It’s hard to beat good old fashion farming!
We’re staying at a kids summer camp here in Lezhe, Albania for what they call “All Squad Month”, meaning all 45 of us are working together for the month! Here’s the rundown…
We’re working with the organization Light Force International, which is all about self-sustaining ministry that strengthens community. In this case they have a farm that supports both the summer camps here and also their Uganda ministry where they’ve started a school and clinic for the people there. George, our ministry host and main man in Albania, is incredible! He’s been pouring wisdom into us and teaching us about the big 3 of any successful endeavor in life: Vision, Hard Work, and Self-Sacrifice! Big time truth!
I’ve found these instantaneously applicable especially as I’m scooping poop out of pigpens! The other day I was standing in a cloud of flies holding back the mama pig and her babies so we could clean out their pen, and I couldn’t help but smile! “You totally signed yourself up for this one Abel” I thought to myself. It’s definitely been good times though, wouldn’t trade it for anything!
We’ve done some serious demolition and restoration of a goat corral, made some walkways around the farm, unloaded tons and tons of hay, and readied the farm for the upcoming months. It’s been quite some time since I’ve done so much physical work, so I’m loving it!
Then the announcement…
“All Squad meeting upstairs now”, one of my squad mates told me. I had no idea what to expect, but I did as I was told and found my way to the main meeting room. “There’s been an unexpected change” our squad leaders started out by saying.
“We’re going to Greece”!!!
I literally lost it I was so excited! Going to Greece is a dream come true for me, and to do it with this community and this mission is incredible!
Samaritans Purse, an organization I actually volunteered with back in Colorado, is presently doing work with refugees, mostly Syrian, that are taking to the sea from Turkey to Lesbos Island, Greece. They asked Adventures in Missions if there was anyway we could aid them, and with us being so close they gave them the green light! So today, Wednesday the 21st, we’re all heading out on a 12 hour bus ride down to Athens, then a 12 hour ferry ride out to the island!
In my opinion this is what the World Race is all about; meeting the greatest and most immediate needs of people while listening and acting upon where God calls us! We’re going to the front lines of what will sure be a big part of history.
Check out this video and article by Samaritans Purse: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/refugee-crisis-in-europe?&utm_source=SPFacebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=m_Y000-SOCM_SocialMedia&utm_content=10-07RisingTideVideo
With all this being said, prayers for our squad would be huge! There is no telling what we will experience and come across in these upcoming weeks, so please pray for wisdom, discernment, strength, peace, and steadfast love in all we do. Also, please be praying for all the refugees who are on the run from their homeland.
Thanks again for everything! Love you all!
