This past weekend was something I've been anticipating ever since Dennis booked the ticket to Skopje, Macedonia. I had the privilege of spending the weekend with our colleagues, Matt and Sarah, and their daughter, Sabina.
Friday morning came and I was packed and ready to go. As it usually goes as we head to the airport via taxi, the driver asked which terminal I needed to be dropped off at. There are only two terminals at Ferenc Liszt International Airport. 2A or 2B. Before we even rounded the first corner from our flat onto the main road, my taxi driver looks in his rear-view mirror and asks, "2B or not 2B?" with a silly smirk on his face. I laughed and quickly found out that his English was quite minimal, so I told him how impressed I was with his little joke. It was a quiet ride to the airport after that, but I knew it was the start of a great weekend.
I arrived at Matt and Sarah's apartment with a special welcome. As soon as I stepped foot into the living area, seven-year-old Sabina began to play a song on her recorder and a Welcome Miss Gwen sign taped to a little pole was wedged between the couch cushions. Sabina graciously let me have her bedroom, sharing a room with her Dad and Mom, while I got to share a room with Humphrey, Sabina's pet hamster. :)
We had a fun weekend just hanging out and catching up on life. These guys are night owls just like me (as I type this at 1:45 a.m.:), so late-night-talks ranged anywhere from Matt explaining new computer apps to Sarah and I just talking life. I was so glad to be there over a weekend so I could attend the church in which they serve. They are working with the children, among other things, and have been encouraged to see kids understand concepts about God for the first time. I loved learning more about Macedonian history and the context in which they live.
No joking taxi driver on the way home, but I certainly had a thankful heart for the opportunity to have spent time with Matt, Sarah, and Sabina. I appreciate their gracious spirits, their ability to make others feel warm and welcomed, their perseverance, and their love for God and the Macedonian people.
I thought of how important it is to encourage.
How fun to live out these verses over the weekend:encourage |enˈkərij; -ˈkə-rij|
verb [ trans. ]
- give support, confidence, or hope to (someone)
- give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something
- help or stimulate (an activity, state, or view) to develop
When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. - Romans 1:12
Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. - 2 Corinthians 13:11
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| Feeding Humphrey |
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| Having fun in Skopje's city center |
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| Dinner out celebrating a long journey in sorting through visa issues |
So encourage each other and build each other up... - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 comment:
Love it. Looks like a great time.
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