This research has evolved slowly over a number of years; consequently, I am indebted to a number of people that assisted and encouraged me along the way. I am deeply grateful to my two PhD supervisors, Margaret Greenfields and Fiona Bowie, for their in-depth comments and critique, as well as staying invested in the project. Margaret also connected me to various people along the way, in an effort to further resource me. I am also grateful for my ocms house tutor, Guichun Jun, who offered me key feedback and encouragement at critical moments.
I am indebted to numerous people in the region where I have been living and researching for the last eight years. I thank the people from the two communities in the study—thank you for sharing your lives and stories with me. Marko and Zora were especially critical for my study—organizing meetings, allowing me access, and patiently answering my questions. I want to thank my translator Eve in Fadonica—her helpfulness in decoding the village was invaluable. In addition, her mother, Ljuba, created a warm hospitality that made me feel at home.
It has been an extraordinary experience to be on the leadership team in Makronica. I am so deeply grateful to Marija, Josip, and Tijana for their unfailing patience with my language struggle and their openness and care for me in this journey. I treasure each person in the church and am grateful for the always open door of hospitality in the village.
I am also indebted to my transcriber and translator, Speranca Tomin, who always accepted my requests and questions. I am also grateful to Dr. Thomas Acton, who read my entire thesis and offered helpful feedback.
I could not have embarked on this project without my dear friends in Oxford, Steve and Cathy Ross and the Denno family, who opened their homes and lives to me. Your generosity and hospitality made it possible for me to complete this project. I look forward to our continuing friendship in the future!
Finally, I am grateful to my parents, for their patient support of me, and to the many friends and family who cheered me on.