When I stepped off the plane in Tirana, Albania I felt like it was the first breath of fresh air I was able to take since leaving the states. The cold, 38-degree weather made me feel like I was back in Colorado. I am excited for such a new and exciting place. I am so thankful for what God has done the past three months in South America and I really miss that place. But I am ready to see what God does in Europe too, and He is already showing up.
Our contacts this month are Ana, Hysen, Eddie and Kela. We call Hysen the “Shakalaka” because “shaka” means joke here. Shakalaka is always joking around. They have all been so sweet and welcoming to us.
This is Ana. She is so sweet and wonderful. I also have the pleasure of staing in her home this month.
This is Joshua and Shaka-laka. He is so fun and of course loves Joshua.
This is Eddie and Kela. They just got married on Sept 24 and are the sweetest couple ever. You can tell that they love the students and want to see them come to Jesus.
These four are on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and this month we get to build relationships with college students. We do that by going on campus, handing out magazines and inviting kids to coffee and/or weekly meetings put on by CCC. This month I may just get addicted to coffee. Students LOVE to go have coffee and talk—which provides the perfect opportunity to share our stories and the way Jesus has guided us.
Me and Kursti handing out magazines.
Most of the magazine crew. Love the red polos!
Are you wondering how I chose the name for this blog? Well here it is:
So I thought we stood out in South America…being white and all. But being in Albania for several days now, I learned I am wrong. When Albanians hear us speaking in English, they literally stop what they are doing and stare us down. I mean, they do not even TRY to NOT stare at us. It’s amazing really! Sometimes they yell the few English phrases they know at us. Or sometimes they yell Albanian words at us. Apparently Americans do not make it out to Albania very often.
And so, when Hysen was explaining that we get to go on campus and hand out magazines, Joshua asked if it would be a good idea to lure them toward us with candies or chocolates. Hysen basically said,
“You as Americans will be enough to lure them in. You are the chocolates.”
What an honor! Haha. Many students we have met speak English and are excited to practice with us. This also opens up great opportunities to have coffee with them and share Jesus. I am just thankful that Jesus is more satisfying than chocolate. 🙂
