Overwhelmed & Refreshed

Yesterday was a real struggle for me. I felt overwhemled everywhere, but last night God renewed my spirit and I'm ready today with God by my side!! I went to "physical therapy" for my first time yesterday, and I'll have to continue for ten days. This time I wasn't as nervous about going to the hospital. I think partially because I'd been Friday and seen what it was like. Dragana went with me again, along with Becky and Shelly. We all went in the room together. Dragana sat by me, Becky and Shelly stood to the side. The physical therapist was so kind and I truly couldn't have asked God to provide a better one for me. He worked my hand gently, even though it did hurt- well physical therapy's not suppose to feel good. Like I said, he was so sweet and told me that it would have to hurt to get better and that he would have it better by the time I go back to America. The really amazing part was the doors it opened for the English Club. Nemanja, the physical therapist, was asking why I was here, did I like it in Serbia, and so forth (the usual questions that everyone asks). As Dragana was explaining it all to him, the next thing I know there were doctors and nurses just coming in wondering about everything. Probably having all of three of us Americans in there brought some curiosity too. When everyone started coming in asking questions and talking in Serbian is when I became a little uncomfortable. I felt to be the center of attention and didn't have a clue on what anyone was saying. I was just overwhelmed. Nemanja worked with my hand for about thirty minutes. Then he took me into this room with like this heating machine. I can't really explain it, but I'll have to tell y'all about it later. It was an awkward experience in itself. While we were in there, some more people asked Dragana about the English Club too. It was funny, because Dragana said the whole hospital will be there tonight...
And guess what my physical therapist and two other nurses came and one even brought her son last night to English Club! Wow! at the ways of ministering to others through my hurt hand. God knew what he was doing all along! But it's not all it seems- because once again, inside I was hurting and feeling overwhelmed. Along with the three nurses, I had five other new students to come to my class. People kept coming in and I don't think we could have tried to fit in another chair. I really had no where to move. I had a total of thirteen students. It was very crowded, and like you know there is no AC in most places- we just open the windows, so it was extremely hot. Being the introvert that I am, I really just wanted to leave. It was amazing to see how God had brought so many people to the English Club, but I was just like why are they all in my class? I really struggled teaching last night, but I still think everyone enjoyed it.
After English Club I was just wanting to talk to Mama and cry. And that's what I did. I went over to Julie and Karl's and called her. It's always comforting to talk to my mama and I just prayed that I would just have a peace about everything and for God to wrap me up in his arms. May I say he did just that! On my way home, my spirit was just refreshed and felt God's presence around me.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!
Tori

What A Wonderful Week!

This is probably one of my favorite places in Cacak- the river! It's a beautiful view all around and a great place to walk.

This morning at the hospital with Dragana (for my hand). I don't know how I could've done it without her and Becky! They truly comforted me, because I was quiet nervous this morning going to a foreign hospital. May I say God opened my eyes to a whole new perspective and it was an experience that I'll never forget. We are so blessed to have the healthcare that we have in the U.S. and take so much for granted.

The Intermediate English Class
(Bozdar, Deyan, Shelly-the teacher, Dragana, Marko, Velizar)

The Beginner Class
(Renata, Tanja, Me- the teacher, Snezana, Nebojsha, Maya, Ratko, Deucia, Mira)

I know- kinda of strange, but let me say the food here is amazing!!! This was the leftovers and so far this has been my favorite place to eat. It was even traditional Serbian food. Yummy!

~

It's already Friday night? I can't believe it. This week has been absolutely AMAZING... God has been with me every moment of the day and has blessed me indeed! First of all, I want to say that I have absolutely fell in love with teaching English here in Cacak. I have really enjoyed this week. Tonight at the end of class, they gave me this huge candy bar and told me that they love me as their teacher. It just topped off my wonderful week and was God's way of showing the influence that I have in their lives.

Our God is so good!
Tori

Thank You

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.." (Phil. 1:3-5) I couldn't explain the way I feel about y'all any better than what Paul states in Philippians. I was struggling last time I posted and as I look back over the last few days, I see the way God has answered all those who are(and I know are continuing to) praying for me. Thank you so much!!
Teaching this week has been awesome! The students have been enjoying class and come back each day. It really makes me happy to see them so eager to learn English and already I'm getting to know some of them closer and build realtionships. In the morning, I only have two people, Ratko and Snezana, to come; however, I absolutely love working with them. As I teach them, they also work with me and teach me some Serbian. So I've made some progress this week and not afraid to use the words I know. It would be great for you lift both of them up in prayer this week. Ratko is at the crossroads of having a personal relationship with Jesus, but struggling with a few things. Snezana just started coming to the English Club for the first time this summer and I hope to build a freindship with her. I know it's already starting :) She's so sweet! The night class that I teach is the same as the morning and more people come to it. This week I've had around seven- oh and Ratko and Snezana come to both. They're so eager to learn. - It's been wonderful working with them too. It's totally different teaching adults, but just the week I've come to enjoy it. Thank-you God!! I finish class each day with so much joy! It's truly been an answer to prayer. ~ Vidimo se kasnije. (see you later)

For His Glory!!!
Tori

The First Few Days...

(It's so good that I know how to add pictures now. Thank-you so much Jennifer!) (1) The view from our apt window. We're up five stories and the mountains are very beautiful. (2) Cacak's football team, Angel Warriors; we got to watch them play Sunday afternoon. (3) Just a horse and buggy that I saw on the way to the English Club yesterday morning. (4) Visit at Dragana's house ~ Dragana, Mirela, Dragana's mother, and me. (5) Becky and the girls in the dance class.
I'm so glad that I'll be able to share pictures with y'all now. Please be sure to check out Tim and Jennifer's blog, too. They've been here since October 2006.

First of all, I would like to ask especially for your prayers right now. Last night and today's been a spiritual struggle along with adjusting/fitting in with their social culture. This week we've had "orientation" each morning at the English Club, just telling us about each part of the team (sports, English Club, servanthood). Monday everybody gave their testimonies about how they came to Serbia. It was really awesome to see how God works in each other lives and led us all to the same place to serve Him. Shelly and I have been working on preparing lessons for English Club every afternoon. Next week will be the start of the summer classes and I'll start off teaching beginners all by myself, so yet again another prayer request. I'm a little nervous, because they'll be adults as well. Tuesday, we had Serbian lesson with Mirela and no I haven't quiet got any of it down yet. Yesterday, was our first "full" day. We were busy. After orientation, Karl, Jacob and Damian cut grass while me and Shelly picked up the grass. It was at our apt building, and we had a good time getting to know our landlord and his son, Marco. Dragana invited Becky, Jennifer, Shelly and me over to her house yesterday afternoon- Samantha even came too. Dragana's family is so sweet and reminded me a lot of home with all her family around. When we left Dragana's, Becky took us to a friend of hers dance studio and we were able to watch the girls practice for the performance on Saturday. Then we went to Mirela's and spent the rest of our night there, before heading back to our apt. Mirela wants us to feel at home when we're at her house and is just so friendly too. Today we past out fliers for the English Club in the Center and that's about all.
It takes awhile for me to type all this and I never have a lot of extra time, so I'll have more stories to share when I get home than I could ever post here. Just look forward to them- God is definately at work here in Cacak!
I love y'all and miss you too!!
Tori

Zdravo

I made it to Serbia! Getting here was a little difficult. I was delayed in Birmingham before I ever left. So my tickets were rearranged. I wasn't able to meet my team in Munich. In the Frankfurt airport I had trouble getting my boarding pass, but God sent "an angel" my way. A nice German man helped me after his shift was over to go through security and get my ticket quicker. I was able to get my boarding pass and made the flight on time. However, after we boarded the plane we sat there for an hour and a half because too many planes needed to depart. I made it to Belgrade about 6:00 and met up with my team.

Sunday we ate lunch at the Sharpe's, went grocery shopping, and watched a football game. The people here are very friendly and willing to help. I've enjoyed my time here so far and can't wait to see the way God will work in the lives of the Serbs.

Volim Te (Love you),
Tori

P.S. I am typing this for Tori because of her finger. Sorry for the mistakes. Just imagine her sweet voice as you read this. Becky

It's Here!

Yesterday, I went to back to Birmingham to get a few last minute items. One of those being take-out menus. (Becky, the English Club coordinator in Cacak, asked me to pick up a few, because we're going to teach a unit on food.) Little did I realize the ministry opportunity I would have in asking for take-out menus. There were a few awkward places, but for the most part the people were friendly and even some would ask me questions. I had the opportunity to share where and why I was going, allowing God to speak through my few words and show them His love. On my way home, I thought about our amazing Lord. In gathering resources for my trip, He was at work in the lives of those whom I simply asked, "May I have a take-out menu?"

As for today... Well it has actually come time for me to finish packing my bags, spend one more night with my family, and wait for the incredible things that I will see God do this summer. Yes, my stomach is a little uneasy with navigating my way through the airports and traveling all by myself. As well as not knowing exactly what to expect of my summer. But like always I find comfort through God's words. In Isaiah 42:16, God says, "I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone." We can't dwell in our past nor can we dwell about our future. When we choose to follow God, there will be times we have to trust him with our everything and keep our faith that He is the one leading us.

I appreciate everyone who has lifted me up in prayer already!! and ask for you to continue to do so throughout the summer. Know that y'all are in my prayers too!! For I know God will be at work in Alabama just as much as He will be in Serbia.

I'm going to miss y'all!

Tori

Oh and about my hand, I went to the doctor this morning. It's only been a little over a week, but he said it was healing good. Fortunately, the swelling has gone down a bit, so it doesn't look so awful anymore. It's still sore and my finger has about five weeks left to heal completely. I will have to see a doctor in Serbia, but just to get x-rays and make sure everything still doing well.

God is in Control

We will not always understand why things happen when they do, but we do have to keep our faith in God and remember that HE is in control of all things!

Sunday afternoon I rode 4-wheelers with several of my friends that I will miss this summer. We were just discussing plans for supper and decided to go on one more trail before heading home. It was then, as we were all starting off, that the 4-wheeler behind us hit ours and I was unfortunately holding on to the back bar. All I saw at first was my ring all disfigured and flattened; immediately I thought I had lost my finger. I was in so much pain and I don't remember all that went on, but I do know God provided me with much comfort and gave the guys strength to do what they had to do even though it was hurting me- especially to Joey when I just told him to my pull my ring off because I knew we had no other choice at that point. Thankfully, I only broke one finger and just damaged the tissue really bad. However, it's my right hand and I can't really use it now due to all of the soreness and swelling (it looks so nasty). Therefore it's been very difficult for me to deal with my injury and being patient enough to just use my left, which is so SLOW!

Trying to get my mind off all the pain, as we were on our way to the hospital, I began to look at the ways God was at work through the whole stituation and what to praise him for...

1. we were in the middle of the woods and our phones didn't pick up well, but where the accident happened we had phone service

2. we actually had a cooler with ice

3. I was able to stay calm and really didn't ever cry until I saw Mama at the hospital

4. God was right there with us!

I don't know why God allowed this to happen to me right now as I'm getting ready to leave home for nine weeks and serve Him in Serbia. I just ask for you to pray not only for my healing, but also for my spirit not to become so depressed over it all- that's really what I've been struggling with. God allowed this to happen for a reason and I've got to remember that He's in control and will continue to take care of me. For he told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."