Spring into Kosova.....

Chris writes: had a good few days away, some prayer, Bible study and managed to finish a book on discipleship. Feeling a little clearer about our future and wanting to be best used by God to serve the people of Kosova...that could mean moving from where we are now.

Was struck by many thoughtful sayings but this was one of my favourites, a few people claim it including Winston Churchill:

'We make a living by what we get - we make a life by what we give.'

We are seeking to make a life by what we give to the people of Kosova.....would appreciate continued prayer over our future and our desire to be best used by Him here.

The snow has all gone here now, so felt able to go out for a run today without danger of slipping........(hoping for a sponsored run in May....details to follow!!) never was much good at ice skating so it is good to see the ice all gone......ah the joys of spring!!

Zoti ju Bekofte!!

Chris writes: continuing on our journey and we have now been here in our house for three months. OM wisely ask that all new OMers spend thier first three months learning the language and this is what we have done...it has been tough but a great opportunity to spend so much time getting deeper into the country and culture. Not to say that we can speak it fluently...we will continue learning for sometime to come...but now maybe we can start to refocus.

For the next few days we will be praying and fasting over our future...please do remember us during these days and share any thoughts you have with us..

In Love, In Him xx

Journeying

Chris writes: reflection and looking back at where we have come from is so important. Was so encouraged and enriched by hearing someone share this morning and knowing that I played a small part in his journey.

This can encourage us and affirm where we are going... but as someone once said: it is not where you have come from that is important......but where you are going.

One other reminder I heard recently from Oswald Chambers:

'The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him'

God Bless you on your journey with Him.

Lorraine writes- Walking our friends dog this morning (they are away for New Year) up to the park near his home, I noticed many Embassies and Diplomats homes, all behind guarded high fences. It made me think about how in our lives sometimes we can have areas fenced off and other areas where we are guarded. Why? maybe because we don't want to get hurt, or maybe we just don't want to acknowledge it......for me, I am praying that as we see the New Year in and think about 2011, I want those areas in my life that are behind fences, to become free; for those guards and fences to be broken and to come down; for real freedom and joy to rein in its place. I want to soar like an Eagle not stumble through 2011 like a a fearful skater on the ice for the first time......I am excited yet scared about what God has in store but hand in hand with Chris, family and friends and most importantly with Him, I'm expecting it will be an amazing year.....Happy New Year xxx

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!!