Now that’s we have made it to the middle of the Race (what?!?!?!) we have grown at least somewhat accustomed to travel days. We’ve learned plans usually change, patience is key, and listen when your logistics people give you directions. This last travel day we had, making the big trek from Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe, we had a wonderfully long layover in Rome! But we didn’t get there until 8pm. Our day started leaving our hostel in Bangkok at 4am, flying about 4 hours to New Delhi (back in India!), then had an 8 hour flight to Rome. We got into Rome around 8pm local time (I couldn’t tell you the time difference) and then pretty much everyone went in groups to explore the city!
It was actually Courtney’s birthday last week (Happy Birthday Courtney!!) so we had a celebration for her in Rome! We took a cab to the city center, found a restaurant at a square and ordered pasta and wine. What a treat! Then we walked around for a bit, and saw the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon before heading back to the airport. I was SO tired because I was running on like 3 hours of sleep, and then only got 3 more when we got to the airport. Even though I was exhausted I really enjoyed Rome and want to go back someday. The architecture and history is so fascinating, and the culture/language is awesome! I loved hearing everyone around me speaking in Italian, or speaking English in an Italian accent. Basically, our travel day was long but wonderful.
We arrived in Albania last week and got to our logging in the afternoon. We are staying with a widow and her daughter and they are incredibly sweet, caring and welcoming. The mom knows how to play guitar (she actually teaches it) and she started teaching me how to play an Albanian worship song on her guitar. I have been wanting to start playing guitar and practicing strumming patterns and then the Lord puts us with a lady who knows how!! We also met with the pastor who is hosting us this month and he told us more of what we’ll be doing. This last week we have been teaching English, helping with youth events, a women’s bible study, and making house visits. It has been a full week but we have started to build some good relationships already. Pray that we can continue to build on those relationships and support the church we are partnering with.
Keep the faith,
Malia (also I have been called Miley, Mayleah, Maria, and I think there were a couple other ones in there too! So many names!)
