I’m in Serbia! No matter how many times I say it to myself, it’s still a little unbelievable. I’ll just jump right into what’s happened so far.
We finally arrived in Belgrade after 3 plane rides and a lot of waiting around in airports. We had one leg of the journey left to arrive at our ministry site in Negotin. We went to a bus station around 930 at night to catch the next bus out. When we went to buy the tickets, we found out that it wouldn’t be leaving until 645 the next morning. So we found a roomy place on floor for our things, bought some food and settled in for a long night in the station.
The night started out pretty quietly. There weren’t many people around that late at night. But as we got further into our wait, more and more people started to arrive. They all came with blankets, backpacks and pillows, found places on the floor and lay down to sleep.
My first thought was, “There can’t be this many world racers out here, all in the same situation we’re in.” The more my team and I watched them, the more we came to the realization of what was happening. All of these people were Syrian refugees!
There were so many of them by the time we left, everything from groups of young men to families with multiple children. The children were all playing in the walkways. One little boy threw his ball near my sleeping mat and I looked up to see a sweet little face staring at me.
I don’t know why, but seeing him looking at me made me realize the magnitude of the situation these people are going through. We sit in our comfortable homes and watch what’s happening around the world on our tv’s, think to ourselves how sad it is and then get up and go about our day.
At least that’s how I am. Do I just not really realize what’s going on? These people don’t have homes. They are being forced to leave their home town, leave their friends, family and everything they know and relocate. Just like that!
One lady we talked to (I can’t remember her name) was telling us how her home was blown up. It broke my heart. I looked into the eyes of the men and women trying to keep warm and I just felt helpless. There was nothing I could do for these people.
It was a smack in the face for me. It made me feel so selfish that I have never even considered these people, I never gave them a second thought. I need to be praying for the situations around the world, not just feel sad for a moment and then move on. These are God’s creations just like me, and they deserve so much more than that.
After a long night, little sleep and using a squatty potty for the first time (yay for trying new things!), we got onto the bus for a 6 hour ride to Negotin. Finally in our ministry town! We met our ministry hosts right out of the bus station and they took us to our little apartment.
Our hosts are the kindest and most giving people I’ve stayed with. I’m not sure how to spell them correctly, but their names are Zoran and Daadaa (that’s how I’d spell them. Lol). They have 3 kids: 2 boys and 1 girl. They have all been very welcoming and sweet.
We join them for lunch each day to spend time with them and we’ll be helping them out with their ministry called Fokus. They are trying to get small groups started in their town and spread the good news of Christ throughout the city. They’re so passionate about it! Zoran has told us a lot about his faith and how he’s come to be where he is in his walk with Christ. He’s so excited to share it with his loved ones. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.
We’ve been walking around the town and getting to know some of the locals. They’re all so friendly and so excited to talk to Americans! I don’t think I’ve ever been starred at so much in my life. It’s a little intimidating.
We’ve only been here 2 full days, but I’m already realizing a few things that I’m going to have to push myself for and be diligent about. It can be so easy to take on the role of a traveler and see the sites and get to know the people, I don’t want to forget the reason that I’m here. I want my focus to stay on God and the situations He’s putting me in, the people He’s placing in my life. I’m here to love them and be a light in their lives. Please pray that I stay in His presence the whole time.
There’s so much more that’s going on, so much more to tell. But I don’t want to make this too long. I’ll write another blog soon I’m sure. I’m excited about everything out here! I’m excited about the things I’m learning and the way I’m already growing. It’s going to be an incredible year!
Fundraising update: I only have about $3,000 left to be fully funded! I’m so close guys! I’m grateful for everything you’ve all done and the support and love you’ve given me through this. Please continue to pray for my team, squad and I as we all get settled into our first month. I appreciate you all so much and I miss you all! Can’t wait to share more of what goes on.
