We landed safe and sound in Atlanta last night. What an amazing trip! It will take us weeks to process what we've experienced...but for now it is good to be home and to see our family and friends.
Thank you ALL for going on this journey with us. Your prayers and encouragement supported us and kept us going when we were tired. Together we finished the task! Together we loved children who needed to know that someone does love them and thinks they are special. Together we served Soul Craft Church and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you Lord for having the plan in the first place and for sending us to be your hands and feet.
Until the next trip...hugs to you...
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
"For I know the plans I have for you..."
Today was bittersweet. It was our last day at the orphanage and we spent most of it playing with the kids and saying our last goodbyes for this trip (I say for this trip because I already know that I will be coming back a 3rd time, God willing). There were tears shed by both the kids and us, but it just lets me know that we made an impact in their lives and were able to touch their hearts with the love of Jesus. During this trip my eyes were opened wide, even more so than last time, to the reality that these kids live with day in and day out. For such young kids they go through A LOT, things that I can't even imagine having to deal with as an adult. But you know what? Despite all of the bad I have witnessed and heard about, I still see light. I still see hope. I still see grace. I still see LOVE.
My heart hurts for these children who have been abandoned, abused, and unloved but at the same time my heart is filled with hope because I see some of them who are able to rise above their circumstances and turn down a good path. A path that I know God has planned for them. I'm reminded of the scripture that says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). This is what keeps me going when I start to think about all of the bad that has and is still going on at the orphanage. Knowing that God has a plan gives me peace. Ultimately He is in control and I know that he hears my prayers for them-"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14, 15 NIV). How awesome is that?? I have seen God show up in so many ways during this trip it's crazy! He never ceases to amaze me and show me that even in what people view as a hopeless situation, he is still there.
We accomplished what we set out to do, which was to finish the greenhouses, start planting some crops, and share the love of Christ with the kids, and I couldn't be prouder of my team. I know that God had to have hand picked each one of us because we clicked perfectly and each of us played a unique and vital role in this trip.
Tomorrow we will be touring different parts of Skopje and then going to church at Soul Craft Church, which is a partner church of NorthPoint. I'm excited to see again how people worship in another language. It always reminds me of just how big our God is and how his spirit can communicate and be felt no matter what language you speak. I ask that you all continue to pray for the "25th of May" and Soul Craft Church because great things are happening over here! And I pray for you reading this, that your heart and mind will be open to the plan(s) that God has for you, so that you can be filled with the joy, hope, love, and peace Christ has promised :)
Some of the amazing kids we got to hang with
My heart hurts for these children who have been abandoned, abused, and unloved but at the same time my heart is filled with hope because I see some of them who are able to rise above their circumstances and turn down a good path. A path that I know God has planned for them. I'm reminded of the scripture that says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). This is what keeps me going when I start to think about all of the bad that has and is still going on at the orphanage. Knowing that God has a plan gives me peace. Ultimately He is in control and I know that he hears my prayers for them-"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14, 15 NIV). How awesome is that?? I have seen God show up in so many ways during this trip it's crazy! He never ceases to amaze me and show me that even in what people view as a hopeless situation, he is still there.
We accomplished what we set out to do, which was to finish the greenhouses, start planting some crops, and share the love of Christ with the kids, and I couldn't be prouder of my team. I know that God had to have hand picked each one of us because we clicked perfectly and each of us played a unique and vital role in this trip.
Tomorrow we will be touring different parts of Skopje and then going to church at Soul Craft Church, which is a partner church of NorthPoint. I'm excited to see again how people worship in another language. It always reminds me of just how big our God is and how his spirit can communicate and be felt no matter what language you speak. I ask that you all continue to pray for the "25th of May" and Soul Craft Church because great things are happening over here! And I pray for you reading this, that your heart and mind will be open to the plan(s) that God has for you, so that you can be filled with the joy, hope, love, and peace Christ has promised :)
Love these little guys!
"Best Day and the worst day"
The title credit goes to my co-leader and friend, Jeff Cook.
It's really the only way to describe this phenomena of meeting and connecting with people, that then ends quickly and with some uncertainty about the future.
Even after experiencing this in the previous 2 years, it still got me. Tears. Tears of so many different emotions. It took awhile this time. I was taking pictures and from my early TV experience I learned to keep a distance behind the camera. That worked until we got in a circle and Teresa prayed for all us. As soon as her voice cracked, so did I. I'm not sure yet if there is tougher vibe at the Orphanage, or if we are now just more aware of what has always been there. I think the increased number of younger kids, both boys and girls has made it feel more desperate, dark and worrisome.
Dustin Kawa though said he saw how soft the kids' hearts are and that therein lies hope.
All these emotions just swirl while you try to make some sense of it all.
I thought today a lot about the verse I chose for this trip. It works on so many levels.
It's really the only way to describe this phenomena of meeting and connecting with people, that then ends quickly and with some uncertainty about the future.
Even after experiencing this in the previous 2 years, it still got me. Tears. Tears of so many different emotions. It took awhile this time. I was taking pictures and from my early TV experience I learned to keep a distance behind the camera. That worked until we got in a circle and Teresa prayed for all us. As soon as her voice cracked, so did I. I'm not sure yet if there is tougher vibe at the Orphanage, or if we are now just more aware of what has always been there. I think the increased number of younger kids, both boys and girls has made it feel more desperate, dark and worrisome.
Dustin Kawa though said he saw how soft the kids' hearts are and that therein lies hope.
All these emotions just swirl while you try to make some sense of it all.
I thought today a lot about the verse I chose for this trip. It works on so many levels.
Deuteronomy 24:19
19 “When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do.
Literally we actually only planted a few peppers, but we worked with an Albanian, Muslim farmer and his grandson on creating these huge greenhouses to create food or cash crops for orphans. What I think we did is actually leave a bit of ourselves there. Hopefully, these are Jesus follower behaviors that send a positive message from today forward about Christians, Americans even family members to our friends in Skopje.
We are taking back so much in the way of compassion, thankfulness but especially the bonds of our shared experiences as a team. I hope God continues to bless us as he has once again on this trip.
Some wonderful photos to post tomorrow morning, stay tuned.
And we know all things work together for good...
To say this week in Macedonia has been incredible is an understatement. There are really no words to describe the entire experience. Our team has been absolutely amazing. Our chemistry has been unbelievable, and the time we've spent getting to know each other, lifting each other up, and picking on each other has been truly special.
The past five days at the orphanage have been life-changing. What started as a ridiculously daunting task of re-covering three huge greenhouses and planting crops in them ended up as an amazing accomplishment. We worked together with a seventy-four year old farmer and his grandson to complete the work. The beauty of the entire project was apparent to everyone by the end of the day today.
Our final day at the orphanage included a delicious cookout for lunch, playing basketball, painting nails, and playing with hair chalk. Personally, my experience in Macedonia didn't really hit home until today. We spent five days with the orphans, and I had a special connection with a young girl named Јагода (pronounced Yagoda), which literally means "strawberry." Our bond grew throughout the week, and it was so difficult to leave her today. This has been the kind of trip where one really has to focus on Proverbs 3:5 and not try to comprehend everything that goes on. The time spent with these children was so much fun, and I will never ever forget it.
With Јагода
The past five days at the orphanage have been life-changing. What started as a ridiculously daunting task of re-covering three huge greenhouses and planting crops in them ended up as an amazing accomplishment. We worked together with a seventy-four year old farmer and his grandson to complete the work. The beauty of the entire project was apparent to everyone by the end of the day today.
Our final day at the orphanage included a delicious cookout for lunch, playing basketball, painting nails, and playing with hair chalk. Personally, my experience in Macedonia didn't really hit home until today. We spent five days with the orphans, and I had a special connection with a young girl named Јагода (pronounced Yagoda), which literally means "strawberry." Our bond grew throughout the week, and it was so difficult to leave her today. This has been the kind of trip where one really has to focus on Proverbs 3:5 and not try to comprehend everything that goes on. The time spent with these children was so much fun, and I will never ever forget it.
With Јагода
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Last day at the orphanage
Good morning! Today is our last day at the orphanage. We are excited that the structures are covered and we get to plant this morning! We will also have time to hang out with the kids and play...one of our favorite things to do.
Tonight we are having dinner at the orphanage with all the kids then...the sad part...our final good -byes. The orphans have already told us they will cry, and we'll cry with them. Please keep us all on your prayers...we so appreciate them
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tonight we are having dinner at the orphanage with all the kids then...the sad part...our final good -byes. The orphans have already told us they will cry, and we'll cry with them. Please keep us all on your prayers...we so appreciate them
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Did I mention farming was hard work?
We are a tired but happy bunch. We did a ton of work today and are feeling it. Yet we are also so fortunate to have this opportunity to get to know one another. Learn about ourselves as we'll as focus on what God has in store for us, the kids and Soul Craft Church.
Shout out to Elizabeth. Lots of folks in Skopje asking when you are coming, including our waiter at the Ambassador. You are sorely missed! You will have much to do here. We cannot wait until you are here almost as much as YOU!!!!!!!!!!! (Written in Eliza-text)
Thanks to Steve Shugart who 2 years ago put myself and Jeff Cook on his team. Of all the screwy ideas that worked this is certainly one. You were a great example on how to lead a team!
Oh and we found cherry vanilla ice cream in short walking distance...sorry!
Some photos of our day.
Brenda's first zip line ride...not sure if that's terror or fun!
I took a break from the "ladder" to pose with Butraje
Dustin and Nate share food and photos!
Rebecca taking charge!
Kristina brightening the day!
Steve, cherry vanilla. We taste tested, it would meet your approval
Jeff finally discloses the true destination of the morning photo walks ...the bakery
Photos of the day
The old tarps cleared off or the "before" picture
The beginning of the "after" picture
Ol' School tractor so the plow will not get hitched to Dan & Jeff
Our driver and friend Lupja takes his job very seriously!
Teresa and our faming consultant talk "Ag"
Another beautiful monument space in Skopje
There's baggage then there's baggage...
This is my third trip to Macedonia. I am still amazed at what coming here shows me. I assumed that all trips like this just had awesome teammates, you strengthened your faith and relationships while learning and connecting with others. I know now that is not always true. So I feel fully blessed to be having this third experience here in Macedonia.
Jeff Cook helped us start a tradition each day on every trip and we've continued that again; your high point & low point for the day. Yes, there are low points. Yet they don't seem insurmountable, often they pass easily. For the second time in 2 years I got here well before my luggage. Unfortunately, my wife Brenda and also Kristina got to share in that experience. It pales though when you view it through the lens of the children we are hoping to help at the 25th Maj Institution.
This year, more than the previous 2 years there are more younger boys and girls than we've seen previously. It is frankly quite sad. You see immediately their hunger for attention, their desire to be cared for and loved. You see the need for discipline and guidance. Then you realize that no matter what each child's individual story is on how they got there, every one is likely in a better place than they were. That is the lowest low. In thinking about what I am seeing this year I came across this verse:
Jeff Cook helped us start a tradition each day on every trip and we've continued that again; your high point & low point for the day. Yes, there are low points. Yet they don't seem insurmountable, often they pass easily. For the second time in 2 years I got here well before my luggage. Unfortunately, my wife Brenda and also Kristina got to share in that experience. It pales though when you view it through the lens of the children we are hoping to help at the 25th Maj Institution.
This year, more than the previous 2 years there are more younger boys and girls than we've seen previously. It is frankly quite sad. You see immediately their hunger for attention, their desire to be cared for and loved. You see the need for discipline and guidance. Then you realize that no matter what each child's individual story is on how they got there, every one is likely in a better place than they were. That is the lowest low. In thinking about what I am seeing this year I came across this verse:
Matthew 18:10
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
So first I have to believe that we can help a little for these are God's children and second it gives us a real chance to pray for these kids. Quite possibly a bigger opportunity to pray for their teachers and administrators that they find ways to not look down upon these kids. It's a daunting task. Beyond our prayers we are focused this week on trying to create some lasting reminders that these kids have people who care even if they are not there 100% of the time. It also opens up a ton of chances for our October team and all the teams I hope continue to come here.
Other impressions:
As I mentioned in the opening, this is another great team. I feel especially blessed that God has given us such great young people and such wonderful new teammates all around. If anybody worries about the "next generation", don't. I see a few people who are way more together in the faith and future than I was at their age. It's already been a pleasure to work alongside them.
If you want to get kids of all ages together, get a zipline!
Wow, we're able to repair the zipline we installed last year, after a couple trips to area hardware stores! The kids were waiting in line to start riding. We realized the first one was plain worn out.
As you'll see in the pictures the line was properly tested by a couple of us older kids.
Farming is hard work. We've put a good dent in our project to create greenhouse-like structures behind the Orphanage. So if the rain holds off and our backs hold up we should get all 3 done this week. Photos below.
Finally, there is no better time than dinner as a team. I wish this kind of fellowship, laughter and sharing could happen at "home" but maybe this environment just makes it so. Regardless it's the best of times.
Please pray for these kids and our team and thanks for your support-Dan
Nathan takes the test run to certify that the zipline will pass most OSHA regulations, but says Rebecca should be sure. It's safe for kids!
Rebecca is thankful the Tech guy got it right!
Dustin and Trajce at ease as Brenda watches in terror for Rebecca's ride
Jeff celebrates the Bulls victory over the Heat
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
"...And all these things will be given to you..."
Wow. I don't know where to begin with all of the things that have happened so far and we've only been here a day and a half! After looking back on all that's happened so far during this trip, I can already see God working in me, our team, and the children at the 25th of May.
So after a long but entertaining trip (courtesy of my awesome team), we arrive in Macedonia only to find that my luggage, along with two of my other team member's luggage, is MIA...they decided to take a little vacation to Vienna, Istanbul, or Zagreb (The airport wasn't sure which, I'll have to ask it when it arrives) . I honestly couldn't do anything but laugh about it because really, what else is there to do at that point? Anyway, so it is now day 2 and it's supposed to be here first thing in the morning. The point of me telling this is that miraculously I have had everything I needed supplied. Either by divine intervention of me packing an extra pair of clothes in my carry on or placing my toiletries in my roommate's bag at the last minute or by simply the kindness of my other team members letting me borrow some of their extras, I truly believe God when he said "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31-33 NIV).
That scripture has never meant more to me than it does right now. It reminds me that even in the face of what we think is a set back, God is still there, supplying everything you need an more. I really haven't been worrying about it and instead have focused my energy on our trip project and the kids at the 25th of May.
Ok, onto today's events...
Today was our 1st day at the orphanage and I'll admit that I was a little nervous driving up. I was wondering how this initial meeting with the kids would be compared to my experience here last October. Would the kids remember me? Would I still have the same special connection with the ones I connected with last year? How was this project we had planned gonna work out? Well, as soon as we stepped out of the van my nerves were soon put to rest because we were immediately greeted by an overwhelming amount of hugs and kisses from both kids I remembered from my last trip as well as some new ones. What really made my heart smile was when I heard one of the girls named Sebeljon yell out "Kristina!" and she ran up and hugged me. They remembered me! And I still had the same great connection with a little boy named Bejo that I have been praying for ever since I left. What was I nervous about again?? We had a great day bonding with the kids and also doing some hard manual labor. Our project consists of us tearing down old tarps from 3 huge greenhouse like structures and replacing them and then hopefully plowing the field to plant some crops for the orphanage before we leave. I know God is just beginning his work over here and I can't wait to see what the rest of this week holds. I pray that whatever happens God gets the glory at the end of the day because he is the true reason we are here.
Highlights of my trip so far:
-Arriving..lol
-Seeing all of the kids and them remembering my name
-Bejo giving me his bracelet to keep
-Hearing the kids say "I love you" in both English and Macedonian (Te Sakam)
-Running through the streets of Macedonia barefoot in the pouring rain with some of my team members (I know what you're thinking but I was wearing flip flops and it was either slip and fall and break my neck or run barefoot, so I chose the latter...and it was hilariously awesome!)
I know I'll write again so until then, God bless :)
A few pictures from day 2
A few faces from today.
Project work has started.
And this picture sums up the reason we are here.
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A few pictures from day 1
Guess who lost their luggage? Again.
Guess who did not lose their luggage.
Someone is excited to finally be on the ground in Macedonia.
Packing up the van for a 30 minute drive to Skopje.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wow. Words cannot express what kind of day we had today. We arrived at the orphanage around 9:30 and were immediately surrounded by kids. I must admit that I was a little afraid that the kids would just flock to the group members who had already been to Macedonia on previous trips, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. The kids surrounded us all from the beginning, and I immediately knew that this week was going to be a life-changing experience. I am truly amazed by the love that the kids showed us as well as the energy that they have. From basketball to soccer to singing songs (in Macedonian...I have no clue what I was singing!) to being told "I love you" (in Macedonian!) all day long, today was truly wonderful.
Of course it wasn't all fun and games, we all worked our tails off to get the old plastic tarps off of the three (yes three!) greenhouses that are in the back of the orphanage. This definitely isn't a small project! It's quite daunting, but I know that we will be able to finish the task by the end of the day on Saturday.
Some personal highlights for me include:
Literally sleeping the entire plane ride on all three legs of the flight (okay that was yesterday but I still have to mention it)
Getting kisses, hugs, massages, and flowers from the girl orphans throughout the day
Having my hair played with while sitting in the grass
Being told I love you in Macedonian
The smiles on the kids faces when I finally counted to five correctly in Macedonian...and later to ten (don't ask me to do it now!)
Teaching the kids to chant UGA, UGA while holding my hat :)
Being called Selena Gomez by the orphans...then later having them call me Rebecca Gomez once they learned my name
Having a child pour water on my dirt-covered pants in an attempt to wash them
Kabobs at lunch (okay, maybe not...I've never seen so many pieces of unknown meat in one sandwich)
Kristina, Dustin, and me meeting with some of the young single people from the church tonight just to talk about our lives, faith, backgrounds, etc.
And, of course, running home from dinner in the pouring rain with Kristina, Teresa, Dustin, and Jeff (which included running through multiple rivers haha). We still have no idea if the others are back yet!
I won't mention the low parts of the day (yes there were some) because I know God has a plan and purpose for it all.
I truly appreciate everyone who has made it possible for this entire group to be here whether through financial or prayer support. It's no accident that we're here, and God is truly working in our lives and in the lives of the orphans.
God bless!
Go UGA!
arrival at the orphange
Massage!
Soaking wet!
The group (prior to the rain!)
Of course it wasn't all fun and games, we all worked our tails off to get the old plastic tarps off of the three (yes three!) greenhouses that are in the back of the orphanage. This definitely isn't a small project! It's quite daunting, but I know that we will be able to finish the task by the end of the day on Saturday.
Some personal highlights for me include:
Literally sleeping the entire plane ride on all three legs of the flight (okay that was yesterday but I still have to mention it)
Getting kisses, hugs, massages, and flowers from the girl orphans throughout the day
Having my hair played with while sitting in the grass
Being told I love you in Macedonian
The smiles on the kids faces when I finally counted to five correctly in Macedonian...and later to ten (don't ask me to do it now!)
Teaching the kids to chant UGA, UGA while holding my hat :)
Being called Selena Gomez by the orphans...then later having them call me Rebecca Gomez once they learned my name
Having a child pour water on my dirt-covered pants in an attempt to wash them
Kabobs at lunch (okay, maybe not...I've never seen so many pieces of unknown meat in one sandwich)
Kristina, Dustin, and me meeting with some of the young single people from the church tonight just to talk about our lives, faith, backgrounds, etc.
And, of course, running home from dinner in the pouring rain with Kristina, Teresa, Dustin, and Jeff (which included running through multiple rivers haha). We still have no idea if the others are back yet!
I won't mention the low parts of the day (yes there were some) because I know God has a plan and purpose for it all.
I truly appreciate everyone who has made it possible for this entire group to be here whether through financial or prayer support. It's no accident that we're here, and God is truly working in our lives and in the lives of the orphans.
God bless!
Go UGA!
arrival at the orphange
Massage!
Soaking wet! 
The group (prior to the rain!)
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