Really Really

I don't really know where to begin right now. It's hard to believe that our time here in Ethiopia is already done, it just doesn't seem possible.
It's 5 am here. I haven't really been able to sleep all night. I think I started laying in bed around 1:30 am and dozed off for a little bit, but I guess my body doesn't really want to rest.
Our week in Nazret at the National Student Movement Leaders Training was incredible. I didn't know what to expect, and through that was kind of negative, but the Lord continued to show to me how He's moving here in Africa and showed us all the hope of Africa that's being carried within the student leaders at the conference. It was like DCC, but way more. The students were the most passionate believers I've ever seen, and getting the chance to worship with people who are 100% in for the Lord all the time and feel the power of the Gospel so deeply was phenomenal. We were also blessed to have staff members translating the sermons for us, so through that I was able to learn a lot and look forward to re-reading my notes and reflecting on all Tariku and Bekele had to say. The translators at the conference were as sweet and loving as the ones in Bahir Dar, and again I made great friends in only a matter of days. We also got to share and serve with the students as we planted thousands of trees one day in Nazret. That afternoon of planting is one of my favorite memories of the conference. We got to perform worship songs, and a dance to a Lecrae song, to share with the students and encourage them in what they're doing. We had the chance to bond together and raise support for one of the students we'd met, enabling him to go to school, and praying over him as he prepares for this next step in his life. We had the incredible opportunity to have dinner with Tariku, Bekele, Sahai, and Mihiret (they are all on staff with CCC/GCM in some capacity), and to hear the mind-blowing testimonies of how they've come to faith and seen God move in their lives and in Africa. Basically, Nazret was every bit as much a blessing and growing experience as the rest of the trip, and I know that I was not expecting that.
Since we've been back in Addis Ababa we've been processing through our time here, both individually and as a team. We've gotten to affirm one another, sharing how each team member has played a vital role in God's work here in Ethiopia and in the ability of our team to function. We've been able to spend time with many of the Ethiopians who mean so much to us--Kassahun, Dires, Desta, Wande, Mike, David, Kaleb, and Kaleb. (Yes! David and Kaleb, Luke & I's partners in ministry). We've spent time preparing our hearts for the transition back. My heart is heavy about going home, but I know that the Lord has planned my time here perfectly, and now it's time to go home.
I can't believe how blessed I've been to be able to come to Ethiopia and see God moving in such an evident way. It has been such a privilege to be able to come and serve the Lord here; the same Lord who is working back home in America.