Here in Albania people don’t smile very much, they would rather buy clothes than feed themselves and boys have no idea how to talk to girls without cat calls and the flirting capacity of a middle-schooler. These people are breaking my heart. They are so focused on the outside of things, looks and money…sound familiar? This idea of materialism isn’t just an American issue, it’s a human issue and we are trying to help the people here see a different way, a better and more perfect Way.
Albania is a broken place, and this college campus is the perfect place to begin spreading the Gospel because they are so hungry for something different, even if they don’t realize it yet. Yesterday evening we had our second weekly meeting and my team was asked to prepare something to share with the students, so through-out the past week we asked students various questions about God and their faith (as well as a few Would You Rathers) and then put it together in video form (my amazing teammate Amanda did a fantastic job editing it! I'll be posting it on here at some point). A couple of the girls we have gotten to know weren’t there a couple minutes before it was time to start so Amanda and I went over to check on them. When we got to the dorm the girls were still getting ready, picking out clothes, fixing hair, putting on make-up, etc. Note: I’m in jeans, my Running Sucks t-shirt, slip on shoes with black socks, and my fleece. At one point Lona (one of our friends) asks me why I don’t have make-up on, was everything okay? Amanda and I just looked at each other for a second and had to laugh, of course I was okay I just didn’t feel like it was necessary for me to put make up on today (or most days on the race, lets be honest). It was a great opening for us to share a little bit about why we don’t feel like we need to look perfect all the time, we know that the Lord always thinks we are beautiful and we also have come to know that our beauty comes from within, in the ways we love, the ways we serve, and the ways we honor one another.
In the Gospel of John 13:34-36 Christ shares something with the disciples (and us): A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
I so desire that my identity would be so wrapped up in the love that I show to others that my name would become synonymous with the act of loving, and in that same breath synonymous with the name of my Savior. I want to find myself only in more of Him and in more of His Word, not in what I’m wearing, driving, or living in. So please be in prayer for my team and I as we finish out this last week here in Albania, that we would see His children on this campus and our hearts would continue to break for them, that we would be vigilant in sharing the Gospel, and in sharing ourselves.
The comments and prayers that y’all send my way mean more than I could ever say. Thanks for loving me and sending me out on this journey. I’m so glad that I get to share it with of all you.
Lindsey
P.S. Sorry for no pictures, the next blog will be full of them, promise!
