Did we tell you that we left for Ethiopia? That is correct!!!! Its kind of hard to fathom at times but it is a great feeling to close on chapter of our lives to step into a whole new chapter.
We just wanted to update you on the whirlwind that is/was the past two weeks or so. As you can imagine, the process of packing, shopping for hard-to-find-in-Ethiopia supplies, finalizing travel plans and finishing up paperwork is enough to make a person crazy. Fortunately, I have an amazing wife who was able to handle a good portion of the load while I was finishing up my employment obligations. She has been a rock during this whole process.
I finished up my employment at Japs Olson Company on Friday, September 18 in order to have time to pack, shop and clean the apartment. I think that this was the biggest step for me as it is the transition from an income-based to support-based way of life. While it can be a stressful time it is also a time where I know we will be provided for and will better understand the way God will provide for our every need. I thank God for each and everyone of our supporters who are partnering with us in this ministry. Your friendship, support and partnership have blessed out family. We could not do any of this without your faithful support.
Our visa arrived on Friday and it was another step closer to us leaving for Ethiopia. We did find out today however that the visa was a tourist visa instead of a business visa requiring us to scramble in order to expedite the visa back to Washington DC so that we have the correct one before we fly out. Looking at the timing we realized that while the devil is trying to throw speed bumps in our way, God is in control. Not only did we receive a surprise donation that covered the shipping costs but the shipping timing should return the visa to us with time to spare. God works and provides for us in amazing ways!
All suitcases were packed and arrived in Ethiopia safely. I equated this to a hybrid game of Sudoku and Tetris with space and weight restrictions. Its a good thing that I like to play Tetris........
We were commissioned at all 4 services at Grace Church the Sunday before we left for Ethiopia. It is so great to have the full backing of our home church and see the way that God's people stands behind us in prayer. We also hosted a Open House to say goodbyes and thank some of our supporters on that Saturday. Needless to say we all encountered the highest of highs and lowest of lows in this last weekend.
We arrived in Washington DC on Sunday afternoon and received the corrected visa via courier. It was a huge relief and answer to prayer. We spent the afternoon visiting the White House and other attractions in Washington DC. We flew out on Monday and arrived in Addis safe and sound.
We are currently in the process on adjusting to the new life in Ethiopia and figuring out our schedules. Today, Tuesday, the kids started their 2nd First Day of school. We still have adjustments to make and paperwork to figure out but I will save that for a future post.
Blessing to all of you,
Jose Sturgeon (Jessica and Family)
We just wanted to update you on the whirlwind that is/was the past two weeks or so. As you can imagine, the process of packing, shopping for hard-to-find-in-Ethiopia supplies, finalizing travel plans and finishing up paperwork is enough to make a person crazy. Fortunately, I have an amazing wife who was able to handle a good portion of the load while I was finishing up my employment obligations. She has been a rock during this whole process.
I finished up my employment at Japs Olson Company on Friday, September 18 in order to have time to pack, shop and clean the apartment. I think that this was the biggest step for me as it is the transition from an income-based to support-based way of life. While it can be a stressful time it is also a time where I know we will be provided for and will better understand the way God will provide for our every need. I thank God for each and everyone of our supporters who are partnering with us in this ministry. Your friendship, support and partnership have blessed out family. We could not do any of this without your faithful support.
Our visa arrived on Friday and it was another step closer to us leaving for Ethiopia. We did find out today however that the visa was a tourist visa instead of a business visa requiring us to scramble in order to expedite the visa back to Washington DC so that we have the correct one before we fly out. Looking at the timing we realized that while the devil is trying to throw speed bumps in our way, God is in control. Not only did we receive a surprise donation that covered the shipping costs but the shipping timing should return the visa to us with time to spare. God works and provides for us in amazing ways!
All suitcases were packed and arrived in Ethiopia safely. I equated this to a hybrid game of Sudoku and Tetris with space and weight restrictions. Its a good thing that I like to play Tetris........
We were commissioned at all 4 services at Grace Church the Sunday before we left for Ethiopia. It is so great to have the full backing of our home church and see the way that God's people stands behind us in prayer. We also hosted a Open House to say goodbyes and thank some of our supporters on that Saturday. Needless to say we all encountered the highest of highs and lowest of lows in this last weekend.
We arrived in Washington DC on Sunday afternoon and received the corrected visa via courier. It was a huge relief and answer to prayer. We spent the afternoon visiting the White House and other attractions in Washington DC. We flew out on Monday and arrived in Addis safe and sound.
We are currently in the process on adjusting to the new life in Ethiopia and figuring out our schedules. Today, Tuesday, the kids started their 2nd First Day of school. We still have adjustments to make and paperwork to figure out but I will save that for a future post.
Blessing to all of you,
Jose Sturgeon (Jessica and Family)