After roughly 3 weeks in Albania, my perspective has been vastly shifted.
I have realized that the remainder of my race would be different then what I dreamed up at the start of this big adventure.
I vividly remember sitting in my living room at home, reviewing over and over the route that I had just chosen to experience. Reading all the country descriptions aloud to my hesitant mom and equally excited dad.
I got to the last country, Albania, and as I read the overview my mind ran wild with possibilities. Dreams. Hopes of a beautiful finish to my race.
But at the time, my dreams were much different than now.
I dreamt that I would live in the countryside of Albania, tucked away amongst the big beautiful mountains. Working in a gypsy village. Maybe helping out at a kids center/orphanage.
But now that I am here, living my last 3 months of the race, things are so so different.
They are better.
And you wanna know why? Because I have allowed Him to make my dreams, His own.
Now I live in the capitol city of Tirana, Albania. I live in an tiny flat with my team roughly 20 minutes from the heart of the city. Life looks like making my own ministry most days. Being relational. And inviting people I meet to a church service my team runs!
God placed me at a ministry where my job is to MAKE FRIENDS! He truly does know my heart. And He so sweetly gave me desires I didn’t even know I craved to be fulfilled.
Because of my ministry location being in a heavily populated city and the freedom we have to make the day look however we want, I have been able to make friends from all stages and walks of life!
I have had coffee dates with 3 devout Muslim girls and discussed theology and the good news that is Jesus Christ. I have made a true friend in this girl named Bora who works at the gym me and my team go to daily. I am greeted by name by the woman who works in the deli department of the grocery store down the road. And always make sure I have extra time to stop and intentionally ask about her family and how her day is going. I have been able to spend time with the sweet missionary family that lives above us! And have sword fighting dates with their 3 year old son named Sam! And encourage them in their long-term journey here! I make a new friend daily.
And living in a Islam dominated country and community, It has been so beautiful to see the simplicity of the gospel come to fruition in our lives here. People notice that we are different.
It never gets old getting to explain to new friends why i am “always laughing” or “always have so much joy”! A beautiful segway into the topic of joy that stems from knowing Jesus Christ!
The last 3 months of my race, yes, looks very different than the way I envisioned it all those months ago. But it’s so much better. Its life. Its living with the intent to daily spread the gospel.
Its how each and everyone of us has been called to live. Abroad or in the states. Wherever your feet are planted.
As far as I’m concerned, These 3 months are showing and teaching me the meaning of my oh so temporary time here on earth.
To wake up everyday surrendering your plans to the Father. Go out! Live! With the intention of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ! Be relational! Make friends! Let God wreck their hearts! And walk each other home, to heaven!
It truly is so simple. Live your lives! For the glory of the gospel!
People will take notice!
And God will do the rest!
Luke 4:18-19
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the
captives
and recovering sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.”
