March



http://flic.kr/p/a2Lq3M
My photo of one of my favourite flowers

 What a busy month March was. We had a visit from Andy and Helen Moss from Great Yarmouth. They were here for 10 days which flew by. It was great having them here. They had a great impact on the church.

We had our first MAD day with around 20 children. There were activities and games for them to play. One of the girls remembered me from last summer – at least that's what I thought she said. It was a great chance for the church to look at the MAD day structure and whether we need it to be changed as the children are getting older. The older one's didn't engage as much as they had done in previous days so maybe we need to run a youth group for them.

Tracy – a girl from a New Frontiers church in Bristol – also arrived. She is planning on living in Nis for a year or so from September. This was a bit of a taster for her. It was great sharing the apartment. I was concerned before she arrived as I've had the apartment to myself and wondered if it'd be difficult. I didn't need to worry. She was such an encouragement and I can see her doing good things here. It's made it a little easier to leave knowing she'll be taking over some of my work. She will be kept very busy here and I think she enjoyed the time getting to know people.

I've finally met 3 of my neighbours – all within a week. I feel a bit better having spoken to them, even if it was only to introduce myself. I just have to remember what they look like!

I had children's work for one of Andy's preaches. It was so funny. For weeks now it has only been Iva and Milos. I took a few extra craft items with me just in case there were a few more. I had 7 children with me. Church usually finishes by 12.45. Helen came out at 12.50 and said they hadn't even started preaching yet. Ooops, I was struggling finding things to do with them. Thankfully Helen stayed and helped. It was difficult keeping them quiet. I think church finished at 13.40. What a marathon children's work that was. Only one more to do!

I had 2 days at Faculty helping Sonja's students with conversation. It was such a great time. I was very nervous before I started but we had enough material to keep conversations going. It was a great opportunity to find out what youth think about and their views on things. I'm really surprised how much I enjoyed doing that and it has raised a few questions for me what I want to do workwise when I get back. It's started me thinking again about doing a degree but am unsure in what and where and when .... etc. As an introduction activity we had to think up 2 truths and 1 lie. I found this really difficult – thinking of a lie. I changed them each day. I think they were * I speak french * I've travelled around Europe * this is my fourth time in Nis. What do you think the lie is?

We had another Holy Spirit evening at church. On the previous Holy Spirit evening I didn't ask for prayer as I felt the native church needed to receive more than me. But on this night I felt I needed to have some impartation. There were lots of people attending which was great. I went forward for prayer for the gift of Tongues. I feel I've made a step forward and have faith I've been given the gift. The joy of heaven came upon me again. My stomach hurt so much.

I've had my last serbian lesson. It was surprising how sad I felt. I really enjoyed them even though at times they were very difficult. I'll have to pop in and see Tina – it's handy as the school is opposite the church building so no excuse!

We had a quiz night at the church. It was well attended and well organised, well done Martin and Irena. I was on a team with a couple of students. We did really well. We came 2^nd – 1.5 points in it. We couldn't believe it. We lost to the teachers but gave them a run for their money. I think it was the country outlines that let us down. Never mind, I'm sure there'll be a next time!