Typically the hardest part of something is getting started. My first blog out of the states is proving this to be true, but I am always up for any challenge. Here is my best attempt at updating you on crazy days of travel and pioneering Kosovo. Let me just start by saying yes, it took literally four days to get here. There wasn’t much sleep but there were a lot of laughs and tons of backpacks.
We eventually made it to our humble abode in Gjakova, Kosovo and were quickly introduced to a culture that thrives on espresso and bread. So fueled by caffeine and carbs we began to seek ministry here. We are living in a wonderful church hosted by Pastor Nik and his family. A little bit of history; Pastor Nik was the first Christian in this country and most believers and current pastors first heard of the Word and Jesus through him. Talk about cool! We are also blessed by the people of the country itself because, although predominantly Muslim, they just so happen to love Americans. This country didn’t gain their independence until 2008 and we helped immensely in the war that led to this.
Another highlight is that we are the first team of racers to come here. It is both a huge opportunity as well as a daunting responsibility. We don’t have a strict schedule and it is up to my team to take action and initiative in making fruitful connections. We help our contact at their store that funds the church and then seek out future ministry sights that would allow missionaries to continue coming to this beautiful country.
This is where the past year of my life has started to make a lot of sense. Relying on God to direct me in His time and having patience and faith that my prayers will be answered as He sees fit, it’s all coming into play now. I have felt completely in my element so far and am more thankful then ever for the lessons leading up to the race that taught me to let go of myself and find freedom in Christ. It’s been not only freeing but fulfilling. When finding faith wrecked me it was also consistently providing me with an enlightening life that I would never have chose on my own. My walk never failed to reveal all the things that I truly longed for, which is better then my worldly dreams and backed by purpose. I felt a calling and ran after it without hesitating, and here I am doing what I was made for no looking back.
Aside from working at the store we offer a strong Christian presence during the month of Ramadan. We walk the streets doing ministry and building relationships in the community day and night. And last week we met Jackie, a missionary from the states who has been here for 15 years now. Her story was inspiring and lit my flame a little brighter after hearing how she had no intention of staying here but now sees no signs of leaving. A month might not be a long time, but I have already been witness to the greatness of a moving Spirit led by willing missionary feet.
At this rate Kosovo could potentially be a country where not only future teams can come, but whole squads! Praise God. Every morning we wake up to pray for an hour and a half beside Pastor Nik and his family and there is just so much to be thankful for right now. It may only be the start of this journey but I am so happy I told God that He could send me to the nations. I see a potential harvest in this country that cannot be ignored and I am ecstatic to be a part of it. Again, I am blown away by the love and support from my home team. There are so many stories that remain untold in this so feel free to write me, to ask questions and send encouragement… I would love to share the love I have for Gjakova over a cup of coffee.
