As we were driving back into Prishtina yesterday having spent just under a week in Bulgaria with our good friends, we were confronted with a police block on the main road into our part of town. We noticed that yet more roads and buildings had been demolished and more re-routings were being offered. As we had been driving along the main road into town, it struck me that there were a lot of smartly dressed people walking down the side walk, along with a smattering of nuns (a people group I have never seen before in the city). I had already started wondering what was going on. As we got to the center where the police were blocking the main road to our section of town, we saw huge numbers of people pouring out of the newly constructed Mother Teresa Prishtina Catherdral. It stands close to the center, looking very unfinished, yet on Sunday afternoon so vibrant with so many people having celebrated mass at it’s inauguration service. The service coincided with what would have been the 100th birthday of Mother Teresa. Some of our friends said that the sound of the organ echoed throughout our small “bowl shaped” city. I will be interested to see if and how it is used in the coming weeks as we monitor the continued construction work from our bedroom window. It will also be interesting to watch the construction of “Mother Teresa Square” (the plans look beautiful) and see where they decide to put all the traffic as they close more roads!

This week is also the last week of a religious festival here in Kosovo. Thursday is a national holiday as followers end their month of religious activities with a big celebration. We watched some of these traditions last year as we moved into town. This evening our neighbours and friends brought us some Fli (a traditional Kosovar delicacy that is painstakingly prepared for special occasions) and some turkish roasted peppers. We were touched by them sharing with us, and couldnt help but make the connection to us sharing Christmas cookies with them in December

We live in an interesting, ever changing city. It’s fun to observe what is going on around us and gradually become involved in life here in Prishtina!

Here is our latest newsletter that wil fill you in on all the details, let you know what we have been up to since we came home last month and what we have to look forward over the busy sumer here in Kosovo!

Click here for the newsletter.

Our continued prayer is that the enthusiasm, excitment and hope found in the believers of Kosovo will touch folks here and those called to support His people there will get involved!

September saw a myriad of guests pass through our house. The main reason was the 10-year anniversary of the group of believers here. What fun it was to celebrate with so many people who came before us here and worked with our foundation NCM Kosovo to rebuild houses after the war, teach English and other classes and make friendships and relationships. For the believers it was a special time to see old friends and dream new visions of what work we have for the future.

As soon as we had finished the celebrations and said goodbye to all the guests 12 of us jumped into cars and headed to Macedonia for a field conference. It was a wonderful time to connect with old friends from Romania, Bulgaira, Slovina, Albania and the UK.

November saw a trip to Albania for the district assembly. What a special time we had as our first Albanian was ordained during the meetings. It was also a chance for Doug to meet with the Education leaders to talk about his new responsibilities as the Learning center coordinator. We are now in the midst of a class, Introduction to College studies that five of our students are taking. Completing this class will enable them to take classes online from our European Nazarene College and from our Albania/Kosovo Learning Center.

Now we are in the midst of Christmas celebrations. Jen is baking cookies for the neighbourhood as an excuse to knock on doors during this season and further get to know our neighbours. We have celebrations with the believers here in Prishtina to look forward to and in Suhareka. Along with the international ministry community events that we participate in at this time of year. We are also preparing for our home assignment. We will be home for 3 months Jan – March. We are both looking forward to this time with friends and family sharing about work that we are excited about, and a little nervous and “exhausted in advance’ thinking about the travelling with kids and being away from our home routines. We definitely are looking forward to seeing some of you ☺

We have been overwhelmed by the love and support we have felt from the believers here. From the moment we arrived in Kosovo we have been surrounded by people helping us, feeding us, helping us to move furniture, giving us a place to stay, looking after our kids so we can work on the house and even cleaning our 2nd hand refrigerator (thank you Adthe!). We have joined a great family here and we are so excited to work alongside a great group of believers.

May the work here be blessed, may friendships & relationships blossom and may the harvest be plentiful!