a lot of coleslaw...

Cabbage is a key part of meals here in Kosova. I am always amazed when I see several of these trucks parked in a row...selling huge bags of cabbage. 5 euros will purchase 15 kilo of cabbage, which is what one of those bags in the photo weighs. ($7.50 for 33#) I personally don't buy cabbage, because just one single head of cabbage is huge and it would take me forever to eat by myself. I do enjoy cabbage though when it is served, often with a vinegar sauce, along with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and white cheese.

Time for lunch...

Life back in Malishevë...

I left the US on the 9th of November to return home to Malishevë, and arrived at my apartment 3 days later. It was raining, and of course there was a lot of mud. The highway was still under construction, some parts were very nice, other areas had horrible potholes due to the rain. Other than the rain the first day, the weather has been quite mild with the lows at night only about 7C, (45F). So I have been able to adjust slowly to a slight chill in my apartment.

The first morning I woke up to the sound of generators, which meant the power was out. Each day the power has gone off for about 2 hours, which is the norm. I am quite sure it won't be off at all today because today is Bajram, a big holiday for Muslims. Bajram, Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. (Of course the Bible states it was Isaac and not Ishmael...) There is no bus service, all the stores are closed, the streets are very quite. Yesterday, the streets and the market were comparable to the day before Thanksgiving or the day before Christmas. So many people, it was intense.

I am sleeping well. I plan to return to the clinic next Monday and Friday. I also want to check on the special ed. students at the school as well as visit my little Çlirim and his family.

Life seems pretty familiar being back in Malishevë, and there is some comfort in that. I know that the Lord goes before me each day, He is faithful in directing my steps and providing exactly what I need.

It feels so good to be a part of this community once again...

Political Tsunami sweeps America, 5.3 earthquake in Serbia...

It has been interesting for me to be in the US during this political season. I didn't have a television so I was spared all the political commercials, that was a blessing. I did keep up with the campaign issues, I did vote.

I voted from Kosova during the election 2 years ago, and although I was saddened by the changes I have seen in our nation since that time, I still know and believe that God is in control.

There was a 5.3 earthquake in Serbia last night, the epicenter about 80 miles northwest of Prishtina. I have friends in Prishtina that were awakened by the shaking of their beds, no injuries or damage has been reported.

I think that yesterday was a time of "shaking" for all of us! I think the time is short, and there is much work to be done. God has called each of us to share His gospel to the world, to love our neighbors, to stand boldly and declare the truth of Jesus Christ and His completed work of salvation.

The election is over...now is the time for each of us "to get to work"...be obedient to what God has called you to do. Be bold in sharing who God is, be bold in standing strong in His Truth. Our nation and world is in a season of change...

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." I Corinthians 15:58