I just woke up to my last morning inEthiopia. After spending 3 months here, Africa has left an indelible print on my heart. Africa has taught me a lot in the last 3 months.
Africa has taught me patience. Everything here happens at its own pace. You can’t rush things. And if you are running late, NO BIG DEAL! (I hope I remember this lesson.)
Africa has given me a new appreciation for missionaries. How selfless to give up your family, your friends, your entire life and move to a foreign place to serve the Lord. I don’t think I could do it!
Africa has reminded me to be thankful everyday. How often we focus on what we do NOT have…a new car, a new house, the latest fashion, free time. The people here do NOT have….running water, 3 meals a day, heat during the cold nights, medical care.
Africa has taught me a dependence on God that I have never had to find before. Only He could provide what I needed. Only He could be my All In All.
Africa has taught me how to pray. Deeply. Fervently. Unendingly. Every morning here when I open my eyes, my first thoughts are prayers. I beg God to give me what I need to face this day. And He does.
And today, as we close this chapter in our lives, I am grateful. Yes, these last 3 months have been harder than I ever anticipated. Yes, the road was long and the mountains were high. Yes, we head home now to face the most challenging battle we have yet had to face – the battle for our children. But through it all, God has been faithful. He loves me. He provides for me. He carries me.
Yesterday in church, our last church service here in Ethiopia, we sang this familiar song. And the words resonated in my heart….
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
Your grace has brought me safe thus far
Your grace shall lead me home.
Yes, we have already come through many dangers, toils and snares. God has brought us through. And God will lead us through the next chapter in our life – the one that will undoubtedly be filled with many challenges.
God’s grace will lead us home.
Blessings!
Natalie
The goal in this life is to emulate Jesus, our trials come to serve us in accomplishing this purpose.
My heart is warmed and I smile at the future to ponder where the Lord will lead the Putnam family.
We are sojourners in this life.
As always, we keep you in our prayers.
Love you dearly,
Mom
Have a safe journey home. Finally!!! I will be sending good thoughts and prayers for the patience to be shared by all on this long trip home.
Have a safe trip home! I pray that Leah,Naomi, Micah, and Levi handle the trip well and that Joel and Hannah continue to do well with their new siblings when they reach their home. I pray God gives you the strength you will need in the near future to guide them all through the changes in their lives, and in your’s.
Please post a photo of the whole family at the airport.
Love you all and I can’t wait until we can meet everyone.
Natalie,
I have loved following your family on this journey. Thank you for the priviledge of seeing how God has led and provided. And what a perfect song for each of us to carry with us. I love it!!
Amazing journey–and it’s just the beginning.
Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey through reading your words, lifting you up financially and lifting you up through prayer. You, being a willing vessel have touched many lives. You also help us realize that it is NOT about us, our lives, towns, or even country. It is about our LORD and Savior. His plan for his Kingdom. We will continue to pray, and give. But now perhaps, we can Pray, and give with an awareness that we haven’t had before. Thank you Putnam Family!!!!!!
Amen to all of the above prayers and comments! Praying for you, and asking others to pray for you also!
So powerful and moving to read! Can’t wait to see the whole family together. Safe journeys and blessings on the new chapter. Proud to be your friend.
So happy for your family. Praying for an uneventful journey home. ; )