Proud to be British in Kosova!!

Chris writes: While the UK, Kosova and the rest of the world are gripped in Royal fever and weddings we are proud to be British and living in Kosova. Gjakova is feeling more and more like home for us as we make more and more new friends here. Despite this in just under a week we end our contract here and leave our home and will be house sitting for some other missionaries, just five minutes away, while they are away for three months. Before this we will be in Ohrid, Macedonia for a retreat with OM then will have a few days break.

We have now been here over six months and doors are opening for us in various ways. It will be exciting to see how things continue to develop when we return. Thanks for your prayers....please keep praying! Much love in Him xx

Moving forward in Kosova

Moving forward in Kosova......

Chris writes: it has been a long time since we have been here...has been a difficult and exciting time. We now know that the door has now closed on a move to the capital city, Pristina. We will still work there but not be based there. It really feels like a close shave. Moving there could have damaged things in so many ways for us. Since this became clear some exciting doors opened for us and most importantly two days after we were offered rent-free accomodation for the summer!! Wow so God IS in control!! It is useful to remind ourselves of this from time to time!
Things on the drug education front are moving forward slowly...picking up some sessions.....but am waiting for the flood gates to open but it MUST BE IN HIS TIME!!
Have now also produced a clearer statement of our vision..let me know if you want to see and pray into it
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Have also been encouraged by a friend to pray for more of the prophetic....please pray and let me have feedback!!
In Him...xx

Still springing in Kosova

Chris writes...ok the last one was a bit premature...but now spring is definitely on the way...today the sun returned!! Have not seen it for a few weeks...forgot what blue sky looks like!!

We are still open to change and moving but it feels like a door could be closing for us.....do we stubbornly fight on like king David in so many of his battles.....or do we accept it get and on with what we have been called to like king David in 2 Sam 12 v 20 -23.....at this time I am favouring the latter!!

Please pray!!

Lorraine writes- Ok been a wait since I last wrote my thoughts. Lots has happened. A major experience for us has been the loss of our first unborn wee babe. Its hard to put in words sometimes feelings you feel inside. We have had so many people sharing their own private stories of loss its been touching. Why does something like this happen....don't know the answer to that million dollar question. Having lost so many of my own family member and now our wee babe, a sense of unfairness creeps in. I have to really dig deep in my heart and soul to not let this happen and take hold of my life. I love God and trust Him with my life, with Chris and our life together and if anything I feel a closeness to God more now than ever before. We believe we will be a family one day and our hands and arms are open to God to fill them with His love and blessings xx

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.