By Alicia Lee, CBF field personnel
“Let’s go for coffee!” A rather common phrase around the Balkans and much of the world. Meeting someone for coffee is a way of life in North Macedonia. No matter how busy you are, there always seems to be time for a coffee! I have enjoyed many coffees over the years, and what stands out to me each time is the sense of community. Whether with someone I see often or someone I see less frequently, the time is a beautiful blessing. Over coffee, we catch up on the latest happenings in each other’s lives, share nostalgic memories, laugh together, shed tears and always begin and end with a hug. Perhaps it’s not that there is always time for coffee, but rather a willingness to, during the overbusyness of life, slow down for not just coffee but for connection and encouragement.