- A diet of mostly bread can make you feel both full and hungry at the same time.
- An excessive amount of fiber is really not a good thing.
- Espresso and ice cream available just a quick walk away is a huge blessing. And trouble. Many of us are leaving this month with serious ice cream addiction problems and I certainly have not broken my insane coffee addiction.
(Silva – the precious owner of one of our favorite cafe haunts)
- I am not made for children’s camp ministry. But Albanian children will steal your heart.
- There is stunning beauty in this country, with desperation to match. I have seen eyes of street children that will haunt me.
- Community: Before it becomes a beautiful thing, there is a struggle that is attacked on every front.
- Mentoring, teaching, and ministry cannot replace the quiet moments with God. We have come to experience more of God. This is not something taught by man, but learned from the heart of God. This month’s ministry has been filled with scheduled activity, busyness, and sharing life with fifty-five people. I have missed these moments.
- The challenge to believe and work to be the blessing in the middle of feeling (and even told) you are the opposite. God sees all. He sees actions but knows your heart and motivations. I have learned to rest in His opinion of me, despite assumptions or judgment.
- Intentionality has been a huge lesson this month.
- One of my favorite memories I will take with me is an evening after the program with the children had ended, several people had gathered to play guitar. What started as a jam session turned into spontaneous worship, which included some of the staff members, a British family that is also here serving, and several Racers. As the singing continued, more and more children came over from the games they were playing in the courtyard to listen. Some were trying to sing along even though they did not know English, but all of them were crowded close. As I sat there, I looked around and was amazed at the power of worship all over again. To change atmospheres, to unify, to draw those that are hungry, and to bring freedom.
- I still find it crazy that I am here, in Albania, and it is already time to travel on.
