Grams carries a big stick…
Living on a compound definitely has its advantages…one of them being SAFETY. Although the windows from our little apartment look directly out onto the main roads, the main interior of the compound is surrounded by a gate and trees and the entrances are watched by guards. Every day we make the trek through the back entrance of the compound, either to go to school, church, the internet store, or the supermarket/produce stand. Sometimes we even walk the ‘loop’ for exercise. We have gotten to know some of the guards quite well. They are very friendly and often help us and cheer us on with our attempted Amharic greetings. We enjoy the freedom of ‘roaming’ safely. Sometimes we see random cows grazing near the entrance and, more often than not, we see a handful of puppies and their mamas laying around, playing or eating near the guard hang out. They seem very sweet, but we still keep our distance to avoid any “woo-sha” cooties (woo-sha is dog in Amharic!).
One day while Grams, Izabella and I were returning from a field trip to the internet store, we felt (for maybe the first time since we’ve been in Ethiopia) real fear. We came in the same old dirt road entrance, careful not to step in the holes. We acknowledged the new flowers that were beginning to bloom. And, as normal, we waved and greeted the guards...only this time something was different. We must have caught the dogs off guard during their meal time or something because they quickly began to charge at us, barking uncontrollably. Grams and I sandwiched Izabella, who was shaking like a leaf. In that moment, I realized I had no power…no plan…just the ability to pray. Thankfully, the guards jumped in quickly and ran the dogs away with rocks, but not before we were all overcome with feelings of anxiety and helplessness.
From that day forward, Grams began carrying a big stick when we left the compound. Though we rarely see the dogs anymore and we haven’t had any other reason to feel even the least bit threatened, the image of Grams (this precious, petit grandma) toting a big ol’ dirty stick to ward off any future attacks makes my heart happy. It also makes my heart happy to know that we don’t have to carry big sticks or other weapons with us for safety. Thessalonians 3:3 reminds us, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” We get to go in the strength of Him who has all power and authority and majesty! To me, that’s better than a big ol’ stick any day!
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