So we have left Asia and now we are hanging out in Eastern Europe for the summer. As I mentioned in a previous blog, our squad had a 14 hour layover in Rome! WOW! That was an absolute blast. I left the airport with a group of 8 and we explored everything we possibly could in the time we had. We saw the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon while also stopping for pizza, lasagna, gelato, beer, and espresso along the way. It was really just a tease- I definitely wasn’t ready to leave. I am very excited to go back and explore even more of Italy at a future date.
Albania is amazing! Both in ministry and in sheer beauty, I have been overtaken with love for this country. This month has been a continuation of our ministry in Thailand. My team was in charge of leading 3 weeks of Vacation Bible School with 3 different groups of kids during our time here. 2 out of the 3 weeks, the community we served with were Roma. In much of Europe, the Roma communities are outcasted and seen as aggressive, unclean, and uneducated people. With such labels, most of them are left without a way to get a steady job and climb out of the cycle of poverty. Many children are seen begging on the streets or collecting recyclables from the garbage to sell for a small income.
My team and I feel very blessed to work with the kids and teenagers from the Roma community. While the Roma culture is one very resistant to change, the children respond well to grace and general kindnesses. We have witnessed their hearts soften to the gospel as we led eachgroup through songs, games, skits, and crafts that tell the story of God’s love for us and the purpose we have in a Christ centered life. Over the next few months, I am excited to continue the work God has started in these communities. I can see the good that long term missionaries are doing to reach the “untouchables” in society- the ones who many glance over, but whom Jesus gives authority to bring power, kingdom, and glory in His name.
We ended our month with a mini vacation to Montenegro. We spent 2 days on the beach, slept in a real bed, and ended the trip with a paragliding Adventure! 3 months of kids ministry has definitely exhausted me, but it’s a good kind of tired. This weekend was definitely rejuvenating. Over the next week, I am spending time in prayer for what the Lord’s expectations are for the 2nd half of my race. I have a feeling He has some curve balls planned- God’s pretty sneaky that way.
Tomorrow we leave for Macedonia, entering month 7! I can’t believe how quickly time is moving. The prayer I keep repeating is for the Lord to direct my focus to the present so that I can soak up as much of Him and the lessons He is teaching me along the way.
As always, I appreciate your constant love and support.
Many Blessings,
Allie
