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!