Dear friends –
Just wanted to send out an update, as I realized the other day that I hadn’t updated my blog or sent out an update in some time! I apologize that it’s been so long. It’s been a whirlwind over the last couple of months as I’ve stepped into this new role of squad leader. At times it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day or days in a week to have all of the conversations that need to be had within our squad. I’m learning how to give myself grace and not shepherd out of a place of scarcity of time. There is time to walk with these women and men, to impart what the Father wants to give them through me, and to learn what they have to teach me.
I definitely have a deeper love and respect for pastors…shepherding people is a beautiful gift but also such a hefty calling. I didn’t know I could love people like this. The Father has given me His heart for them, and at times, it can be overwhelming in the best way. At other times, admittedly, I have no idea what I’m doing and cling to the promise that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. 🙂
I am currently in a smoke-filled cafe in Mitrovica, Kosovo. There is no such thing as a non-smoke-filled cafe here haha. Such is life in the Balkans.
Kosovo is very different than I expected. It’s nearly 96% Muslim, and there are preconceived notions that come with Islam, especially in a place so saturated and governed by it. You certainly see it at times. This is a male-dominated culture, and you rarely see women out and about. The majority of women stay indoors most of the time. Mentally and physically disabled people are kept indoors as well. It saddens me so much. We’re here during Ramadan, so most fast from sunrise to sundown. In the evenings, they feast, and if you sit on our balcony in the evening, you hear Islamic prayers being sung in the distance for hours at a time. Proselytizing children is illegal here for all faiths except Islam.
On the other hand, the people here are incredibly friendly. They love Americans, which seems counter-intuitive, but our involvement in the war and their independence has resulted in a deep appreciation for the States and a near-fanatic adoration of Bill Clinton. His photo hangs on the walls of their homes. No, really, it does.
I expected Kosovo to be hopeless, gray, war-torn, and depressed. It isn’t on the surface at all. There is some hopelessness, and you see it most in those who experienced atrocities during the war. Division and distrust are definitely still strongholds here. But it’s also vibrant and expectant. There is a curiosity among the younger generations and a desire for something different from what they’ve always known. They are dissatisfied with the Islamic traditions of the past and are seeking something greater. Huge opportunities exist for the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the introduction of a faith that instills hope, joy, and peace.
While here, we’re working with a local church (which currently consists of two missionary families from the States, one missionary family from Romania, and about 6 Kosovar Albanians) to build relationships in the community. We’re hosting a kids camp this week (for which we turned the second floor of our building into a castle…pretty fantastic), and on Friday, we’re inviting all of the kids in Mitrovica who have down syndrome to the castle for a fun-filled afternoon. To be able to love these kids with joy is going to be such a privilege.
For the first two weeks of this month, we were in Bulgaria, where we taught English and partnered with a local church. In our town, Dupnitsa, only 2 believers survived under communism. It was incredible to see the resilience of the church there.
About a week ago, I was able to go to Poland to see Daria, Steven, Benny, and Sophie, and it was exactly what my soul needed! Spending time with dear friends in one of the most lovely countries I’ve ever visited….sigh…so good.
We’re here in Kosovo until the end of the month. Next month, we head to Thessaloniki, Greece (known in Scripture as Thessalonica), where we’ll likely work with Syrian refugees. I am so excited to be able to serve in that role.
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the Race. In another 5-ish months, I’ll be back in the States (hopefully spending time with all of you!).
With that in mind, please pray that as a squad, we would make the most of the remaining time…that we would stay engaged and as passionate in Month 11 as we were in Month 1. Some squads have experienced a bit of a slump midway through the Race in the past. People get tired of traveling, of not being in a comfortable bed, with a functioning bathroom, and the comforts of home begin to seem more and more enticing. This has resulted in exhaustion, confused priorities, and not being present. Instead, we are praying for a Month 7 revival for our squad. Far from a slump, we are praying for excitement, energy, and deepened intimacy with the Father. And I know that is what we will see.
Please also pray for protection here. We are experiencing a level of spiritual warfare and darkness that we haven’t yet seen on the Race. But we serve a God who is victorious and reigns. Please pray that we would rest in Him and press into the beautiful victory that He offers.
Thank you for supporting me, for praying for me, and for sending me. Love and miss you…A LOT.
Joyfully,
Erika
