I have been so impressed with Albanian culture. The people here are hospitable, friendly, easy to talk to, and they stand behind their work. When I asked a friend of mine what she and her friends like to do for fun, the answer was, “We like to go to for coffee… And that’s all”. I found this strange, but after being here for a week, I have quickly discovered that it is because they are a relational nation. They enjoy getting to know one another and this is what they spend most of their time doing.
Imagine you are sitting in a coffee shop (easy to do here, because they are on every corner) and two strangers approach you with the intention to talk, share the gospel, and become your friend. What would be your initial reaction? You would probably be thinking, “Get away. I am trying to drink my non-fat so latte and work on my Macbook in peace”. But here, the reaction is completely opposite. You would invite those two strangers (or new friends) to pull up a chair, have a great conversation, and even offer to pay for their coffee. You would dive into deep conversation about the Gospel and would be open to learning something you have never heard before. You would be relational.
Now imagine those two strangers invited you to come to their weekly Christian meeting. What would you say? If you are like me, you would smile, thank them for the invite, and say, “I’ll try to make it!”, because you are being “nice” with no intention of ever attending. But if you lived here, you would say, “Oh thank you! I will come”.
Here’s the difference between Albanians and Americans: Every person I have invited to church has said yes. And every person who has said yes, has actually shown up…
This has absolutely shocked me… Probably because I am a true American and say I will do things I have no intention of doing for the sake of being “nice”. I can learn a lot from this culture.
And here’s another thing: We know nothing of hospitality. There’s a 16 year old girl named Boralives next door. Lauren and I decided to go over and see her house. Once we were invited inside, we were served hot tea and and given blankets to keep warm (even though it wasn’t cold). We toured the house and then went upstairs to her aunt’s house. She also invited us in and served us juice and fruit. She apologized because this was the best she had. We danced a traditional dance in their living room and laughed for an hour. I played with Bora’s cousins and felt like I was really a part of the family. And of course, we weren’t allowed to leave before she served us a macchiato. One house visit and three drinks later, and we were family.
I want to make people feel special and welcome the way the Albanians do. Because of their openness and desire to be our friends, the Good News is being preached and heard in Albania. Imagine if we took time to be relational as well; Think of how much we could learn from others. And what if we opened our homes to strangers? How much more would people feel loved by us and see Christ in our lives?
In Him,
Kaitlyn
Matthew 25: 37-40
Annee and I at the Castle!
Skanderbeg’s Castle. He is the Albanian hero.
Team Unchained Rhythm
6 princesses and a knight… This is right after we stormed the castle.
Albanians dress REALLY well… So here is Lauren, wearing purple pants and a
mens sweater… “Fitting in”.
From the knee down, I look like white trash compared to the Albanians… I call this look
“Proud to be an American”
My new favorite food: Krepes!
My perfect morning. Albanians are addicted to coffee… It’s a national problem.
Doin’ ministry: Selling magazines. We are the tope sellers… Not really. But we look great
doing it!
Walking… As usual.
What I imagined when I thought of Eastern Europe.
More to come later! Love you all!
