Cao from Belgrade, Serbia!
Well, I’m actually living in a quaint little village called Mrcajevci about three hours outside of Belgrade. I’m staying at Mrcajevci Camp this month and working alongside Team Summit for the duration of March.
I had no idea what to expect when entering Eastern Europe and honestly, was a little terrified going from 90-degree weather to 30 and below. For the first five months of the race, my wardrobe has consisted of short sleeved tops and lightweight pants. Arriving in Serbia, I wasn’t exactly equipped to handle the change in climate. Luckily, I’ve purchased a pair of boots and a jacket so I’m somewhat surviving.
Let me tell you, Serbia has been incredible! At Mrcajevci Camp, I’m surrounded by large trees, vast fields and the smell of fresh, crisp air every day. Out here in my little village, the living is easy. People spend their days working at a corner store, tending to their farm or sitting at the only coffee shop in town smoking cigarettes and chatting with friends. I am completely in love with the slow pace and stark smiles of the Serbian people. Eastern Europe and Serbia has been such a pleasant surprise.
On top of my beautiful surroundings, I have so many blessings at Mrcajevci Camp. I feel decadent here as I get to enjoy all the following:
1) A REAL bed.
2) A coffee maker.
3) A hot shower.
4) A full kitchen with pots, pans and any cooking utensil I might need (we even have a kitchen aid).
5) A HOT TUB!
That’s right, I have a hot tub that I can use as much as possible during my time here. To say we’re blessed this month is an understatement!
The founders of Mrcajevci Camp, Carl and Julie, are two Texans who turned their world upside down seventeen years ago, when they decided to uproot themselves and their family to follow The Lord’s call to Serbia. They worked in humanitarian aid for ten years then started Mrcajevci Camp in 2009 with a plot of vacant land and a dream. This camp now boasts 350+ campers each summer and is a pillar for Christ as they shine a beacon of His love throughout Serbia. The team and I will be spending time with Carl and Julie this month, helping them with projects and building relationships with their friends and locals in the area.
So far, building relationships with the Serbians has been nothing short of a dream. One of the first people we met was a sweet, 73-year-old woman named Ziza (although we endearingly call her Ziza Baka, Grandma in Serbian). Ziza Baka, invited us to her home and we spent an afternoon learning to make crapes as she told us about her life and her love of The Lord. Ziza Baka has endured many hardships throughout her 73 years and shared much of her pain with us. She only has about $200 a month to pay all her expenses but that did not stop her from showering us with crapes, snacks and chocolates while we were in her one-bedroom home. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite people in Serbia and is a beautiful representation of selfless love and a servant’s heart.
Serbia is a breath of fresh air both physically and emotionally. I was listening to the song “It Is Well With My Soul” earlier today and felt it represented my heart in Eastern Europe so well.
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well With my soul It is well, it is well with my soul”
More updates and adventures to come! I’m leaving you with a video of Ziza Baka teaching me how to makes crapes! I will certainly be bringing this newfound skill back to the states with me.
Cao!
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103: 1-2
