Is it really October?

I'm completely startled by the fact that it is October...OCTOBER! I seem to have entirely lost track of September, and the fact that we are still having weather similar to that of mid-summer I feel like the calender is lying to me. This does mean, however, that it's incredibly close to my first anniversary of living in Kosova, and also, that in approximately two and a half months I'll be travelling back to Northern Ireland to spend Christmas with my family..how exciting it'll be to see them again :)

So I figure while I'm here writing I should give a quick update (I'm luring you in with false information..I'm not good at 'quick' updates) on what has been going on. Where did I last leave off...summer camp? I think so.
Well, Megan went back to Ireland (my camp helper) to finish off her degree, and then shortly after I got myself another guest in the form of Carol, one of the most wonderful women I have ever encountered. She had lived here after the war and was back to visit her friends and I had the joy of hosting her, spending time with her and making a dear friend in her. I was sad to see her leave, but I have high hopes that we'll meet again.

I also received wonderful news that one of my closest Kosovar friends is pregnant (yaaaaayyyy!!) but since then she has had some complications and is currently on bed rest..so we need to be keeping her and her husband in our prayers.

I spent some time in Bulgaria last month with my adopted family, the Mann clan, and it was a wonderful time. I got to also go to the village in Vidrare (?! my knowledge of Bulgarian spelling is questionable) and spend time at the school celebrations and with some friends there and it was fun and good to meet with other volunteers in this part of the world.

Since coming back, I'll be honest, I've been feeling a little bit lost for direction some days. I have a lot of relationships to grow and friendships to form, and that's a little bit overwhelming at times. Although it has forced me to lean further on God and also, as I was so wisely advised recently, to REST in God.  Why do we (I) always try to do things on our (my) own first? Will we (I) ever learn? I hope so. I've found great comfort in the Psalms recently..for those who have read them, can you believe just how relevant they are? I'm constantly thinking to myself, "yes, that's completely what I'm feeling", and I'm grateful for the reminder that I'm not the only person to have ever felt overwhelmed or a little bit lost, and that God just wants to embrace me and remind me that He has a plan, and He is in control. Oh the comfort of God :) how incredible.

This past weekend I've been encouraged alot and I'll update more on that soon. For now though, I ask that you would pray with me as I seek to do my best, and as I strive to share the love of Jesus with my community.