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!