I have spent the last four months in eastern Europe: Kosovo, Albania, Moldova and Romania. It’s been surreal to live so long on a continent other than North America. I’ve adapted fairly quick to each place and at times it didn’t seem so different than home. Then I remember real toilets where I can flush the toilet paper, my comfort things I left at home, and having more than 5 T-shirts. Here’s a look back at the last four months (in random order).
1. Squatty Potties
Before arriving to Albania, I was terrified of squatty potties. Well, terrified may be a dramatization but I knew I didn’t know how to use them and I was afraid I would pee on all my clothes. Some people claim it’s better than a western toilet, and maybe it is, but if you’re sick it’s nice to have the option to sit down. That being said, I’m happy to report that I’ve successfully conquered the sqatty and while it’s not my favorite, it no longer haunts my dreams.
2. Frogger
This is how it feels to cross traffic in some places in eastern Europe. No traffic signals for pedestrians, not that anyone would follow them, and your only goal is to not die. I’m sure India and China will be much worse, but for an area that is so western with other things…you would think traffic rules would be better.
3. The Holy Spirit
This trip, so far, has allowed me more time to connect with God. Not that I suddenly have more hours in the day or missionaries love God more, I’ve just had less normal distractions and more of a desire to consciously spend my time seeking God. Enter Holy Spirit here. Because I’ve been focusing so much time on God, I feel like He has pushed me more than in a “normal” four months. The Holy Spirit has taught me so much and continues to blow my mind each day. God is way bigger than we think and He loves us more than we could ever understand. Yay God!
4. F*** You
I know what you’re thinking…what does F*** You have to do with mission work? Well, it turns out that in Romanian it means something like “to do.” Needless to say, although it’s spelled differently in Romanian, the past two months was the first time I’ve heard pastors say it during sermons. It’s still a little surprising to hear it so often, but then again, so is anything in English now. 🙂
Now on to my next adventure…INDIA!!!
I just want to thank all my supporters and everyone who reads this blog and keeps me in your prayers. I appreciate all of the support and I can’t wait to tell you all about India. Namaste!
