One of the reasons I chose to come on The World Race was to figure out what type of Missionary I wanted to be. When I was in college, my eyes were open to the fact that you can’t just “be a missionary”. You have to have a focus, whether that be a people group, a country, or a profession such as a doctor, teacher, pastor. I had none of that. So, when I found out that the World Race offers you a chance to try a variety of different fields in numerous countries, I was all in.
With that being said, I am starting to think I have found my passion and calling in life. Thanks to the team we are working with in Albania, I have realized just how much I truly love working with students. This month we have been given the privilege of working with Cru, an interdenominational Christian parachurch organization for college and university students. Our two teams came together to put on a Project for High School and University students. Every morning we are given time to take students out to coffee and talk with them about life and Jesus. At night, we have different events, (Latin Dancing, America Night, Solarium Cards, Girls/Guys Night, etc) that the students get to join for fun. The relationships we have built this month, with both the students and the CRU team, are irreplaceable. We have grown so close to the people in the city of Vlore and these relationships have made me want to stay and continue working here.
The students here are wicked smart and work extremely hard in school. However, they long for a better economy and greater opportunities such as education, sports, and jobs. Out of all the students we have talked to this past month, I have found ONE who wishes to stay in Albania after graduating University. It breaks my heart to hear how badly these young adults want to leave their native land. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked how someone can get into the United States, both legally or illegally. It is hard to tell them that I can’t help them in this area. However, it has led to some amazing conversations. Due to the fact that the students here are so dedicated to learning, they have been very interested in God and what we have to say about Him and the Gospel.
Through our coffee shop ministry, we have seen two students accept Christ. It has been amazing to see how God uses something so simple as coffee, or 1 on 1 conversations to allow people to see their need for Him. He has shown me how faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains this month and it is because of these conversations and opportunities that I believe I have found my calling in life.
