John's Serbia Blog

July 6

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a week since I’ve returned.  I think my body is just now recovering from the hard work and excessive eating we endured.   Luckily I think I missed out on the jetlag.   It was mighty Yum though.  The thing I miss the most about the food is the fresh fruit and dairy products.  Cherries & Plums and Apricots….Oh My!     Strawberries, Yogurt, and Cheese….Oh My!!.  Yes I just watched the Wizard of Oz over the weekend.  It was awesome!  I could not get enough of the schopska salad.  As soon as I can figure out how to down load pictures to this computer I’ll post some. 

I really appreciate being able to reconnect with our brothers & sisters in Christ and to “cement” some of those family ties…..Literally.  Just ask Nate how much cement we produced and moved.  I was also reminded of the phrase “Those who pass bricks together grow stronger together!”  It was tons of fun!!!  I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. 

I’ve been pondering just what good and purposeful reason our long hard toiling was.  In several areas of our work we not only provided the labor, but provided the financial and material provisions, and clean up of our work with out asking help from the churches in the area.  To some worldly people this seems like an unwise use of our time and monies, not to mention the aches and pains of the hard labor.  What I’m reminded of is this is very miniscule to the price that Christ paid for our salvation.  He totally invested the Highest Treasure, toiled through the worst labor, provided the ultimate clean up service with His Blood on the cross and asked for nothing in return other than the opportunity to believe and accept Him as our Savior.  I am humbled at being allowed to be a part of His work here on earth.  I don’t deserve it just as I don’t deserve His Grace & Love but I humbly accept it and I’m blessed.  Thank you Abba!

Thank you again to those who prayed and invested in this endeavor.   Once again, yesterday, I looked around at our congregation/family and was brought to tears by all the people who have shown me a bit of Christ’s love encouragement over the past 15 years.  There were some missing due to the holiday or have moved on for different reasons but my mind was flooded with memories.  I dearly miss those who have moved on and treasure the new ones that have come into my life. 

You are a blessing to me.

John

June 18

Dobar dan yall,
Today was a great day, nice and cool for me as I was in the dungeon (cellar) of the main building of the camp building a brick wall with Jane.  It is quite a sight and somewhat plumb if you look at it from quite a distance with your head cocked as Novica said.  The maestro brick layer (Jotsa) came by several times and smiled and kinda shook his head as he was leaving.  We went to Gamsigrad to see Roman ruins of Romuliana.  They are really beautiful to wander around.  Great sunset time!  We  have one more day and the kids are sorta slap happy, playing a card game call Mau or mow.   Looks like a long day tomorrow also maybe. 
Until next time,
God’s blessings,
John

June 17

Hi everyone,
It was a great day here today.  Not as long or hard but none the less rewarding.  We are seeing the fruit of our lard labor in progress on the walls of the septic tank pit as the brick layers are building cinder block walls on top of the foundation we helped prepare, then we dug out another pit area around a pipe where the well was dug and foundation was poured into that pit.  We got a chance to go have ice cream and "refreshment" in Zajecar in the evening.  Every one here is being challenged physically, relationally, and spiritually as God is really leading and stretching us through this intense, hard work together.  I am blessed beyond my understanding. 
Until then,
John

June 15

Hi all,

Well, today I’m sure that I used up all stored up nutrition from the past 2 days.  Brian, Austin, Phillip, and Barkley and I had a long hard day, about 10 hours, clearing out the septic tank (jama as they call it in Serbian) pit in preparation to set forms and pour concrete tomorrow. Bed time will not come too soon. I feel tired but great.  I’m looking forward to what tomorrow brings. We learned how the farm family shucks their corn for their pigs and makes corn meal.  Our hosts have been great in feeding us and making sure we are comfortable.  I so appreciate them and their family.  Until tomorrow!

John

June 14

Hi All, God’s first challenge came today….twice. I had an opportunity to give a bit of my testimony to the Baptist church in Bor and then again with Branko’s church in Zajecar. It seemed daunting and a bit scary but God really took me home in my heart and gave me peace beyond what I can explain. Home being right where He wants me, secure in His arms remembering just how much He loves me and desires my communication and reliance to be on Him. I am truly blessed beyond belief. He is Awesome!! Other than that it seems like we’ve eaten at least 14 meals since leaving Dallas about 20 hours ago between the flights, Slavica & Novica here on the farm and Rada & Branko in Zajecar. The first day’s breakfast was hot dogs, boiled eggs and fresh yogurt probably just a few days from the cow and warm milk which was probably in the cow earlier in the morning. YUMM! I’m really glad we’re starting to work tomorrow to work some of it off. Our day starts at about 4:45 which is great because it’s when I’m normally waking up so far. Keep praying because the fun has just begun. God’s blessings to you all and thanks for helping me get here, John