I think it’s fair to say that I love Europe! We have now been in Albania for six days and I’m loving every day more and more. The people here are so friendly and fashionable, the food is amazing (Mediterranean/Italian/French inspired), and they drink coffee like it’s their job…which I love. Ultimately, this country was made for me; however, the country underwent a lot took a lot to get where it is today.
The team at an old amphitheatre in downtown Tirana, Albania.
My new team and I are staying in the capital city of Tirana, which is made up of 600,000 Albanians. In Romans 15:19, Paul actually came to this country (then named Illyricum) and preached the Gospel. Since then, the country was taken over by the Ottoman Empire and forced into Islam. After World War II, Albania was under Communism for 45 years. During that time, there was no religion allowed whatsoever.
When Communism fell in 1990, people were free to believe whatever religion they preferred. Many people were curious and receptive to Christian missionaries who came after the fall; they filled up the professional soccer stadium with listening ears for the Gospel. However, most people reverted back to what they were used to…which was Islam.
Most of the families in Albania are Muslim; however, a lot of the younger generation of kids (which is the main target generation for the ministry we are working with) are interested in Christianity. This isn’t a strict Muslim culture; however, 70% claim Islam, 20% Orthodox, and 10% Catholic/Christian.
Things for sale.
We are working with Campus Crusades here, which targets high school and college-aged students. My team and I are partnering directly with the high school group. We have been going to schools, inviting students, planning events, and going out to coffee with students. All of the students are taught English in school; therefore, most speak very good English. If student’s parents’ do not want them to go to Christian organizations, we give these students an excuse to tell their parents, “I’m going to go practice my English with the Americans.”
Passing out invitations at the high school.
So far we have provided a fresh outlook for these students. Since we are Americans, we already have appeal. Now we are able to sweep in with the Good News and preach it to the curious generation of Tirana.
The Campus Crusades office. Our daily coffee outing.
The Campus Crusades courtyard. Coffee with some locals.
My teammate, Kim, and I at the coffee/liquor shop. Our typical morning.
The team brainstorming for a Campus Crusades meeting. (I apologize for the face.)
Our house (and laundry)…we are on the second floor. The view from our balcony.
Our bedroom. Sleeping on comfy couches! The other view from our balcony.
My teammates, Kayla, Kelly, and I outside the coffee shop.
The New York Section of my Blog Pictures
(We had a 16 hour layover from Miami to Istanbul in NYC…we had fun!)
The JFK Airport entrance
The team waiting for our flight. Playing Phase 10…I won :]
My friend, Linsey Thomas, and I at Times Square.
All the Lindsay's went out to Times Square! (Linsey, Lindsay, and Lindsey)
