Hello all!
On Sunday, we once again went to church, but this time it felt completely different. Looking around, I realized I had had a personal conversation with half the congregation that week. We were able to see many of the leaders of the camp along with the youth who attended. It was great to see them all again and it amazed me how close I feel to the people here after such a short time. God has truly blessed us by allowing us to easily connect with the church members, through both laughing and joking around and deep spiritual conversations.
Monday was our day off and, after a delicious breakfast with our missionary partners, we headed to the mall. We had fun exploring the different shops and eating lunch and dessert in the food court. Catch us back on campus repping our new Pull & Bear gear.
This week the group is split into three teams. The first group is helping in a local daycare, and the other two groups are working at two different Houses of Hope: local community centers. The first day I went to the daycare. We split up among the different age groups and the kitchen. We helped decorate the lobby, played with and loved on the kids, and got to hear one of the staff member’s stories of how she came to faith. It was fun to relax and be goofy with little kids.
Today, I joined one of the groups at the centers. There wasn’t anything going on in the center in the morning, so a church staff member took us to several historical houses and sites in Pristina. The old houses were beautiful, and it was interesting to hear about the countries deep history and the way so many people were willing to give their lives in the war. It challenged me to consider if I have the same devotion to Christ as they had to their country.
In the afternoon, both center groups helped with their youth programs. My group led games for the teenagers and shared a message. Many of the teenagers from the second camp came to this meeting. They were much more attentive and relaxed in this environment which was encouraging to see. We were thankful to be able to continue to build on the relationships we had begun with them. After the teenager meeting, we played games with an English class, and then headed home to the apartment for family dinner.
This week feels very different from last week, but we’re excited to see the way the Lord is going to continue to work in Kosovo. Please continue to pray for our team, specifically for good health and continued unity. Pray that we would be attentive to the Holy Spirit and would respond with courage to his leading. Pray that God would open the hearts of the youth we work with and they would experience His love.
Thank you for all your support and encouragement on our journey,
Rachel
Love you and miss you Mom, Sarah, and Amy…maybe even Teddy!
Taylor University 2019 Lighthouse Blogs 
I love reading the Lighthouse posts. Each is unique but with common themes. I’ve also found it amazing that a relationship can be built fairly quickly with people who have very dissimilar backgrounds and experiences. One of the great things to learn is that there is much that we have in common with people all over the world, especially that we are all made in the image of God, but also that they all want to love and be loved. I’ve prayed that you will have God orchestrated moments where the Holy Spirit will speak through you to others. Be open and available and purposeful. He will do the rest. Praying also for health and unity – the enemy loves to use these areas to discourage.
My wife and I went on three mission trips with TU students from 1985 to 1988 and it was life-changing. It led to many precious relationships that have lasted to this day, and a lifetime of ministry that followed. My prayer is that all of the TU students on these trips will also be changed in ways that honor our dear Lord and that there will be fruit among those that you serve.
In Christ,
Clarke Holtsberry
Rachel, Thanks for the report. Will be praying per your request for the team’s good health and continued unity. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead the team and that the team will be sensitive to His leading. God has given you the opportunity to witness His love to all those with whom you have had contact. You have cast the seed that God will use.