Can U Visualize Organized Chaos??

A while back I posted a blog about the adventure into "organized chaos" that is driving in Skopje. To help you visualize this, I decided to make a video of a typical taxi-ride. As it turned out, this ride was anything but typical. There was no gridlock, no honking horns, no near-misses, no stop-lights out, no traffic police and no stress. This had to be one of the most pleasant rides that I've ever had. Surely the music had to have something to do with it. ;) Even so, there are still some typical hallmarks of a taxi-ride in this video that you will likely enjoy: 4 lanes for 2, donkey cart, pedestrians, turning vehicles and seemingly impossible intersections. Welcome to my world and living in organized chaos.

"I am the center of the world!"

Several years ago a billboard popped up all over town with a very in-your-face statement that when coupled with the photo really packed a punch.

It said, or rather yelled, "I am the center of the world!"

Today I was reminded of this billboard as several ladies from the International Church and I began a Bible study on the book of Daniel. In the study Beth Moore says that, "Babylon is a philosophy, a way of thinking, an attitude. Babylon symbolizes self will... a mentality of complete self-absortion."

That struck me because that sentiment is still true to this day. This world that we live in tells us that life is all about us. Me. What I want. What pleases me. We are surrounded by choices and media that seek to influence us, to make their mark on our lives. One of the key questions this morning was, "Are we influencing Babylon, or being influenced by it?"

There's a lot to unpack in all this, to ponder, pray and practice... and this was just day one! I'm sure that the next 12 weeks will be quite interesting and challenging as we work out these truths in our lives. Please pray with us, that our lives be truly transformed by God's Word and that we become like Daniel and resolute in following Him... to not be conformed to the pattern of this world.

Recipe: Shopska Salad

Every country has their own specialty food items that stand out above the rest. One of my favorites here in the Balkans is the "Shopska Salad."

Here's the basic recipe:

1 cucumber, diced (use English or Hothouse cucumbers for best flavor)
1 tomato, diced
shredded feta cheese
dash of salt
oil

Dice the cucumber and tomatos. Sprinkle with salt and oil. Mix well. [Some local friends insist that you should mix with your hands, convinced that it makes it taste better because it insures thorough blending. Personally, I use a fork.] Shred the feta cheese on top of the salad. Use as much or as little feta as you like. Optional additions include: diced onions and/or diced hot or sweet green pepers.

Prijetno! (Enjoy!)

When I'm showing visitors/friends from the US around town, one guaranteed stop is at a small restaurant in the old city appropriately named, "Turist Restaurant." This place has one of the best presentations of this local favorite. (Pictured) When people first find out that it's made with feta cheese, eyebrows do shoot up and quizical/doubtful expressions appear; however, most people are converted to shopska-lovers pretty quickly.

The mix of flavors in this salad is amazing. I'm convinced that it's because the veggies are fresh and ripe and the feta, locally made, far-surpasses any feta you can get in the US. Sitting in a garden courtyard cafe next to a fountain probably has something to do with it too. Ambiance and all. ;)

Coping with multiple loss...

In one year she has lost 3 immediate family members. Some from long illnesses and others from sudden events. And now there there is no one left. She is alone.

She has experienced her share of health problems, including being hit by a car and breaking her leg. An injury that hindered here in her ability to do her job, which provides minimal income--yet she pressed on.

Because of her depressed financial and life circumstance, she has had to move multiple times in just this past year. Five to be exact.

Her current living situation was far better then the previous ones, and she was acting as a home-health-care person for the landlord in exchange for room and board. However, her landlord has been quite ill for several months now and just today she called me to let me know that her landlord had passed away.

And she must find yet another place to live.

Personally it's difficult for me to even concieve of this level of loss, pain and grief. In researching this on the internet, I found that the death of a close family member, moving and financial troubles consistently rank in the top 5 of stressful lifes events. And this dear lady has experienced multiples in a very small time frame: about 18 months. And what I've mentioned here is only a small part of the big picture. How would you handle this kind of loss? Can you even concieve of it?

In the time that I've known this dear lady, her emotions have run the gamut, understandably, and depression has threatened. I feel so inadequate in even how to encourage her, and so I just sit, listen, pray and let her cry on my shoulder.

She only had a copy of the New Testament and so had never read the Psalms. I was able to get Bible for her (with both OT and NT) and we have begun reading through the Psalms and discussing them together. She has found much comfort and solace there in the words of others who have also faced real and deep life struggles. More importantly, she has found a deeper hope in Jesus, knowing that He cares for her. Though there is still a long road ahead.

Please pray with me for this dear woman, especially now as she faces this new life challenge. Please also pray for me for wisdom in counsel and encouragement.


Image source: http://iwritetheblogs.wordpress.com/2007/05/21/the-short-and-long-good-bye/

So I apparently broke the law... so says one

When blogging, writing, or otherwise striving to express your thoughts with words, be careful what descriptors you put together with subjects. The perfect phrase may not be so perfect in the eyes of some, and your "original thought" may be claimed by someone else.

An annonymous commenter posted a notice on my blog "I Bought Vodka Today" telling me that I'd infringed upon thier registered trademark and was breaking the law. In particular, it was regarding my word choice in combination with the word "vanilla" to describe the ability to have an endless supply of extract.

(You remember, if you add a bean and a little more vodka to your extract, it will continually renew itself. Perpetually.)

Considering my struggles with being concise, I was so proud of myself at being able to describe that thought succintly in 3 words! The problem was that the first two of those three words turned out to be the same as a product's brand name. Who knew!?

As I'd never even heard of this product, I looked them up. Sure enough, the commentor was telling the truth. And as it's a real product I can see how my wording could be misconstrued as a reference to their product if they knew of the product in the first place. Again, a product that I'd never heard of being from California, currently living overseas, and they being a small family company based in Georgia.

I'm irritated about all this and am writing this blog in protest of the accusation towards my use of the descriptive narrative on point of principle. I was just writing "words" descriptive of a concept I wanted to convey. It was my original thought at the time of writing, and as I'd had no knowledge of any product using those words, my use of them was not in any way an infringement of any trademark. Furthermore, the facts that the words in question were neither capitalized nor set apart in quotes should make it pretty clear that it's NOT a reference to anything, but simply a description of an idea.

It irks me that someone thinks they can now force me to give them credit for a word-phrase, thus turning it into a product's name (and thus an advertisement for it), when it was something that I thought of on my own. How can someone sensor me and my original thoughts as being a reference to their product when I've never even known such a product to exist?!! It's ridiculous. I've polled several people around me, even those who are from the same state as this company, and none of them have ever heard of this product either.

Part of the problem is an issue of symantics. When I see the phrase in question there is absolutely no brand association what-so-ever. From the company's perspective, however, they're so close to their brand that when they see that phrase that contains the words that happens to be the name of their product, they immediately associate it with their product. I get that. HOWEVER, they need to realize that their product is not widely known (esp. internationally) and they cannot expect to sensor everyone in their choice of words, especially when the usuage in clearly not meant to be any reference to any product.

Good grief. All of this just because I'd just learned from another expat here how to make vanilla extract from scratch and thought it'd be fun to share.

Now, in the company's defense, I will share this. In response to my reply of shock (to their notice of trademark infringement) one of the owners shared that it's a small family-run company and they're trying to protect their trademarked name. Apparently some large company is trying to take their idea and after viewing their site I can see why this product name would be so special to them. OK. I get that this would put them on the defensive, sympathize with their situation, and truly wish them all the best in defending their brand against that. I'm all for the family business to win. (Besides, after looking at their site, they offer really cool stuff. Again, I wish them all the best.)

Like I said, I can understand their position, and having thoroughly expressed my frustrated/irritated feelings on this subject matter, I will temporarily, begrudgingly, re-word my sentence--though taken in context of my situation I do not think I should have to.

Again, the lesson learned from all this? Be careful what words you use to describe something, especially in a public venue like a blog. The perfect phrase may not be so perfect after all.

To Catch a Floating Cross!

Thousands look on as dozens of grown men race into freezing cold water to capture a cross and good luck and health for the year. This is Epiphany day in Macedonia, aka. the commemoration of the day Jesus was baptised.

The service begins with the arrival of the preistly leaders of the Orthodox church with the banner carriers leading the procession. The Prime Minister also arrived soon after (side note: this is the first time I saw him in person... looks just the same as he does on TV!). Passages from the Gospel of Mark were read which told the story of Jesus going to John the Baptist at the Jordan River to be baptised and how the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. My language is still a bit weak, but it seems the priest went on then to talk about the meaning and tradition of baptism. He then brought everyone to the present by saying that today, the Vardar was their Macedonian Jordan. He then dipped the ceremonial cross into special holy water, splashing it towards the river and onto the spectators, three times. Then he hurled the cross into the river! (If you look above the bridge to the right of the red sign you'll see the cross mid-flight.)

This is what the dozens of swim-trunk-clad men were waiting for. They jumped in an excited frenzy and dashed to be the one to catch the cross. It's believed that the person who catches the cross will have good luck and health in the coming year. The winner also gets a TV, refrigerator and washing machine! A young man named Alexander caught it this year. The other contestants crowded around him, hugging and congratulating him as the applause and cheers of thousands rang out.

Immediately following, people then make their way down towards the waters edge to touch the water, splash it on their face, drink it or gather it into containers to take home. You may wonder why? Well this is because it's believed the water is now holy and will be a blessing to all those who touch it or bring it into their home. There was a sense of joy among the people at the conclusion of this event. And as the preistly procession made thier way off of the bridge toward the church people crowded around to touch or kiss the icons on the banners in reverence.

This was a very interesting event and I'm glad that I finally was able to go.

Voting in absentia

Believe it or not, this year will be the first time in FIVE years that I've been able to vote in a primary election. Why? Well, my ballot actually arrived early enough this year. If I mail it by tomorrow it just might make it in time for the February 5th primary.

In years past my ballot has arrived:
1 week before, 2 days before, the day of, or, my personal favorite, 1 WEEK LATE!

I wonder. Am I the only one who encounters this challenge?

It's a priviledge to vote, but one I've not had the priviledge of doing often from overseas. Frankly, unless a ballot arrives in ample time for me to mail it back in time to count, I'm just not going to vote. Somehow I just can't bring myself to spend the $50 that it would take to overnight it (and I doubt California would be willing to reimburse me). As it is, I'll likely run my ballot over to the embassy and let them mail it for me. Just to be sure it arrives in time. (Too bad we can't simply VOTE at the embassy.)

So, here I am with a rare opportunity to be able to make my voice heard from way over here. Now if only I had a clue of who to vote for... but that's another story (and not one I'll ever be likely to share in this medium).

Ghost in the Machine

Everything seemed to go wrong this past Sunday morning at the International Church. Why is it that this tends to happen when VIP's (aka: bosses from the regional and national offices) come to town??

1. The room wasn't cleared so by the time we were set up we'd lost about 1/2 hour of practice time.

2. The mic's were initially nowhere to be found and by the time they were located another 15 minutes were gone.

3. When the system was finally hooked up and we were ready to practice, there was a noticabley loud, persistent and buzzing feedback--ironically caused by the feedback monitors! As time was steadily ticking by we simply set the monitors aside and worked through the set.

Without the feedback monitors we all felt quite lost in a sea of swirling music that never seemed to catch the same wave. Also, due to the time we'd lost in the beginning, we didn't even get to run through the whole set. It was a difficult practice to say the least!

Did I mention that our big bosses from the National Office were in town to witness all this?

Well, there one thing that we do every Sunday and is something that we held to even a bit tighter on this particular morning. We pray before the service. There's something to be said about kneeling before the King together amidst the chaos. It quiets your soul and puts things in perspective. It's all about Him.

In the end, everything went very well. We were able to let the practice troubles go and truly worship the King. Several in the congregation commented how they too were able to really enter into worship. Worship continued through the message which resonated in hearts about Jesus and springs of Living Water. The concepts illustrated so well. God was amidst us this Sunday morning and we knew it.

Considering how the morning started, that it worked out this way amazing and totally God's doing. Sometimes I think it's good that we have these times where things don't go according to our plan, because it's then that we get to see His shine all the brighter.

*******

Footnote: a few days later David had gone back to work with the tech guy to figure out what was wrong with the sound system. They hooked everything up exactly as before... and there was nothing wrong!

Christmas Day Festivities & Concert

Can you believe I'm still writing about Christmas?? Well, it's still technically the holiday season here and won't be officially concluded until "Old New Year" (aka Jan 13th). ;) Todays blog includes a video clip of the Christmas concert as well as info on the cultural festivities for Christmas Day...

The Church bells echoed through the city to announce the special Christmas Day service. The service was televised, so I watched it and tried to understand what was being said. After the service special songs were broadcast out into the street while worshippers came to light candles and place them into special candelabras set up outside, to visit various icon stations inside and also to be blessed by the priest. I think they were also offering communion as well. I went to the church to take in the festivities as it's such a big part of the culture here, however I hung back on the fringes out of respect. The church was open to people all day long and everyone was enjoying the holiday with family.

Later that evening I went to a special Christmas concert in the city center. Fliers had gone up all over the city to advertise for it and a whole lot of people showed up. It was standing room only! There were actually several people there that I knew, including some that I'd not seen in a while. It was so enjoyable to do some catching up as well as to meet many new people. Have I mentioned recently how much I enjoy the people here? Anyways, the concert was fabulous and the musicians and singers were amazing. I've attached a small clip of the song, "Angels We Have Heard on High" to give just a little window into it:

In an earlier blog I'd mentioned the special bread with the coin in it. Well, this is what it looks like as displayed at a local bakery. Anyways, my hairdresser told me that some families will have this bread on New Years while others will serve it for the special Christmas Eve dinner. The person who gets the piece with the coin in it is believed to have good luck and health for the new year. :) My only advice is that if you buy one, or are served one, be careful about the piece you bit into. The coin may be wrapped in paper, but I learned the hard way that it still hurts if you bite into it!

Thanks for visiting and being a part of the holiday season with me this year. Stay tuned, though. There's still more to come like "Old New Year" and "Epiphany." Also coming soon is the vanilla bean-in-vodka brewing experiment update as well as perhaps some recipes of local and personal favorites. Until next time...

Grandma's sitting on goose eggs???

He ducked his head in sheepish laughter (and maybe a hint of embarassment) when I posed the question to him. This man (I'll call him "Zoran") is the owner of my neighborhood market and he and his wife are also my local/informal cultural advisors. Now you may be wondering what question could I have possibly asked to get this kind of response?

Well.....

Several days ago I'd asked Zoran's wife if she could tell me the lyrics to the song that the kids sing for Kolede. She laughed and then grabbed a piece of paper to write it for me.... then laughed again because she couldn't remember it! "It was so long ago and I'm so much older now!" She offered that she could work on it and maybe would remember it by the time I got back from the bonfire. So I agreed to come back right before closing.

Later, with lyrics in hand, I set about trying to translate what was written. There were some words, however, that I simply had to figure out through inference. The one that really got me stuck was what was Grandma doing with the 4 goose eggs. She was either "incubating" them or "clucking like a goose with 4 eggs." I chose the second one... the seemingly less absurd of the two.

Right.

This brings me to last night. I'd just gotton home from worship practice and stopped into the store to get kiselo "sour" water (aka. bubbly water). The husband was there so I asked if I could ask him a question about the song the kids sing. "What is grandma doing?" That was when he ducked his head and laughed... I mentioned the goose eggs and he laughed all the more. I mentioned that there were two translation possiblities, and then with giggles approaching tears he assured me the correct translation was that Grandma was "incubating" (or sitting on) the eggs so that they would hatch.

Who writes this stuff???? [Though I must confess I'm intrigued about it's origin and how old it is.]

Then we got to talking about what was going on with Grandpa while Grandma was hen-sitting the eggs. That only increased the volume and boisterousness of his laughter. The tree limb (log) "ytepalo" Grandpa... Well, Zoran "translated" the word for me by smacking himself upside the head... so "struck" sounds about right, I'm thinking. But then there was the question about Grandpa's health. Translated, it sounded like Grandpa was in agony (duh!) but talking with other Macedonian friends they imply that Grandpa died!

[Reminder: children sing this song door-to-door with smiles on their faces.]

Zoran never did answer this question, but just laughed all the more at my reaction to discovering the "meaning" of this 'cheery song' that children sing! He was still laughing as I paid for my water, left the shop and headed up the steps to my building's entrance.

Thinking about it, I imagine my reaction would be akin to his if I had to explain to someone about the "cheery" song, "Grandma got run over by a reindeer..." Though at least we don't go singing it door-to-door in exchange for treats! ;)

****

Post Script: I just asked our field office cleaning lady about the word "ytepalo." She says it's the same as to die or be killed... this song just keeps getting better :::said with tongue firmly planted in cheek::: and now she's laughing too and writing down the lyrics to another song for me that's sung on "Old New Year," January 13th. But I think I'll save that gem for later. ;)

Image sources:

"Mother Goose on Eggs' http://www.pbase.com/catherinegardner/image/28417160

"Cypress log" http://forestry.about.com/od/forestphotogalleries/ig/Gum-cypress-Swamp/Cypress-Log.htm

Christmas Eve in Macedonia

The children ring the doorbell with gusto and wait expectantly to receive treats in reward for singing a song. Sounds like Halloween doesn't it? Well, it's actually Christmas Eve in Macedonia, January 6th, and another Kolede tradition.

Like the bonfire, this special tradition has its roots in old Slavic folk religion. It was believed that the spirits of those who had died would awaken and roam the earth, going from house to house looking for food. To avoid being cursed or receiving some other evil punishment, you had to comply with thier demands.

Again, the modern Orthodox church has attempted to redeem this pagan tradition. According to the official website, "Children go from door to door singing Christmas carols, heralding the birth of Jesus, and receiving fruits, nuts and candy from the people."

The current practice, however, combines elements of the above and has simply become an annual tradition that kids look forward to each year. It's an early AM tradition too (a colleague of mine had kids at her door at 5:15AM). I'm told that in some of the villages children head out as early as 2 or 3am! The fact they head out so early in the morning would explain why I didn't see many young children at the bonfire the night before.

Here's a VERY rough translation of the song:

One icey Kolede
a tree limb fell on grandpa
grandpa was in agony.
Grandma incubates [sits on] 4 goose eggs.
Crazy happenings, Kolede!

Today is Kolede

tomorrow is Christmas
We're going to kill a calf

but the calf yells, "lele!"
I won't kill the calf

I'll give you veggies and we'll make pita

for all of us to eat. Kolede!

Kinda reminds you of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer," doesn't it? ;)

This year, when I arrived home from the bonfire, I set out my clothes, set my alarm clock and made sure the oranges and M&M's were by the door and ready for these early morning visitors. Even with all my preparations, I found myself in the shower when I heard the distinct sounds of children singing echoing down the hall and approaching my front door!

I immediately flashed back to my first Christmas here in Skopje. My language teacher had warned me that the kids would be coming around, but I thought that it would be in the evening like it is for trick-or-treaters in the US. OH! I was so wrong! My confusion and disorientation were of comic proportions when I was jarred from a deep sleep at "O-Dark-Thirty" to the incessant BUZZ of my front door and the cheery singing of children. By the time I scrambled out of bed and made myself presentable for public consumption, the kids were gone and I was left with a kilo of chestnuts and no one to give them to!

That Christmas Eve I made a promise to myself that I'd not miss the kids again. (Seriously, it's a fun way to get to know your neighborhood kids as well as get a cultural indoctrination!) Yet inexplicably each year something has happened and I refused to miss it yet again this year. So I took the fastest shower possible (Guiness would be proud), got dressed and ran out the door with fuzzy-slippered feet and wet hair flying. Yes, I admit with slight embarassment that I chased after the kids down the hall of my building. ;) One child happened to be on his way down from the upper floors, saw me and the gleeming yellow and black packets of M&M's and excitedly called to his friends, "Hey guys! Come down here! There's a lady with candy!"

Quickly, though, I relized that I wouldn't have enough oranges or candy to give out, so I quickly raided my Christmas tree of it's candy canes and hoped I'd have enough to give the kids before I had to run out the door to church. Yes, I was getting ready for the international church service during all this.

When the next group of kids came by my hair was in hot rollers (!)... so I called, "Samo moment!!" towards the door where they were eagerly singing and then ripped out the curlers and sent them flying... one was still rolling across the floor as I answered the door with big hair (VERY BIG HAIR) to the, again, appreciative kids who cheerfully sang and gladly accepted the candy canes.

After a few more groups of kids came by I hurriedly finished getting ready for church and dashed out before more kids came by as I was out of candy (and I had to get to church on time for worship practice before service). Whew! What a morning... and it was still only 8:25AM!

Christmas Eve morning was a busy one as the Macedonian churches were all having their morning services. After the international service I crunched through the fresh-fallen snow and over to the Macedonian service. It's been a long time since I've been there because of ministry responsibilities at ICS, so it was really wonderful to be able to connect again and fellowship with my Macedonian friends. :) All in all, it was a great Christmas Eve morning here in Macedonia.

*******

Pictured below are some ladies from the Christmas Eve service at the Orthodox Church several years ago. They're each holding oak branches. When I asked them about it, they said that they would take the branches home and place them on the doors or walls of their home to bring good health, luck and fortune to their family and home.

Fire, Warm Whiskey and Dancing in Skopje

The heat was intense as the flames engulfed the wood pile sending pillars of orange and blue high into the cold winter sky. This was the Kolede bonfire in Skopje, one of many neighborhood fires that are a yearly tradition two days before Christmas.

Christmas, you say?? Yes, Christmas comes on January 7th here in Macedonia, one of three countries that celebrate according to the old Julian calendar. It's actually one of the really cool things about living here: celebrating Christmas twice! It's a time of year deep with culture and tradition, and this blog is one of a series to share just some of these events with you.

Kolede, I have learned from locals and through research, has its roots in the old Slavic folk religion and has transformed over the generations. Locals have told me quite plainly, "It's a pagan tradition." Basically, logs of oak (aka yule logs) were sacrified on the fire and people would dance in order to appease the gods of winter and to usher in the spring. I've read some accounts that the fire was to actually ward off the evil spirits that roamed around during this time.

Standing by the fire a couple of years ago, one lady shared that during Communist rule the bonfires became more about getting together socially with family and neighbors to dance, drink, eat and chat about their lives. My language teacher shared with me that the Orthodox church has endeavored to change the meaning of the fire and instead says that it "represents Christ's Light coming into a dark world." Whatever the reasons, the Kolede bonfire is a big cultural event, and one not to be missed if your a visitor. It's also a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors in a social setting.

Christine and I attended the bonfire in our neighborhood last night. About 150 people gathered, shivering, in the winter chill that included occasional droplets of snow, many of them carrying branches of oak. Some put them in the fire pyre while others simply held on to them and would bring them home and place in their house. The oak branches are to symbolize health and good luck for the coming year.

The Masters of Ceremonies were two men known as the Kum's (pronounced "Koom" aka "best man") and they stood on either side of the priest who opened the festivities with prayer. Afterwards he blessed a special loaf a bread into which was baked a coin. Whoever gets the piece with the coin in it will be the "Kum" for the following year. With that the meal line was opened, the rakija poured and the fire started. The food was amazing and included several local specialties like baked fish (it was amazing), pita, sarma (stuffed cabbage) and tafcha grafcha (baked beans). The key ingredient is that nothing was from animals (people are fasting during this time). Traditional Macedonian folk music was played and people danced and enjoyed the festivities.

One funny thing happened. There was this group of guys (30's-ish) who kept sending one guy over to ask Christine and I various questions (I'm thinking it was probably a little obvious we were foreingers.... and here I thought I was blending... lol). Anyways, the first time it was, "Where are you from?" After answering "America" he went back to his friends to report this (to the amusement of Christine and I.)

Well, later on he came back and asked if he could get us something to drink? "Rakija?" "No, thank you," I replied, "I had a Fanta [soda] earlier." "Seriously???" he remarked, perhaps somewhat confused by the fact I was speaking Macedonian and refusing a man's attempt to get me whiskey. He again went back to his friends.

Well, the third time he came over he basically just grabbed my hand to get me out to dance the "Oro" aka traditional line dancing. I was a little bit flustered and shot a desperate glance to the older couple next to me, pleading with my eyes, "Help me get out of this!" Well, the lady caught it and said, "Ajde! Dojde! Ke igrame!" (Come on! Let's dance!)... and she grabbed my other hand and before I knew it was dancing around the fire with a line of people! I have to admit that it was fun (and thankfully didn't turn out to be the "pick-up" that I was afraid it would be--aided by the older gentleman who joined the dance between myself and the other guy). Many thanks to Christine for documenting this moment for me. lol.

Speaking of dancing, it was so cool to watch the Macedonians dance the traditional dances that they have been doing for generations. The teenagers there were totally into it as well! They were quite good and fascninating to watch I must say. The really fun thing about these dances are that anyone can do them, young and old alike, and it's not a couples thing. It's just dancing. (I admit that it's a little hard to explain this right to my American friends, but maybe the pictures will help.)

After a while you could definitely see a visible change in the merry-making as the gallons of consumed warm whiskey and beer began showing their affects. Thus, Christine and I made our retreat, having had a very enjoyable time, and many pictures and memories to document it.

Since you asked for it: A day in my life...

Many people have asked me to describe a typical day in my life here in Skopje. I thought rather than try to sum up a typical day that I'd instead just describe one day at a time. This will be especially fun in the next couple days as Macedonia gears up for their Christmas festivities, beginning with neighborhood bonfires tomorrow night.

Last night the power went out in my block, so I found myself blindly hunting around for a lighter for my candles (losing power may be normal for colleagues in Kosovo, but not here in the city). Giving up the search, I settled on a small battery-powered booklight to light my way around the apartment (thanks to AW of Trinity, Redding). It was still early, so armed with the booklight I decided to begin reading Chasing Daylight (the irony kills me). I was just paragraphs into the first chapter when a colleagues son called me looking for a telephone number of another colleague... unfortunately with the power situation I couldn't help him.

This morning I woke up with electricity restored and to a very warm apartment (city heat is great during the super-freezing days of winter because they CRANK IT UP -- as testified to by the pilar of smoke I saw rising from the city heating plant). I fed my goldfish and myself (QT and breakfast), dressed in layers and called a taxi to take me to work.

(Yes, I admit that I'm chicken when it comes to driving in this city with the layers of ice left after a snow storm.)

Arriving at the office I realized that I'd forgotten to get some much needed supplies (TP) and so dashed right back out the door (after greeting my FD, of course, who was working diligently at his desk on a sermon for Sunday). After getting the needed supplies, I solemnly disposed of the poinsetta plant leaves that had fallen during the night (seriously, I don't have much luck with plants in the office).

It's just past the end of the month, so todays work consists of compiling worker reimbursement reports, bank statements and other financial information that needs to be processed, approved by the FD, and entered into QuickBooks. Reconciling, counting, red-penning.... This work is fun, sometimes mundane, but fairly straighforward (especially when co-workers submit their reports on-time.. like this month!)

Today's work also included the now monthly heart palpitations and sharp sucking in of breath at the exchange loss that I have to post to our books this month. (As well as the realization that it's getting more expensive to live here by the day... hour... just today the exchange rate we got was $1=€0.6758!!) When will the dollar get stronger??? This was then followed by an extended conversation with the FD and our Regional Bookkeeper to find out what our options are for posting the losses, and what to do when (not if) we run out of options.... and what this means to our budget, etc. (Imagine what this is doing to the GCF buying power as well! We really appreciate and RELY on your support. Thank you for your giving.)

[Eur-USD image source: http://katara.wordpress.com/2007/07/12/press-euro-vs-dollar/]

The door opens and it's someone looking for directions to a business office that is also in the building. Flexing my weak Macedonian muscles, I give directions and wish her a nice day. This is something that happens fairly regularly as do the visits of salesmen trying to sell/push anything from sparklers and balloons to socks, batteries and hammers. (Sometimes it happens so often in the same day that just to get some uninterrupted work done, I lock the door... shhhh... don't tell on me.)

It's Friday today, so the pastors will be having their weekly meeting and prayer time for the International Church. While they meet I try to keep my keystrokes to a minimum as the office tends to echo each and every sound with loud punctuation. It is kinda neat, though, to get a preview of the sermon for the coming Sunday.

In the winter it gets dark around 4pm, so I try to wrap the days work up pretty soon after that and head home. Leaving earlier in winter is better as there are fewer taxi's available to hitch a ride home with (maybe they're just as queasy about ice-driving as I am?!) (Yes, I could walk, but with the layers of unshoveled snow left to ice up... it's quite dangerous, AND I prefer to have my feet on solid ground.) Leaving early doesn't always happen, though ... I've been guilty of staying until 8pm sometimes. This tends to happen more when I'm knee-deep in a project (or really close to closing the month). Rather than leave it in the air until the next day, I prefer to stay and just get it done.

Are you bored yet? I may enjoy this work, but for you reading about it I can only imagine that it's about as exciting as watching paint dry. But if you've made it this far, I salute you!

Tonight I don't think I'll have a problem with staying late as there are still a few items I'm waiting for before I can close the December books. As it's Friday, though, I'll likely get together with a fellow colleague and go to dinner and possibly a movie. Infact, she just emailed suggesting just that! Cool!

Well, lunch is over and so I must close this narrative. Tune in often over the next couple of days as I will try to post photos and descriptions of the Christmas festivities here in Skopje.

Среќен Божик!! (Merry Christmas!)

A small reflection on 2007

In somewhat of a metaphorical irony, 2008 began in Skopje with a fresh covering of snow. Kind-of a cleaning of the slate, if you will, in preparation for a new start, open to new possibilities of what God will do in this coming year (after having done so much in the previous one).

2007 was a long year for many reasons, yet in other ways it seemed to go way too fast (or maybe it just seems that way since I'm now pushing 40). It began with me headed to Hawaii on my first speaking tour (what an awesome place to go!), which was so challenging and fulfilling at the same time. What a privilege it was to share with them about the Balkans and to then in-turn to share with my Macedonian friends about Hawaii via a theme party in June.

Coming back to Macedonia in February after a 3-month home assignment, though, and making the adjustment back to life here was a bit harder this time. But as I got back to work in the office, doing what I love, made new friends, developed current ones and got more involved in the ministry of the international church, I found the transition softening. And as I walked around the city on New Years Day, reflecting upon the previous year and ministry, I found that I truly love this place and the people deeply.... and think my next HA will come too soon. :)

In 2007 there was much to be thankful for: new workers, new believers, new friends, growing ministries, deepening relationships with the Lord and within the church. There were also challenges, persecution and growth opportunities. Personal tragedy hit hard for many here (colleagues, nationals and internationals) who lost loved ones from sickness, old age, or suddenly through violence or accidents... some of which still make no sense and tend to leave us with a "why". Yet we have bonded together through it all, supporting one another, encouraging, and praying... and God has been answering.

Personally, through all of these things, both the easy and the difficult, I have found my faith challenged and stretched, and strangely-enough, strengthened as I learn to trust even more each day on the One who is most trust-worthy. I cannot speak for others and how they are working through these things, but I can thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue to support them each in prayer as they face the days and months ahead.

When I think back upon 2007, I am overwhelmingly grateful to the Lord and what He has done, as well as looking forward to the "clean-slate" of this new year to see just what amazing things He will do. Thank you for being a part of this.

Srekna Nova Godina!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Fireworks burst forth and lit up the frigid sky over downtown Skopje and Kaliopi (a popular Macedonian singer) sang her heart out at a concert to welcome in 2008 last night. And for the first time I was there! In years past I've simply watched the fireworks from my balcony or not at all as I've celebrated at collegues homes or even gone to a special church service. This year, though, I was ready to go to the center. And now I'm wishing that I'd gone every year! It was so much fun!















Now I didn't go alone. My fellow merrimakers and I gathered for a wonderful dinner and games at a friends house before heading out to the Center. We'd all been warned to be careful, but there was no trouble and everyone was just having a jolly good time.

(From left to right: Wendy, Christine, Josh, Rachelle and Arnoud)


As I stood there in the square surrounded by a few thousand other celebrators, I reminisced about some of the places I've been for New Years. Besides friends houses or special New Years parties, I've also been in Manilla, Philippines (when I was 13), Seattle, Washington, and even New York.

That New Years Eve in New York was one was on of the more memorable ones. It was in 2001, just after 911, and in Times Square. There were no fireworks that year, super-tight security and a few hundred thousand people smooshed together like sardines in sub-freezing temperatures, waiting for the ball to drop just so we could go home and get warm! Aside from that, though, there was a sense of the profound for us to be there so soon after 911 and to get to know some of NY's finest who gave/give so much. [Side note: The platform to view where the World Trade Center had been just opened up to the public that day... and there were many memorials and walls of flowers and pictures up all over the city... frankly, it was hard for me not to cry sometimes.] It was a once in a lifetime experience, made even better shared with friends. (Amy is on the left her sister, Sunny, is on the right. Below is me... no laughing at the glasses and hat... I was going through a funky stage... though I still pull out the glasses occasionally...)


One thing I did while in Times Square was to call my family back in California. So, last night in Skopje's "Ploshtad" I did the same. It was a fairly one-sided conversation as I was standing right next to a speaker and so couldn't hear my sister-in-law. It was fun, though, to hold up the phone for her to here the sounds of the New Year's celebration here in Skopje... a world away from Sacramento, California. Sacramento... Incidentally, that's where I was this time last year.... (pictured is how I began 2007... with my good friend and fellow trouble-maker (jk) Belle. Doesn't she look great! She's a lot of fun too.

Last night really was a whole lot of fun... but I think that it's celebrating with friends that makes it special (though the location is like a whipped cream topping to the hot fudge sundae). This gets me to wondering just where I will be next year, and with whom I'll ring in the New Year? Oh the possibilities!

Have a wonderful New Year!