The city of Skopje itself is stunningly beautiful. The city center is all less than 5 years old, but somehow manages to maintain that regal European look. All throughout the city there are hundreds of statues scattered. Each one manages to reflect the powers over Macedonia at that time. There are some statues of Muslim leaders, some of Orthodox priest. Up on a nearby mountain is a large cross that can be seen from everywhere in the city. Skopje is confused. Yet, this is the country that God felt most present in out of all the Balkan countries we visited. Montenegro had walls built up, Albania was desolate, but Macedonia was different. Big things are happening here. There are so few Christians in the country, but they are shameless and united in their cause.
Despite all of this, Macedonia was difficult. It was a strange in between to a life changing experience working with refugees in Greece and moving on to the next continent. Due to the ferry strikes in Lesvos, Greece, we weren’t able to get off of the island until a week after we had planned. That and two additional days of travel to Skopje put us there for only about two and a half weeks. At that point I hadn’t processed Greece and wasn’t ready for Africa. I half-heartedly worked at our ministry that month, and kept my distance from the people we worked with. I know this is a far cry from my commitment at the beginning of Greece to love fully, but my flesh took over here in order to protect myself while healing from Greece. I didn’t feel like I could handle any more pain at the moment. So, I didn’t. Thankfully, there is grace. Unfortunately, I missed out on what God could have taught me during that time, but He is faithful and can still redeem the experience.
Right now all of the women from Y-Squad are in White River, South Africa working together for womanistry month. We are working with a church here assisting with their Children in Distress centers, working on the church grounds, and helping with their Christmas production. I’m so looking forward to what this month holds. I’m eager to break the stereotypes placed on large groups of women and work together in unity and encouragement. I just know this month is going to be such a blessing for all the women involved and I’m looking forward to updating you soon!
