I move too fast. That is one of the things that I am learning in Albania. My life before I came to this country was moving at warp speed. I was working a stressful, full time job and trying to prepare to leave my life in Pittsburgh for 11 months. The month between training camp and leaving for the World Race was one of the most intense periods of my life. I was wrapping up my job and trying to say goodbye to people dear to me. I was trying to figure out how to pack for 11 months and not fall over under the weight of my back pack. Now here I am in Albania. Everything I was striving for has got me here and things seem to have come to a screeching halt. My team and I have finally settled in and we are trying to adjust to life here in Albania, where life seems to pass more slowly.
My team and I are staying in a rural area of Albania called Bathore. We are living with a host family and they are some of the most kind and hospitable people I have ever met. During the week, my team and I help a group called Mission Possible Albania. We’re working with local children at a place called the Hope Center. We help the youth group (kids from age 13 to 20) run the day camp. We work at the day camp from 8am-2pm. My team and I have a lot of down time and I’m finding myself wondering how to structure it. Prior to the world race, I was a Social Worker for about 8 years. It is both strange and refreshing to not have a “real job” right now, but I’m struggling with all the free time. I never had free time in the States. I filled up my days and I grew accustomed to that lifestyle. I was used to being on my own. I bought my own food and did as I pleased. Now I need to restructure my thoughts to think of meals as a group. My team is so gracious with me and my weird quirks about food. The first couple of days, we were living on bread and Nutella. Although it’s reasonably high in fiber, I found myself feeling depleted from lack of protein. Now as a group we are working together to make healthy, tasty and cost effective meals together. Not an easy task. To be honest, so far, the most difficult part of this journey is learning how to live with 5 other women.
It is very hot here in Albania and often times, my team likes to nap in the afternoon. I am someone who never napped while at home, so sometimes I find myself wondering what to do when they are sleeping. I’ve tried to be intentional about journaling, but one can only write so much. I can’t go to the mall or go to the gym. However, I am slowly learning that once I peek past my selfishness, I can see so many opportunities here in Bathore. There are so many wonderful young people at the day camp where we work and I have loved spending time with them. There are many opportunities for me to slow down and nurture new relationships with people. I am so thankful that we get the chance to love these children at the day camp, but I feel that the real opportunity is for our team to get to know the youth group. Most of them speak English and they have been so good to my team and to me. I am hoping that we can show them the same kindness.
The dramatic shift of my pace from life in the States to life in Albania has left me wondering… Where am I going that I need to get there so quickly? What is my speed limit? Where are you going? What is your speed limit? Are you creating space for yourself? Although it is very challenging to shift gears like this, I am thankful that God has allowed me to slow down. I was moving at an impossible pace. I’m learning so much here. Not just about a new culture, but how to live in community. Please pray for this transition. Thank you for your prayers. I felt like I had to fight so hard to get here, and each one of you was part of that fight.
Just a quick update on fundraising. God has graciously provided me with about $11,800 for the World Race. Through your prayers and financial support, I’ve made it further than I could have dreamed. With my total goal being over $17,000, I still need help. Would you consider a donation? If you are feeling generous click on the “support me” tab and donate online. Thank you!
