Hope is Shattered but Peace Remains

In the process of taking down the Christmas tree today.... Hope just slipped from my fingers and, in a flicker of caught breath, shattered at my feet! Crash! I just stared in disbelief as the sounds of small shards of glass spun and tinkled across the floor boards. "Hope" was part of a set of Christmas decorations that were given to me by a roommate several years ago when she moved back to the US. All that remains now is "Peace". I am so grateful that the hope I have in Jesus is not so fragile as that glass ornament. And like the Peace that remains, so remains peace in my heart because of Him. No matter what things may shatter at my feet. :)

Moving, Chaos and My Disorganization...

Since I was 10 years old I have packed up and moved somewhere every 1-2 years. There was only one stretch of time when I was able to stay put for 5 years... This moving trend continues to be a major element in my life...

The field office moves on MONDAY and so right now I'm in my office and surrounded by Chaos and disorganization: stacks of filled boxes, binders, drawers pulled out of cabinets, computers and equipment unplugged and awaiting a box or the movers steady hands. All this while trying to catch up on bookkeeping, prepare for fiscal year-end and a big bookkeeping change for the team....

Nothing like getting back from the US two weeks ago and having to hit the ground at an all at sprint! Oui....

Have I mentioned before that I don't enjoy packing or moving?? As of this moment I feel so unready--Monday's coming way too soon! And because I'm just back from the US and playing catch-up, I've not been able to pack like I prefer... instead it's, well, unorganized chaos! =( I'm also finding that we're short in the number of boxes needed and.... can you tell I don't enjoy things like this??

Having moved so much in the last 30 years (ie. apartments, homes, offices, cities, states, countries....) I don't enjoy change and can get quite stressed about it. (I know, shocking for a "bean-counter" lol!) Add to that all the other things on my plate right now and.... well, I guess you could say I could use the prayer. =) Even amid the chaos, though, I can see how God is working to pull the details together and so He is my rock in the middle of all this. :) He will provide, I know. :) He always does. =)

Thank you for praying.

On Two Feet

Today was my first day back in the field office since getting sick. Though I love my job working to support the Balkan field as their bookkeeper, I can honestly say that today I was the most excited I've ever been about heading to the office... simply because I was able to get out of the apartment!

One thing that teaches me is that I'm someone who needs to go to work rather than just work from home. On the other hand, should the need present itself it's nice to know that my little portable external hard drive works well and enables me to work away from the office. I was able to do 95% of the bookkeeping while at home sick and just finished up the remaining 5% today. That's a good thing considering I'm planning on doing the field books while in the US.

Speaking of home assignment, there are a lot of things I need to get done before heading back. One of the big things will be the preparation for the team leaders of the financials they'll need for budget planning as well as field structure planning (in light of the major structural change that was made this past year). Additionally, it's a period of tough financial times for all right now and I believe that may weigh heavily during the budgeting process. Please do be in prayer as we work through this process. We want to be good stewards with what we've been given.

Back to today, it was truly wonderful to be outside and not stuck in my apartment. The weather has warmed up to the upper thirties and all the thick ice that had been coating the sidewalks has melted. It's such a relief! Tonight we also had a team get together, enjoying the wonderful culinary prowess of one colleage while sharing some laughter as well as well as meaningful field-related conversation and planning. It's so amazing to work with such a fine group of people who over the years have also become dear friends.

End note: The thing about this latest asthma struggle I've had is that it's served as a very real reminder of how I am completely dependant upon God for even the simple act of breathing. For someone who is prone to want to forge out on her own and do things in her own strength, it's a good reminder. This life I have, that I'm living, is a very precious gift and I want to live each day to honor the One who has given it to me. On another note, I want to express how grateful I am for those who have been praying for me or even sent encouraging notes during this time. Thank you so much.... I'm back on two feet. =)

Gas and "Refried Beans"

We just heard from colleagues in Sarajevo that the gas is once again flowing, their heat is on and they're beginning to thaw out. =) Thanks for praying, but please do keep in mind those who are struggling this winter.

That was the "gas" and now here's some "Refried Beans" aka... bookkeeping notes. =)

I've been continuing to work from home as I recover from whatever it is that I have, waiting for the other antibiotics to do their magic... yet this cough persists... I'm sure my neighbors are tired of hearing it as I am in hacking it. My muscles around my rib cage are so sore and my stomach feels like I've done several hundred sit-ups... hack, cough, crunch. The good news is that my peak flow meter (a way to measure my lung/breathing status) has shown steady improvement. Still, I'm sick of being sick and actually look forward to getting back to the office.


There is one benefit, though, to me working from home (besides my bed and fuzzy slippers). I suppose you could call it a sort of dry-run for doing the books while on home assignment (beginning in March). In the past when we've attempted to do the books from afar (meaning when the FD was traveling or I was on HA) it just didn't work. However, with the new field structure, I've been working from afar with the TL's now for eight-months worth of bookkeeping. And the process has only improved and been further streamlined. So much so I've been able to do the books completely from home this month (thanks to a portable external backup that contains everything I need and this wonderful laptop thanks to COTF). In fact, if things continue to go well, I'll be able to close in the next couple of days. :::happy dance:::

All this encourages me that the challenges we've had in the past with trying to do the books from afar will not present themselves and gives me a bit of ease in readying for home assignment. Speaking of readying for home assignment, I would appreciate your prayer as there is lots to accomplish between now and March. Additionally, I still don't know where I will be staying either, so would really appreciate your prayers for that too. Thank you!

Deep Freeze....

Last night's low in Sarajevo was 5 degrees Fahrenheit... the high was only 27F. Now imagine living in those cold conditions without heat. Such has been the situation for our colleagues in Bosnia since Tuesday. They and millions of others throughout the Balkans have been adversely affected by the natural gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Here in Macedonia, we've had some reserves and do have heat, however factory production has been cut by 50% and now the face a possible "forced vacation".

While it looks like the dispute will finally be resolved and the gas mains reopened, CNN reports that it can be up to 10 hours before people will again be able to feel the heat and begin to thaw out. In the meantime, please do pray for those who have been struggling without heat, my heart goes especially to the young, the elderly, the homeless, and those living in shanty towns. Furthermore, Europe-wide this winter has been the coldest in years and the forecast is for more of the same. Please be praying. Thank you!

Language Woes & Getting the Wrong Medication

As I type this my arm is still sore and sporting a nasty bruise from the IV that was stuck into it earlier this morning. Doctor visits are usually all in Macedonian and used to be a confidence booster for me and language learning... but thanks to a serious miscomunication I learned the hard way that I've got a ways to go.

My specialist in the US always told me that with my mix of allergies and asthma I should never take a drug that is related to Penicillin as it will always make my asthma much worse. I thought I'd communicated this to the doctor succinctly on Monday, including mentioning a popular brand of antibiotic that I musn't take. She assured me that what she was prescribing me would be OK.

Well, the next day, Tuesday, after taking the third dosage I just wasn't getting any better. Infact, my asthma was worse and headed towards acute. So I pulled out the package to do some reading.... only to find I'd been taking the exact thing I couldn't!! I was bewildered because I'd told her I couldn't take that... but then I realized that I must have said it wrong or something, or she thought I said I could instead of couldn't.

A quick call to the hospital and explaination to the receptionist resulted in her calling the doctor and then getting me hooked up with her cell phone number. After a lengthy conversation, and my asthma getting worse by the moment thanks to the anxiety I was feeling about taking the wrong med, we agreed that I should run down to the corner pharmacy (aka Apteka) and explain the situation, show them my prescription and then have them call the doctor. 20 minutes later, and a few tears of shear relief, I was sliping/sliding my way on the iced-over sidewalk in the figid night air and back home with the new antibiotic in hand.

This morning I went back to the hospital for a check-up with the doctor. After listening to my lungs she informed me that I needed an "infusia" and I thought maybe it would be breathing through a nebulizer for a while (an airiated-misty form of recieving medicine into the lungs). Nope. It was an IV and oooww was it painful! If I'm not better tomorrow I'll have to get another one. Please pray that I'm better and don't have to!!

Talking to the doctor both on Tuesday and again today it was clear that we'd just completely misunderstood each other. I'd thought I'd been clear and so had she, but in language learning you learn that that's not always true.

Lessons learned:

1. When going to the doctor always make sure there is a translator available to make sure that my "flawless" Macedonian is actually not flawed. And so that what the doctor is saying is completely clear with little to no gray.

2. Don't just blindly trust that the doctor prescribed the right thing, because like in my case they may have understood you to say "could" instead of "couldn't". Always read up on the medicine before taking it -- or at least reading the package to be sure that you're not taking something you know you shouldn't.

I don't know everything... How shocking!

They stuck a needle in me and drew blood! That was something I'd successfully avoided for the 6+ years that I've been here in the Balkans. Unfortunately that all came to an end today with a trip to the doctor after having a persistent cough for over a week now.

I've not had a cold, flu, stuffy nose, temperature, or other such malady so I'd just assumed it was my asthma acting up because of the cold weather. Usually, though, my inhalers clear the problem, and after a week it was clear that something else must have been going on. The results of the blood test showed that I either had a tumor or a bacterial infection. My doctor concluded it was the latter(!!) and prescribed an antibiotic.

This is where the lesson comes in for me. You see, I've lived with asthma for just about 30 years now and so I am very familiar with what the triggers are (environmental, dietary, etc), know to keep calm when having an attack, to let my inhalers do their job, and know what my lungs feel like when it's serious and I need to see a doctor.

The problem is that over time I've gotten used to living with such a high level of discomfort and have often simply ridden it out (sometimes even acute asthma attacks) when I should have gone to the doctor. Such is the case this time. I should have seen a doctor last week when the cough first hit and made my voice sound like a frog. The doctor chastised me for this, though she was very kind about it, and made me promise to come see her immediately should something like this happen again. Yes ma'am. Lesson learned: I don't know everything I thought I did.

On another note, I must say that I am SOOOO grateful for Remedika, which is a hospital here in Skopje. This is the same place I'd gone for the stitches in my foot two February's ago. The staff there are so nice and helpful. AND, with regards to sterility and cleanliness they are tops! For instance, today when going to tape the cotton ball over the puncture point the nurse accidentally dropped the tape on the ground. It immediately went in the trash bin and she pulled out a brand new one! Again, I am so thankful that such a place exists here in the event that one does need medical attention... and I promise that next time I won't wait so long to see a doctor.

Quote of the Snowy Day

"Tato! Tato!" cried the young boy sitting on a sled in the snow being towed by his father. "Prvo levo," the boy called and then continued with the mixture of excitement and wonder that only fresh falling snow can bring. "i [ee] sega... Pravo! Pravo! Pravo!"

He then gripped the sides of his sled in great anticipation and complete faith and trust in his father that not only would he pull him fast and with a sense of adventure, but that he'd also keep him safe. "Dobro, srtse," says the father dotingly as he begins to pull his son first left and then straight, straight, straight on the powdery path in the city park. Smiles all around.

While this interaction was going on between one father and son, another father was helping his son to build a snowman on his sled. In fact, there were several families out adventuring in the snow with snowball fights and sledding down hills. Witnessing such special moments between parents and children always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. May the memories made today by these families last a lifetime and may there be many many more such special moments in their lives in the future. =)

I was so inspired that later while I was killing some time in a cafe with a coffee I had some fun doodling the event.

Flurry of Christmas Preparations

This is my living room right now. My assemble-by-numbers tree is up and decorated as is my apartment. All the other "clutter" though is from preparations for the Christmas Eve service.

The garland on the coffee table will be dressed up with the ribbons and/or pearly garland (hanging on chair) for the Advent candles. For the Advent table I was thinking of using that green/white poinsettia table cloth, but not sure if it will blend or clash... Oh, yes, speaking of poinsettias, we can finally get them here and so thought it would be a nice, simple and cheery Christmas decoration. =)

In the yellow bag is about 10 meters of garland that will hang on one of the crossbars in the school gym. The stack of ribbon on the coffee table and pearly garland will also be used to beautify that garland.... only I'm not so good at those kinds of decorations, which is why I'm glad there are others who offered to help decorate! =) Then there is the question of whether to assemble first and then hang it.... or arrive with all the pieces and assemble it there just hours before the program... oh, yes, and in between practices?

Speaking of practice.... the music on the keyboard is calling me to practice.... no, I don't play for services (yet...) though I did use this keyboard to work out the guitar notes referenced in "Late Nights & Key Signatures." Actually, I'm using the keyboard right now to help me with the vocal warm up, scales, etc. Especially needed for songs like "O Holy Night" which we did yesterday... oui... I don't like sounding operatic, but that's the only way I could hit that high note! Good thing there's only a balcony above me otherwise I think I'd drive my neighbors crazy with practices. "La la la LA LA la la...."

Thank you for your prayers for the Christmas Eve service, which will be at 9AM California time. =)

11,900 Christmas Boxes Arrive

Last night when I arrived at church for worship practice there was a GINORMOUS SEMI parked in front and filled to the brim with thousands of Christmas boxes and a flurry of activity as church members and local volunteers pitched in to unload them. After practice I lent my hands as well to unload the last few hundred boxes, becoming one person in a baker's dozen chain passing two to four boxes at a time from the parking lot down into a large room.

And as each box passed through our hands I took special notice of the wrapping. There was fancy paper, snowmen, and Christmas trees, some even had decorative ornaments and while others sported hand-crafted designs and hearts. The one that really stood out, though, was wrapped simply in brown paper, but which contained a child's artistic rendition of the nativity. It must have taken that little girl or boy hours! It was so beautiful. Each present was prepared with special treasures and wrapped with care for children that the giver does not know but wants to give a precious gift. And each one will bring such joy and smiles to children all over Macedonia (and around the world as thousands more are delivered worldwide).

In total between this semi and another one there were 11,900 Christmas presents that will be distributed to children through organizations, churches, orphanages, schools and in villages. Please pray for the children who will be receiving these gifts, and please also pray for the beautiful hands of the givers and deliverers.

Some excerpts from today's papers...

Today's newspapers in Skopje were again full with news and commentary on the US election. Here's a peek from three local papers:


"Obama Writes History"
Morning News (Утрински Бесник), p. 1, 6 November 2008:
...then from p. 2:
Obama Abolishes Racial Barriers in America

"With the choice for Barak Hussein Obama, the US completes the most radical political precedent in their history."

"'Will President Barak Obama be a modern Franklin Roosevelt who will lead America out of the economic crisis or will he be a dismayed copy of Herbert Hoover', asks a British 'Independent' yesterday in light of the new boss of the world's superpower."

"This decision demolishes the racial barriers in the US and shows that the world is rapidly moving towards change, even though sometimes there's no time to carry into history... Barak Obama definitely is a part in this history. He is the new John Kennedy for the Americans [and] the new Martin Luther King for African-Americans... "

*******

"Obama Accomplishes the American Dream"
The Times (Време), front page, 6 November 2008
...then in the article on p. 2:
"Barak Obama Realizes the Dream of Martin Luther King"


"Obama's win is a huge message to all multi-ethnic countries that values need to be expressed that don't belong to a particular community."

"Will he continue the advocacy of Bush for Macedonia"
"The Balkans remain on the American agenda"

*******
Here's a couple of links to Balkan Insight for articles completely in English: "Macedonia Hails Obama Amid 'Name' Woes" and "Balkan Leaders Praise Obama Victory"

*******
Anyways, that's just a clip but you get the idea. The local news as well as the international news is saturated with commentary on this historic election. Additionally, all day yesterday I was peppered with questions by locals: "So who did you vote for?" "Who did you want to win?" "Are you happy with the result?" And chatted with local friends from other European countries who joyfully exclaimed, "I was really quite ecstatic that he won actually." It truly is amazing this sense of excitement that those here and around the globe have.

The News (Вест) summed it up by saying, "The World Gains New Hope."



"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Tim 2:1-3 NIV

Today's Headlines

I thought perhaps it would be interesting for you to see this mornings frontpage headlines here in Macedonia:

The Times (left) reads:
"Obama with one foot in the White House"
The article below it refers to the continuing name issue with Greece

New Macedonia (the paper on the right) says:
"What is there to say to the new US President: Don't Forget Us"
The inset in the middle is a letter of congratulations to the President-elect, gives best wishes for the future and then urges him to continue the US's policy towards Macedonia and the name issue.

Because of the continuing name dispute with their neighboring country most Macedonians supported McCain and now that there will be a change of party and leadership they are very concerned that the US's policy towards them and the name issue will change.

***

Note: With this post and the previous one my intention is not to make political comment but to simply tell you what people are talking about and what concerns they have at this time.

Election Day - "So who did you vote for?"

When the "Terminator" won the "Total Recall" election in my home state of California, I was in Croatia. There and back home in Macedonia the news of the "Governator" was met with bemusement. In 2004 the world was watching but the contest between Bush and Kerry was couched in appropriate measure amidst the rest of the daily news. 2008, however, has been a much different experience. The interest is keen and dominates the news both locally and internationally. Everyone has a strong opinion on this election and most are quick to share it--especially as today, November 4th, 2008, loomed on the horizon.

In this past year I cannot tell you how many conversations I've had with locals and internationals about this election. They happened in cabs, corner stores, old town streets, hair salon, church, cafes, homes, etc... Politics is a favorite subject of most Balkan people--especially American politics. My colleagues have had similar experiences as well. These were not conversations we ever sought out, yet inevitably when someone finds out or knows that you're an American they take the opportunity to express their opinion and then are anxious to extract from you your thoughts about who is going to win and who you are going to vote for.

My hairstylist, for instance, knew I was a Californian and so considered it his mission to "convert" me to the "right" party, Republican, and to support McCain. Conversely there were others who were determined to persuade me from my wayward Republican ways and to be a faithful young Democrat and to vote for Obama. When I went to the post office to airmail my official absentee ballot, the workers handled it with such care, with a sense of great import, and then they too began to pepper me with questions as to who I voted for.

Tonight as I locked up the office and headed home I could not help but reflect upon all this and the keen interest this election holds worldwide. Some countries, like Bulgaria, even held mock elections today while people in other countries are having all night parties to watch the election returns. It's a bit strange to see such great international interest in the US Presidential election and then a bit humbling to realize that I actually had the privilege to cast a ballot. The world seems so small at this moment and no matter who wins there is a sense that we are all living in a vastly historic moment, a world moment, and the excitement of all is palpable.

As I write this I confess that I've got CNN International humming in the background, and no, I'm not going to divulge who I voted for. My answer to you is the same as it was to all those previous askers: it's between me, God and my ballot and I ask you to please respect that. I will, however, say this: Let us be in prayer for our President-elect, no matter who he may be, to be a strong, wise, grace-filled and discerning leader. Likewise, as this election does hold such worldwide interest, let us remember that in broadened prayer as well.

Day of the Dead - Macedonia

Halloween, something my nephews in the US are dressing up for as we speak, is not celebrated here in Macedonia. Tomorrow, however, is observed and is known as the "Day of the Dead" (aka. "All Soul's Day"). On this day families will go to the grave sites of their departed loved ones, clean the headstone, clear away debris, light candles for prayer, place flowers and have a meal. It's believed that the person's spirit is able to come and partake with them.

It's interesting to me the many traditions that are associated with the death of a loved one. I read on Wikipedia that in Orthodox tradition it's believed that from the moment of death that the person can visit the living for 40 days. Then on that 40th day the family again goes to the grave site and serves the same traditional meal items that were served graveside the day of the funeral (bread, wine/drink of some sort, something sweet, etc.). Again, it's believed the loved one's spirit partakes with them one last time before heading away from the living and into the afterlife.

As I ponder these traditions my thoughts go to those who are still in or just ending that 40-day period... I imagine this time is especially difficult for them, and I wonder if the traditions are as well, like tomorrow and the"Day of the Dead." I lost my own father several years ago and can keenly identify with the heart-ache of losing someone you love. Yet, there is a Hope that comforts us in our loss far more than anything else ever could. The hope of eternal life found in the One who has triumphed over death and its sting. As I consider this "holiday" and what meaning it may hold for so many, my heart is tugged to pray for them. Will you join me?

No Getting Used to It

***this is a re-post from my old blog site***

There she was, lying on her side on a piece of cardboard, sleeping. In front of her a baby bottle half-filled with juice and a box for people to drop money in. She must have been barely 18-months old. She was "sleeping" so soundly, she was so still, that I had to look hard to be sure that she was breathing. Nowhere to be found was any adult.

Believe it or not, sites like this are "normal" here in the city and always stir up a riot of conflicting emotions inside: anger towards a mother who would do this to her child; compassion and heartbreak for the state of need; and helplessness in what to do in the face of it.

I'll never forget one day when it was over 100 degrees and two children were "sleeping" on their cardboard in the scorching heat, with no shelter or even water, while another begged for money. In other places in town beggars will carry their inconceivably passive infants in their arms (or sometimes dolls--pretending that they're infants) and weave in and out of traffic begging for money. Children also work the cars at stoplights, washing windows with dirty water and rags--whether you want them to or not. Then they practically hang on your windows until you give them money.

I was in one persons car where the child hurried to the front of it as the driver tried to pull away. The pre-teen put his hands on the hood and pushed--as if to stop us from driving forward.

I've also seen the children literally hang on foreigners legs begging for money while another one tries to pick their pocket! And still others will even dumpster dive regularly to get cardboard and other "recyclables" or even food that the rest of the community has cast off.

In many ways these people seem like the "cast-off's" of the community itself.

Thus is the situation that we all face in one manner or another no matter where we live. Do you walk on by? Do you give money? Do you give food? People say that giving money only perpetuates the problem. Yet Jesus says to give to each who asks of you. How can I walk by? How can anyone?? But what can be done?

Jesus would talk to them, would meet them where they're at. He'd touch their hearts because He knows them. He'd offer to them Living Water and the Bread of Life. He'd introduce them to the Father. But I don't even know their language (I've learned a different one). When I do give water, juice or bread, do they know that it's given in Jesus' name? Is it enough?

These are not questions that I think I'll ever be able to answer. There was just something about that little passed-out toddler that tore even deeper into my heart than usual. This is something that we face here every day, and personally, I do help as the Lord leads, but at times like the other day, it's just so hard to take it in. It's something that I'll never get used to... though, perish the day I do.

Funeral

Like the weather that has seemed to change overnight from summer to fall, so too has life changed in one week. Last Saturday we sang at a baptism and danced at a wedding on Sunday. Then yesterday we gathered together once more to greive and pray with a family at a funeral. There are many thoughts I have, things I could say, but I must confess that this is one "cultural experience" that is much more personal and so will be closely held in my heart rather than shared. I do ask, though, that you please pray for the family, friends and community who have lost a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and dear friend. May the Lord give them great comfort and peace in this time.

Worship Practice

Last night we has worship practice for the International Church. It's so neat how everyone works as part of the team, even trying new things... like the gal who tried the drums on a song and as a result we all encouraged her that she should play on Sunday! What a great group of people and we have so much fun together. Especially lots of laughs as we started singing the wrong verse to a song or forgot a transition or missed an entry or ending.

Wednesdays are practice, so it's exactly that. There's a lot of detail involved in working out flow, transitions, what instruments to use, rhythm to play and what harmonies work best. Yet amazingly, there comes that moment when all the details seem to fade away and we simply play and sing our best for the Audience of One. Truly preparing ourselves for Sunday in the best of ways. :) Then as practice time closes we gather together to pray, for one another as well as for the congregation and for Sunday.

After practice, it's not uncommon for a couple, several or even all of us to head out for coffee (or ice cream as it's summer time). We just enjoy each others company and inevitably as we fellowship together we encourage one another in our lives and in our walk of faith. We also enjoy a lot of laughter together. Last night one of the gals and I we went to Stella's and enjoyed some yummy dessert while having great conversation and amusement over the fish in the fish-tank.

Please remember us in your prayers as we practice on Wednesday's and as we lead the congregation on Sundays. Thank you so much!

Ramadan Begins & The Call to Prayer

In the pre-dawn moments you can hear the strong and steady voice calling the Muslim faithful to start their day with prayer. Thus today began, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the Muslim faithful around the world.

Almost 20 years ago (shhh..) when I first learned about Islam and the 5 Pillars of Faith in a Cultural Anthropology class in college, I never conceived that one day I would be living here in the Balkans and seeing the faith lived out. As I do live here I thought that now would be a nice time to feature some of the culture and tradition associated with Ramadan (or Ramazan) here in the Balkans.

Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and is a month of fasting, prayer, worship and contemplation. As the timing of the month is according to the lunar calendar, it occurs just a bit earlier each year (by about 11 days). When I first came here Ramadan was in the latter days of November. This year it's the entire month of September. Next year it will begin in August.

Yesterday the stores and pizars, usually quiet on a Sunday, were bustling and full as families set about to purchase provisions in preparation for this month. During the daylight hours the faithful refrain from food and drink, then just after sunset and the Call to Prayer, there is a breaking of the fast called "Iftar." I've never had the privilege to go to an Iftar, but I understand from friends in Kosovo that it's quite a feast and a great time spent with family and friends.

I hope to learn and share more in the coming weeks about how specifically the month is honored here among the Muslim populations of the Balkans. In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you a video I took back in July when I was in Albania. At that time the Call to Prayer rang out at 4:33AM (now in Sept sunrise is about 6:30AM)... I've included most of the prayer except for the beginning that I missed and a little bit in the middle as I got myself out of bed and to the balcony where you could see just the beginnings of sunrise appearing over the mountains.

When I lived in Bosnia for a while I was always fascinated how the Call would start with one voice and then one by one the other voices from other mosques would join in... the melody and harmony of each voice echoing through the valley and off the mountains. It's really a hard thing to describe, but that's my best try.

When there are visitors here to Skopje, there are two places I like to take them in order to really experience the culture when the Call to Prayer goes out. First is into the "women's section" of the Bit Pizar in old town where vendors sell head scarves, handkerchiefs with coins on them (used in dancing oros), traditional wedding outfits and beautiful curtains. It is a moment rich with culture to be in old town in the market surrounded by these handcrafts and then to hear the Call go out.

The second place I like to take visitors is up on Kale which is on a hill that has a great view of Skopje. On one side it overlooks the city center at the base of Mt. Vodno, but then it also has a view of the Old Stone Bridge, the Vardar and the oldest section of town (the charshia or чаршијата). There is a point on the eastern wall of Kale where you can stand and see 9 minarets in various places around that part of the city. Then as the sun sets (always spectacularly, btw) over the mountains west of the city in rays rich in shades of gold, one by one a ring of lights near the top of the mosques' minarets light up as the Call begins. Another moment full of culture and contrast here in this Balkan city.

Six Years Ago Today

Six years ago today I....

• Was on a plane with 4 (or was it 6?) suitcases
• Was a little emotionally exhausted after the previous months of transition, language school, PFO and many many goodbyes
• Was thankful for the many who were part of the journey along the way
• Lost a day by crossing timezones from the US to Europe
• Spent 4 hours on layover in Vienna
• Tried in vain to stay awake on that layover after having already traveled 20+ hrs
• Had a mix of emotions: excitement & anticipation as well as a healthy dose of fear & trembling
• Arrived in Skopje with 2 of my four bags (or 4 of the 6?)
• Listened and marvelled at my new colleague, Mark (one of 5), who schmoozed his way into the airport terminal to help me with the lost luggage people
• Had a moment of disbelief that I was actually back in the Balkans, and this time to stay much longer than a few months
• I knew maybe 5 words in Macedonian: Здраво, да, не, фала and чао... though not in the Cyrillic, so more like: zdravo, da, ne, fala and chow
• Got welcomed to Skopje by the police on the way back from the airport -- aka, we got pulled over (for having tinted windows, of all things)
• Wanted to crawl under the seat after said pull-over as the conversation sounded so heated
• Worried that my first night would be spent in jail.... only later did I learn that normal Macedonian conversation between men just sounds argumentative
• Settled into my colleagues spare room where their daughters had lefts me a sweet "Welcome to Macedonia" sign
• Went with my colleagues and their daughters to Ljutes (the best grill in town) where we celebrated my first day and their 2-year anniversary of being here
• Enjoyed meal with new colleagues and getting to know them
• Donned a skirt and headed to church, excited to see friends I'd met two years previous on a short-term trip
• Had to stand and say hello (a rite of passage for all newcomers)
• Collapsed into bed, completely exhausted and a bit overwhelmed by all that had transpired in the past 36 hours.... from a tearful goodbye to family to a new world and many hellos

It's so hard to believe that it's been six years. I've learned so much, yet know there is still so much to learn. Still, it's my privilege and joy to be here and to serve as the bookkeeper for an amazing team of people. Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement and support over these past six years. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Picture Top: One of my last sunsets in California... taken while sailing on Folsom Lake with my Mom, brother and his family. The end of a perfect day.

Picture Below: One of my first sunrises here in Macedonia... I think this was during jet-lag adjustment, so probably about 5am. The start of a new life.

The Waning Days of Summer

This morning as I walked to work I couldn't help but notice the hints of Fall in the air. It was a warm morning yet there was also a light, slightly crisp, breese rustling the once rich green leaves that now are in fading into earth tones. Then, stopping for a moment in Vero to grab some lunch-making items for the office, I noticed the matted yellow-orange of the butternut squash in the produce bins... and smiled. They are one of the first major signs that summer's bidding farewell.

Other signs that summer's almost over include:

• The city's slowly coming back to life after a month of people vacationing out of the city.
• The cafe's are once again lively, though not quite until the wee hours of the morning...yet (which is good for my ability to sleep--without ear-plugs).
• School is starting next week locally and my colleagues kids are enjoying their last few days before heading back to boarding school.
• Summer teams are wrapping up and heading home
• Student camps/retreats are in full swing this week
• Colleagues are coming back from vacation
• Church attendance is increasing as people return from vacations and other new arrival expats come to begin their term
• Conversations are turning away from "where are you going on vacation" to planning ahead for the next few months like: "When will home groups start up?"; "What about beginning a new ladies study?"; and "Ready for an audit?"

While I enjoy summer time (not the weather, though, unless it's between 75-85F) this one has been particularly busy for me. Considering our fiscal year ended in June and we've also had some huge field transitions take effect it's not so surprising. Though closing one month just in time to begin closing the next one has been very wearying. (The delays in closing are 90% due to the field structure change and people's summer travel.)

Frankly, I'm looking forward to Fall as that will mean we'll have a couple months behind us bookwise in the new field structure and I'll be caught up on filing. Then maybe I can take a few vacation days (the 1-week trip to Albania seems sooooo looonngg ago now). In many ways I'm really glad that my busiest time of year has come when everyone else is in their slowest time. I dread to think how many more late nights I might have pulled had it be our busy season!


Throughout the summer, though, Wednesday nights have been the bright spot in my week as it's when we have worship team practice. It's so nice to set everything aside and, together with a talented group of musicians, to sing songs so rich and meaningful in praise to our King for anywhere between 1-2 hours in the middle of the week. Ahhhh... We also have such a great time fellowshipping and praying with one another. Sometimes we even extend our time together by heading to a cafe for coffee and/or ice cream and chatting about life. What a fine group of friends they've become. :) [Picture is from December]

Today is Wednesday and so there's practice tonight, but right now I'm in the office taking a break from closing July (yeah!) to reflect a little on these waning days of summer here in the Balkans. As we all look ahead to the coming Fall and busy season (that interestingly enough tends to coincide the school-year) please be praying for us and for the things that lay ahead. Thank you for being a partner in this with us in this way.