New things to come...

      A lot has happened since my last post.  Through a lot of thought and prayer I have decided to return to the states.  This decision wasn't made lightly; it’s something that I have struggled with for a little while now.  For some time I have been feeling a sense of restlessness in my spirit.  At first I thought it was homesickness, and then wondered if it was what I was or wasn't doing here.  Once I started getting heavily involved, the restlessness still remained.  Going home was never an option for me at the time.  You see I saw that as failing, quitting, or giving up.  I was too afraid of what people would think, if they would be mad, or disappointed.  So I continued, hoping the restlessness would fade.  Unfortunately it didn't. 

It took a long conversation with someone, whose opinion means a lot, for me to realize that when God sends you somewhere for a specific reason at a specific time, His timing is not our timing.  Sometimes He might pull us out before we expect it.  They helped me see that it wouldn't be quitting, that I can be proud of what I have done here, the time I have given. 

Like I said, this wasn't an easy decision, I had many sleepless nights but once the decision was made I had an instant sense of peace.  I feel good about my decision, but on the flip side I have a heavy heart.  I have learned and grown so much over the past year and half.  I have made friendships that I truly believe will last a lifetime.  Not to mention, I love Croatia, I love Europe.  I can say with all my heart that God used my time in Croatia to continue to mold and shape me into the woman of God He wants me to be.    

I believe in what is happening in Croatia.  God is working in ways that still blows my mind.  It humbles me to think that He could use me to further His kingdom here.  I am so excited to look at Croatia 10 years from now and see how it has grown.

I don’t know what the future holds for me.  If I’m honest with you, I’m a little scared to be walking into the unknown, but that’s the exciting part too right?  I know God has big plans for me and I am so excited to see what’s next. 

I can’t thank you enough for all your support, seriously.. THANK YOU

Until the next chapter…

Steph 

My family in Germany!  

Happy New Year all!  December has come and gone so quickly!  I hope you all had a great holiday season, I know I did.  My family was able to come for Christmas and News years.  They arrived in Budapest, from there we spent 4 days in Zagreb.  The day after Christmas we headed to Germany, then on to Switzerland, Italy, and finally ended back in Budapest where they flew out.  It was a great time to see them but also for them to see where I have spent the last year and half of my life. 

My sister and I 

Now we are in full swing in Zagreb.  Amazing things are happening.  THIS Sunday, January 20^th, we are starting a service/bible study type thing.  We are so excited!  It is called International Christian Community.  My role in this is helping the teens with worship and working the children workers preparing the curriculum.  This has been something that we have been wanting to do for a while but just waiting on God’s timing and all of a sudden it was kind of thrown into our laps.  God is good!  I will keep you posted how it goes. 

Another really cool thing that is happening is that we have found a space for a thrift store/community center.  We will be able to move in on March 1^st.  This will be a place where we can serve the community not only by having sales but also providing English classes/camps and many other fun activities.  We are excited to get to know the surrounding community.

Update on Puscine (where the flood hit).  There is still a lot of damage and families are nowhere near from recovering their homes.  Unfortunately it is very cold here right now so it is almost impossible for them to do any work.  They plan to wait until the spring to start working again.  I am starting to go up once a week to work with Karmen on her home and the surrounding area in whatever way I can. 

Update on the car front… I have one!!  God provided through all of you and we were able to purchase a vehicle for me to use for the remainder of my time here!! 

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Right now there is about 2 ½ feet of snow and they are expecting almost another foot by the end of the weekend.  This is the most snow Zagreb has had… EVER.  I am not a huge fan of snow, however I do have to admit that it is pretty cool to be here for this.  Not to mention it is absolutely gorgeous.  I haven’t quite mastered walking in the snow and ice BUT I would like to point out that I have not fallen as of yet.  Fingers crossed it stays that way.

 Until next time
-S

My car is somewhere under there.