I’m exactly half way through The World Race. I’ve been to 7 different countries and have been witness to the sick, poverty stricken, sex-trafficked, homeless, hopeless, uneducated, orphaned, oppressed, simple-living, and burnt out. These experiences have moved me in many different ways, but never to the point of tears. Before coming on this trip I assumed I’d be crying like all the time (even though I’m not an overly emotional person) at the hurt and evil in the world. But I haven’t.
I have seen a lot of difficult things that have lead me to my knees in prayer though never to the point of needing a tissue.
But February 14th is the day that broke me beyond my dry-eyed prayers.
It was a special day, of course, but from a missionary’s point of view it was just like any other. I woke up, worked out, and then headed to the shower. Half way through my shower, soap and all, the power went out. This is a common, spontaneous occurrence that affects all of Albania daily. Whether we are at home, in church, making dinner, or at a restaurant, the power will go out.
I waited for about 5 minutes before the power came back on. During that time, instead of complaining I played the “Thankful Game” (which we have to do a lot on the WR to remind us of our blessings despite circumstances). Meanwhile, freezing, I couldn’t believe the entire country puts up with this inconvenience daily. But they’re used to it.
A little while later Jake and I headed out to do a prayer walk around town. We made our way on to the gravel neighborhood roads and passed houses in all conditions all equipped with gates and barbed wire to keep people out. Seeing the locks, gates, and wire in my mind symbolized the hearts of these people. They’re barricaded; oppressed by sin, and above all, lock out Jesus or any source of hope. I prayed over every home and person that walked by- that they would take the lock off, open the gate, and open up their hearts to Love.
We found our way back to the main road where I was stopped dead in my tracks. To my left I saw a man digging through the trash. Across the street, an attractive woman walked by in high heels and a nice coat. To my right, an older man rode by on a bicycle that looked like it was about to fall apart. I began to pray.
What is this?! What is this life, God? This world we live in? Why do some people live in excess while others fight to just have sum? Why can some afford to ride a bus or drive a car while others walk and bike? How come I have all this stuff back at home, even on The Race, and people with excess money have paid my way to even be here to see what I see now? It’s not fair that the government sells their electricity to neighboring countries and leave their people suffering from the shortage. It’s not okay for children to beg on the street. And it’s NOT okay for a parent to abuse their child because they choose to follow Jesus and go to church. Why God……. Why?” Standing on the side of the road praying over what I saw and knew to be true, I let the tears fall.
What I see- how will I allow this to affect the rest of my life? My ministry? My possessions? My interactions with people on the street? With God?
I certainly don’t have all the answers now and this all will take time to process. But all I can say to conclude these thoughts is that sin brings destruction and God is alive to bring hope and salvation. That’s redemption. That’s the reason I’m alive and here to be a witness of that to all. Sin will always rule on earth but it doesn’t have to rule your life.
** I still need $850 by March 1st before I am completely and fully funded for my trip!!! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount. I will be SO grateful! God has been faithful in providing for me thus far and I know He’ll bring the remaining amount in through YOU!** Click “Support Me” anywhere on this page! <3
