Prizren--Day 2

I have a spectacular view of the mountains and countryside from my room.  The cool mountain air was really fresh this morning.  The skies were overcast with fog hanging around the upper peaks, but it still was a beautiful morning.  Coffee on the patio was especially nice this morning.

I gave my lecture on chronic wound management to some of the staff at the regional hospital in Prizren.  There were 65 people in attendance.  Lots of good questions and dialogue.  Afterwards, I had a tour of this 550-bed hospital, then was "consulted" on two patients with chronic diabetic foot wounds (I'll spare you the photographic details).  Despite the lack of supplies and equipment, the hospital has learned to be very creative in caring for their patients and actually do a pretty good job. 

Tonight was the opening ceremony for the 4th Annual International Conference for Pain Treatment.  It was a very nice program, with many of last year's presenters returning for another year.  The highlight of my evening was being able to meet and talk briefly with the Minister of Health for the country of Kosova.  His opening remarks were quite good (the part he said in English, anyway).  Afterwards, at  the outdoor reception, I had several opportunities to tell my other reason for coming to Kosova--to do humanitarian work and what (and whom) my motivation is for doing this work in Vushtrri.  Relationship-building is so very important, especially here in Kosova.  It never ceases to amaze me how these people can be so kind and hospitable.

The internet service is really acting up here tonight, so I better close before I accidentally lose this post.  Have a great weekend! 
Be blessed,
--Les

Prishtina--Day 1

I made it to Kosova right on time today.  The flights coming over went well, overall.  There were seven toddlers positioned in a 3-row radius around me, and would often cry in unison (sometimes in stereo), but I got through that OK.  It was rainy and cool in Frankfurt, but sunny and the perfect fall day in Prishtina.

 After a delicious lunch at their apartment, Banush, Fitnete & Aron took me to their new apartment that is currently under construction.  Theirs will be on the fourth floor.  I saw what theirs will look like, and they will definitely have more room--2 bedroooms, large kitchen/dining area, nice balcony that faces east, and an elevator.  They still hope to be in by December.  They want to thank everyone again who gave generously and graciously to make this a reality for them.

We then drove to Vushtrri, as Banush had an appointment with a gentleman who had some space for rent that Banush had been eying for a ministry center.  The building is even bigger than what they had in Prizren, newer, and is reasonably priced.  It's in a no-mosque zone, has lots of neighborhood kids in the area and is a five minute walk from the city center.  Unlike many of the others, this landlord wasn't opposed to it being used for a church.  So, I think Word Church just got a new home!

You know it's autumn in the Balkans when large quantities of sweet peppers and fruit are being sold along the roadways and everyone is getting their supply of firewood and coal.  We had "specs" (grilled yellow and red sweet peppers) with our lunch and they were wonderful as always.  Also saw a flija stand along one roadway, but we didn't stop for some reason!?!  For those who are wondering, "flea-a" is a rich and heavy dough dish that sticks to your ribs for a very long time, but for us Germans, we kind of like it.

I finally got settled at Hotel Sharri and will do the wound management seminar at the regional hospital tomorrow.  I am really looking forward to that.  Saturday is the pain conference, which will occupy my entire day.  The conference will conclude with an ethnic dinner and ethnic dancing. 

Enjoy your day!
Les

Gettin' ready to go...

I wasn’t too keen on doing this by myself.  I put off buying my ticket until I was sure.  There would be a lot to do, and how much could I do by myself?  Maybe I should skip going this year,  give Banush time to get things organized, then take a team to Vushtrri later on.  I could graciously decline my accepted invitation to speak at the pain conference, and put off speaking to the medical staff at the Kosovo Land Forces.  But I was challenged by our Sunday School class recently that dealt with authentic community—when the real you meets real needs.  “…You can impress from a distance, but you impact by serving others up front and personal (and when its done for the right reasons).”  I was really challenged by that, and deep down I heard, “If not you, then who?”  For me, this was the confirmation I was looking for.

This encounter really changed my perspective.  Bottom line: it’s not about me.  It would have been much easier to pass on this year's trip, but serving is rarely comfortable, smooth, or convenient. I have the unique privilege of partnering with Kosovar believers by “loving God and serving people” from September 12-24.  

If you've been to Kosova before,  you know plans often change and change often, but my itinerary will look something like this:

September 13:  Arrive in Prishtina, travel to Prizren.

September 14:  Present a wound care seminar with Agron Bytyqi at the Regional Hospital in Prizren.

September 15:  Present two lectures at the 4th Annual International Conference for Pain Treatment in       

                        Prizren.

September 16: Worship and fellowship with Word Church in Vushtrri.

September 17:  Present medical seminar to medical personnel at the Kosovo Land Force Command 

                        Center in Prishtina.

September 18:  Vision screening and reading glasses distribution to pensioners in Vushtrri (thanks, Restoring 

                         Vision.org!)

September 19:  Medical clinic for pensioners in Vushtrri.

September 20 & 21:  Assist HandiKOS, the local social service agency in Vushtrri, shop then deliver                                     food parcels to disabled & disadvantaged families facing significant physical and 

                                 financial challenges.

September 22:  Meet and chat with high school students/young adults currently being mentored by Word 

                        Church.

September 23:  Worship and fellowship with Word Church in Vushtrri.

September 24:  Leave for home.

For the rest of the time, I will let God fill in the blanks, and I’m sure it will be nothing short of amazing!

Some have asked how you can help.  I’d covet your prayers for me (travel logistics, conference presentations, health, safety, serving enthusiastically) and for the nationals who will be involved in these projects.

I heard this quote recently, and it took me back to my very first trip to Kosova in 2003.  This really sums it up for me, and this is the reason I serve: 

 

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world, when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid He may ask me the same question."    

                                                                                --Anonymous 

Have you ever noticed that this "Anonymous" person usually has some pretty profound things to say?  

Until next time,

--Les