Kosova celebrated its official independence on 17 February 2008. After years of waiting and a bloody history of civil war and conflict in the former Yugoslavia. Justine Horsfall, a BMS World Mission worker in Kosova, was in the capital, Prishtina, to witness the celebrations. These are her reflections.
The day
It was a bright, cold day, with a blue sky and an icy wind that bit into your nose.
But the weather was not going to stop thousands of people leaving their homes, all togged up in their winter woollies, to show their support and glee on this historic day.
On Mother Teresa Boulevard, in the centre of the town, masses of people were celebrating. A sea of Albanian flags were being waved by men, women and children, hanging from apartments and store windows.
Astonishingly, on this day of national excitement, joy and hope, dozens of American flags and even the Union Jack were being waved and worn by Albanians showing their gratitude to our nations for their part in helping Kosova to reach this point.
The atmosphere was electric with shouts of joy, the beating of the traditional tupan (drum) and sounding of the surle (traditional clarinet) was the soundtrack to crowds dancing and holding hands with joy.
Free beer was handed out and men climbed the trees, waving the flag and stirring more people to join the chants and singing. I think this is the one day I can remember, when I saw no unhappy Albanian faces in Kosova.
Later, we watched the ten-foot tall yellow word “NEWBORN” (in English) in the centre of town being signed by as many as could clamber onto it, a symbol to the world of this new beginning.
It has been thrilling to be in Kosova to share the experience of this historic day with the people of this new country. But as the euphoria dies, the aftermath of challenges will begin for the government.
They will start to tackle the 60 to 70 per cent unemployment, and focus on the health and education sectors that are so lacking in basic equipment. The task is a huge one.
We know that independence for Kosova will bring a short-lived hope, but the real hope for the future lies only in Jesus. Please pray that God may raise up his banner over this land and may his love be known to all peoples of Kosova.
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