Experiencing Psalm 34 in Montenegro
As I step into this next chapter of life in Eastern Europe, my brother and cousin joined me for a two-week road trip through Albania and Montenegro—a kind of “send-off” before beginning my missionary work. This trip was extra special because it has now become a tradition for us.
Last year, when my brother went to Spain for his semester abroad, my cousin and I traveled with him to “drop him off.” This year, the roles were reversed—my cousin and brother “dropped me off” in Europe, sending me into my new adventure with memories I’ll never forget.
Our last five days were spent in the little Balkan nation of Montenegro (more about the first 10 days in Albania in the previous post HERE), and let me tell you—if you want to experience what Psalm 34:8 means when it says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”—Montenegro is the place to do it.
A Little About Montenegro
Known to locals as Crna Gora (“Black Mountain”), Montenegro is one of the youngest countries in the world, having declared independence from Serbia in 2006. Like Albania, it carries a layered history of conquerors—Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Venetian, and Italian influences all leaving their mark in its history, architecture, language, and culture. However, it differed after World War II, when it became part of Yugoslavia until the nation dissolved in the 1990s.
Today, Montenegro has approximately 625,000 people, most of whom are ethnically Serbian, and its language, Montenegrin, is a variation of the Serbian language. Geographically, it’s breathtaking: rugged mountains, turquoise Adriatic coastline, fertile valleys, and even the largest lake in Europe, which it shares with Albania. With its Mediterranean climate and wild beauty, it feels like God’s fingerprints are on every mountain peak and wave.
Highlights From Our Time in Montenegro
Stari Grad Bar (Old Town Bar)
This quiet little town of around 1,000 people is home to one of the most fascinating medieval sites in the Balkans. Though first mentioned in the 10th century, archeological evidence shows it dates back to at least the 6th century during Roman rule. Once a military stronghold and religious center, it remained inhabited until the 1800s when buildings began to weaken. The final blow came in 1979, when an earthquake damaged much of the city.
Even in ruins, Stari Grad Bar is stunning. From its ramparts and clocktower, you can see the Adriatic Sea, the aqueduct, and rolling green-ish hills. Walking through those ancient streets, I thought of how temporary human kingdoms are—yet God’s Kingdom stands firm forever (amen!).
Kotor & the Surrounding Kotor Bay Region
Kotor might just be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The city is nestled on the Bay of Kotor—a bay within a bay within a bay. Its old Venetian fortress is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Montenegro’s most touristic spots. As we wandered through the cobblestone streets, we heard every language imaginable—it was a tapestry of nations, all converging in this little slice of history.
One of the highlights was a boat trip through this Bay. We explored the Blue Cave, visited an old WWII ship bunker carved into the cliffs, stopped at Our Lady of the Rocks (a manmade island with a small church), and even reached the edge of the Adriatic where my phone informed me I was now in Croatian waters!
We also ventured to the nearby town of Perast, just north of Kotor. With only about 260 residents, it’s a car-free village tucked between the mountains and the sea. Narrow alleys, historic churches, and a bell tower overlooking the bay made it feel like stepping into a postcard.
Everything Points Back to Him
As I think back on our days in Montenegro — wandering through ancient stone streets, cruising the turquoise waters of Kotor Bay, climbing old bell towers, and driving along winding mountain roads — I can’t help but see God’s fingerprints everywhere. The majesty of the cliffs, the creativity of human hands that built towns still standing after centuries, and the laughter shared with my brother and cousin all point me back to Him.
Montenegro reminded me that life is both fragile and resilient. Empires rise and fall, earthquakes shake foundations, and yet beauty remains. The same God who holds these mountains together also holds my life together as I step into a new season in Romania. He is steady, strong, and faithful.
Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” And that’s exactly what this trip was — a taste of His goodness. Through nature, history, family, and countless small joys, I was reminded that God doesn’t just provide for us — He delights in surrounding us with beauty, love, and wonder. And how awesome that I got to experience this with the people I love.
**All expenses for my Albania and Montenegro travels were covered personally; RevivEE donations were not used for this trip**
