After a two-hour bus ride through beautiful mountain scenery, we stepped off the bus at a small crossroads. In the distance, snow-capped mountains reared towards the blue sky. It looked like something out of a calendar. We had finally arrived in Memaliaj, Albania.
We had traveled to this very small town to check out some potential ministry contacts. We knew we would love these people when they immediately took us down to walk by the river. As we walked and talked to Daniel, Geni, and Saimir, we began to forge a bond with these brothers in Christ. After enjoying some fresh-baked pumpkin pie, Daniel and his wife Monica had to lead a couples’ meeting. Geni and Saimir invited us to go to Gjirokastër to see a castle. Looking at each other in excitement, we all said yes!
I think it’s safe to say that all three of us were so glad that we said yes to this adventure. We started driving through those gorgeous mountains, taking pictures and squealing, when Saimir turned around and said, “Welcome to the Misty Mountains!” And that’s how we met the biggest Lord of the Rings nerd in Albania!
We drank out of a pure mountain spring, stopped at a crystal-clear lake at sunset, visited a castle, walked in a tunnel under the castle, saw the moon rise over the mountains, had tea with a British missionary, and threw countless LOTR and Hobbit references and quotes into normal conversation. To say the night was magical would be a vast understatement. It is, hands down, one of my favorite memories from the Race thus far. Everywhere we turned, God (and our new friends!) showered blessings and fun on us.
Sometimes on the World Race, as in life, you have the choice between staying comfortable and in saying yes to crazy opportunities. Don’t get me wrong, I love resting and relaxing and definitely see the importance of that, but a big part of me loves adventure. And to find adventure, sometimes you have to say yes to crazy ideas, even when you’d love nothing more than to stay home and read a nice book.
“The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there.” -Gandalf
“It’s a dangerous business, walking out one’s front door.” -Gandalf
“There are no safe paths in this part of the world. Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go.” -The Hobbit
The adventurers: Geni, me, Kayla, Amanda, and Saimir
