As we finished up the month in Guatemala I had so many thoughts about what the upcoming months ahead in Europe would look like, particularly how I would be able to reach people and communicate with them through the language barriers that were inevitable. In Central America I was able to speak and understand Spanish well enough to connect with people and build relationship. For the first time on the race I was faced with the feeling of inadequacy and really wondering what kind of impact I would have with people in the months ahead. So when we arrived in Albania and I heard people speaking in Albanian it was even more intimidating because the language sounded very hard to learn. We went into town the first weekend we were here and after purchasing pastries a few of us sat in a small park area and there was a cute old lady sitting on the bench across from us crocheting. I looked at her and waved, and she waved back…I was so excited! I really wanted to go and talk with her, and after contemplating it for a little while I did. When I walked over and sat down she showed me the bootie she had made and started talking to me in Albanian, though I didn't understand a thing I just kept smiling and communicating with my body language. After a few minutes I asked I showed her my camera on my phone and asked in the best way that I could if we could take a picture and she said yes! We took the picture and I showed it to her and she laughed and patted my cheek. Later in the afternoon as we were walking back to our home I saw the sweet lady on the public transportation, we locked eyes, she smiled and we waved goodbye to one another. As the month has progressed I've had fun interacting with the people that surround me from the ladies who cook for us, to the local vet that comes to the property, to our ministry host, and my favorite of all his house keeper. I've even managed to pick up a few words in Albanian! Culturally people don't typically hug unless they are close or related. The housekeeper here speaks a little english and as she and I began spending more time around one another she shared that when she welcomed us she to the property that she knew i was for her. We have spent many days since making coffee for the squad in the mornings and talking about our lives, soon I was getting the best hugs and kisses on the cheek from her. I have realized that whether I know the language or not His love will always be able to communicate itself through me.
