This first third of my race is ending in just about 10 days.
Soon I will be on a plane to The Phillipines and transitioning to a somewhat new life, a new environment, new ministry, new food (I sure will miss my crepes) and lastly but not least a new community. New people.
Before I came on the race one of the things I was most excited about was meeting new people and just seeing how others live in different cultures. Little did I know the impact people would have on me.
The people I’ve met along the way here in Albania, on my team (which I will be staying with WOOP WOOP) and even on our little trip to Greece have taken up a little space in my heart and I am so grateful that I get to cherish these little moments.
These people have taught me little lessons about myself, God and just fascinating ways on how to live and love life.
When we first arrived to Tirana Andi met us to take us to our new home. Getting to know him over these past three months has been a freaking mess. An amazing, hysterical mess. As he would say we have the “same souls”. He laughs at any and everything and carries the goofiest smile on his face. Andi is a step down from our pastor and practically runs the church. He fixes the chairs before every service, sweeps and mops the heck out of the shower and floors and even takes all the hair we leave in the drain out (sorry). Whenever we need something Andi is there, even when we don’t need anything Andi is still there LOL. The church is not his job but it’s his life and he serves with the biggest God loving heart. His love and willingness for Christ is so big and inspiring. He has a desire in his soul that I know will always push him to aspire to be the best he can in God.
Now imagine the sweetest, most adorable pregnant lady with a smile that is never wiped off her face. That’s Jeta (pronounced Yeta). This lady is such a joyful, kind spirit. She smiles at the world and accepts people for who they are. She is a women who loves people so well and just a bright light to their little community.
Geni. This guy really gets me. First I’ll start off by telling you that this guy has an awesome gift from God. He is so musically talented is blows my mind. When he picks up an instrument his willingness and care for God comes out. He’s secretly actually pretty good at English but won’t show it (I see through you). His sidekick Xhino (pronounced Gino) is always with him usually saying the most hysterical thing in an American accent and asking me for popcorn.
And then there’s Xhoni (Johhny). He practically became apart of the team right away. Even though he’s only 17 years old and still in high school he spends more that half his time at the church and well living life with us. He’s a sarcastic, sassy, happy person.
Oh yeah and Berti the crepe guy. He knows my order (goals am I right?).
These are only a few people that live here in Kombinat and are apart of our little community. Doing life with them has been crazy and amazing and wild. It’s not perfect and sometimes (well a lot of times) I really have no idea how people do stuff here but, these people have showed me how to desire God and love people whole heartedly. They are a hot mess, and that’s okay. These people live with a joy and laugher that’s so contagious.
We also spent three days in Athens Greece, spending time together, relaxing and just doing life. On our last day there was some sort of dance going on in the square. We headed over to watch, little did we know what an experience it would be. Afteir asking some people I learned it was a protest standing up for the Syrian people, the children, women and families who are being affected. These people were holding hands dancing around a circle. A guy from the group motioned over for us to join, my heart was so happy. We got to dance around with them, and be a small part of their amazing effort. It was just a moment for me of wowness because people rock. Strangers rock. I’ve been learning this almost everyday of my life but today I was really reminded of it. Talk to people, be apart of things and don’t be afraid because you will never regret doing something. The world is so huge and there are so many people that you will never get to meet but talk to as many people as you can, join as many things as you can and just live day to day remembering that everyday is a good day to meet someone new.
If you’re still reading this far, which if you are you are rad and I appreciate you I’m going to move on too some other people. Some people who have become…well my people.
So I’m not going to lie living with 6 strangers across the world really freaked me the frak out. I honestly had no clue what to expect, would we get along, have fun, grow close? Well let me be honest, it’s one of the craziest things ever and I love it with all my heart. These past three months all seven of us have been crammed into a tiny home with one common area and a set of stairs that lead to the girls and guys rooms. We have one broken toilet (partially my fault but more of Madeline McJunkin’s fault… ooops)and a smelly hallway with shoes that are never put up (sorry Kaitlyn). Living together has been a rollercoaster of all sorts of emotions. We spend all our waking hours together and even our sleeping hours. These people have taught me what living with a God loving community looks like.
I could write endless paragraphs about the little lessons, corks and jokes I’ve gotten from these wackos but I feel like this blog is already long enough so I’ll keep it short and simple.
Kaitlyn.. the weirdest, truest person to herself has showed me to be just that. Embrace your weirdness, make that random sound that’s festering in your mind, crack the funkiest face you can and don’t care about what anyone thinks. She’s my person, my wacky crazy lovely person. Jason.. This guyS got faith like no other and loves others well. Show your emotions, no matter what they are and don’t be ashamed to need alone time, that’s an important one. Madeline.. offer yourself always. She’s the most selfless person. Whether you need someone to come to the market, church or even just want to go find perari cookies at a random store she’s there with a smile and willingness that just burst with Gods love. Silas.. think. Think the thoughts in your head because they are obviously there for a reason right? Sarah Catherine.. stand tall and be sassy. I’m pretty sure this girl writes an essay a day in her journal (really makes you want to at least get a sentence down a day) but it just shows her aspiration to grow closer with God each and everyday. Caleb… someone who’s punny jokes are even worse than mine He’s a worship warrior so in love with -The Lord- it just makes you want to frat snap. He’s simple and intentional in the best way.
These people.. my people have showed me how to live, love and laugh. We do life together in the funkiest, most random way that somehow just works for us. Most importantly we love God together, we push each other to “expand” and talk about the hard stuff, read our bibles and even write blogs.
Now I know this was a hot mess, but that’s okay because I just wanted to share a little bit of my people and what’s become of us over these past three months with you. I never really know how to end blogs so I’ll end with with, first thanks for sticking around this long and reading my jumbled thoughts typed out, it means a whole bunch.
In a little over a week we leave and start new life in San Mateo Rizal Phillipines. I ask that you please prayerfully consider donating and helping me reach my deadline that is just a month away!
