Going from Podgorica, Montenegro to Lehze, Albania is like going from hot to cold.
The difference is so real and so evident.
Not only in the ministry that we are doing here but in the people, the roads, but just in the feel of everything.
Month one we were doing street evangelism in a town called Podgorica where the way you presented yourself was everything. What you wore, what you looked like, how much stuff you had. It all was such a big part of your identity. It was safe. Our team of 7 women weren’t really afraid of walking at night or anything.
Month two we are helping to work on a farm and do upkeep on a farm in Lehze where we get poop on our clothes daily. We wear shorts and t-shirts that get grimy, and we wear it every day of the week, cause we are on the world race and we only have so many options. We get told that going out after dark isn’t an option, and that going out without a male with us isn’t an option just because it isn’t safe.
And you see it when you go out, the difference. It’s like another world. But it is just one country over. A 3 hour bus ride can bring such a world of difference and it blows my mind.
So for the past week here in Lehze we have been working on this farm owned by George. This farm is no ordinary farm though. It is a self-sustaining summer camp. Hence the farm. This way George doesn’t have to constantly be reaching out to supporters for money.
So pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, a duck. Construction. Moving heavy things. Cleaning up after all of the previously mentioned animals. Lots of things. All with 45 off my squad mates. Here at Light Force International Camp.
But, as the title of this blog entails, change is in the air.
Today, on Wednesday, October 21, my squad and I will be leaving Light Force International Camp.
I’m sure most of you are aware of the Syrian refugee crisis going on. My squad and I have been called to Lesvos, Greece to support Euro Relief, partnering with the UN to help receive Syrian refugees. In providing medical attention, and providing warm, dry clothes, and warm meals before they continue through Greece into the rest of Europe.
Please keep my squad in your prayers as we travel Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to reach the island. The island that we are going to work on is close to Turkey, but is a very dangerous island to reach for the refugees. The 3000-4000 refugees that make it to the island will be thankful to be alive. We don’t know what to expect, so prayers for physical, spiritual, emotional and psychological strength will be greatly appreciated.
Seth Barnes, CEO and founder of Adventures in Missions, has talked to George and they’ve both agreed that there is a greater need in Greece for us to be there.
This time could be a lot of things. Traumatic. Intense. Tedious. Long. Hard.
But one thing that is for sure is that God is already there, and we are partnering with Him in this.
We did not expect our month 2 to look like this, that is for sure. I was totally content with being a farmer for a month. But I am ready to go where the Lord needs us. Please please please pray alongside me through this.
