April- Albania!!
Month 8
Population: 3.2 Million, Total Area: 11,100 sq. miles slightly larger than Maryland (302 people per sq. mile)
Language-Albanian*, Greek
Religions- Sunni Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%.
Weather- Average high 60*, low 50s*. nice coastal climate to the west, and colder the more inland you go.
People- Woah, Albania was once the worlds only official atheist country. The Greek minority in the south suffers much discrimination.
Albania has the second highest rate of sex selective abortion in the world, between India and China.
From the World Race: Located on the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, with its coast along the Adriatic Sea, Albania is Mother Teresa’s birthplace. Did you know that the apostle Paul had actually been to Albania during his missionary travels (Romans 15:19) Albania declared independence in 1912, but then was occupied by Italy then Germany for a few years, during World War II. Afterwards, Albania was under Soviet rule, which ended in the early 1990s. There were only a dozen or so Christians then; today there are thousands. Most of the population identify themselves as Muslim (70%) while the remainder are Orthodox Christian (20%) and Catholic/Protestant (10%).
Your ministry: simply connect with the young people. As you build friendships with students, you’ll get to tell them how Jesus tore the veil — thicker than even the Iron Curtain that divided Europe — that separated man from God.
11 Things to Know About Albania
(Posted by racer Stephanie Archer on team Beautifully Rooted who launched last September 2014 and will return at the end of July! Please pray for her squad as they finish out the race!)
1. Restaurants might advertise food they don’t sell like crepes, ice cream, or even food. We walked into a place that advertised a long list of food out front only to be told that they did not serve any of it. Sometimes these false advertisements involve pictures of other restaurants’ food like McDonald’s French fries.
2. When asking whether it was safe for us to walk somewhere at night, we were asked, “How can you think Albania is unsafe? You are from America!” Apparently, the impression of America here is that it is the epitome of dangerous
3. “Let’s go have a coffee.” This is what all of our new friends say to us. It is the typical Albanian invitation for asking someone to hang out and talk. There is no shortage of coffee shops here!
4. When greeted by friends, don’t be surprised to be kissed on both cheeks! This greeting is very foreign to Americans, but completely normal for Albanians. They will kiss you good-bye as well!
5. As in many countries, vendors along the streets are a normal sight. Shoes are one common item that are seen on the streets of Tirana. The Gypsies that sell them have plenty, but don’t expect to find a matching mate for the shoe you like.
6. Every country has some type of food or drink to offer that is exclusive to its culture. In Albania, their drink happens to be a unique flavor of a common soft drink. Fanta Exotic can only be found here, and its fruity taste is something I can’t get enough of!
7. The buses in Albania are not the fastest form of transportation around. A common joke of the locals is when they are in a hurry they will just walk to get to their destination faster than the bus!
8. Bunkers were placed all across Albania during its reign of Communism. These metal mounds can be seen anywhere you go, and have become canvases for an artist we actually had the privilege of meeting!
9. Just as in America, many restaurants have no smoking signs in the windows; however, unlike America, don’t expect everyone to follow the rules! These signs are more like suggestions around here, and my little lungs were quite surprised the first day I experienced it!
10. Sufflaqe is a favorite lunch time staple. It is similar to a wrap with meat, veggies, sauce, and French fries! Who wouldn’t want some crispy potatoes in their sandwich?!
11. Upon arriving in Albania, one of the first things l noticed was the sight of unfinished buildings. We drove past many four story buildings with the top floors sitting as shells. I later learned that Albanians do not have to pay property taxes on unfinished buildings, so some people choose to never finish a building in order to never pay the taxes. I can’t say I don’t blame them!
Today I’m laughing and crying.
1 because THIS IS WHERE ILL BE EXACTLY 1 YEAR FROM NOW, 2 because I want to be there right now! The video below encouraged the smile on my face and the happy tears in my eyes! It makes my heart beat fast! I’m so full of excitement to live this life and be a part of the story in these places! Seeing the man dance without a care and watching these women serve the Lord, lights me up! I want to yell from the top of The Houston Cole Library HERE I AM SEND ME!
If you would like to help me GO please click the SUPPORT ME tab on the top of this page and watch how your generous contribution helps grow the Kingdom of a God around the world!
Peace and Blessings,
Beth Milam
#BethBeyondBorders #InAlbaniaAsItIsInHeaven
Then I heard the voice of The Lord saying,
“whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. SEND ME!”
Isaiah 6:8
