God knew, it was no surprise to Him.

Well, those of you who know me well,

know that John really desired for me to

travel with someone.

I have done this enough times now to know that

God is full of surprises.

He works it all out, and wows me each time.

This time was no different.

The first day, Jen was ready and waiting,
at the guest house with the day cleared for fun!

Try as I might, I couldn't find a travel partner.

But I knew I was being called, again.

Long story... even for a blog...

but a missionary family from Kenya,

traveling to Ethiopia and Kolfe,

caused me to switch guest houses.

I switched to the one where Jen, a woman on my

facebook, had already been staying for a month. 

We had never spoken, never messaged,

never emailed, until I began making

plans to rent the room next door to her for 12 days.

Sweet blessings: Jen and Tammy (from my flights)

Neither of us knew how we would get along,

but by the time I traveled, 3 weeks later,

she had already let

Embracing Hope Ethiopia's Day Care

(where she had been volunteering each day)

know that she would likely be taking some

time off to spend with me and my boys.

She ended up taking the ENTIRE time off.

We got along so, so, so well!

I knew going in that she was in need

of some local Ethiopian friends,

God used my friendships to

become her friendships.

She needed some encouragement

and a vision for her future in Ethiopia,

God provided, he encouraged, he planned,

and He used us to help do that in her life.

Jen needed a camera,

but didn't have the money to buy one,

God used us to provide for her in this area too.

John suggested I give her ours.  That worked out great.

I used it for the trip, and then left it for her as I left.

She also loved our boys, and very quickly declared

them her "little brothers."

Last week, she took them out to dinner.

I miss our sons like crazy, so hearing about

them from Jen helps me so much.

Seriously, could he be any more precious??

Jen met my sweet little  foot boy, Abraham.

Click on those words above, to see a blurb

 about him from the "Blinders" post.

She fell in love with him, too.

And eventually, like all toddlers...

I learned to share...

ha!

Jen has been back to visit Abraham since I left.

I love the thought of him getting some hugs.

What a precious kid!

God wowed me with the surprise of Jennifer.

I didn't need a travel buddy.

(Although he had some divine appointments

 waiting for me on the flights anyway.)

He knew Jen would be waiting

at the guest house for me,

and he knew what a treasure

and blessing that would be.

Jen is a great reminder

that God's plans

are so much better

than our own,

Amen?

I love that God always has my

 trips covered... in HIS love.