Hello everyone!!!
Final full day of our trip today. This morning we were allowed to lie in -- a whole extra half an hour which was greatly appreciated! then we went to church, where there was incredible worship and we learnt more albanian. As well as an amazing sermon about fear and how we need to trust in God and not doubt things. After this we went out for lunch at the Bulevard, where Megan ate 3 chillies! All the food over here is really nice and very cheap!
We then made our way to visit the war graves, which was very emotional as it is shocking how close these people were to the people we are working with i.e. school teachers and cousins... We heard a testimony from Patrit (our bus driver in the party bus) about what happened when the war began and how they had to leave Kosova and walk to Albania with his 6 year old son. We then had the opportunity to pray for the families of the war victims and the town of Gjkova.
We all shared communion at the Smile Centre in the evening, which was a nice way to round off a week. As was the meal at a lovely resturant afterwards where we were able to share fellowship and have a laugh together!
After packing and a little bit of shopping in Gjkova tomorrow morning we will depart for Prishtina Airport at around about one o clock. When we arrive back at Gatwick Airport we will be sure to let you know our estimated time of arrival at Swindon. Keep you phones at the ready. Goodbye for now and please pray for a safe journey.
God Bless!!
Smile Centre
This is where we will be staying!
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Day Six
Hello all!!!
We have just got back from Rogova Gorge in the west of Kosova and can't believe how beautiful God's Earth is. The water was sooo clear, cool and tasted amazing. There was also many spectacular views. Today a few of us were asked to do a litter pick of Gjkova. Cleaning up the town today was fun despite the fact that we were actually doing a job that most people would never want to do. The task was smelly but fulfilling. (we were even able to do a bit of window shopping as we walked through the town). While we were cleaning up the park (the starting point) the mayor of the town came to thank us by buying us all a drink, which we did not expect. It was so kind of him. We also managed to make it onto the TV!!
New just in: Beth has just been pooed on by a bird.
We are looking forward to our BBQ tonight and more socialising with the people at the Smile Centre. We also look forward to a lovely day tommorow. Please pray for our strength as we come to the end of the week.
God Bless!!
We have just got back from Rogova Gorge in the west of Kosova and can't believe how beautiful God's Earth is. The water was sooo clear, cool and tasted amazing. There was also many spectacular views. Today a few of us were asked to do a litter pick of Gjkova. Cleaning up the town today was fun despite the fact that we were actually doing a job that most people would never want to do. The task was smelly but fulfilling. (we were even able to do a bit of window shopping as we walked through the town). While we were cleaning up the park (the starting point) the mayor of the town came to thank us by buying us all a drink, which we did not expect. It was so kind of him. We also managed to make it onto the TV!!
New just in: Beth has just been pooed on by a bird.
We are looking forward to our BBQ tonight and more socialising with the people at the Smile Centre. We also look forward to a lovely day tommorow. Please pray for our strength as we come to the end of the week.
God Bless!!
Friday, 30 July 2010
Day Five
Hello everyone,
Today has been incredibly hot (or at least feels it). It was the last day of the holiday club which brought a mixture of experiences to all of us. Emma told the story of Palm Sunday to the children and it seemed to go down well. The craft activity was making crowns, flags amd using hand prints to make a crown and tree (they looked really good and the children were really pleased with them!). During some of the games and the craft we saw a different side to the children that made us realise that children have similar characteristics everywhere in the world. Some of us found it difficult to say goodbye to the children as naturally we became quite attached to a few. At the same time a few of us were relieved as it meant no more matching pen lids to pens.
As we finish our main project out here we ask that you pray that we will be usful in other ways. Please pray that we will make the last two 'full' days count no matter how we may be feeling!!! There is a girls brigade group staying and working at the centre, in some respects this has been good as there is more man-power in the projects but sadly a few of us have found it challenging as they are already established within the centre and at times very overpowering. Please pray that God will give us all patience and grace as we continue to work with them.
Sorry if this sounds negative but we know it's good to be honest with you!! However we are enjoying our time in Kosova and know that it will invaluable for us in the future.
Goodbye!
Today has been incredibly hot (or at least feels it). It was the last day of the holiday club which brought a mixture of experiences to all of us. Emma told the story of Palm Sunday to the children and it seemed to go down well. The craft activity was making crowns, flags amd using hand prints to make a crown and tree (they looked really good and the children were really pleased with them!). During some of the games and the craft we saw a different side to the children that made us realise that children have similar characteristics everywhere in the world. Some of us found it difficult to say goodbye to the children as naturally we became quite attached to a few. At the same time a few of us were relieved as it meant no more matching pen lids to pens.
As we finish our main project out here we ask that you pray that we will be usful in other ways. Please pray that we will make the last two 'full' days count no matter how we may be feeling!!! There is a girls brigade group staying and working at the centre, in some respects this has been good as there is more man-power in the projects but sadly a few of us have found it challenging as they are already established within the centre and at times very overpowering. Please pray that God will give us all patience and grace as we continue to work with them.
Sorry if this sounds negative but we know it's good to be honest with you!! However we are enjoying our time in Kosova and know that it will invaluable for us in the future.
Goodbye!
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Day Four
Hello
Sorry for the lack of communication yesterday! We were extremely busy and couldn't get on the computer for the rush of people wanting it!
Yesterday was another great day! The weather is getting very hot - so suncream is important! Praise God that those who have been unwell are now 100% better and able to join us again in the school!
At the school yesterday we had about 100 children - less than the day before but apparently there may have been a wedding in the village which is always a big event! We felt blessed to be brought gifts by one childs mother - it was her birthday so she had sent some delicious biscuits for all the volunteers at the holiday club. At lunch time an english teacher from the school had sent her son to go and buy the biggest watermelon he could find! It was HUGE!!!! We shared it between all the volunteers. The kosovars are soo giving.
In the evening we went to a church service which was very different to church back home - quite evangelical - Neil who is from a youth group in Kent spoke the word and it was excellent.
Then we went for Ice Cream at a local parlour in Gjakove. For what is basically an Ice Cream Sundae with 3 flavours was only 1 euro! Such a bargin and delicous.
We are so excited for today - Emma is going to tell the bible story to the children - we will take pictures. She will do a great job.
Please pray for a great day and we will get in touch later!
Hope all is well back in England - we miss you!
xxx
Sorry for the lack of communication yesterday! We were extremely busy and couldn't get on the computer for the rush of people wanting it!
Yesterday was another great day! The weather is getting very hot - so suncream is important! Praise God that those who have been unwell are now 100% better and able to join us again in the school!
At the school yesterday we had about 100 children - less than the day before but apparently there may have been a wedding in the village which is always a big event! We felt blessed to be brought gifts by one childs mother - it was her birthday so she had sent some delicious biscuits for all the volunteers at the holiday club. At lunch time an english teacher from the school had sent her son to go and buy the biggest watermelon he could find! It was HUGE!!!! We shared it between all the volunteers. The kosovars are soo giving.
In the evening we went to a church service which was very different to church back home - quite evangelical - Neil who is from a youth group in Kent spoke the word and it was excellent.
Then we went for Ice Cream at a local parlour in Gjakove. For what is basically an Ice Cream Sundae with 3 flavours was only 1 euro! Such a bargin and delicous.
We are so excited for today - Emma is going to tell the bible story to the children - we will take pictures. She will do a great job.
Please pray for a great day and we will get in touch later!
Hope all is well back in England - we miss you!
xxx
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Day Three
Good evening after our second full day!
Today has been a continuation of the work we did yesterday with an additional 40 or so children bringing our total to around 120. Quite a lot when you consider the small size of the classrooms, the heat (and windows that don't open very well) and the slightly short supply of felt tips!!!
Despite this, it proved to be a good, if slightly stressful day and the children all seemed to love the games (and Dave as a highly trained ninja warrior) as well as the crafts, which focused on angels and the messages they bring to Earth. Ruth who told the story likened them to heavenly postmen!
The weather is still hot and this can make sitting, working or peeling the backs of 240 googly eyes for the angel models uncomfortable at times. However, we are very inspired by the positive attitudes of the staff here at the Centre and the children we have been working with.
Although we have only been working in the school, in the evenings we have the chance to share what has happened to every group; those painting houses and those visiting widows. The stories are incredible, sometimes harrowing but we are constantly amazed by the generosity of the Kosovans and their willingness to share everything they have. One lady for example was given a stone from a boy's garden as he had nothing else to give and that he polished especially for her.
As we continue through the week, please be thinking and praying not only for us but the incredible people we have met, both in the Centre and the locals. Although we are very lucky with the amazing facilities we have, there is still a sickness bug passing around. Please pray for healing and rest as well as renewed energy for us to keep working with and appreciating the people we have met. Thank you.
Today has been a continuation of the work we did yesterday with an additional 40 or so children bringing our total to around 120. Quite a lot when you consider the small size of the classrooms, the heat (and windows that don't open very well) and the slightly short supply of felt tips!!!
Despite this, it proved to be a good, if slightly stressful day and the children all seemed to love the games (and Dave as a highly trained ninja warrior) as well as the crafts, which focused on angels and the messages they bring to Earth. Ruth who told the story likened them to heavenly postmen!
The weather is still hot and this can make sitting, working or peeling the backs of 240 googly eyes for the angel models uncomfortable at times. However, we are very inspired by the positive attitudes of the staff here at the Centre and the children we have been working with.
Although we have only been working in the school, in the evenings we have the chance to share what has happened to every group; those painting houses and those visiting widows. The stories are incredible, sometimes harrowing but we are constantly amazed by the generosity of the Kosovans and their willingness to share everything they have. One lady for example was given a stone from a boy's garden as he had nothing else to give and that he polished especially for her.
As we continue through the week, please be thinking and praying not only for us but the incredible people we have met, both in the Centre and the locals. Although we are very lucky with the amazing facilities we have, there is still a sickness bug passing around. Please pray for healing and rest as well as renewed energy for us to keep working with and appreciating the people we have met. Thank you.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Day Two
Hey followers :)
First full day of our amazing trip to kosova and already we have learnt so much from the kosovans and the smile centre people. This morning we got up bright and early for our daily devotions (worship, etc...). Following on from that we hopped onto one of the smile buses, which we have already nicknamed as "the party bus" in which we sing sha la la la la *clap clap clap* and so on. We look forward to getting it stuck in your heads when we return. After our exciting journey we were greeted by 80ish waving children. You should have seen the looks on our faces! We quickly got organised and watched while the children sang some songs in Albanian (which Dave held up the lyrics for) and where told an interesting version of Noahs Ark involving talking felt tips. Then the children were split into four different groups. One of which went outside to play outdoor games in the heat (yes it it finally hot :D) with Andrew, Dave and a few others. The second group played indoor games with Megan, Beth and others which we learnt how to play Simon says in Albanian =S. The remaining two groups did different arts and crafts activities including face painting which made thier little faces light up!! Even though there is the language barrier between us we still managed to communicate though our translators and learn a few word so that we were able to play the games. After this we came back to the smile centre in our party bus singing all the way (sha la la la la *clap clap clap*) to relax then debrief where we heard what each different team did during the day including painting houses and visiting widows. It is amazing how appreciative they are for everything. The dinner was so nice but they were HUGE portions!!! which took a while to settle in our stomachs! After this, we had our final event of the day, which was to go to a kosovan youth group were we joined in with the worship, exchanged some awesome testimonies and learnt an Albanian dance - which we have video evidence of, to teach you ALL when we return. Overall the day has been a great learning experience, a great amount of fun, and very exhausting. However, we now have to go because other people wish to use the computer.. so goodbye for now. Please pray for good relationships to continue with all the other team members on the trip. God bless :)
First full day of our amazing trip to kosova and already we have learnt so much from the kosovans and the smile centre people. This morning we got up bright and early for our daily devotions (worship, etc...). Following on from that we hopped onto one of the smile buses, which we have already nicknamed as "the party bus" in which we sing sha la la la la *clap clap clap* and so on. We look forward to getting it stuck in your heads when we return. After our exciting journey we were greeted by 80ish waving children. You should have seen the looks on our faces! We quickly got organised and watched while the children sang some songs in Albanian (which Dave held up the lyrics for) and where told an interesting version of Noahs Ark involving talking felt tips. Then the children were split into four different groups. One of which went outside to play outdoor games in the heat (yes it it finally hot :D) with Andrew, Dave and a few others. The second group played indoor games with Megan, Beth and others which we learnt how to play Simon says in Albanian =S. The remaining two groups did different arts and crafts activities including face painting which made thier little faces light up!! Even though there is the language barrier between us we still managed to communicate though our translators and learn a few word so that we were able to play the games. After this we came back to the smile centre in our party bus singing all the way (sha la la la la *clap clap clap*) to relax then debrief where we heard what each different team did during the day including painting houses and visiting widows. It is amazing how appreciative they are for everything. The dinner was so nice but they were HUGE portions!!! which took a while to settle in our stomachs! After this, we had our final event of the day, which was to go to a kosovan youth group were we joined in with the worship, exchanged some awesome testimonies and learnt an Albanian dance - which we have video evidence of, to teach you ALL when we return. Overall the day has been a great learning experience, a great amount of fun, and very exhausting. However, we now have to go because other people wish to use the computer.. so goodbye for now. Please pray for good relationships to continue with all the other team members on the trip. God bless :)
Monday, 26 July 2010
Day One
Hi Everyone!!!
We are here!!!!
After a scary start from Swindon Train Station (Jess Hackneys suitcase ripped and she had to transfer all of her packing into a new case and arrived at the station with 30 seconds to spare!) We had a great flight with no turbulance and smooth landing! Andrew and Emma got to sit next to a 3.5 week old baby on the flight and it didn't make a squeak the whole journey! We were very proud of them as they helped the mother carry her baggage and Emma even got a hold! We then saw mother and baby have an emotional re-union with their family at the airport and Beth burst into tears!!
We then got drove in minibuses to the Smile Centre in Gjoakove through Kosova. There was lots of building work along the road and we had a scare as we were about to arrive when we were driven through a river and up a hill til we got there.
Once we got to the centre we recieved a warm welcome from everyone there, and a nice evening meal of pizza :D the smile centre is gorgeous and we all have little balconys outside our rooms with suberb views of the albanian alps. After settling in we had a meeting to discuss what we are doing tomorrow, and we are going into one of the schools to help with the childrens work. The theme for the week is colours, and tomorrow we are doing noahs ark.
Please could you pray for enthusiasm and positivity for us as we are understandably very tired and some of us were disappointed to learn that we will only be doing childrens work all week, therefore please pray that we will know how much God will be able to use us in this work.
Goodnight :)
We are here!!!!
After a scary start from Swindon Train Station (Jess Hackneys suitcase ripped and she had to transfer all of her packing into a new case and arrived at the station with 30 seconds to spare!) We had a great flight with no turbulance and smooth landing! Andrew and Emma got to sit next to a 3.5 week old baby on the flight and it didn't make a squeak the whole journey! We were very proud of them as they helped the mother carry her baggage and Emma even got a hold! We then saw mother and baby have an emotional re-union with their family at the airport and Beth burst into tears!!
We then got drove in minibuses to the Smile Centre in Gjoakove through Kosova. There was lots of building work along the road and we had a scare as we were about to arrive when we were driven through a river and up a hill til we got there.
Once we got to the centre we recieved a warm welcome from everyone there, and a nice evening meal of pizza :D the smile centre is gorgeous and we all have little balconys outside our rooms with suberb views of the albanian alps. After settling in we had a meeting to discuss what we are doing tomorrow, and we are going into one of the schools to help with the childrens work. The theme for the week is colours, and tomorrow we are doing noahs ark.
Please could you pray for enthusiasm and positivity for us as we are understandably very tired and some of us were disappointed to learn that we will only be doing childrens work all week, therefore please pray that we will know how much God will be able to use us in this work.
Goodnight :)
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