"...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 :)