WE MADE IT!
Ministry
We are now in Eastern Europe. Our squad first had debrief before we jumped into ministry in Montenegro. Our squad, even though we were together more than we were apart in Africa, we needed a refresh button. I had to make a list of who all had malaria, including Austin and I, we had 36 people on our squad who had it. We were able to have debrief right on the coast of Montenegro with some amazing things to do and to see. Debrief for everyone was relaxing and chill. For the coaches who flew in and us who lead the squad, it was constant debriefing each team, one-on-ones, announcements, leading and prepping for squad sessions. Even though it was a really good debrief, it looked much different than any other debrief we have been apart of.
It was difficult and going from two travel days and little sleep into a busy back to back debrief. Even though we were exhausted the Lord provided energy and an awareness to love this squad. The last full day of debrief was one of my favorites. We had one-on-ones back to back all morning. Even though naturally that would drain me, but it was so life giving, and Austin would say the same thing. We were able to be poured into by our squad as we got to do the same thing. It is something beautiful knowing that even though I am here to minister and fight for my brothers and sisters, they are ministering back to us.
Marriage
Austin and I haven’t had us time since a short weekend in Ecuador ( in February), and even that was not enough time. Since we have stepped into squad leaders, our time has been even more challenging to find time for us. We decided after debrief to book a few nights at and Airbnb. We needed that time for the Lord and for our marriage. We were blessed to find this sweet apartment that has a pool on a rooftop that over looks the beauty of a bay with mountains surrounding us. We were able to dream together and really communicate on where we both are. When we have tons of tasks and ministry that happens all day, then by the end of the day we are exhausted to even communicate well. This time was refreshing and spent well. I never would have imagined us spending our world race in this very beautiful touristy town, but the Lord does provide. Marriage is hard in general, and the race is a different kind of living, but He has been shaping and growing us in so many new ways.
Montenegro
This month we are with two teams in a small town called Bijelo Polje, it is close to the boarder of Serbia. We are with a married couple from South Africa who have done ministry in the town they currently live in and this town we are staying at. We were originally going to stay on the coast where their apartment and ministry is at, but since it is holiday season and touristy, it is expensive for us to be there for a month.
I love the town we are staying in, there are people the teams have built relationships with and constantly people out in the park. There are restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, ice creme shops, people to constantly get to know as we live here. Our ministry is just building relationships with people and showing and sharing the love of Jesus here. Montenegro is such a dark place spiritually. There are no Christian churches here, only Orthodox and Muslim. As we try and present the gospel to people, they are very turned off to hearing the good news. It is such a beautiful place to live, but so oppressed at the same time. Montenegro has just been an country for just a little over 11 years, there have been dictators, wars, and now independence. The older generation you can see their hard faces and closed off nature. There have been people who have been so open and giving at the same time. The people who work at the hotel we stay at give so well to us, the ice creme lady right outside the hotel has taken a couple of girls on my team to her house to pick raspberries. Hopefully we will all get to go. She also blesses us with free ice creme, which I will never oppose.
We still have over a week here, please be praying alongside with us for the people here in Montenegro. For seeds to be planted, for people to be called here to do full time ministry, for people to see the need of a Savior, and for lives to be transformed.
Debrief
Time with my man
Train rides
Bijelo Polje
Thanks for reading and keeping up with how we are doing. We really appreciate all who support us and check in with how we are doing. We as ONLY $684 away from being fully funded!!!! Praise God in how he has provided what we need this year. Thank you all who have felt called to give towards us this year, we are so thankful for our financial supports along with the people who encourage us during this journey. We are honored to be here and to love God and others in so many countries.
You can be praying for us as we continue to lead 50 others on our squad, prioritizing our marriage, and being spirit lead. Please feel free to email us or message us, we love hearing from people back home. And speaking of back home, our moms surprised us with the news that they will be visiting us in Romania… next month!!! So excited to see them and give them hugs.
Again please pray for this beautiful country and these beautiful people.
