Macedonia Day 1

Our team of six college students and staff members arrived last night in Skopje, Mocednoia. In just our first day, we are already blown away by the work God is doing in this country through Young Life and that he has called us to be a part of helping lay the groundwork. We're stoked about everything God will be showing us over the next week. We'd love to share our Top Five (T-5) of the day! 1) Breakfast with Macedonian pastor and his wife 2) Gypsy kids 3) Birthplace of Mother Theresa 4) Five century year old bridge 5) Sweet Home Alabama This morning we met a Macedonian pastor, Pavla, and his wife, Susanna, who are interested in starting Young Life Capernaum ministry for kids with special needs. They shared with us their vision for how Capernaum can help their daughter and other kids with special needs in Macedonia. We exchanged ideas on how to collaborate with them on how to make that happen. While eating lunch in the city square, we were approached by three modern gypsy children. We've learned that in part of the gypsy culture, parents send their young children out in the community to beg for money. Francis, a local Young Life volunteer, bought them food, and we got to hang out and talk with them. We were uncomfortable at first, but when Francis began to ask if they knew Jesus loved them, it became a beautfiul, living picture of the gospel in how Christ reaches out and loves the lowly and unlovable. We feel blessed to have our Young Life hosts, Bob, Biljana, and Francis, who are teaching us about the culture and history of Macedonia. In our explorations, we visited the birthplace of Mother Therea and walked across a five century year old bridge. This bridge seperates the Macedonian Orthodox side of Skpoje from the Albanian Muslim side. Finally, we ended the day at a coffee house off the square. There was a live band playing Sweet Home Alabama. They're ready for Young Life club!