During our visit to Serbian communities in Metohija , we distributed 80 gift packages to children up to eighth grade. We first visited a priest and his family with five children in Istok, who live in the parish house, completely isolated from other Serbian communities in the area. Afterward, we met with children and parents from the village of Dren, located roughly halfway between Istok and Zubin Potok.
80 Gift Packages Shared Across Metohija
Although administratively part of Zubin Potok municipality, Dren is also in Metohija. Few humanitarian or other organizations visit the hardworking residents of Dren. Since the village is quite spread out, we met at the crossroads along the main road so everyone could join. There, we delighted the children with gifts and spoke with the older residents about daily life.
Life in the Metohija Village of Dren
Much like in Novo Brdo, life is tough here, mostly relying on livestock and agriculture. Despite this, we saw cheerful and smiling faces. We agreed to visit again and take a closer look at their households to better understand their individual challenges and needs.
Visiting Families in Crkolez
Next, we went to the now familiar village of Crkolez. This was our third year visiting this small, hilly village to deliver Christmas gift packages to the children. We couldn’t resist the numerous invitations for coffee and hospitality. At one household, we discussed what had changed since last year. The hardworking and resilient spirit of these kind, simple people was evident when a schoolboy approached us in a tractor, returning from livestock work, during the package distribution in the village center.
Donji Lukavac: Another Wonderful Village
With prayers and promises to meet again, we moved on to Donji Lukavac, home to several Serbian families with five young children. Small returning homes with yards, livestock, and greenhouses welcomed us on the road from Istok to Osojane. The hospitable hosts were grateful and joyful that someone had come to visit.
Gift Packages in Vidanje near Klina
Finally, we stopped in the village of Vidanje near Klina, home to around sixty Serbs and a small branch of the primary school from Osojane. We met the children, including those not yet in school, in a small but beautifully arranged school building. A little girl greeted us at the door asking, “Where are the gifts?”
For the next hour, we shared smiles, gratitude, and playtime. We learned from some school staff that the school used to be housed in a private home for many years. Today, it has six students. Despite the challenges, many of the children continued their education, and some have already graduated from university. Isolation from other Serbian communities and limited opportunities for youth are major concerns in Vidanje. Still, the cheerful spirit and strong desire to live in their village and homeland remain, as demonstrated when the children returned home after being displaced twenty-six years ago.
Thank You for Sharing Joy Across Metohija
The warmth of the people in Crkolez and the courage and determination of those in Vidanje, Lukavac, Istok, Osojane, Klina, and other Metohija villages always move us. We will continue to visit as often as possible, improving living conditions for them and inspiring others from different parts of Kosovo and Metohija through their example.
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