The ride that The Lord has me on is unfathomable at times. It’s weird to think that only 5 months ago I was at home getting geared up and ready to leave for the race. Now here I am sitting in a coffee shop on my off day for some wifi. Right smack in the middle of a small village on the out skirts of Tirana, Albania.
This month we are working with Pre- schoolers during the day and by evening playing soccer and volleyball with the local village children. Here in Albania the culture is predominately Muslim. The people are lovely and the mountains are breathtaking. Our hope is that this month we would show the love of Jesus to people by the way we love others and each other. Here in Tirana there are coffee shops that are only for men and of course we get stared at by everyone.
Our ministry host’s name is Donna and she is from Ireland. She has lived here sharing the love of Jesus with the Albanian’s for 20 years. This past week we went to a prayer service held every Tuesday and met many amazing women that have recently come to the Lord. It’s been amazing seeing the fruit of the church here. On another cool note, there is a cute shop called “The Stephen center” which was established by Christians from the states and still stands in great condition and ran wonderfully. We met some really cool christian bikers and to my surprise this shop serves DR. PEPPER!! A little piece of home in the middle of Albania!
In case you were wondering about some funny stories that I might have…here is one. I have nalgene (water) goals. I want to drink 3-4 Nalgenes a day. So one morning before leaving for ministry (which is a 2 mile walk) I drank 32oz and then left the house. It hadn’t even been 10 minutes and I thought my bladder might bust. So in panic as we walk down the side walk I frantically look for a place to run to the bathroom. Finally passing a restaurant I see one and run full speed. ( I am sure my team was wondering what was happening since I didn’t even tell them why I took off) I ran into the bathroom and it was a squatty potty.
Well folks, you have to make sure you far enough back on that thing before you squat or you will pee all over your feet and the floor….thats my tip for the week, HA!
Before I leave you I thought I’d tell you my favorite part about the culture here. In Albania in the heat of the day everything kinda shuts down and people rest. So from 2-5 we have a break where we can nap and then we go back out in the evening. Though the days sometimes feel longer I am thankful for the time to rest.
Well there is a few things going on in month 6 of the race. Thanks for loving me so well and reading my blogs. You guys are amazing and I still am astounded by the way you have prayed, loved and been consistent in checking on me. I love all of you.
Next stop in July, Nepal!
Pray for:
* The people of Albania
* The pre schooler and their teachers
* My heart to continue to stay in a teachable state
* Direction from The Lord and revelation
* Selfless love for my team
Over & out,
Lynzie Lynn
