Far Side of The Sea
  • Blog
  • Videos

To Ethiopia

10/22/2013

8 Comments

 
Picture
I'll get straight to the point. Our family is considering another move... to Ethiopia.



Africa has been on our hearts and minds for a long while now. I suppose it's a bit like a sunburn. It happens slowly, gradually; penetrating the surface of the skin and going deeper, deeper. And because of the cool breeze and the water you don't realize the burn until you step aside for a moment into the coolness of the shade and suddenly all you feel is the profound burning, and you know it's too late.
After our first trip to Ethiopia in October 2011, we looked into Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa. At the time, I had only just begun working toward a Masters of Education and so was not yet qualified to teach there. We decided that God had closed that door to us and we continued on our way to Spain.
But the burning continued.

A few months ago, we contacted Bingham again. This time the results have been very different. I have now been conditionally accepted by Bingham as an ESL/ELL specialist for the 2014-2015 school year!

We value feedback from friends and families. Comment below or use the contact form to write us a note.


In the meantime we wish to give our all here in Spain.

We have recently become Dorm Parents to two amazing seniors, N & P. There's the possibility of a third, a junior, arriving in January.
Picture
School picnic at the beginning of the year.
I continue to work with English Language Learners (ELLs) at the school as well as with the Yearbook class. Check out the Yearbook's new blog: ecaechos
Picture
Some of my ELL students helped to prep and repaint our classroom!
Picture
Our boys helped as well!
Picture
As part of the Middle School Outdoor Education Day, Mark led students on a hike through the woods while another brother integrated thoughts from Scripture related to walking in the Spirit.



Pray for us in this decision. In any change there is loss. Pray for those we would be leaving behind. Pray for our kids. Pray that we will discern God's will clearly. Pray for hearts fully involved here in Spain till the end. Pray for God's leading in regards to Ethiopia.
8 Comments
Caryn Cockrell
10/21/2013 09:30:02 pm

My friends,
I know your hearts and minds are fully trusting God for the right decision about where He wants you to serve. I only know that you will be obedient wherever God puts you and will serve Him faithfully. It is more difficult when you have young children and the logistics of a home and schooling and making and leaving friends. I will pray for you and for peace about your next step. Love to you all, Caryn

Reply
Will Harrison
10/21/2013 10:06:17 pm

My prayers are with you guys as you seek God's direction. I pray that he will strengthen your family and draw you into a deeper relationship with him as you pursue this. As long as I've known you your heart has been in Africa and this is exciting news. Know that we will be holding you up in prayer.

Reply
Barb Lewis
10/21/2013 11:35:13 pm

Oh my. I really could feel your passion for Africa as you described it metaphorically. I have 3 immediate thoughts:
1. Mark, you were raised in Africa, so it's no wonder that you want to return, even if it's at the other end of the continent.
2. God was preparing you for Bingham even before you knew it, as you worked toward your master's degree.
3. For some "odd" reason you chose Ati from Ethiopia. You were drawn there quite awhile ago.

How would your funding work? Would you have as heavy a load as you have in Spain?

The climate is much harder to live in. Mary Collins' sister and brother-in-law ministered there and Sarah found it quite difficult.

We will be praying. Just off the top of my head, the possibility makes me smile. I hope God leads you there.

Reply
Patti
10/22/2013 12:13:01 am

I would think that Ethiopia would have a much lower cost of living than Spain? Perhaps in Ethiopia you would have the security of 100% funding? If this is the case, I would certainly consider Ethiopia an open door!
After checking out Bingham's website, I got excited about this school! :). It does seem like your heart is reaching toward Africa. I would just encourage you to keep looking for the open doors and walking through them until they are closed.
I will pray for your decision.

Reply
Rose Kelly
10/22/2013 02:45:04 am

I know that when we commit our all to God he gives us a passion for His work. It is evident that God has prepared you for this season of service in Ethiopia. Praying for you always as you follow God's call.

Reply
Claudia
10/22/2013 06:32:42 am

Proverbs 3:5-6 In the new direction my life has taken, I was counseled to "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." He truly does direct moment by moment as we seek Him to be glorified in our lives. If we already knew the answers, we would not have to trust and step out in faith. I will pray for you to find peace in your waiting upon the Lord and for you to mount up when He commands.

Reply
Joy
10/22/2013 07:55:30 am

Go! There is such need for people willing to go into the "hard" places. I know you would not even consider it if you were not feeling led by God. I would encourage you to honor any contract you have with eca, but then, go go go.

Reply
Dwight Williams
10/22/2013 05:36:30 pm

Mark and Charis, you guys are awesome, our prayers are with our ... our (big) loss would be someone else's gain!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Mark Jackson

    Archives

    April 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    April 2012
    December 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011

    Categories

    All
    Bingham Academy
    Christmas
    Ethiopia
    Orphans
    Spain

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.