I wanted to revisit one of my favorite nights of ministry from Macedonia. We were told that we were going to the town’s square to hang out, talk to people, and do facepainting for the kids. It was cool, every single night the square was BURSTING with excitement, energy, and people who just came to socialize with each other and for the kids to run around and play!
We showed up energetic and sporting some facepaint ourselves to show off to the kids for ideas for them to get and were ready for whatever the evening had in store for us!
At first, the kids were a little hesitant; however, I found myself with a little girl who just wanted to be around me. She took my hand, tried to talk to me but with the language barrier all we could do was smile and laugh with each other. We chased each other around the square, her mother and grandmother gave me some sparkling water and she and I painted each other! She called me “DaDa.” I was very confused because in America that means “dad,” but in Macedonia it comes as a sign of respect for those older than you. It is like “auntie,” or “sister.” My heart melted for her and we bonded the rest of the evening. About a week later we found outselves back in the square at night and she found me again and gave me a huge hug! Children are the most precious things!
“She called me ‘DaDa!”
