Names are not always what they seem. For most of us it means identity and belonging. The identity that names give speak of description, which in most cases leave the negativity of prejudice and pride behind and also often leads us to form a stereotype.
During my stay in Macedonia I was introduced with the thought that people and places are more than just a name. Macedonia for instance, may be known for it's rich history and important people, but for me Macedonia is like a good find in an antique store...timeless and beautiful. There are stories attached to every part of it. From the town of Ohrid to the clear blue water of Matka, from the ever present Cross to the beautiful white mountain peaks surrounding you when you wake up. Macedonia, from the first moment I beheld you , my heart was irrevocably gone.
There is another treasure that lies hidden in Macedonia and I had the immense privilege to be acquainted with this treasure in a place called Tabanovce. There is in fact a multitude of treasures hidden here. These treasures you know as the refugees, I know them as friends. These friends of mine are from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. Wonderful people, each with a name and an Identity. But they are in truth so much more than their name and the label that has been put on them. Imagine being on a journey whose existence you have devised but whose ending you do not know. I could barely think myself into this idea, how I would feel being in the circumstances they find themselves in. We talk of feeling idle and useless. Imagine how that is compounded when one has no hope and no choice of any occupation whatsoever.
In these few weeks I have learnt a very important lesson about people and places. I came to find it quite satisfying to appreciate an individual and a place in the same way I appreciate a sunset. I don't find myself saying: 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put a bit more purple in the cloud color.' I do not try and control a sunset. I watch it with awe as it unfolds. As it shows me how beautiful God chose to make it, how beautiful God chose to make them. I saw how beauty came to life in friendships. They are beautiful. They are captivating. They are important. Not many people can take my breath away, but they don't even have to try. I am wonderstruck and I think you can love anyone , no matter their background or religion, if you saw the parts of them nobody else gets to see.
I hope I live long enough to see the children of Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq wake up to the sound of birds and not bombs. I look to the day color and diversity are pathways to understanding, when borders mean no more than windows of opportunity, where the same earth we live in finds peace under the same sky. I wait for the day faith and religion are one and the same, not only to God, but humanity itself. I live for the day where everyone will be seen as God's creation and be given the name beautiful, just like the nature I got to experience here. I learned how and why we serve matters, because who serve matters.
In the end it all adds up to love. So when calculating the meaning of life, if it doesn't add up to love, go back and recalculate because I experienced how God is in the business of transforming lives and renewing hearts - He is making everything fresh, better and new. Terrorists can try and shake the earth by filling the air with bombshells. But they will never shake Heaven. They will never crack the skies. The Lord is unmoved, Glorious as ever! And not one child of God will be snatched from His hand.
Macedonia if we'd never met, I think I would have known my life wasn't complete. You’re something between a dream and a miracle.
Till I see you again
Dogledanye (Goodbye)
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