Beautiful Ohrid

Have I ever mentioned how beautiful I think Ohrid is?!  People, this has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it is so unknown to most of the world. It's sad really.  The history, beauty and quaintness of this town create an atmosphere in which one can just slow down, take in the sights and sounds and take it easy.  After six years here, I still love watching four old men sit on one park bench while their wives sit on the one across the park as they all talk about life, politics, and grandkids.  I still love seeing the fishermen staked out at the end of the quay waiting for the catch of the day to come. The tall grass reeds that sit in front of them provide a truly tranquil environment as they wait for the first bite.  I still love the view of the old town, and I still love to wonder how life must have been back in the day when the fortress was utilized as their refuge.  I still love walking the cobblestone streets (though it is seriously not as fun pushing a stroller). I love passing the people who have lived here their whole entire lives and who have seen things that I can only read about in history books.  I still love sitting at coffee and talking for hours as I look out over the beauty all around me.  I still love when random parades appear in the middle of the walking street. I love this town.  I love its people.  I count it a privilege to live here and raise my beautiful children here.  I am beyond blessed that God has chosen to plant us here for this time in this place.  

People (Macedonians and Americans alike) continually ask me, "How long have you been here and when are you leaving?"  I like that I can say, "I have been here 6 years, and I am planning on staying for many more years to come unless God says otherwise."  Most people respond with, "Wow, you must really like it here. Most of us want to leave and go to your country, and you want to stay?!"  I do love it here, but I love my Heavenly Father more.  I will stay or go in accordance with His plan for me. And while He has me here, I plan to dig in deep, to love hard, to serve passionately and to share boldly to the glory of God our Father.