It has begun!

I arrived safely here in Addis Ababa last night. So far it is great to be here. I recognized the smell right as I stepped outside of the airport. Monica (my roommate who is teaching 4th grade) and I arrived together and were taken to Bingham. We moved into our apartment, which we think is the best one!, and slept very well! There is a river that runs on the other side of the wall behind our apartment which looks like watered down milk. We feel very welcomed and met many other staff this morning during tea time.

The school is actually on the edge of the city, which I am thankful for, as there is so much traffic and smog. We had a tour of the campus this morning.

One Week Away!

I am excited to be on my way to Addis Ababa exactly one week from right now. Preparations are about done, except for the final packing. Thank you for your prayers and support as I get ready to leave.

Enough financial support has come in to enable me to go teach. However, if you have a desire to support me financially as I go teach, you may still do so. The school has graciously offered to fill in the gaps of the finances that do not come in. Here is the link to my account at SIM: http://www.sim.org/giveusa, (put my name as the missionary. You will receive a receipt through e-mail.)

Thanks again for your prayers and investment into me and the Gospel. God alone knows what this year will hold, and what kids will be in my classes. I will keep you all updated, and continue to be thankful for your prayers and love.

For Christ,

Rachel

For Such a Time as This

So, I'm giving in to peer pressure and trying to start this dang blogging thing...

I have 10 days left in California before I move to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to be a PE teacher. For such a time as this, God has called me to serve the kids at Bingham Academy and people in Ethiopia. I am very excited and thankful for your prayers and support!

The inspiration for "For such a time as this" comes from the book of Esther where her uncle Mordecai is encourages her to speak up for the Jewish people. He exhorts Esther to take advantage of the position God has placed her in, "for such a time as this." -Esther 4:14.

I am encouraged that for such a time as this, God has called me to teach in Addis Ababa, and I want to make sacrifices for His Kingdom, just as Esther did.