CONFIRMATION !

For over a year my husband and I have been praying about me leaving my job so I could have more time to focus on Hug Away and my family. About a month ago we decided it was time and I put in my notice. I know some must think why would you leave your job in this economy?  Trust me that thought crossed our minds more than once. But to be honest I was dropping the ball on Hug Away and my family and that was no longer acceptable. So we are taking a huge step of faith and September 15th was my last day. I can't ever remember not working! 

I was excited and a little nervous. I'm human and I did have a small nagging doubt "what if it wasn't Gods will and it was just me?" Little did I know that I was getting ready to find out. 

Sunday was my first official day of being unemployed. I went to church and as I had been doing for a while asked God to confirm that I had made the right choice. I mean deep down I knew I had I just needed to hear it from Him! 

I have posted before that Hug Away partners with a school in Ethiopia. The beautiful lady that founded the school has worked for Compassion International for about 12 years. When we first met in 2010 we talked about the struggle of having to work but also be called to a ministry. Through that conversation I thought she had made the decision to leave Compassion so she could focus on the school. Imagine my shock when I received an email from her Sunday that through much prayer and with the support of her family she had left Compassion so she could focus on the school full time! Coincidence? No way! I emailed her back and told her that I had done the exact same thing! God's perfect timing had lead us to leave our jobs at the same time so we could focus on the ministry that He had called us to!

If this isn't amazing enough I received another email from her this morning! It was amazing for 2 reasons. First because of the poor internet service in Addis I usually receive an email once a month. Second, what she said in the email was beautiful and was even more confirmation that we were being obedient to God's calling on our lives. I am sharing a small excerpt from her email. I love her English! She hasn't been speaking it for very long so I think she is doing an amazing job!

Dear Beloved sister Elaine,

When I shared your email to Berhanu and the friends who were praying with us every one of us were crying. The God we serve is the true God. It is an amazing confirmation to all of us, that knowing God wants us on full time bases to expand his work. The holy spirit is the same here and there he was working in our life. It is amazing story to tell before even we both talked we made the decision on the same time. I am so thrilled. do you know our life is not any more to us we have to live for the poor and needy ones. We are sold!! Our names are not any more on the payroll lists, God is going to pay us our salaries.

HE IS LEADING OUR LIVES.

My precious Ethiopian sister!

One of the many things I love about the Ethiopian people who are Christians is their bold witness and their love for Christ! They have no problems praising God! 

So as I begin this new journey I am humbled that God has given me this opportunity to work for His kingdom!  The benefits are amazing!