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.
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.
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.