Most people will say that the World Race is the hardest but most rewarding thing they have ever done. But I have spent the past 6 months waiting for the World Race to become hard for me.
I have slept on the floor in almost every country we’ve been to. I’ve eaten bugs. I’ve used squatty potties without running water. I’ve learned how to give difficult feedback to people I live with. I’ve been surrounded by other people 24/7 without much privacy at all. I’ve sat on overnight planes for 16+ hours at a time. I have slept on the floor of airports. I haven’t slept at all. I’ve traveled from country to country on 30 hour bus rides eating nothing but cookies and peanut butter. I’ve struggled with the frustration of numerous different language barriers. I’ve walked in obedience to the Lord as He was pointing out certain comfort zones that He wanted me to step out of. I’ve eaten mysterious items that people have put in front of me. I’ve walked up to strangers asking if I could pray over them. I’ve taken an uncountable amount of ice cold bucket showers with nothing but the lighting from a dim headlamp, with flies swarming in my face while trying not to step on frogs.
But I’ve still waited to be able to say that the World Race has personally been hard for me. And then we came to Sombor, Serbia where Jon and I fell in love with the people, the town, the ministry, and the deep connection we felt to this place.
I can say with full confidence that the day we left Sombor after pouring our hearts into that place for 4 weeks was the hardest day I have experienced on the Race and also one of the hardest days I’ve experienced even before the Race. We both developed such a special and unique bond and relationship with our ministry host, Zoli, his wonderful wife Tanja, and their 2 beautiful daughters. Saying goodbye to them was like saying goodbye to our home.
We’re still feeling the weight of our sadness from having to leave Sombor but we know without a doubt that we are not finished with that place yet. From the first week we arrived there, the Lord put such a love in our hearts for Zoli, Tanja, and the town of Sombor that we know we will have a lifelong connection with them.
Many people on our squad have asked us if we think we’re going to move there. Our answer: we have not yet received any confirmation from the Lord to move to Serbia, but we would not be surprised if that’s what He tells us to do. Whether we move there, or visit, or stay connected through financial support and prayer, or our lasting friendship with our hosts, we know that we will forever be connected to Sombor in some way. Our number one prayer right now is that we will have listening hearts to what the Lord is telling us to do and after the Race is over, we have agreed to say “yes” to His calling where ever that takes us and His direction is what we are waiting on.
This past month was filled with so many memories, friendships, and different ministries that we did! Enjoy some photos below of our time in Serbia and please keep the town of Sombor in your prayers!
Visiting the Refugee camp in Sombor! I loved spending time with these beautiful and loving women!
Zoli convinced me to try their traditional fish stew and it was delicious!
Trying to take a nice photo with Tanja and Zoli photo bombed it with his beauuuuuutiful face…
One of my main ministries this month was cooking! Cooking for pastor’s meetings, for events, for our teams, and for our Beauty for Ashes event that we put on for the women of Sombor!
When two families become one 🙂 Jonny and I with Zoli, Tanja, Anastazia, and Viktorija <3
Our teammates are part of our ministry too! I love being able to have quality time together pouring in to one another, praying for each other, and sharing each other’s dreams, struggles, and burdens. These God-fearing women are a blessing!
Our team sent Zoli and Tanja out on a date together (I know they secretly wish we all went with them…)
Some Serbs, some Americans, AND my favorite little exotic American-Philippine girl 😉
Zoli, Tanja, me and Jonny out to dinner together!
Tanja translating as Jonny D. preaches the worrrrd!
One of our many events we put on this month was called ‘Recipes of an American Grandmother.’ Here she is folks! The American Grandmother and all of her recipes!
Girls time! <3
Beauty for Ashes event: we cooked brunch, shared our testimonies about identity and finding our worth in Christ as His daughters, and pampered the women of Sombor through hair cuts, manicures, and make-overs!
There are SO many more photos and memories I could share from our time in Serbia and the Lord is so good and faithful through His blessings and love to us. We are humbled and honored to be given the gift of Sombor and for so many people there who have touched our lives forever.
Sombor: we will see you again soon 😉
***Jon and I are still in need of donations to become fully funded for this mission journey! Please consider partnering with us as we continue to bring Kingdom and the Good News to so many in need. Thank you!
