Parents Night

Tuesday July 25

Today was the last day of camp we spent time with the kids and practiced for the program we will put on for the parents tonight. In crafts the kids were told to color a sheet and then write thank you letters to someone at camp that they wanted to thank. In my group at the beginning of camp I started off with 5 kids and at the close of the camp ended up with two boys that came faithfully each day. Both of these boys wrote their thank you letters to me. They wanted me to know that they appreciated me coming from America to help them learn English. I cried as I realized I longed to tell them that it was not I that chose to come but the Father who ordained my travels to this country. I longed to share that in a country where the people seem to mbe without hope for their existence the almighty Father supply all the hope that will ever be needed He is sufficent for all their needs.

After lunch we all spent time in prayer that God would soften the hearts of the parents and family memberstonight that they would be gracious to one another. Parents Night went well the kids were great. I was proud of all the kids as they showed the families all the things they had learned. One of the boys in my group had been nervous about standing in front of all the people and singing but when it came time for their turn he was one of the first ones up to begin. His parents were excited to see him participating as was I. Dr. Mark shared with the familes that God had brought this team here to show compassion and love for them all and He calls us to share His vision of peace and co-operation amoung their country. As I looked out into the crowd of faces for some sign of recognition that they understood I was reminded that we are just sowing the seeds and He will in His perfect plan raise them up and bear fruit to glorify Himself. Art and I said goodbye to these children that we had come to love as one of our own. It was difficult to say goodbye to their families they had embraced us as a member of their household. Tears were shed by us all but we knew our Father had brought us here to catch but a glimpse of His glory.

IHG
Melodye

Practice for Parents Night

Monday July 24

Camp went well today we practiced for parents night. The children will be participating in the songs and skits. After lunch I went to one of the neighboring villages. We visited a child in my group named Enis. Debbie and Lara(the interpertor) and I had a nice visit. His father was home so we were able to visit with them both. When asking the father about his feelings of the camp being together this year his response was that the war was in the past the kids needed to move forward. He seemed quite positive. When the mother finally sat down from serving we asked her the same question she responded that the kids needed to learn to work together but she could never forget. We explained we understood sometimes it is hard to forget. She then explained why. This village was occupied by troops during the war homes were burned crops were ruined the troops would kill whole families. Apparently one night soldiers came into their home demanding gold and when they said they did not have any they carried her husband out into the streets and pulled their guns on him and told him they would kill him if they did not give them their gold well obviously he lived because he was sitting with us. The same man that had said they needed to move forward had suffered a horror filled experience and wanted to forget and move on. This family was so gracious and loving to us as we were closing the meeting the mother asked us to attend a wedding celebration with her. We went with her down the road and witnessed a very joyous gathering the bride had not been presented to the party so her mother in law ushered us in to see her. She was beautiful as every bride is. I was still in shock that we were crashing a wedding and they could not have been happier we were there. While we in this village Lara was able to reconnect with a family she had shared a tent with in a refugee camp in Macedonia during the war. She was questioning Enis' mother as to whether she knew them and as went on the street their they were. She had not seen this family since 1999 but they knew her on sight. As Debbie and I witnessed this reunion we were reminded of His sovereignty in all things that He orchestrates all encounters in our lives and they all glorify Him. After returning to the kombi to go back to Lipijan Bobby one of the interns was able to share with Lara about how we endure our hardships. I was amazed to see the seeds that have been planted many times before being watered and nutured by others so that if He wills fruit to bear it will do so in lovely blooms.

IHG
Melodye

Are we home?

Its hard to believe but yes, we are here. The last days we spent in Lipjan were very busy. We spent nearly all our time trying to visit as many of the kids families as possible as well as prepare for Parents Night. So in order to truly allow you to be a part of what we experienced in those last days I will begin with Sunday and make several posts to bring you to our arrival in Tampa on Thursday night.

Sunday July 23rd

We had worship and church this morning. Dr Mark spoke regarding the strenghting and uplifting of the body. Art and I were quite encouraged. It is an unexplainable feeling to know as we sit in this room pouring over His word that the people that walk the streets of this country are lost that the children I have come to love as part of my own family do not know that the things their families have endured are all orchestrated by His sovereign plan. As Art and I spent time in prayer and reflection we were once again reminded we were not sent to save this land but just to plant seeds that He will bring about a harvest in His timing for His glory.

After services a group of us went to the mountains we stopped at a resturant on the side of the road. It was set in a beautiful area surrounded by trees and a mountain stream that ran right next to it we did get some wonderful pictures. After lunch we continued up the mountain. Dr Mark explain to us that this area was inhabited by the Serbians, as we passed hotels that had once been for tourists he explained to us that during the war they were occupied by refugees. By looking at them it seemed that families were still living there. These are families who left behind all but what they could carry and retreated for safety into the mountains. Upon the continued trip our final stop was Brezavicha which during season is a ski resort. It was a breath taking sight of God's creation. Jeff and Dan felt the need to "conquer" the mountain so they along with kombi driver climbed to the top of one of the mountains and then down again. Art and I enjoyed sitting with our feet in the creek. Did I mention it was like a bucket of ice cubes. However it did feel nice on a hot day.

After returning from our day trip Art and I spent time with Jeff and Debbie discussing what a year in the field would be like. We were all encouraged by one another and enjoyed the time in fellowship and prayer. Another two days of camp to go.

IHG
Melodye