tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218207502011-07-07T21:13:17.048-05:00Official blog of ByrdsOnAWire.com - prayer requests, ministry updates, and moreBrad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.comBlogger851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-26427607068716627802010-05-16T22:09:00.002-05:002010-05-16T22:16:23.913-05:00

Kevin has written a follow up to his post about Christians feeling guilty..."After writing about feeling guilty on Tuesday, it got me thinking some more about why Christians need confession of sin.You often hear statements like this: “There is nothing you can do to make God love you more or to make him love you less.” And while it’s true that those who have been justified by grace through faith

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-87987381583804934682010-05-15T08:23:00.007-05:002010-05-15T08:46:33.546-05:00

Today, I got this encouraging e-mail from a friend about his work the the work of his Father in the Balkans."The other day Gjon (a new believer) and I went up into the hills to the village where Gjon is from, to spend the evening with the uncle of Gjon, and his family. Since Gjon has come to the Lord he has a great desire to share Jesus with his family. His family is one that still saves a memory

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-52158520023568556582010-05-14T22:28:00.007-05:002010-05-14T23:06:26.562-05:00

Kevin DeYoung has some great things to say over at his blog and this is how he begins one of his recent posts. It is a good reminder.I imagine there are plenty of Christians who rarely feel the sting of conscience or the pangs of regret. But I also know many, many Christians (including the one I see in the mirror) who easily feel bad for all the things they are not doing or are doing less than

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-78314593860590641182010-05-14T21:56:00.004-05:002010-05-14T22:23:29.132-05:00

After a quiet period, or should I say a near cyber-death, I am going to try an attempt at resuscitation on this blog. For our loyal followers out there, all 3 of you, I hope we don't pack your in-boxes and RSS feeders too full. Blogs are seemingly becoming more and more popular and there is a lot of great stuff circulating out there written by more thoughtful, funny and frankly clever folks

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-22191359057743959462009-12-06T17:45:00.002-06:002009-12-06T17:55:03.929-06:00

Today marks the 2nd Sunday of Advent. We light another candle today. The candles represent different things in the Advent season. Candle #2 may represent the Angels who brought the good news in the Christmas story, or the Joy of the the we know in that we have a rescuer or the announcement of Jesus impending birth. Which ever significance the candle takes for you, enjoy the following poem as

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-8830725028160123462009-12-03T23:37:00.003-06:002009-12-03T23:42:45.924-06:00

By John Piper November 30, 1986The priests and merchants in the hills,And girls and women at the mills,Had smiled at old man Zach as longAs many could recall. "The song!"They'd shout, when he returned to themFrom duty in Jerusalem,"The song!" For twenty years they'd sungThe song, and put it on the tongueOf children when they told the taleOf how the "Desert John" was born.That's what they called

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-78503981841262187082009-12-03T23:33:00.002-06:002009-12-03T23:36:41.604-06:00

What Is Advent?December 2, 2009 | By: Noel Piper | Category: CommentaryWe are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-72744257503063210422009-12-01T23:18:00.003-06:002009-12-01T23:36:45.048-06:00

The Advent season is upon us. Wikipedia defines it this way: Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar,(our kids have received theirs from Abi's mum, as is

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-57266284461444843532009-11-09T08:56:00.003-06:002009-11-09T09:04:52.542-06:00

Luke 6:36-421. Convert to God's Measuring system2. Chose Jesus as your teacher3. Stop posing & start dealing with the sin in your life I was convicted and challenged.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-48554613167626210512009-09-11T08:57:00.003-05:002009-09-11T09:44:20.492-05:00

Where were you 8 years ago today? Abi and I were living in England and on our way to the hospital. We were about to have our 2nd child and we were going in for the last check before she was to arrive. On the way to the L&D we heard a snatch of a news bulletin about a plane crash in New York. As we were nearing the end of our day with joy and anticipation in our hearts for our soon to be born

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-28978157116989091412009-09-02T22:21:00.002-05:002009-09-02T22:25:30.182-05:00

This is a bit late but only now have I got round to posting it. Some of you will be getting this through your mail box in the next few days. Feel free to respond as you are lead. “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”-Ephesians 1:16August 20, 2009Dear Friend in Christ, This just in from the Byrd family . . . We’re back in the U.S.A! God is doing amazing

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-28412436426993168182009-09-01T13:36:00.002-05:002009-09-01T13:48:03.507-05:00

Radical Islam is growing daily. Dollar for dollar there is more funding and manpower being poured into this small Balkan nation by radical Islamic organizations and governments than by the church. Some Albanians are returning to the religion of their fathers before Islam took root forcibly some 500 years ago. For that they are paying the price and according to Stephen Schwartz at the Weekly

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-68880113300924592112009-08-25T15:18:00.009-05:002009-08-26T10:25:23.424-05:00

My good friend, Mike McKinley, over at the 9 Marks Blog has just posted a review of a helpful little book, called Listen Up I encourage you to give it a read and consider how it might be useful to you as you sit under the preaching of God's Word at your local church. How to Listen to Sermons, Both Faithful and Hereticalby Michael MckinleyJesus tells us to be careful how we hear (Luke 8:18). Yet

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-69064044251949407502009-08-20T22:43:00.002-05:002009-08-20T22:49:24.386-05:00

Check out the series of video uplinks that have been posted by various Radstock pastors and church planters. Its amazing what is happening across the Radstock network, a chief focus of the videos is the work in India.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-11009069868488857792009-08-20T22:12:00.004-05:002009-08-20T22:17:38.127-05:00

Tate got to visit his classroom today in preparation for his big day tomorrow. Here he is outside the building, sitting at his table, finding his locker, figuring out how to open his locker and shoving his backpack in! Good fun and he is excited.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-72582011799953879582009-08-20T22:03:00.003-05:002009-08-20T22:12:03.704-05:00

Here is the whole gang at the bus stop waiting eagerly. They were saying "We love school" with the exception of a few who really prefer summer!!Unfortunately 2 had to walk back home as they weren't riding the bus today. So sad and so sweet!!

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-61602508135403670192009-08-20T21:56:00.004-05:002009-08-20T22:03:19.063-05:00

Hard to believe we now have 3 children who are school age. Tate didn't get to have a "normal" day at Kindergarten today - we just went to visit his classroom and meet his teacher. He will ride the bus tomorrow - he has waited years for this moment so he is EXCITED! I am anticipating a huge tantrum from the 2 year old in our house as she is convinced she is getting on the bus tomorrow with the

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-55051602477477943722009-08-17T20:54:00.002-05:002009-08-17T20:56:48.462-05:00

John Piper narrates this powerful video. May it challenge you and may you see mission in a new light.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-13181722444245987762009-08-17T16:32:00.006-05:002009-08-17T16:45:09.818-05:00

Last night we launched our in a 10 week series of Christianity Explored. We gathered a few people together at a local establishment on Main Street for a discussion of the claims of Christ in Mark's Gospel. We had a few technical problems but nothing that wasn't overcome and a great conversation. If last night was anything to go by, I am sure it will be a charged but fruitful time.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-53193081296281900742009-08-06T16:55:00.002-05:002009-08-06T16:59:21.454-05:00

This is a post earlier this month from a friend Tim Chester. "Earlier this year we commemorated the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Normandy landings. One of the striking things, listening to the stories of those involved, was how they looked back on those times with such fondness. Although they faced the horrors of battle, the experience of comradeship and purpose was so intense that those

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-70246873510535876892009-06-24T09:49:00.005-05:002009-06-24T10:15:18.435-05:00

Two VBS's/holiday clubs and some mountain work were the order of the day for the team. In the morning the team continued with the work they started on Monday and in the afternoon they started another work in a neighborhood Brad and Abi have been working in for 7 years now. What a difference the two audiences were! In addition, two other team members, Matt and Greg were up the mountain pouring

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-8412116670877236172009-06-23T05:14:00.004-05:002009-06-23T05:43:52.104-05:00

Day 3 started with rain clouds threatening and a Kids' club to host. The theme for this week's messages are the Messengers of God, Daniel was the 1st. Following a great start to the kids' clubs the team headed up the mountain for a little manual labor building a camp. Thankfully the rain held off and both events were a success. Thank you for the prayers, keep them coming. Pray that we will

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-8891539669071343372009-06-23T04:27:00.005-05:002009-06-23T05:14:15.086-05:00

Day 2 of the team's visit to Kosova was filled with fellowship and blessing. In the morning the team joined in worship with other believers there in Peje. "I didn't understand a thing that was said but I enjoyed worshiping together none the less," one team member shared. After the service the team hosted a whole church BBQ at the place where we are all staying. The afternoon was filled with

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-68251426788045988872009-06-23T04:14:00.005-05:002009-06-23T04:27:12.960-05:00

Should We Still Be Sending and Going?June 23, 2009 | By: Bill WalshCategory: Commentary, International OutreachWhile Ryan and his family prepared for long-term missions, he graciously gave his time as a volunteer for DG International Outreach. He brought tremendous skill and integrity to his work which bore wonderful fruit including this helpful post.* * *As our

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-79150163546294892912009-06-20T15:27:00.004-05:002009-06-20T15:39:30.531-05:00

Today has been a day of orientation, market shopping, and hearing the history of this place. We had the pastor of the local fellowship with us today giving us a brief lesson on the history of the fellowship, the country and the state of faith here in Kosova and in Peje. One team member was amazed at the statistics: of the roughly 2,000,000 occupants in K, only 1,000 are believers, and this is a

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-14343781492282219032009-06-19T15:18:00.007-05:002009-06-20T01:50:51.407-05:00

Our team has arrived. All are in good spirits. Its great to have the veteran UKers here. The US lot are a bit tired and jet lagged. They got through UK immigration and made their connection with ease. Thank you for all who prayed for them and their journey. Don't stop now, their adventure is just beginning and they will need your continued intersession.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-45607176482190255412009-06-16T07:55:00.004-05:002009-06-19T02:26:32.840-05:00

They are scheduled to arrive today. We are trusting the Lord for the safe arrival of the team from the US and UK. We have put the final touches on all the preparations, the plan is in place for a week of events in the morning and afternoon in connection with our ministry partners here in Peje. Now its up to the Lord to turn heart of stone to hearts of flesh and we are making ourselves

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-19650377544565548212009-06-15T06:54:00.006-05:002009-06-15T15:02:39.662-05:00

Just before breakfast Ezzie discovered, during her early morning goat check, a sick one in the herd. This poor creature had an infection in her skull and lost an eye. Upon telling one of the shepherds, he cut his milking short and was off to get some medicine or so she thought. When the other brother arrived with the butcher I knew they would be exacting medicine of a different kind. So as we sat

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-48879998397324736232009-06-15T05:13:00.005-05:002009-06-15T15:04:42.108-05:00

How great it is to be reminded that the Body of Christ is alive and well around the world. As you know we are here in Kosova and as I was sitting listening to the reading of God's word and singing praises to Him, I was deeply encouraged. Even though the church in Kosova is small it is growing, even though there are conflicts there is also unity, oh how the church of today is like the church of

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-45133992876696996792009-06-12T16:16:00.003-05:002009-06-15T15:06:27.523-05:00

I had the most odd experience today. I had an original "Whopper and Fries" for lunch at Burger King. There is not Burger King here though. I had a chance to purchase genuine American products in the middle of the land of counterfeit. One can even use $'s and all the goods are like anything you'd have in a US supermarket. You see, I was invited onto the local NATO base by a friend. It's like a

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-18912672759817989002009-06-11T15:58:00.004-05:002009-06-16T02:49:11.371-05:00

Abi and I were out to dinner tonight sans the 3 older kids, we had Jems in tow. They were enjoying the hospitality of good friends we spent time with when we lived here in the Balkans doing similar work to us. Our dinner was with Ahmet and Eliona. Eliona is a sharp lady who has seen the Lord work in her life in amazing ways, and yet sadly she is not yet one of His own. She attributes most all

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-22464217506919722132009-06-04T09:18:00.006-05:002009-06-04T14:12:45.667-05:00

Goats, what do you think of when you when someone brings up these little creatures? Billy, smelly, Gruff, sheep? For my daughter, Ezzie, the word goat takes her back to Kosova. She loves to herd them, care for them, and eat them. If she were to have been born to other parents in another land she surely would be a goat herder, she’s a natural. The owner of house we are staying at in Kosova

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-57735043812205570952009-06-04T09:10:00.002-05:002009-06-04T09:18:21.977-05:00

We arrived in Kosova Monday night. The kids immediately took off and where enjoying themselves till 10pm. We have seen a few friends already and have been abruptly reminded of the inefficiencies of life in the Balkans. We have lost one bag, not a huge problem but had Quin's allergy meds in and he is really suffering. Also, Abi has been down with the flu all day today so pray for her. She is

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-5144840989251488492009-05-30T21:46:00.004-05:002009-05-30T21:54:35.935-05:00

We are off! Tomorrow we head to O'Hare for our flight to Kosova. We have had the well wishes of many of you and for that we are thankful. We will miss you all this summer but are so looking forward to being on the Front Line again, at least for a short while. We have seen the enormous value of the new work we are doing building up and recruiting the troops for the fight but we have missed the

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-35208770075274504552009-05-27T16:33:00.005-05:002009-05-28T09:28:10.730-05:00

Abi talks about what she is looking forward to during our time in Kosova and the positives of short term missions...

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-80957192976132880272009-05-27T16:31:00.001-05:002009-05-27T16:31:24.939-05:00

Trying out blogging from my bb

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-21617880230893020282009-05-27T08:59:00.002-05:002009-05-27T09:03:23.581-05:00

As promised the 1st installment of our video diary, Quin and Ezzie share about what they are looking forward to in going back to Kosova.. watermelon, goats and Jesus work featured..

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-81657779401788263862009-05-26T22:53:00.005-05:002009-05-27T09:05:57.918-05:00

They take a lot of energy, are costly and sometimes emotionally messy. Put a team of relative unknowns under the pressure of cross cultural, cross language ministry and watch the sparks fly. Having said that, they are worth it, I am a living testimony that they have a much farther impact than we will ever see this side of eternity. John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and leader of

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-9120281626873439342009-05-22T17:10:00.006-05:002009-05-27T08:59:21.620-05:00

Over the next few weeks, from time to time, we will be attempting to post a video diary of our summer including our time in Kosova and the UK. Enjoy! technical difficulties preclude me from posting the actual video here. Coming soon, when I get a bit of a tutorial. Apologies!!!!

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-65094214256977780072009-05-11T22:44:00.004-05:002009-05-12T21:27:56.741-05:00

It seems like its been a long time in coming but now that its nearly upon us we feel like there is so much to prepare and not enough time. In less than 3 weeks we (The Byrd Family) head off to our former home of 3 years, Kosova. We are looking forward to it. The kids are counting down the days and already talking about the “Kosova plane with video games”. They are looking forward to seeing

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-25570984032520165362009-04-19T22:49:00.003-05:002009-04-19T23:06:39.630-05:00

Abi and I are off to the Gospel Coalition this week. Both of us will be shuttling between the Good Book Company booth and the Radstock Ministries booth. Abi's parents will be watching the kids and Brad's mom minding the dog. They will all need your prayers. Pray for our kids as well as a few of them seem to be a bit under the weather.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-35345500558898164282009-03-03T08:12:00.000-06:002009-03-03T08:13:59.188-06:00

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-86739590013826007722009-02-24T23:06:00.001-06:002009-02-24T23:08:32.228-06:00

I am off to the UK for Radstock Ministries’ International Conference:I N S T E P W I T H G O D OUR PART! ! ! ! ! ! IN HIS MISSION MOVEMENTRadstock International Conference26 ‐ 28 February 2009Tim Chester, author of Total Church will be our main speakerStrategy is over‐rated, argues Tim Chester. God is the primary agent of mission. But He invites us to play our part.I will be joining

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-3924725605661838572009-01-16T18:39:00.002-06:002009-01-16T19:11:48.228-06:00

OK, so I am not a hugely consistent blogger, but I have been inspired while trawling through a whole host of blogs in the past few days that I can do better!!While at a play date with our kids today I was wondering what motivates people to get on the hamster wheel of "perfect"presentation of food/snacks etc. There is also a need to be the inviter and never to feel indebted to anyone. It makes you

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-73174439588928448232008-12-13T20:56:00.004-06:002009-01-16T19:27:53.829-06:00

We were sitting in the drive through line at McDonalds (a great American pastime!) The children suddenly exclaimed "Look Mummy". The truck in front of us had a deer hoof sticking straight up at 90 degrees! We turned our eyes right and the truck next to us had a doe strapped to the back of it, dead, but eyes open, still bleeding from being shot. The question "Where are we living?" sprang to mind!!

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-34273995065891608412008-12-13T19:33:00.004-06:002009-01-18T13:38:42.924-06:00

Good evening. Thank you for the introduction. As Amy said my name is Abi Byrd and as you have probably guessed I am not from around these parts!! I am from Mahomet!! OK, just kidding, I am from England. I was born and grew up in London. We do live in Mahomet now though and have done for the past year. I have been given the theme of light to talk about tonight. There is a verse in John – a book in

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-57966273106062164602008-12-13T19:27:00.002-06:002008-12-13T19:33:27.808-06:00

I am embarrassed to see how long it is since we last blogged. How does life take over so quickly? That was something we were determined would never happen, but, alas we find ourselves running after our 4 children and doing the things life has us doing. Christmas is a good time to stop and think a little and re-order our priorities for the New Year. mmmmmmAbi gave a talk last weekend at a large

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-27604932483358312452008-07-24T14:48:00.003-05:002008-07-24T16:55:28.551-05:00

The week up in Rugova was good.  Thank you for praying for me.  My presentation was well received pertinent to my audience.  My colleagues and I spoke on the topics of Servant Leadership, Love, Integrity and Vision.  During free time, our conversations often shifted to the One behind these great topics.  Those conversations covered topics such as grace, redemption, salvation, sacrifice, purpose,

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-77154056414697796012008-07-20T16:47:00.002-05:002008-07-20T16:55:27.533-05:00

I am up to the beautiful mountains of Rrugova tomorrow.  I am one of the trainers in the annual university Servant Leadership training camp.  We have about 25 students coming from all over Kosova to learn about the principles of Servant Leadership, Integrity, Love and Vision.  Please be thinking of me tomorrow as I am the first presenter so my talk will set the tone for the week.  I and a host of

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-62246567968393767372008-07-17T15:21:00.001-05:002008-07-17T17:34:15.484-05:00

Brad here again. Just a few thoughts from the roof of a friend's here in Peje...  As I sit here the call to prayer has just gone out across the city.  One goes then another and then another.  The "faithful" are now making their way to their respective mosques or so they should be.   Some of you will have gotten word from me earlier in the week of my frustration and my disappointment about the

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-73513645385662760482008-07-14T15:20:00.004-05:002008-07-14T16:10:18.607-05:00

I just finished Mack & Leeann's Guide to Short Term Missions by Mack and Leeann Stiles, IVP while here in Peje, Kosova.  I would highly recommend it to any one going on a short term mission or church leaders who are sending short term teams whether locally or across the globe. Mack and Leeann address a host of issues from church partnerships to cultural sensitivity, contextualized evangelism to

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-31300382725595965912008-07-14T13:09:00.002-05:002008-07-14T13:20:50.832-05:00

I have arrived in Peje.  Relaxing at a friend's enjoying the balmy evening and a local drink.  As I sit here the gentle hum of generators can be heard in the distance.  There is a smattering of lit windows in the city.  The power has been out since I arrived at 5:30pm, its now 10:30pm.  The Italian Village, as the NATO Base is called, is let up like a little city on the edge of town and a swank

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-41148262762059494172008-07-09T13:46:00.004-05:002008-07-14T13:27:18.492-05:00

On the eve of the anniversary of the birth of America, better known in this fair land as Independence Day we enjoyed the fun at the Drive–in-Movie. What is this you might ask? Well if you remember any of those great old 1950’s movies where all the teenagers were parking and “watching a movie” in their cars, well a place like that still exists today in a little town about 20 miles north of us.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-20767255365133131292008-05-26T03:59:00.004-05:002008-05-26T04:26:22.933-05:00

My life seems to feel a bit like the line from an old Willie Nelson song, " on the road again, I just can't wait to get back on the road again..."  Don't know if the just can't wait part is true but I am back in that same faux Viennese cafe waiting for me next flight on the next leg of my journey to the UK this time.  My flight leaves in about 2 hours so I am killing time, writing to all of you

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-77976169820103363392008-05-24T09:33:00.004-05:002008-05-24T09:41:21.152-05:00

Today has been a good day, weather not withstanding. I have enjoyed the company of friends old and new here in the relaxed cafe culture of Kosova. The day has been a mix of business and pleasure as I had the chance to meet with an official from the city government regarding our longstanding plans for investment here in Peje. The discussion was positive and the language encouraging. Now its up

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-30567802951689436382008-05-22T15:59:00.003-05:002008-05-22T16:05:14.899-05:00

Part of my day yesterday was spent interviewing a perspective client for the micro finance company I sit on the board for. In the adjoining photo I am meeting with a client and the loan officer for the deal. The man to my left in the photo owns the restaurant we are sitting in and is asking for a loan to complete an upper floor of his building to be able to rent it for additional income. The man

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-6249730625454070762008-05-21T14:56:00.002-05:002008-05-21T15:03:23.207-05:00

It is great to be back in Peje, a place that has been so significant to our family for the last several years. I arrived late today (May 21st) and will be here through the 25th. The 1st portion of my time today was spent in Prishtina (Kosova's Capital City). I lead the devotions for BZMF, a micro finance firm I am on the board of. It went well, even though I nearly missed it as my alarm

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-50387365331522636962008-05-20T12:42:00.002-05:002008-05-20T12:45:18.316-05:00

As I sit in a faux Viennese cafe decorated as if Schubert or Stauss could be at the next table (in the airport) with a mix of other travelers from around the world I am amazed at and reminded of the diversity the Lord has created in the creatures. All of us who He has made in his own image. There are the Business Men on the way to meet a client putting the finishing touches on their presentation

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-64912609722564307992008-05-20T12:39:00.004-05:002008-05-21T15:05:41.276-05:00

Travel Diary:May 19th: Depart the house 7am for a 9:30am flight out of Springfield, IL for Frankfurt via ChicagoMay 20th: Depart Frankfurt 8am for flight to Prishtina, Kosova, via Vienna, Austria with a 9 hour layover in Vienna.May 21st: 9am Present devotions for BZMF, a micro enterprise company I am the board of. Pray for this time as the staff is a mix of followers of Jesus and followers of

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-39546921746359817242008-05-18T21:34:00.003-05:002008-05-18T22:17:53.867-05:00

As if life wasn't busy enough we decided to take the plunge and give in to the cries of our children and we have now added a beagle puppy to our midst. Her name is Maisy. She is a great addition if you can get past the wet puddles on the floor and the even less savory presents she has been leaving. Apparently some dogs can be house broken in a few days but our Maisy doesn't seem to be catching on

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-33414775373918076412008-02-17T21:49:00.003-06:002008-02-17T22:15:38.169-06:00

As you have probably gathered - we are here (Abi and the kids) and Brad isn't!! He has been gone now for a few weeks in the UK and the Balkans. We have 10 more days and then he will be back. He has basically been travelling for most of February. 19 sleeps is a long time but it has gone so much better than anticipated - not that the usual sickness, teething etc haven't plagued us, but we have been

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-55715868801268787672008-02-17T17:29:00.003-06:002008-02-17T17:36:56.162-06:00

Gazuar Pavarsia - Happy Independence. That was the phrase of the day here in Peje and all over Kosova. The day many have waited for has finally come. Kosova was declared an independant, free and democratic republic, making it the worlds newest nation. Thousands gathered in the central square in Peje, the streets were heaving with people and flags were flying proudly. It remains to be seen who

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-16743902991078242282008-02-16T22:57:00.004-06:002008-02-16T23:01:04.918-06:00

Brad is back in the Balkans and just sent me this blog entry. It is such an exciting time for him to be over in Kosovo. I can't believe the kids and I are here when this is happening. A blanket of snow is beginning to shroud the city of Peje, and yet the hearts and spirits of the residents are not at all dampened. Independence is coming to this tiny forgotten corner of Europe. Soon the world will

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-51606086951274708012008-02-04T15:11:00.000-06:002008-02-04T16:19:37.223-06:00

We are officially back in the US after being quiet on the blog front for a few months now. Many apologies to everyone but thank you for your patience with us. Our exit from K-land was stressful to say the least but we made it back eventually!!Our plane was initially cancelled due to horrendous fog (one of the down sides of where the airport is located there.) Abi's seemingly faultless plan for

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-86502963910683755022007-11-13T06:53:00.000-06:002007-11-13T07:15:15.625-06:00

We will be on the plane to the USA 2 weeks tomorrow, November 28th. It will be a marathon journey leaving here at 4am and taking around 24 hours in total, but we will be sleeping at our house in Illinois at the end of it!!We are finishing up here - we are sending a few things with a shipping company so that is all packed up and ready for them to come and collect, although they haven't contacted

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-79759263410215746552007-10-01T13:18:00.000-05:002007-10-15T11:30:02.594-05:00

We have just 8 weeks to go before we head back to the US. It has been a busy month or so since we last posted. Our time in the UK was great fun, if a little exhausting. Abi's parents Ruby wedding celebrations were a huge success and it was great to see family and friends who we hardly ever manage to get together with. We did some lovely day trips with Abi's parents too while we were with them

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-25712825590084198682007-08-16T15:52:00.000-05:002007-10-15T11:35:06.779-05:00

Day 1. Today I buried the father of my friend. What a dark and most difficult day it was. I was awoken abruptly at ten minutes to 8 in the morning by Abi in floods of tears thrusting my phone into my hand. Agim was calling, his father had just died. I took the phone, shaking the sleep from my head only to hear my friend sobbing uncontrollably. Of course we knew this call was coming and had been

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-64270750008838302992007-08-01T15:09:00.001-05:002007-10-15T11:41:37.582-05:00

The leadership Camp was a great success. Brad had a good group of students this year and had fun with the team who flew in from America. Of course there was alot of action as there always seems to be in our family and here.I woke up one morning to go downstairs at 6.30am to the sound of rushing water!! (Not a sound you want to hear at any time unless you have the tap on!!) Tate and I found

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-2961016285518246852007-07-13T11:00:00.000-05:002007-10-15T11:50:09.629-05:00

We need to tell Jems that is isn't good form to eat the flag!!! But she did get into the patriotic spirit!!We celebrated July 4th in patriotic style using decorations that Aunt Shelly sent us several years ago!! They are still going strong. We made homemade corn dogs, baked beans and red, white and blue cupcakes!! A very fun evening. Here are all the patriotic youngsters sporting their various

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-23128760183374099942007-07-13T10:40:00.001-05:002007-10-15T11:52:02.172-05:00

Summer is here again and we are settled back into life here. We are thrilled to see our older children finally having the confidence to play in the street with the other children in the neighbourhood. It has been a long time in coming. We are enjoying spending time with our neighbours and friends here - having the customary Turkish coffees and Russian Teas with them. The weather has been

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-68995885368322726052007-04-19T23:26:00.001-05:002007-06-06T23:11:17.289-05:00

We have been enjoying the opportunity to do some different things while we have been here in the US. Here are a few of the photos from our time here.Trying on Colonial armour in Jamestown, Virginia.Enjoying the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-65036338058248376962007-04-18T23:02:00.000-05:002007-04-19T23:09:49.653-05:00

Horse back riding is a recurring theme in our time here in the US. Quin and Ezzie are taking part in a horse show in a few weeks time and even Tate has been riding - all Western, not English so it is a new approach for them to learn!! They even have cowboy boots, spurs, hats - the works!!!One of the horses here in the barn had a foal a month or so ago - we were running bets on whether the mare or

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-50688430727592886122007-04-18T22:41:00.000-05:002007-04-19T23:21:26.113-05:00

We were slightly confused to read that it was Ezzie's half birthday at pre-school last week and that they would sing Happy Birthday to her etc. She was to be bring a snack - ideally some kind of birthday item such as cupcakes or a birthday cake. We then discovered that only children who have not been in the pre-school for their actual birthday because of where it falls in the year are given this

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-65203004988485064212007-04-18T21:28:00.000-05:002007-04-19T23:25:46.407-05:00

OK, so we can't really use the birth of our 4th child as an excuse for lack of blogging any longer!!It has been quite the eventful week........Yesterday morning began with Brad having an accident on his bike. At least now he is convinced of the need for a helmet. He is sporting a very scary looking black eye and is wearing his sunglasses as much as possible. The attendant at the gas station made

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-62753985321259413542007-03-06T22:39:00.000-06:002007-10-15T12:45:47.510-05:00

Welcome to Jemimah Grace!Here she is with our Dr - don't know which face is more frightening?! He is great fun with a hilarious sense of humour.Jemimah Grace Byrd (Jems) meaning little Dove arrived at 6:54am on March 1st. It was a longer labour for us but still fairly short by normal standards. Abi was so thankful that our OB was willing to induce her with no questions asked.The hospital was like

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-44201958469150804132007-02-27T22:01:00.000-06:002007-02-27T22:21:14.108-06:00

We are now safely in Illinois, having flown in a day earlier than planned to beat a major blizzard which ended up snowing us in completely which the children of course thought was great fun!!There is much to thank God for:For our safe arrival in the US For our relaxing vacation in WilliamsburgFor the wonderful time we had visiting with friends in DC, VA and NJFor the ability to change our flights

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1169561240549314512007-01-23T07:59:00.000-06:002007-10-15T11:54:34.136-05:00

We are all set pretty much to head off to the US tomorrow. I can't believe the time is finally here!! It seems quite unbelievable. I was feeling in control of things here enough to venture to a city the other side of the region with Primrose yesterday to check out wedding dresses and see if we could get one ordered for her.We arrived in the shop not quite knowing what to expect, and there were

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1167850196622444362007-01-03T12:41:00.000-06:002007-10-15T12:07:22.743-05:00

After searching high and low, in three different countries, an oven ready turkey was not to be had. On the Saturday before Christmas, it became painfully obvious that if we wanted a bird on our table for the traditional Christmas Day feast we were going to have to go live. Abi trundled off to the market and poked, prodded, weighed and examined the array of live turkeys on offer from the local

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1164837158908600102006-11-29T15:43:00.000-06:002006-11-29T15:52:38.923-06:00

Haven't posted for a while as we have been entertaining a run of guests.Things are ticking along as normal really and we are looking forward to Christmas when we can have a bit of a break.An interesting cultural observation as far as our children are concerned. Abi overheard them playing playmobil the other day and they were talking about how their playmobil people needed to take enough food

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1151757236955666092006-07-01T07:23:00.000-05:002006-07-01T07:33:56.976-05:00

So Summer has finally hit us and don't we know it?? It has been 40 degrees + (in the hundreds) for several weeks now. We definately prefer this to the Winter weather but you do feel like your skin is sliding off your body!!! With no air conditioning and sporadic electricity to run the fans you do feel like you are chocolate melting pretty much constantly!! The down days are those when there is no

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1151011888997351022006-06-22T16:29:00.001-05:002006-07-27T11:33:44.076-05:00

create your own visited countries mapor vertaling Duits Nederlands

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1149587149866410662006-06-06T04:31:00.000-05:002006-06-12T15:16:12.343-05:00

We are recovering from the wedding flurry this weekend. We are glad to say that it was a huge success!! Organising a wedding here is certainly an experience. Where else in the world would you be able to book a banquet hall 48 hours to "I do"??Abi was concerned when the wedding rehearsal ended in rain, especially as there was no back up plan - the ceremony and the reception for 120 guests were

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1147379006236789132006-05-11T15:04:00.000-05:002006-05-11T15:23:26.246-05:00

We have been learning about money in homeschool this past week. The initial confusion was - what currency do we learn in??? Dollars, Euros or Sterling?? We settled for euros as that is what we use here.Using my education training I decided that a practical role play situation would be the best way forward!!! (Also more fun for all involved.) We now have a shop set up in our school room, although

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1142545825852772282006-03-16T13:49:00.000-06:002006-03-20T16:18:22.673-06:00

The children loved taking part in the performance at the end of the week. Ezzie is in the center in red.Not to be deterred we took in the sights!!! The view from the Fisherman's Bastion is ordinarily spectacular!!Spirits were high regardless of the weather!!

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21820750.post-1139322101735826812006-02-07T08:10:00.000-06:002006-02-07T14:23:34.813-06:00

Living in the Balkans has its challenges. Heating the house can be a test of patience. We have 2 wood stoves that heat the whole house and I have been trying for over 2 hours to get one of the stoves lit to heat the main living area of our house. It has finally taken off but I smell like a campfire. During the winter we always smell of smoke, like we've just been sitting out roasting marshmallows

Brad and Abi Byrdnoreply@blogger.com0