Upon our arrival in Serbia, it took no less than 2 hours for our team to be told about our soon-to-be Serbian grandma: Ziza (pronounced “Giga”).
We were told about the World Race teams before us that fell in love with her sweet spirit, open arms and delicious crepes. And on our 3rd day in Serbia, that’s exactly what we experienced.
I found myself with eyes full of tears after being welcomed into her house. She immediately embraced each of us, told us she loved us and that she was blessed we came to see her. It blew my mind to think WE were a blessing to her, when it was so obvious that she blessed us so greatly! God is cool like that.
That afternoon was spent learning how to make homemade palatschinke, more commonly known as crepes! Ziza made sure that we all watched her make a few crepes, after a very in depth description of how to place the batter in the pan and how to use your wrist to flip the crepe. She was very good at making sure we were well taken care of. She also made sure that we all, yes all 8 of us, had the opportunity to make at least 2 on our own so when we return home, we could make them without Ziza. The crepes were delicious, but the sweetest part of that day was getting to hear Ziza’s story, being invited into her comfy home and spending time with someone who, very quickly, became our Serbian grandma, or as we call her: Ziza Baba, which means Granny Ziza.
After our day with Ziza, we continued to visit her and see her at other friends houses. Ziza continued to welcome us with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She loved to practice her English by being sure to tell us “I love you,” when we left. This month, choosing who to highlight Ziza as a Kingdom Hands spotlight was such a blessing. In the past 5 months I have met hard working, diligent, fast-paced brothers and sisters. While there is no doubt this is the same attitude of Ziza’s heart and that in earlier years, this was probably true for her as well. But this month’s Kingdom Hands spotlight is one who mirrors the gentleness, emotion and embrace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As my team and I discussed the impact Ziza had on us, we came to realize the blessing her open arms of hospitality and genuine, deep love for us were. “It is so evident that she loves people so so much. She has a big heart and a way about her that is such a restful presence and makes anyone feel loved and at home,” said Edna. As this month marked the halfway point of our Race, we are starting to feel the emotion of missing home and the Lord used Ziza to, not only help us feel at home physically, but to remind us of an even better home that we are bound for: Heaven with Jesus. Sarah said, “Ziza is unique in her ability to love strangers wholeheartedly. Walking into her house felt like visiting family.” Rachel spoke the truth: “she has impacted the kingdom with her genuine hospitality and for offering rest and love to the children of God with a love and joy that could only come from the Lord.” Each moment with Ziza was a moment of rest for me and my team. The further we get from home, the more we long to be at home. But Vivi pointed out that “Ziza’s love for us showed us how the family and the body of Christ is everywhere.” Everywhere? Yes. My best friend Madilynn often reminds me that the same Jesus that she is walking with, is also walking with me. This makes the distance seem way less heavy. When we focus on our Savior, who is everlasting and ever-present, the pain of the world begins to fade away and we realize that He is the home we deeply desire. Home is with Jesus.
Ziza is in her 70s and often mentions that her time on earth will soon come to a close. While this is hard to process for people that love her deeply and dislike the thought of her leaving us, our sadness is replaced by the joy that Jesus gives us in his death and RESURRECTION! Because He lives, so will we! The life of Jesus proclaims freedom and life everlasting for all! This is the message Ziza truly lives, every single day. My team and I were blessed, not only by her delicious crepes and sweet hospitality, but by her courage and confidence in who she knows herself to be, as a daughter of God, and who she knows her Savior to be.
The word home is beginning to have a different meaning for me. It’s not a place and it’s not even a friend. It’s not a feeling or an emotion. Home isn’t here in Serbia or there in Illinois. My home rests in Jesus. Ziza is ready to go home. Her desire to meet and live alongside Jesus is displayed in everything she does. She is an image of light to everyone she meets, a hand of generosity, a voice that calms and a heart that leaps for joy! Ziza Baba has forever impacted the Kingdom of God by choosing to claim her home in him and reminding all of her welcomed guests of that same message for them. Whether in Serbia or Heaven, I look forward to the day I will be reunited with my sweet Ziza Baba.
