During our last couple of days with BPZ Chruch we had so many sweet moments. We got to go out to lunch with the German and Austrian missionaries we had met and have breakfast with Pastor Artur once more. But one of the most special moments I will cherish forever was our last church service.
We had arrived at church like normal knowing this was our last Sunday with them. I loved going to church there. The people were so welcoming and loving but his week was special. All of a sudden my team and I were called up on stage. I had no idea what was going on. This community who had been blessing us all month had made shirts for us that said, “ a piece of your heart is in Kosova.” This meant so much to me. Saying goodbye is always the hardest part but this made it even harder. I felt so loved in that moment. After they gave up the shirts they also prayed over us and the future countries we were going to visit. They yanked us for all that we did the past month and that they hoped we would visit Kosovo again.
(This is my team leader Kaitlynn Little on our last Sunday thanking everyone for being so welcoming.)
I loved our month in Kosovo. I loved the culture and the life of the city I was in. I loved the people there and the ministry we were doing. I would love to go back again one day and see the people I met there. My team and I were truly blessed to be partnered with this church and I will not soon forget my time there.
(This was our last Sunday with BPZ Church and we wanted to have one last lunch with some of the people we grew close to over the past month. Pictured are three German missionaries, an Austrian missionary and other Kosovar missionaries along with my team.)
After our ministry time was over we had a week long debrief. It was filled laughing and crying. We dealt with some struggles we were having and had so much fun as a reunited squad. My team also kicked off our Christmas season (yes before thanksgiving) with watching a Christmas movie together. Debrief can be a lot sometimes but I try to see the fun in it. Being with the entire squad and our leadership team can be overwhelming sometimes but, it is also filled with joy and laughter.
(My teammate Renee and I were able to stop by the church one last time before leaving Kosovo. We said out goodbyes to pastor Artur and Lizzy who is a fellow American missionary.)
Overall, I loved my time in Kosovo and saying goodbye was so hard but, I know the Lord has so much more in store for me over the the rest of the next 8 months. Stay tuned for blogs about my next country…Ukraine!
So good, Katie! I love Kosovo and I am so thankful that we were able to enjoy a little of it. I could see your heart as well as the church’s heart when they gave you these gifts. Unbelievable what God does when we least expect it! “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard…” Enjoyed this blog so much! Love and blessings to you!
So glad Kosovo was so wonderful for your team. Sounds like you got to know some lovely people. You were blessed by them and I know that you all blessed them!