The three weeks spent in Novi Sad, Serbia were not what I expected, and I could not have asked for a better first month. When we first got there the ministry host didn’t have much for us to do, but oh how the Lord provided! I have grown to love this country and it’s people so much! There is so much history here and these people are dearly loved. As we said goodbye to our Serbian friends I couldn’t hold back the tears. I was sad because when you make deep connections with people it makes saying goodbye a lot harder. Even though I only had three weeks in Novi Sad I will always remember what a joy it was to be part of a great community and join in on the ministry here in Novi Sad. (I’m a bit scared of what future goodbyes will look like.)
To recap what has happened this October I will try my best to explain! This month we did not know what we would be doing because our host didn’t have much planned for us, but it turned out that we had a variety of things the Lord had already planned for us. The many things we did included dancing in Zumba, joining a drug prevention campaign, going on prayer walks, having a spirit-led day, hosting bible studies, leading conversational English workshops, participating in Royal Rangers (Boy/ Girl Scouts + Awana’s), participating in Sunday school, sharing our testimonies, and attending EOS meetings (a high school and college bible study). This month we created many relationships and did our best to encourage and love the people of Serbia well.
Everyday we had something different, here are a few of my highlights!
Building relationships with the people and kids of the church we partnered with was very special and has given me so many special memories. The kids at the church are the kindest and sweetest. They always greeted us with a tight hug and smile. They made us feel so loved and welcomed. They continued to pour out love to others. During our last week my team and I were invited to have dinner with two families. For dinner with one family we had a Serbian dish called Sarma, which I personally thought was delicious. Another great family also invited us over another night and we ate lasagna. Eating lasagna made by a mom, sitting all around a table in a home felt so nice! For a brief moment it felt like I was at home enjoying a home cooked meal by my own momma. The relationships we build in the city touched my heart. One of the girls specifically prayed about going into ministry. She was very hesitant to apply because of her many fears, but thank goodness we serve a God who will always provide and give us the words to say! So, while we were there she applied to YWAM Paris and got accepted! This was amazing to see the Lord’s faithfulness, goodness, and answer to prayers.
Going to zumba of course would be highlight for me. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening we danced with the kids. We shared the reason why we were there in Serbia and wow, they were so welcoming. It seemed as if we were part of their family. Zumba was not expected at all, but a great blessing. We loved those kids and the instructor. At the last church service it was so cool to see one of the girls come to church with her family. Even though it was one, there were seeds planted and we were very blessed to become part of that community. In that community was filled with many laughs, sweat, love and excitement!
My team was another big highlight because in some way shape or form we all grew even when some of us didn’t want to. We chose to “Step Out and Set Fire”. This month the Lord challenged us, while continually showing us grace, love, joy, courage, and boldness.
As I write this my squad and I are currently in Belgrade, Serbia for debrief. I am glad we are all here, but to be honest the trip from Novi Sad to Belgrade was a bit rough. It’s so funny looking back at it. First, I got trapped inside the train for a brief moment all by myself because the doors closed and locked on me. Second, I got the doors slammed on me when we got off the tram and lastly, I stepped in a large puddle when when we were getting dinner. Through it all I am very glad all the people on our squad arrived safely. I am happy to be with the rest of my squad and see what more the Lord will do in month 2. Month 2 will be an all squad month!
Here is a video of brief moments in month one!
