So I mentioned before that this month I am doing ministry in Tirana, Albania but I didn’t really talk much about it. We are partnering with the Church of the Nazarene out here in Kombinot, which is just outside of Tirana. We have been working to get a kindergarten up and ready to open on September 3rd. Mostly we’ve been clearing out the space and painting a lot of murals to make it perfect for them.
I will be honest, ministry this month looks a lot different than I thought it would. Painting day in and day out wasn’t really what I expected but I am so glad that we have the opportunity to be a part of this. The kindergarten is going to be the first Christian school here and although Albania is primarily Muslim this still amazes me.
We got to talking with one of our hosts, Edlira, and we learned that it is common practice to beat kids in the schools here. After seeing this Edlira decided that they would open a kindergarten of their own where that would never happen. They want kids to be able to learn and grow in an environment that makes them feel loved, safe, and important while incorporating God.
After hearing this I started looking back at all of the kids I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know since I’ve been here. And I can’t believe how many stories I’ve heard about their broken homes and the poverty they are living with. Many times they only have one parent at home and that parent works a lot so they don’t really have time to spend with them. I can’t express the heartbreak and sorrow it brings me to see and hear things like this. No child should have to grow up worrying about being hurt, eating that day, or feeling invisible. That being said it makes me so glad to meet people like Ergest and Edlira. People who want to step out in faith and boldness to make a change, to be different. People with unrelenting hearts for what is right. I feel so blessed to be able to work with them and learn from their sweet hearts. I can already tell that one of my favorite things on this journey is going to be seeing God’s light through others. It’s seriously the best!
So that’s what I’m doing this month and it’s pretty awesome! If you would like to help please be praying for a smooth opening and for all of the beautiful kids here that they never feel alone or unimportant. Thank you!
