Still Here, Skopje

Sorry for the lack of pics. I have gotten some great ones but I lack the ability to get them off my computer and onto these internet cafe ones. So, what's been going down...if I had to sort of sum it up it would go something like the story when joshua and caleb come back and report there are giants in the land of promise. The people feel like grasshoppers in their own eyes. I feel like there's been a lot of opposition but on the flipside I know God's created me to be a warrior and to press through these things. At least in the past couple of years He's taught me that about myself. Besides, a little conflict is good for the soul...keeps ya sharp...and dependent on God. But I'm finding this place rich in creativity and the people are already feeling like family to me...and also as fellow soldiers of the same cause, if you will. Tonight is a cookout, and I laugh whenever I say that cause everyone says barbecue. So when you say cookout they're like what? God has really been revealing His faithfulness to me, and things that haven't made sense in the past year are beginning to make sense. Why we do certain things, why certain plans die etc. But most importantly, why we should trust him radically, even when it seems impossible. Well...gotta run...blessings.

Skopje

Yeah I'm here and just got word about Virginia Tech. Crazy how your little town can go national because of one crazy guy's choices. I'm praying for you guys. But in other words, Macedonia has been great so far. I'm enjoying my time and it's another world here. We prayed this morning and man, could've been the coffee, but I really sensed the presence of God in that room strong. I had this brief dream last night where I was back home, talking to Tammy about how I wasn't happy to be back. And some other things happened but whatever, the truth is, I will be sad to go and I still have a while yet. It's like I know God is calling me to some new step and i'm not sure what it is yet but the thought of having to wait another year etc. is depressing to me. On one side I'm filled with expectation and excitement and on the other, this sense of dread that it will take too long, that I won't make it. So I receieve the word I've gotten about a new chapter and I'll hold on to it. MIss you all in VA...much love...

The Scoop

So I know I haven't written much about my trip thus far; I've only posted these pictures. But I wasn't sure what to say at first. On the surface, it's been fun. Good laughs with friends, good wine, great food by cook extroidinare Radovan, and new territory to explore. I love the fact that Jelena and I can laugh at nothing for the longest time. And that she gave up her room for me for almost a month. I love how I can tell it to Mihaela like she's my sister. And it's been good spending time with my roommate Maranda. I love listening to worship music on park benches while the bustling city goes by. And I knew, before I left, this time would be a time for rest. But it's hard to switch gears in my mind. I'm having to retrain my thinking, that I must come to God through faith and faith alone. Not works. I'm having to rebuild that relationship with Him. While some things have been a stretch like little space, living out of a suitcase, language barrier, on the flipside God's given me such a precious time of resting in Him. My identity is not in what I can do for others, nor in how they affirm me. I've struggled so much in the past year in how others perceive me because a lot of times it takes some getting to know me or really establishing a relationship before I'll let you in the parts I like to think are really me. Part of that I know is because I'm not comfortable in who I am fully. Another side is because I watch so many people putting on shows for others. They want to be this or that and so they play a certain role. But it sounds so phony, the stuff coming out of their mouths and I don't think they even realize it. I know faith and love require action, but I think if it's truth then power will follow. If you don't have power, you have religion, as Robert Mearns said once. So instead of acting out of insecurity or self-will, why not wait on the Lord, His timing, His way? I had this dream recently where I first trying to fly. I would last a few minutes in the air and then have to push off the ground again. In the same dream I then began driving a jet. It was wobbly and I couldn't keep it on a straight path. I feel sort of in that adolescent phase, as a friend of mine put it. I'm a woman, yes, but in a spiritual sense, I'm still maturing, in that between phase of child and adult. But I don't want to become bogged down by details. I want to press on, and to try creative things for our Lord. I want to love Him with all of my heart and to take risks. This time away has brought a freshness to my spirit. I feel faith where there's been doubt and fear. I had such a divine appointment last weekend that I could barely keep my feet on the ground. So, to all my readers out there, it's time for new perspective. Dream bigger than you ever have. Make your requests known to God. He is wanting to turn this world down-side up, as Peter Gabriel sings. Love you all!

Belgrade, take 3

The poet's street.

I love when old men play chess in parks.

Cool murals.

These Indians were from Texas I think. They had electronic music playing behind their natural flutes etc. And the guy's voice was really neat.

Just a Day

Just a random church on my outting today. Andjelka gets to visit Dracula's home next month...no fair. I'd love to see that blood-hungry warrior's house.

We both look a little inebriated. But I promise we were in church.

While not watching "Ultraviolet" I drew my version of a comic Matrix character. Needs more guns.

Sketches

Look familiar? Yep, you guessed it. Shea being punched by his roommate Adams.

I did another black banner here in Belgrade. The design is above with a few changes. It turned out well I think.