Even with being basically unconscious those first 72 hours in Mrcajevci, I learned a lot.
AIM has encouraged us to pick something up and leave something behind each month. To search inside our souls and open our eyes to what God is teaching us about ourselves, about Him, and about His Kingdom everywhere we go.
This month I’ve chosen to leave behind the fear of missing out and will instead choose thankfulness.
Too often are we afraid of missing what could have been or what should have been. We have this fear of missing what others are experiencing, rather than living right here in the moment and taking in everything God has planned for us.
Did I expect for that familiar fear to creep up on me so early on my World Race? Not at all. But early on, I asked God to tear down my expectations and show me something new. Something I couldn’t even imagine.
So before I’m fearful of missing something that could be great, I’m choosing to open my eyes to what’s in front of me in the hopes of experiencing something greater.
I’m choosing to be thankful for what I have in each moment, thankful for what God is choosing to share with me. For all that He has provided for me.
In that moment of having to choose sleep over ministry, I had to let go of that fear for the sake of my team and my health. I couldn’t give in, and I’m so glad that I didn’t. Because through that experience, God has taught me an invaluable lesson.
My ministry host Julie is thankful for everything. She radiates thankfulness in all that she does. I picked up on it our first day and knew immediately that this is what God would teach me this month: to always be thankful. No matter what.
Thankfully, my teammate Haley had a Z-pack on her and I was able to feel better in no time.
Thankfully, my ministry hosts were generous and hospitable enough to let me sleep in their spare bedroom while they came and went.
Thankfully, my teammates were full of understanding and compassion and didn’t mind working full days while I rested.
There is a lot to be thankful for here in Serbia. Allow me to give you a peak into what I’m living in each day here with a quick lists of the things I’m thankful for so far.
I’m thankful for Mrcajevci.
I’m thankful that I have to look up the spelling for Mrcajevci every time I type it, because surely I’ll learn it one day, right?
I’m thankful Carl and Julie, our sweet ministry hosts.
I’m thankful that even though there are no kids to spend time with at Kamp M, we are able to call this place our home.
I’m thankful for mole holes, trampolines, and hot tubs on terraces.
I’m thankful that old men on bicycles is the norm here.
I’m thankful for the puppies who run through our yard every morning, and the chickens we get to chase off when we ride our bikes into town.
I’m thankful for Ziza, a woman who, before even knowing us, chose to bake us crepes as a housewarming gift. (Instant grandma. Love her & more on her later <3)
I’m thankful for bunkbeds, silly water pressure, and a real toilet.
I’m thankful for everything being just different enough to not quite feel familiar.
I’m thankful for crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool Serbian nights.
I’m thankful for language barriers. Because even one word successfully communicated is worth celebration.
I’m thankful for Cabbage Festivals with crazy carnival rides.
I’m thankful that a beautiful view of the mountains over a sparkling blue river is just a ten minute bike ride away.
I’m thankful for answered prayer, for community, and for constantly diving deeper in love with the Father.
He has provided so much for us here in Serbia, and I’m so excited to see what all He has in store for us this month. Thank you, God, for all that you do and all that you will do. Thank you for loving us and choosing us to be a part of this beautiful place.
All my love,
Aubrey
