I’m living such a weird life. Weird and very different from my life back in the US as a college student. I only own two pairs of pants, I wear men’s shoes most of the time, and walk 1.5 miles every morning to get to church. I’m 21 and I sleep on the top bunk, and work 12 hours most days. It’s so strange though because all these things have become so normal to me, except the 12 hour work days, I’m still waiting for those to seem normal. I have been alternating my pants everyday and sometimes I repeat when one pair is drying on the rack in the living room. My men’s shoes I have accepted as ugly but still enjoy wearing them for their warmth. I’ve learned to enjoy walking everywhere because it’s my only source of exercise. And I love my top bunk because it’s the only solitude I can get to process this experience.
Despite all these abnormalities in my life I somehow have become adapted to a constant change. Seeing how other people live has been inspiring and enlightening. I have seen a need and a light in the darkest of places. I am currently living in Pristina, Kosovo and I have never experienced such dedicated and motivated people.
When we first arrived we listened to a pastor’s story of how he lived through a war that took place in the center of Pristina in 1999. This war lead to their independence in 2008. He informed us of the country’s current struggles with ISIS and how he knows there is more harm to come but he also knows that this place needs a light. I didn’t understand at first where this dedication and willingness to work so hard came from.
There’s a group of leaders in the community we are working with and they all have given so much of their lives to shine a light in Kosovo. Most of them were formally Muslim and have gone against their families to so selflessly follow God. They are dedicated to the church and humbly are unaware of how much they have impacted not just the community of Pristina but also the whole country of Kosovo. Yesterday I went to the town of Kaçanik and on the hour drive there Molly (my teammate) and I were told that the highest percentage of ISIS leaders come from Kosovo. They also told us in the mountains that surround Kaçanik is where ISIS leaders tricked kids to attend these camps to raise them up to become leaders for ISIS. It was so strange to be in a place so affected by harm and see people truly striving with this motivation to fight for peace.
Our new friend, and pastor of the church, Artur knows that this is a safe place for the moment but trouble is to come. ISIS impacts Kosovo and although ISIS is elsewhere in the world Artur knows that if these leaders were to come back to their home there will be trouble. It is so crazy there is more harm to come and instead of fleeing from this problem Artur sees it as a reason to stay. He sees this as a problem that he has the will to fix. His strength inspires his community and myself.
One pair of pants ripped the other day, so Mom if you’re reading this…send more pants! I have loved my time in Kosovo, I have meet so many incredible people. I’ve done so many different things this month from sorting clothes at a second hand store, dancing with children, visiting home bible groups, and even becoming a dress model for an afternoon. My life has become so strange and I am doing things I never thought I would like eating pizza five times a week and living in a country with future leaders of ISIS. I am so grateful for this opportunity because the people I get to meet and the stories I get to hear are worth only wearing two pairs of pants.
Thank you to all who have supported me and to all the friends I’ve meet so far!
A little update:
- I am going to Africa (so mom do not actually send me pants)
- So close to being fully funded (I can’t believe it!)
- If everyone who read this blog donated $20 I would be FULLY FUNDED!
