Almost goodbye

It’s almost time to say ciao to the Thomas family, Skopje, and Macedonia. 

Have I mentioned that I don’t like this part?

The closer we get to leaving here and finishing this trip means not only those goodbyes, but the coming-all-too-quickly goodbye to my Arizona family.  That fact has come up in my mind and in conversation over and over again lately. Oh well.  Back to being where I am right now…which is the Thomas family living room in the middle of Skopje.

It’s been an incredible experience to be here in Macedonia, to live with the Thomas family (a brave bunch to have an extra 9 strangers crash with them for over a week!), and to watch the lives of ‘real missionaries’ up close and personal.  It keeps sinking in more and more that the principles of the Gospel are so steady and rock-solid and yet expressed in such creative ways in different cultures. 

I have learned a lot on this trip so far, but it really boils down to learning to love Jesus more.  I am more awestruck today than yesterday, more aware of my humanity, and more grateful than ever for the power of the cross. 

I think the whole team has hit that invisible-yet-oh-so-clear point of tiredness physically, emotionally, and mentally.  If we are dependent on ourselves and our own strength to love one another and the people around us at this point, we will blow up and fail miserably.  The good news is that this provides a perfect opportunity for a lot of grace.

And this is life- to know the only true God and Jesus, His Son.  It’s the only way to go.

P.S. Today, I got everything needed to make Turkish coffee (which has grown on me a lot) at home, coffee cups and coffee included. 

Also, please pray for the ASU XA South Africa team.  They are currently in Cape Town, where there are being accompanied by Mike and Michelle Tessendorf.  From what we’ve heard, they are in no danger.  Prayer never hurts, though. 🙂