We had been working with our Ministry host, George, on the LightForce International compound for less than a week. We were beginning to get settled and starting to get into the flow and daily schedule of working on the farm. Then, a good old fashioned curveball was thrown in the form of an all squad meeting that was called right as I was getting settled for a nap after a half days work.
During this meeting, my two lovely squad leaders informed us that we would be leaving Albania in a few short days to go help on the front lines of the Syrian refugee crisis in Greece.
Yes, a curve ball indeed, but in the best way.
I was torn. My heart was just starting to get settled here in the beautiful country mountains of Albania, but I knew how big and how great of an opportunity it was to go be a huge help to those who are in such need at such a critical time.
Many of you have probably already heard of the thousands of refugees flooding from Syria and surrounding areas to Europe to flee the war and attacks from ISIS. I remember the first I had heard of it when I was sitting in the DFW airport with my parents headed to Atlanta to go to launch just about 2 months ago. We watched as the news reported about the frail bodies that laid on the beach after a rough and sometimes deadly voyage across the ocean. My heart broke as I watched that. My mom commented that it was no coincidence that I would be in the exact area that the refugees were fleeing to. At that time, I had no clue I would actually be working directly with these people who running from terror to a safe place.
The Lord always has a big plan, and I couldn’t be more blessed to be working within that plan.
I ask for your prayers as my squad-mates and I leave Lehzë, Albania tonight and take a 12 hour bus ride to Athens, Greece. From there, we will take a 12 hour ferry to the island of Lesbos, Greece where we will be doing our ministry and receiving refugees with the organizations Euro Relief and Samaritans Purse.
The work days will be long, 12 hour shifts at a time. These days will be so rewarding and life-giving, and I couldn’t be more excited!!
Sometimes the most unexpected change of plans are the greatest and most rewarding.
Please keep us in your prayers during these next few weeks as we go and pour out Christ’s love on those who need it during this trying time in their lives.
Greece, here we come!
