. See you soon:)  

Gifts from Ethiopia

Guess who is in America.... Sami!! Can you believe it!! The boy I met on the streets of Addis almost two years ago in now in a place he could only dream of. It is impossible to get visa to America and God gave one to Sami! A boy from the streets is getting to experience so much of life here in the states. I had the privilege to go hear Sami speak at a Ordinary Hero Benefit were he shared his story of how God changed his life.

He looks so handsome! I also got to pick up one day from Chattanooga to drive him back to Nashville. He saw my car and said, "it is beautiful."I mean my car is 12 years old and has seen its days, but Sami just reminded me I am blessed to have a car. When we saw each other we just talked and talked for hours. See because of this boy God used him to show me his friends. Now I can help his friends know the love of Jesus Christ. Because of Sami I got to meet Birhane(who by the way is Sami's best friend). Birhane has become a huge part of my life. I met Ashli York (his sponsor) who helped me a lot when I got to Ethiopia. I didn't know anyone and she became a sister to me. I met all of the street children who I love more the words can express. I also got to meet Heather Deckard:) When I first met Sami the first thing he said to me was... "Do you know Heather?" Of course I didn't  but Heather and I found each other on facebook and have kept in touch. I got to meet her for the first time briefly in Ethiopia this past Nov and a few weeks ago. See Heather met Sami six years ago on the streets of Addis when he was just 10 years old. She has continued to be apart of his life. That's what it is all about!! Showing these kids a CRAZY LOVE!!

I am so blessed that God put Sami in my life. God is using Sami for his glory and I pray that he know that God has given him a story that will glorify Gods name. God is going to do amazing things in his life. I CAN'T believe I get to watch it:) Sami is loved by so many and is an AMAZING young man! Love you Sami with all my heart!!

This leads me to my next story... When Sami came to America, he brought me a gift from Birhane:)

A letter...

This is what it said...

I am not sure if you can read it, but is the sweetest letter EVER!! It made me cry!! Birhane told me that he is the luckiest person because God sent me you!! He told me I was a gift from God and that his life is nothing without me. I am so humbled and blessed by this young boy. HE IS AMAZING person. I just know that God has HUGE plans for this boys life. I have been told by people that he is a bad boy and he is hopeless. NO ONE is hopeless! There is always hope with God. In this letter Birhane tells me that if you stop dreaming hope, that's when you stop believing hope. People told me that he would never go to school, that he will stay a street child. PEOPLE I have heard this from teachers. I have been sent away so many times trying to get Birhane into school last fall because no one would give him a chance. I kept going and going to school after school until finally after begging a principle, he agreed to let Birhane in school. I WANT people to know that Birhane for the first time ever will be completing a grade, the 8th grade. Today, his teacher say he is a good boy and makes good grades! Birhane can be very difficult at time but all he needed was to know that someone loved him and that there is something to fight for ... Hope! Hope of a better future, school and to be loved!

Birhane also sent me this...

Amharic/English bible! Birhane is learning alot about what love is and I always tell him to start learning from the one that created him. This is why I do what I do for these kids. I am fighting for there souls everyday. I can't believe what I get to do everyday!! Thank you Lord for the small gifts in life that you give us and the big ones too.

Taking a leap of faith

I wanted to share with all of you something very exciting that has happened:) I bought my plane ticket back to ETHIOPIA!!!!!!!!! (May 25th) I am so very excited to return home:) I must share with you why this is such a big leap of faith. I currently do not have all of my money yet. I know, I know you are thinking "IS SHE CRAZY!". God last week really gave me a burden to take a step in faith and buy my plane ticket. It was not easy choice for me. God really asked me do you believe that I can do the impossible. This reminds me when Jesus said to Peter
 
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matt 14: 27

or when Jesus said to the blind man

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?" Matt 9:28


I do believe that God is going to provide everything. He is the Alpha and Omega! Mighty God! King of Kings!! I know that God is going to provide because this is my calling in my life.

SO.... I need your help!! I leave in 6 weeks for Ethiopia and still need to raise monthly supporter and $2500 dollars. I need  people to commit for one year. Monthly support helps run the ministry of  youth/bible study, feeding program, getting them to church and providing a way for me to live in Ethiopia which includes rent, transportation and food, basically the necessities in life.

To all of this, This is what is needed...

50 people for 50 dollars a month
     * Please know that any amount for a monthly basis is greatly appreciated $10, $25, $100

OR

2 time donation of $300 hundred dollars  (every six months) for the year

OR

4 time donation of $150 (every three months) for the year

OR

One time donation is $650 for the whole year

** I will need donations for monthly supporters to start on June1st**

Also trying to raise a little amount of $2500 hundred dollars for upfront cost which will help me pay for Amharic school, visa and material cost for feeding/youth program:)

I ask you all to prayerfully consider joining me in fighting for these kids souls. I can't do this with out you. If you ready this and your thinking what can $10 dollars do, It can do so much!!! If you feel the call to help PLEASE PLEASE send me a email rebeccajbrown84@yahoo.com or note with what you like to do to help. I will get back with you on details.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!

Please keep praying for me!!

A memory remembered

Yesterday while I was worshipping at church, God reminded me of a day that I almost forgotten about but I remember it now. God reminded me of a day that I love so much.

It was such a big day for the boys because it was the championship for the soccer tournament. There was so much excitement and anxiety in the air. Habtamu and Brhnau where in the championship. I was so excited. I wanted to be in the front row to see it all. There was so many people from the streets surrounding the area. This country loves soccer! The screaming and cheering!!  It was such a great game! At the end they had an award ceremony for the kids. Habtamu, got an award!! I was so proud!! He got a trophy and metal!! Everyone was screaming his name!! What a special day that was for him.


When it was all over with the kids began to gather around me asking if I wanted to go to another soccer game. I was telling them the games where over. "NO, Rebecca at the post office!" "OK. lets go!" As I said this and we where standing there... it began to rain. I just look at the boys and said, "lets go!" I started to run. As I was running I looked back and all the boys where falling me saying my name "Rebecca!!" We were all running together in the rain! I loved it!! At that moment while I was running and soaking wet head to toe with the boys, I realized that how much we had grown together over the summer and that we all loved each other and how much I loved them. We ran all through the city to get to the post office. Every place we ran by, everyone was staring at all of us!  When we got to the post office the kid took me to a school near by. As we were walking to the school the rain stop and the sun came out. I knew at that moment it was God. How amazing is that God wants us to feel love, joy and happiness. God wants us to have those memories, where we can close our eyes and remember everything, every smell and sound.
We walked on to the compound and there was a game going on. Birhane and Sami where playing!! We all sat together, cheering, laughing and having the best time. After, we went to eat pizza together!! Fellowship  together. We has such a great day together!

I am not sure why God reminded me of that day. Maybe to remind me how amazing he is for the little things he gives you, getting to run in the streets of Addis in the rain with kids you love in AFRICA. AMAZING!! I still can close my eyes and see the kids smiles and laughter in my head.
I miss these kids so much!! I have been struggling with trying to understand God timing on my return back to Addis. Sometimes I feel as though I failed these kids. Maybe God has me here because I haven't learned something or need to become stronger. So, in that I feel I failed them. Sometimes in my prayers I cry and say to them... I am sorry. I am sorry I am not strong or that I have not learned to do what God has called me to do and that is why I am not there. I love that there is technology and I can skype and call them on the phone. It has been so hard being here and not there. The kids keep asking me when I am going to return to back. I wish I could answer them. I wish I could give them hope of getting the help they need. I just learned that one of them has been sleeping at the bus station. I cried and cried when he told me that. If I where there I could give him a bed to sleep him. I want to remind him that he is not alone and the God hears his prayers. Please pray for this sweet boy:) Please pray for me as I am waiting for God timing on my return to help these kids:)