Another Farewell

http://flic.kr/p/8E2isc

Wednesday 4^th March

I had some bad news late last Saturday (28^th February). One of my friends here (Katarina), one of the ladies I was discipling, died suddenly. I couldn't believe it. She was 63 with some health problems but no indication she was going to die. Katarina and I had arranged to meet after Church on Sunday for a cheese fondue with her husband. We were both (maybe all three of us) were really looking forward to it. When we were arranging the lunch in her texts to me she kept asking if I could be patient for the cheese to melt. Little did I know I would have to wait until I am brought home or Jesus returns. She sent me a strange text “did I know I was a very special person? Well you do now and you are” - it seemed strange as it was in the middle of the texts making arrangements. I shall always remember her saying “When shall we three meet again” when Natasha, Katarina and myself were making arrangements. It really made her laugh. I know the answer to that one.

God has certainly been working in this situation. Her husband, Vito, is a Serbian Orthodox Christian (I'm unsure if he is practicing or the usual Serbian response to being asked if you're a Christian). It was Katarina who came to church. They are not having a Orthodox funeral and have asked Vlada to do the talk and the meal is being held at the church building. Hopefully hearts will be opened today in ways they didn't think possible.

I am so glad I had a change of heart meeting with Katarina. I was a little scared to get close to her as it would be difficult at the end of my stay here. I would have regretted not getting close to her – and looking back at the support we gave each other wouldn't have happened.

Wow, I managed to buy a return ticket to Novi Sad. I tried to ask but the lady realised I was reading from a piece of paper and asked for the paper. Was I really that bad? We managed to communicate somehow.

I'm sitting by myself (first time) in MacDonalds. I haven't had breakfast and thought I may not be able to eat until gone 5pm so thought I had better eat something before the funeral. I'm really not looking forward to it but really feel I need to go as we were close. I'm surprised how relaxed I feel sitting on a table by myself. Part of the reason is because I'm able to write in here and look busy. I think I can handle sitting in a cafe (preferably an internet cafe) by myself and catching up with emails and blog, etc.

Well, I managed to get through the funeral. I'm so glad that is over with. I found it extremely distressing.  The meal was back at the church and it was a great opportunity for people to meet us and see the building.

I'm off to pack my suitcase as tomorrow I'm off to see Naomi in Novi Sad. It'll be good to catch up. So glad she's here.