A Macedonian Christmas

 

Snow has finally fallen here in Strumica, Macedonia and it's absolutely beautiful. This picture is taken from our third story balcony.

Last night, the group of Americans here celebrated Christmas together. The Jakus family so graciously hosted the celebration. As Andrew and I were walking to their house I said to him, "It's starting to feel more like Christmas with the snow crunching under my feet." The night was full of listening to Christmas music, munching on all kinds of goodies, a white elephant gift exchange and lots of laughs. Andrew came home with a pocket knife (that he bought!) and I came home with cherry gummies and chocolates. Such a fun evening!

We are flying into the states on the 23rd...so soon! : ) We're so anxious to see family and friends. We'll be home for about a month. Andrew will be turning his cell phone back on so feel free to connect with us!

I hope you are all enjoying this time of the year and the significance that Christ's coming has for us as believers! "Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere! Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!"

Won by 12!

ABA Strumica had a football basketball game last night. It was freezing cold in the gym. We guessed about 35 F. Pregame warm-ups had double meaning We played Kumanovo. ABA Strumica dominated the first half and held on tight for the second. Play was incredibly aggressive. A couple of our guys got injured; Zolke got a sprained wrist and Bobby a facial injury (not quite sure the extent of it). Our post guy, John Chappell, was pushed up and down the court. I'm not one to be known for how observant I am, but even I noticed how bad it was. The Kumanovo fans were equally as aggressive. They had a big drum and were chanting the whole game. Court-side fans tried to spit on the players when they came near. It was a zoo! Andrew played a great game though. The team played together as well as they have all year.

Pray for Alex

Andrew and I have been spending quite a bit of time with a young Macedonian guy here, Alex. He's 20 years old and speaks English pretty well. Andrew met him at a basketball game about a month ago. We've been trying to be a witness to him through words and actions. He invited us to his home for supper last week Wednesday and served us "Macedonian specialties" as he called them. He made spaghetti noodles served with some sort of chopped brown meat stewed with carrots. The meat tasted like braunschweiger; it and the noodles were served cold. Also on the menu was pickled tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers and carrots. For dessert he served "milk and oriental," which is cooked rice with cream. Probably similar to rice pudding, but I've never had that. The meal was very interesting; he had a good heart in making it for us. : ) To describe Alex, he's nervous, edgy, and can come across as harsh sounding. He's asked a number of us Americans why we're always smiling. He likes to talk about politics and says he hates America. Ironically, he plans to go to America to work on a cruise ship in February when he turns 21. Also ironically, he's really attached to Andrew and I. We've both been able to witness to him about the love of Jesus Christ, the peace and joy that He brings, and the fear that He takes away. He's been coming to church regularly and told Andrew he feels something strange in his heart when he's there. We believe the Holy Spirit is working on him; that his heart is tender to the Lord, so we continue to hang out with him. It's difficult at times, he cans say some pretty hurtful things, but we are called to love people such as this. Please be praying for Alex. Pray for Andrew and I too, that the Lord would be revealed through us. Pray also that we'd be patient with him and just love on him. 

An update

ABA I team played Ovche Pole on Saturday and won 80-77! This was a huge, unexpected win for ABA. Andrew played really well. Feel free to follow the link to check out statistics. Scroll down to the game posted as АБА Струмица - Овче Поле and click on the final score to be sent to statistics.

ABA Dance Team provided some half-time entertainment. I guess it went pretty well. : ) We'll dance again this Saturday; meanwhile, we're learning a whole new dance plus working on another for the following Saturday's game.

English classes are going well. Our numbers are fairly consistent at around 20 each session. Please be praying that more people would hear about the ABA English Academy. Also, pray for our relationships with all the students; that the love of Christ would be shown through us and that our lives would boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Lord desires to use this in mighty ways. 

Thanksgiving is coming up quickly. We are planning an authentic Thanksgiving Day celebration here in Strumica and I'm so excited! I hope you all have a wonderful time fellowshiping with family and friends. I have so much to be thankful for and I pray that Thanksgiving reminds us all of that. : )

B-ball news

The game on Saturday went well for Andrew, but not well for the team. They lost my about 30 points. Andrew scored 23 points and just played really well. I know he was so happy to be back on the court again, thinking, "I feel His pleasure when I play basketball." (to semi-quote Chariots of Fire) : ) He was still really disappointed with the loss. Regardless, I was so happy to see him out there.

The guys with injuries are gradually recovering. I think within a month everyone could be back on the court.

We found out that Todd Hendley, the player with the heart condition who was sent back to the states, has been given permission by a doctor in the states to continue pursuing basketball. He is scheduled to fly to Finland where he'll join a professional team. This is truly a miracle and I give the Lord all the praise!

Answered prayer

The ABA division I team has been experiencing a lot of injuries. 3 of the American players are currently out due to injuries. Andrew and I have been praying about him being asked to come on as a temporary sub for these players and we found out yesterday that he will! Praise the Lord! We are both really excited. However, we were asked to pay for the licensing fee which costs 250 Euros, about $345. We are praying that the Lord will provide. Andrew plays in his first game this Saturday.

In other news, I have begun dancing on a dance team headed up by fellow American, Anna. It's quite a stretching experience. If any of you have gotten the pleasure of watching me "bust a move" you know it's about as graceful as watching a chicken fly. It can happen if it has to, but it's not a pretty sight! I have a lot of fun though, and I'm getting to meet some amazing young ladies in the process. We will eventually perform at half-time of the ABA games.

Thanks for all your prayers. Ministry here is really feeling Satan's attack in a lot of ways, but we know that our God is higher and has given us the authority to put Satan under our foot!

Heart of praise.

It's been quite some time since I last posted and a lot of things have happened.

We found out that our Macedonian tutor came to the Lord! Praise Jesus! The Lord used another American here, Jyl, who was able to be a witness to Eli and pray with her when the time came. Jyl has been discipling her since then, but Jyl is going back to the U.S. on Friday. She is about 7 months pregnant and will be delivering their baby girl in the states. So I'm going to start working with Eli; getting in the Word together. It will be really good for both of us.

Andrew has been coaching, with the help of Marcus (American basketball player with ABA) a youth basketball team, ages 13ish-15ish. He's such a good coach. The players are very talented and most of them understand English quite well, which is a big blessing. They've played 2 games so far and have won both.

Anna and I continue to teach English with Dragan. Just this week a couple from England, Norma and Tony Coles, have come to help us. Norma used to teach English in England as a profession and Tony has a lot of experience with it as well. We are now teaching every Monday and Thursday evening. The Coles come on Monday's from 8:00-10:00. Tony teaches the beginner class with the help of Danche, a Macedonian girl, meanwhile Anna teaches pre-intermediate to intermediate and I teach advanced. Norma and Dragan split their time between Anna and I. Anna, Dragan, Danche, and I will continue to teach on Thursday's. Praise the Lord for providing for our needs at just the right time.  

Macedonians love to go out for coffee here. So, now that I'm meeting more and more Macedonian women I've been drinking lots of coffee/tea. The language barrier can be a challenge sometimes, but spending time with them makes it worthwhile. I'm so thankful that the Lord has brought these relationships into my life and provided a way for me to connect with Macedonian women. It's such an answer to prayer.

Andrew still remains in limbo with playing basketball. We are praying that the Lord provides and are trying to be patient in the wait.

We cherish your prayers and are encouraged to know that there are people who are regularly lifting us up. Please pray for relationships, that they would feel the love that the Lord has for them through us; pray for English class, that God would be glorified and exalted; pray for the basketball situation, that the Lord would make a way for Andrew to play. 

Being grateful

Andrew is on a team! He was able to "try out" for a division II team, Millennium, on Wednesday. He was given the okay to play with them and they had their first game last night (Saturday). They lost...it was pretty rough. Andrew wasn't able to play because his license to play from the federation didn't come through. Every foreigner needs to have one to play. Andrew will be able to make a huge difference on the team. We'll keep you posted!

Anna and I, along with Dragan (a local), have been teaching English. We've been meeting every Thursday from 8:00-10:00 pm and giving lessons for two classes. The beginner's class meets at 8 and the advanced class meets at 9. This Thursday was our second class. It's been going pretty well. I actually have a little bit of fun doing it! Anna and I have our hands full creating lesson plans for both classes...quite the learning experience. There are about 15 students per class; a decent amount of which are females! Anna and I are hopeful for opportunities to hang out with some of them outside of class. Be praying!

In the midst of uncertainty and doubt the Lord is challenging my faith. When things don't go as I think they should it's so easy for me to be tempted to question, "God, are you sure you know what you're doing?" I must have faith to believe that God does a better job of being God that Halee does. That God's plans really are better than mine. Something that I'm learning is that the Lord is mainly unpredictable if not entirely. I am learning to love that.

Update on Andrew!

Andrew's hamstring is healing quite well. It's been over three weeks since his injury. This injury has given him ample time to rest his foot as well. On Thursday, an acupuncture specialist was asked to come check out some of the guys on the ABA division I team. Andrew was one of few willing to let the doctor look at him. The acupuncturist had his daughter with him to translate; but, as we're getting accustomed to, much was lost in translation. He told the doctor about his hamstring tear, but the doctor started poking at his knee with some chopstick-like instruments. The doctor somehow figured out, based on his knee, that Andrew is left-handed. He then took a look at his left hip, which Andrew has historically had issues with. Evidently, the doc still thinks he has issues. However, after some more poking and prodding, the doc was confident he had fixed any problem. He never looked at his hamstring. : )
Since receiving news that the ABA II team is no longer, Andrew has decided to try out for a different division II team here in Strumica called Millennium. Tryouts will probably be early this week.
Keep praying!

Lesson learned

I decided to go to the grocery store. Andrew so generously loaned me the bike we recently got for him to ride. If you are already thinking, "This sounds just a little bit risky," hold on to your pants. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

After hitting up Tinex (one of the local grocery stores) and purchasing laundry detergent, olive oil, bread, and salt; safely stowing the detergent and oil in my bag/purse, I headed to a produce market located in the bottom floor of Global Shopping Center (mall). Strange, I know...yet so great! 3 grapefruits, 4 apples, 2 tomatoes, 2 red peppers, and 15 eggs later I was satisfied with my purchases and ready to head home. I safely tucked the eggs in my bag along with some of my Tinex purchases, juggling produce with the bread and salt on either end of the handle bar...and we're mainly unsteadily off! (Mom, you can go ahead and stop reading now) I pulled out into the street lined with parked cars to my right and one lane of moving traffic on my left. Suddenly I see a car backing up about 30 feet away. What was a somewhat gentle attempt at slowing the bike ended up throwing myself over the handlebars and my grapefruit, apples, and cellphone onto the street. Did I mention it was raining? I hurriedly round up my phone and produce before any oncoming traffic could get the best of them. Meanwhile, a very kind Macedonian fellow saw the great distress I was in and came to my rescue, helping me get the bike to the sidewalk. I will never know what he was saying to me. I don't think he was scolding me, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had some words of advice. I wanted to explain to him what happened, but I couldn't. All I could say was "fala" (thanks). Now that I think about it, I probably should have said "blagodoram," which is the more formal version of thank you. But at the time I was just ready to get out of there. I'm pretty sure he won't hold it against me. He helped me get going again, generously giving me a new bag for my produce, and I slowly and carefully rode the rest of the way home...on the sidewalk.

I rode away relatively unscathed and chin-up slightly. My purchases on the other hand didn't fair so well. 2 apples majorly bruised, salt container busted (guess I'll be buying salt again), and 5 of my 15 eggs broken...in my bag...fantastic!

I think within any situation, good or bad, there is a lesson to be learned. So, I've decided I won't be going grocery shopping (at least not to the same extent) on a bike again. (Thanks Andrew, but no thanks) I've also decided that whoever thought it would be a good idea to put breaks on the front tire of a bike has never ridden one before. One more thing, I need to get serious about learning Macedonian.

Sophia, Basketball, Fellowship, Uncertainty.

Zdravo friends! That is hello in Macedonian.

I am letting my better half take a break from the blogging, so bear with me as I try to hold things together in Halee's absence.We have been in Sophia, Bulgaria for this weekend. We left Friday from Macedonia, played that evening in Sophia. We stayed at a church that Larry is connected with here in Bulgaria. Larry is a great man of God. He and his wife Courtney have been living in Sophia. John Jakus, the coach, has worked closely with Larry for a few years now on this vision for the Balkans region. One of the big goals is a goal that Athletes In Action has (John Jakus and Larry Sharrett are both AIA), is to have a follower of Jesus on every team, in every country, on every level. Larry is working in Bulgaria and John is now working in Macedonia (neighboring countries). Saturday night we had another game. It was by far the best game that Aba Strumica (we) has played thus far. The team is almost complete, just missing one player. Sunday was a free day together. We went to a church that is connected with Calvary Chapel. At the service we were able to witness a wedding! This took place at the end of the service. It lasted for only 15 to 20 minutes. The rest of the day we went to a mall. It was an impressive mall, by the States standards. Today, Monday the 27th, we have another game against a very good 1st division team in Bulgaria. After the game we will head back to Strumica.

The Uncertainty part of the title is regarding, once again, my situation with the 2nd division team. There may not be a 2nd division team because there might not be room in the division to add one more team. Aba II would be an expansion team. So, as has been a trend for Halee and I in our engagement and short time being married, there is uncertainty. But we trust in the One and know that following Jesus isn't always certain and rarely goes how we planned it to in our heads. For me Jesus' Spirit is teaching me to be patient. With my foot injury I kept playing and wouldn't give it enough rest for it to properly heal. So, the Lord in his wisdom is forcing me to rest! For serious though, my hamstring is getting better every day, praise the Lord saints!
That's all for now. Thank you for all your love, support, and prayer!

Oh yeah and happy 31st birthday on the 26th brother Seth, you old man.

One more thing happy 28th birthday on the 28th (YAY for golden birthdays!) tomorrow for brother Jesse.

Much love and Godspeed friends!

Dralee

A time to rest

The Division I team was suppose to have another "friendly" game on Thursday. However, some protesting grape farmers blocked the roads so the other team couldn't make it to Strumica. You never know what you're going to hear! Instead, the team had an inner-squad scrimmage. Andrew was able to play nearly 2 quarters before a drive to the hoop and a powerful explosion off his left leg caused him to partially tear one of his hamstring muscles. Due to the pain and light-headedness he was experiencing, Andrew removed himself from the game. We were both in total disbelief that this even happened. He is really quite flexible. Perhaps the plantar fasciitis (also on his left leg) caused him to overcompensate and weakened those hamstring muscles? He was planning on resting for 10-11 days after the scrimmage to help his foot heal, and I guess he'll stick with that plan and rest his hamstring as well. Please be praying for Andrew; that God would be glorified through all of this and that Andrew would heal quickly.

Birthday to remember

Heart news

We just received news today that Todd Hendley, the 6'7" inside-out forward who has been in Greece getting tests done on his heart, has been told that he will not be able to play basketball again. It has to do with an electrical condition of his heart. He is coming back to Strumica this evening. We ask that you pray hard for Todd and the Lord to heal his heart, so he can have another testimony of the Lord's goodness in his life. He will be traveling back to the states to get a second opinion and more tests done on his heart. Pray for Todd!

Much love

Starting the grind

Andrew and I are nearing the end of out third week in Strumica. The newness of things is beginning to wear off a little. I am beginning to miss the comfort of being known that comes from close friends and family. Today and the last have been one of those days for me where it seems like I'm almost constantly on the verge of tears. However, the Lord filled my heart with encouragement as well as a challenge. God brought to my mind the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi which says:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me show love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith ;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

It's a challenge to put others' needs before my own; to focus on others instead of staring at my naval. A challenge to die to myself; to put on the attitude of Christ.

Continue praying for us. Andrew's foot is improving, Praise the Lord! Pray that we would be bold and confident as we share the gift of God with those around us.

First practice - health issues

Andrew had his first practice with ABA II team today. He said it went pretty well; did lots of shooting drills and a little running. Andrew will have to play really well for the team to be successful. His heel is still causing plenty of pain. After a little research he has come to a somewhat confident conclusion that the pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. He's doing plenty of ice therapy to help. Any healing ideas from you are welcome!
Tomorrow the div. I team has their first "friendly game." One of the American players, Todd, has possible health issues and has been advised by the doctors here not to play for the next few days. The concern is with his heart; his resting heart rate is between 80 and 90 beats per minute. They did an electrocardiogram test on him today among other things to determine the source of the problem. No definitive news yet. Andrew will be suiting up on the team in his stead.
Continue lifting all of us up in your prayers. Pray for healing!

Our first 10 days

We have been here in Strumica just about a week and a half but it feels like so much longer. The pace of life is quite slow here, which has its ups and downs. It's great because it seems like we've gotten so much accomplished. However, the days feel long and in my mind I'm ready to hit the hay when it's only 8:30.

The Div. I team had their first practice on Thursday, August 26. Andrew had been practicing with the team up until this Wednesday when we found out that there will be a Div. II team! The Lord has answered favorably to our prayer! They're calling the team "ABA II" and will begin practice on Monday, September 6. There is a good chance another American will be coming over to play on ABA II as well. Andrew is having some foot/heal pain however, please pray for healing!

The trip to Turkey ended up not happening. As it turns out, they may or may not have been able to meet with Jerry Colangelo or do some of the other networking they had hoped to. With a ten hour drive one way and only 24 hours in Turkey, they decided it wouldn't be wise to use their resources on a chance encounter. Needless to say, Andrew was pretty disappointed. Fortunately, we found out about the ABA II team the same day, which probably lightened the blow.

I have been spending around 4 hours per day working with Anna (23; wife of David, a Div. I player) at creating an Athletes in Action Macedonia website. It's creatively and organizationally challenging, but I'm really enjoying it. We hope to have it up and running very soon! We will be working together to keep the site updated and will have game highlights and statistics available on the website when the time comes.

I also learned that I will be coaching the girls 5th to 8th grade basketball team. Practices haven't started yet, but I've already begun jotting down practice ideas and gleaning knowledge from the basketball aficionados surrounding me. You're welcome and encouraged to advise me as well!

We've taken two lessons in Makadonski (Macedonian) so far. Learning the alphabet is difficult as is spitting out some of their letter combinations like "Zdravo," which means "Hello." We're catching on though, and I think people appreciate the effort.

In Macedonia!

We have arrived safe and sound in Strumica, Macedonia. The flight was seamless and we arrived in Sophia, Bulgaria Monday afternoon. Interestingly enough, we happened to schedule the same flight out of Chicago as the Jakus family and David and Anna, another newlywed couple serving alongside us. It's crazy how God works things like that out.
While in Bulgaria, we stayed with the Gill family (missionaries in Sophia with Campus Crusade for Christ); experiencing fantastic fellowship with them as well as Larry and Courtney, a missionary couple volunteering for Athletes in Action. We stayed there until Wednesday when the 4 other players from the states flew in. Ryan, the man heading up this Macedonia project, came from Strumica and we all loaded up in a van and 2 cars and traveled to our homes in Strumica...just 5 hours and 1 flat tire later!
Andrew and I have adjusted quite well to the time change. Pray for me, however, as I've been battling a head cold since Monday. We're settling into our apartment that has a remarkable view of the city. We've been told we're getting internet there, but as of tonight (Thurs) there's no sign except for the internet box and cable piled outside our apartment door. This is the first internet access we've experienced since landing in Sophia.
The Macedonian team had their first practice tonight. Coach John Jakus emphasized family and communication. Uniting the American-Macedonian team seems to be a major goal and I'm anxious to see how that will happen.
I feel like there is still so much to share, but for now I'll leave it that Andrew and I are beginning to feel at home in Strumica and excited to see what the Lord has done already and will continue to do. Pray for us as we will soon begin language lessons and make our first introductions with so many. Pray that we make the most of every situation and show the love of Christ on our faces. Also, a big opportunity is coming up in which Andrew and the other players and coach will be traveling to Turkey during the World Basketball Championships to ask for partnership with Jerry Colangelo (former owner of the Pheonix Suns and current president of USA basketball) in the vision that Strumica and Sophia have for Christ-centered professional basketball teams.
Thank you for praying for us!

What's going to happen?

"What's going to happen?" is a phrase commonly heard from the mouth of my almost-4-year-old nephew. He usually references this question while playing with his slightly over-grown car collection. He'd line up 8 or so cars on the edge of the sofa and ask me, "What's doing to happen?" as he slowly inches each individual car closer to the edge until at last he pushes it past the edge of the sofa where it crashes onto the floor.

This same question has been one of the many questions running through my mind since Andrew and I committed to doing missions in Macedonia. We've had a basic understanding of what Andrew is going to do, i.e. playing basketball, strength and conditioning coach, youth basketball league. So I've just been waiting to find out what the Lord would have me do; simply asking the question, "What's going to happen?" Well, Andrew received a wonderful call last night from John Jakus (one of the names you might possibly often hear, so take note: he works with Athletes in Action and will be coach for the Div. 1 team in Strumica). John relayed news that I now have a volunteer job at the Club in Strumica! The Club is a sports facility-community center-restaurant combination. Although the daily activities of my job aren't crystal clear yet, it looks like I'll be using my degree in Business Administration. Praise the Lord that he would grant me this fantastic opportunity to keep my hands at work serving Christ while gaining valuable skills!

Leaving so very soon

As stated earlier, our flight is scheduled and purchased! We're taking off out of Kansas City on Sunday, August 22 where we'll touch ground in Chicago, then Frankfort, Germany, and arrive at Sophia, Blugaria on August 23.

We received a support update this morning (08-11) from Faith and Learning International and have raised $4125...Praise the Lord!

Andrew is finishing up his last week of work and I've been busy packing up the house. Fortunately, I only have to move our packed-up belongings to the basement. Next week will be spent visiting family and friends before we say our "See you later's." Neither Andrew nor I like "Good-bye's."

Continue praying for us!