Goats! And so much more . . . .

After promising an update on the goats, we returned to the hotel (imagine: hostel) to find the Internet out. Woke up this morning to Internet, so here is a quick version, and will add more details later. Can't be late to pick up Jim at the airport today!

The day starts out with a coffee and this hot chocolate! It is very cold outside, and snowing lightly in Prokuplje.

Now, the goats! The plan is to deliver, not baby goats like I thought, but we have found already pregnant goats, and will bless three families with these goats. In turn, once the new babies arrive (in about a week for this batch), and when the new ones are old enough, these families will each bless a new family with a goat, and so on! The goats are milk goats, and the cheese made from their milk is highly prized. Others working with us will transport the cheese to the cities for sale, giving a source of income to these Roma families.

The problem is getting the goats from where they are, very near the border with Kosovo, to the village in Žitni Potok. At first we believe that Rodja and I will be transporting them in Rodja's car. Then, that we will all four (plus the goats) go in Marijan's car, goats in laps, etc. maybe possible if all are newborn babies like the one a one, but they aren't! 

These are full-grown, pregnant goats! Two of them are carrying twins! 

One of the few cars in the village of Žitni Potok is a van, pressed into service to travel unbelievably difficult roads to the nearly deserted village - only 13 residents - on the border with Kosovo, to purchase the goats.

After the goats were returned to Žitni Potok, we proceded with home church. We met in a small, dimly lit home. Every seat was filled, and people were standing. The pictures appear much brighter than the actual scene was, because of the camera flash. Here, we sang and prayed, Rodja and LaJuana shared a word of encouragement, and Marijan shared a message with the church. Afterwards, an honor I can't even describe. Because I (LaJuana) am the face of your support in this village and others, these precious ones asked to pray for me (all of you). I stood in the midst of a group of people I love, as they prayed blessings and thanksgiving for the work you allow me to help Marijan and Rodja to do within their own country and people. I understood nothing they said, and everything they said. It was beautiful.

 

Please pray for their home church to grow, multiply, and reach others in this village and others. And thank you for the difference you all make in this village.