Safety in Gjilan, Kosovo What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Gjilan, Kosovo Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
I would give this contact a 4.
Gine, Soni, Erjon, and Nesha really welcome you as an equal, as part of their team. While we were there we held a kids camp to attract youth to the center for youth groups, English clubs, and game nights. The ministry here is hard, due to a number of cultural blocks toward the gospel, so they need lots of encouragement. My only concern would be actual work that needs to be done if teams are there more often. The kids camp we ran was great for our time there, but would not be practical month after month.
Lodging
Lodging in Gjilan, Kosovo Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
The four women on our team stayed in the apartment of Nesha, a single woman who is a missionary from Albania. She had two bedrooms, one with two smaller beds, and a large bed we shared in the other room. Nesha is very big on the idea that it is not “her” home, but “our” home, so be careful if staying there that you do not make comments like “how do you (not ‘we’)….” or “We washed your (not ‘our’) dishes” or “We bought this for you (not ‘us’)” as these can be misinterpreted by her as offensive. She is also very big on cleanliness, so try to make sure you are cleaning up after yourself.
The three boys on our team slept on the floor of the church center, which is an attached building to the house where Nesha’s apartment is. There is a bathroom complete with shower in the center, but the only kitchen is in Nesha’s apartment, and boys are not allowed up, so we had to do all the cooking for the month.
The house that rents out both the apartment and center is owned by an elderly Muslim couple that are practically parents to Nesha, and will become your parents as well. They are very nice, and will quite often ask you over for coffee, or make you dinner. Try to do a few things while you are there to love them back: cook them dinner, clean their house, make them dessert, etc.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Gjilan, Kosovo What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Transportation
Transportation in Gjilan, Kosovo What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
You can walk pretty much anywhere in Gjilan. It’s a fairly small town. If you need to get to or from Pristina, there are cars/ taxis you can take for 2 euros. Don’t pay anymore, taxis are super cheap in Kosovo.
Medical
Medical in Gjilan, Kosovo Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Communication
Communication in Gjilan, Kosovo Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Financial
Financial in Gjilan, Kosovo Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Translators
Translators in Gjilan, Kosovo List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
Comment
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Gjilan, Kosovo What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
There is not much to do around Gjilan. Taking a day trip to Pristina is really fun. Pristina was interesting because Kosovo loves America and the city is very patriotic with a statue of Bill Clinton and streets named after American presidents. We went with a group of Albanians which was really helpful. We also took a day trip to Skopje, Macedonia. We had to take a bus to Pristina and then a bus to Skopje which cost about 12 euros. Skopje is beautiful and a great place to sightsee and can totally be done in a day. I would highly recommend taking the trip!
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Gjilan, Kosovo Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
Comment
Tips
People’s Opinions
Comment
Additional Info
Additional Info in Gjilan, Kosovo Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?