Our Ministry:
Working with the high school students with Campus Crusades. We visited high schools, passed out invitations, had youth group meetings, put on events that included songs, games, dances, and speaking, and had many, many, wonderful coffee dates!
Verse of the Month:
Matthew 18: 20 – “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Cultural Moment:
1) In America, when we say "yes" we also move our head up and down. And when we say "no", we shake our head back and forth. Here, it is backwards!
2) Always dancing! The people here have a sense of pride for their culture, and part of that includes participating in Albanian songs and dances. My feet and calves got a workout this month!
Favorite Food:
CREPES!
Hardship of the Month:
Satan, once again. This month, in particular, Satan was attacking my new position of being a teammate instead of being a leader. Per a few blogs ago {entitled: becoming a bride in a hurricane), I had said that God redeemed me of those self-destructive thoughts when I found out I was no longer going to be a leader. This month was such a healing process from that, but Satan didn’t want that to happen. Once again, I declare daily that I am redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and rebuke Satan and all of his lies that he continues to feed me.
Favorite Moment:
1) Coffee dates!
2) Hiking/Falling down Mt. Dajti.
3) Being mobbed by the high-schoolers asking for our autographs, and signing our names as celebrity aliases.
What God Taught Me This Month:
That He literally has everything in control. There were many moments where I wanted to shake some of the students because they weren’t grasping the meaning of Jesus; however, God settled my spirit and reminded me that everything happens in His timing!
This has, by far, been my favorite month! From the people, to the food, to the culture, I will never forget our month here. Thank you to all of you who has made this possible for me (my supporters–family and friends–as well as my new friends in Albania).
Next stop: Drăgăneşti, Romania
Ministry in Romania: planting churches
Accomodations: Sharing the church's guest house (complete with beds and a kitchen) with another team!
