Albania. Even in this first month, God is showing Himself to be the God of the unexpected.
Being here this month was a surprise. It was announced shortly before leaving for the Race and was never thought of previously.
Arriving to find beds to sleep in, hot showers, and good meals prepared for us was delightful. The camp is owned by a man named George who is a church planter and pastor, and has also taken it upon himself to mentor us while we are here.
Beyond the beauty of this country and the surprising comfort of our lodgings and ministry, God has been working in unexpected ways. But that is His way. I am not sure why I always try to anticipate Him….to be ruled by fear of the ‘worst’ happening. And then instead, I am still constantly surprised by His care, His provision, His joy in blessing us.
The first several days we were here and the beginning of last week were challenging in ministry. Yet God was certainly still moving – perhaps just more personally and behind the scenes that the anticipation of this month could appreciate.
I have been challenged to find ways to be the blessing when I am the one being blessed by the staff and children here. To be the blessing when there are more than enough hands to perform a task, when assistance with the camp’s curriculum is limited due to the language barrier, or when cultural norms are not startlingly different but at times confusing.
I have had the joy of seeing God heal sickness and pain in several camp staff and squad members. He is so faithful.
I have seen my team bond with the same heart for ministry for the months moving forward.
l have seen small actions having large impacts, and am learning to choose to pay attention to what God is doing regardless of how insignificant the action or task may seem in the moment. God knows the whole story and what He intends to accomplish.
During this past week, we found that our group leader (Groupi Blu!!) Earta had a birthday. We made her a card as a surprise. It was a small thing, and when we gave her the card we got the bigger surprise….when the card was translated to her, she burst into tears, hugging us all tightly. She then left camp during one of the snack breaks and returned with 6 cold soft drinks – one for each of us! On a hot summer day playing and jumping around with the children, this was a ridiculous blessing. We are again left to brainstorm (and be led into) new ways of being the blessing this week.
Thank goodness there is a God sovereign enough to cover our mistakes, to surprise us with blessings, and to make us into blessings. Despite imperfections and struggles, despite weariness, despite cultural and language divides – He is the One whose dreams and plans for this month are bigger than any of ours. He is at work here, in His way, in His time.
