Where's Rebecca? (It's kind of like "Where's Waldo?" but without all the other people and the striped shirt.)
On the race, we usually have ministry commitments six days a week, leaving us one day each week to explore our surroundings. This month, our explorations have led us to not one, but two fortresses. I now consider myself an expert on all things fortress related, even though almost every sign we saw was in Serbian. As an expert, I would like present Five Fortress Facts that you may appreciate.
Fortress Fact #1: Fortresses are AMAZING!!! They are way bigger than I ever imagined them to be, and you can explore them for hours and never seem to end up in the same place twice.
Fortress Fact #2: Going to a fortress and trying to map out exactly where you'd like to go will ultimately lead you to disappointment. You'll see far more than you ever thought you would just by enjoying the exploration.
Fortress Fact #3: Fortresses have lots of cool places to hide in. Not only that, but, if you wanted to jump out and attack your “enemies,” there are plenty of opportunities.
Fortress Fact #4: Fortresses are solid. It is crazy to me that they've been around for so long and are still standing strong.
Fortress Fact #5: When you're in a fortress, it's easy to picture being royalty on some grand adventure. Whether your style is Princess Bride or Lord of the Rings, a fortress visit will bring it out big time!
As we wandered around the fortresses, I kept remembering that God is often described as a fortress in the Bible. I think the Fortress Facts apply pretty well with Him in mind, too. (Although I'll take away my tongue-in-cheek proclamation of being any kind of expert!)
What about the “chasing lions in a castle” title, what's that about?
Well, I only put castle in the title 'cause I thought the alliteration was catchy, but…
While we were exploring the fortress, we discovered two kittens playing in a field. As we were taking in the absurdity of their cuteness in the middle of the fortress, all of a sudden Majil asked, “do you guys hear a lion?” Well, no, Majil, we see kittens, but we don't hear any lions. Majil insisted, “I'm sure that I heard a lion, I'm going to go find it.” And off she went, around the corner to find a lion.
In the minute that followed, I considered how disappointed I would be when Majil got sent home for stress-related hallucinations. (“Being on Logistics is even tougher than I thought!,” I mused.) But, then, as quickly as she left, Majil returned, proudly declaring, “I found the lion!”
Wait, WHAT?!? Well, as it turns out, the Belgrade Zoo is located directly next to, and in some areas, built into, the former walls of the fortress. Now, that's just cool. Which leads to a BONUS Fortress Fact:
Fortress Fact (Bonus): If you're exploring a fortress, do it with people who are listening for lions and are willing to chase them. Even if all you're seeing are kittens, eventually you'll find so much more.
True story.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1&2
Cold Shower & Coke Count: 34 & 21
