New life in Kosova!! (Kosovo)

Chris writes... currently in Pristina, the capital for some R & R and the new year is almost upon us! This is the time to reflect back over the last year at what was or not acheived and look foward to our hopes and dreams for the new year.

It is good to reflect, and good to dream but after the dreams must come a time of action and moving forward....stepping into all that God has in store for us.

We are setting up a new home and a new life for ourselves here in Kosova and pray that this is all in God's plan....we want to be walking with Him hand in hand in 2011...not two paces behind and not two paces in front.

Step forward boldly!!

Chris writes: we have now been in the house for almost two months. After the fifth or six visit from the repair guy, the fridge now seems to be working at last! We also now have a cooker at last! We are preparing for Christmas and hope to be entertaining friends in our new home.

It is fair to say the last few weeks have been tough for us as a couple, and also individually, but that makes us all the more determined that this is where we are supposed to be.The frustration caused by appliances and also computers not working has been really hard. It is quite a relief that Christmas is here as we have been busy with the house, language learning and also giving out the shoeboxes around Kosova.

We are both now ready for a break and have the chance to house/dog sit in the capital Pristina for some friends over the New Year. This will hopefully give us both time to rest, reflect and plan for our future.

We would both appreciate your prayers at this time and please do share any words you have with us.

With every blessing for a restful Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

In Him xx

Chris writes...great news!! the guy came with the bed...we sorted the wood stove...the washing machine is working....and on the second attempt I think the fridge is also now working!!

Praise God!!



Still lots more to keep us busy......and now at last, the temperature has dropped...snow is on the way!!

No rest for the wicked!!

Chris writes - I have now been back in Kosova for six weeks, Lorraine has been here just over a week. Setting up home is never easy, so many things to do and to fix...so setting up home in a foreign country where you only speak a little of the language and in winter we knew was going to be an uphill struggle. Have now been in the house 3 weeks.....last week we were in despair...fridge, washing machine not working and the guy coming to fix had let us down twice...in addition a mountain of other jobs, including getting a bed as we have been sleeping in the lounge on the sofabed and sorting out our new woodstove.

Today has been a good day so far and its only lunchtime!!.......we purchased a bed this morning....hopefully delivered later, guy came to fix the fridge and washing machine, hopefully sorting the woodstove later and maybe a few other little jobs.....we could be on a roll here!!

Will let you know how we get on!!

Thanks for your prayers...we need em!!

Lorraine writes- Its been a while since I have written an entry on the blog....After 5 months in the UK I rejoined Chris in Kosova last Friday. Time apart always makes the heart grow fonder and I can say that about missing Chris and Kosova. I had such a wonderful welcome from all our Kosova friends. During the 5 months I spent in the UK so much had happened.

Having experienced some good and not so good things I feel stronger now than ever before. After Chris returned to Kosova (four weeks ago) we have had to deal with being de-frauded, having our C.R.B applications forms with personal information stolen and a car crash.

The thought that someone could use this information illegally and be walking around identifing themselves as us and having access to our account creates such such fear. But it caused me to cling closer to God and trust Him more. All the way along our journey God has demonstrated His love and provision for us in so many ways.

I am excited for what is in store for us in Kosova.....the next stage is now beginning.......

life in Kosova

Taking for granted??


Chris writes....almost back in Kosova for one week and already I am thinking about the things we often take for granted....for a change I am not talking about lack of electricity....this is something you may recall we often went without for long periods of time in the village....here in the town I am only aware of two power cuts this week....

I am talking about something much closer to home...our sight!!

We have chess playing blind/partially sighted people from all over Kosova here at moment....they play with their hands....feeling the pieces/board as they go....it is quite amazing to watch...and it does not seem to hinder them!!

Take nothing for granted!! Rather thank God for all His blessings!! xx

Chris writes: last time I spoke about journeys of faith...ours has been pretty amazing!

As we have travelled round recently I shared some thoughts about Peter and his journey of faith...in particular the story of him going to Jesus on the water...... and stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14.

Matthew almost sounds quite matter of fact in 14:25...there was Jesus walking on the water!!........The way you do!!..........Peter sees Jesus and thinks I could do that....wow what a man of courage!! Jesus says...'come'!! (verse 29). Gulp!!................What is often over looked is Peter DID walk on the water...but just like we all do he took his eyes off Jesus...looked at the wind and waves and STARTED to sink....instantly he called out and...instantly Jesus saved Him...Peter grew through that experience.

18 months ago we stepped out the boat when we went to Kosova as a couple to live.


Now it is time to step out of the boat again....after 4 months in UK and around 5000 miles of travelling I shall return to Kosova on Monday 18th...our monthly support is over 60% and rising and it is time for us to continue the next part of our adventure...!!

Thanks for your prayers and support xx