Welcome, friend!
I'm a Jesus-follower, culture-crosser, and teacher who makes sense of experiences by writing them down.​ Because I've been welcomed by God into His family, my desire is to welcome others, especially those who feel they don't belong.
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After living for years in Ethiopia as a "stranger" and being welcomed graciously and generously, I did my PhD research on how Non-Western practices of hospitality can revitalize the Western church's fellowship and outreach in the midst of the "loneliness epidemic."
I currently teach Intercultural Studies courses for Columbia International University (Columbia, SC) and Evangelical Theological College (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) as well as serving with SIL Ethiopia. I continue to research and write on topics related to mutual intercultural learning, diaspora missiology, and global mission.
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I'm married to a wonderful Ethiopian man and fellow researcher named Abeneazer Urga, and we have a nine year old son and a five year old daughter. ​My favorites include having long conversations with interesting people and drinking strong Ethiopian coffee, preferably at the same time.