My team has been placed in Novi Sad, Serbia, which means “New Garden”. This is such a pertinent phrase for the beginning of a journey such as this. These first couple of weeks have been such a refreshing invitation. I feel as if the Lord has brought me to a new garden where he has planted seeds that have begun to bud with unforced rhythms of grace, and will continue to bloom as the months come and pass.
This past week we had the honor of serving at a teenage camp. I was extremely intimidated initially going into camp with a bunch of cool Serbian teenagers as a very uncool American girl. However, the Lord quickly rebuked that lie and replaced it with bursting joy! I woke up each morning, wonder making me full, with a beckoning to come and play.
Among other things, I got to help with a photography workshop, played lots of soccer four square, sat around a campfire and watched fire and leaves fall like snow, attempted to learn some Serbian with patient teachers, ran around and played many games, shared part of my story and the redemption the Lord has revealed in my life, wildly danced and sang in the rain, prayed with new friends, ate [so much] delicious Serbian food, and laughed until my body ached.
My dear friends Nina and Kristina who were on the leadership team at camp.
One day, I escaped into the hills where the campground is hidden with some of my teammates. We skipped across the rocks as if we had a secret that could no longer be concealed. I was completely overcome by the splendor around me, and how the Spirit was stirring within me. I was so overwhelmed and it was difficult to soak it all in. So I began to eat everything in sight. Literally. Apples, grapes, flowers, and mystery berries. Perhaps it wasn’t the wisest choice, but oh, I simply couldn’t help myself. I had to consume what was before me.
Giddy over the victory of reaching these apples through a barbed wire fence.
I am caught in such a state of reverence by the sweetness of the Spirit’s presence I have encountered thus far on the race. It has been dripping down my throat and has begun to water the garden of my heart. What anticipation rests deep in my soul with the thought that this is only the beginning. Oh, how I long for the Lord to kiss my eyes so that I can see what He sees. I am expectant for what I have yet to taste and see; the unforced rhythms of grace.
