This week has absolutely been amazing. Emotionally challenging at times but truly amazing. I have laughed, I have cried, I’ve been a crazy person looking for things (ha-ha), but most of all I really have had so much peace. Albania is beautiful. Even in the most impoverished areas, I have found beauty. We are on the coast 3 miles from the Adriatic Sea. Our Squad is on a property with Palm Trees and gorgeous mountains in the background. We are staying in Lezhe with a mountain top castle overlooking the town.
This is one of the pigs. I visit him every morning 🙂
Our current ministry is at a camp, where the owner and facilitator George, has shown us what real love in community is through his program. There over 50 acres of enclosed land consisting of dorm rooms, bathroom facilities, game areas, meeting and food rooms, and a swimming pool. They raise pigs, and sheep for the off seasons. They provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the staff is absolutely caring and willing to do anything for us.
This is George 🙂
Children from all over Albania come to this summer camp where they have the opportunity to get away from their working lives, and just be “kids” for a week. These impoverished children are given nothing but love and fun throughout this week. However, One child had to leave in the middle of the week to go back to the field in which he came to literally “watch” a cow. Children at very young ages work in their parent’s fields and homes daily. Very few children have the chance to just be kids. Each week a group of about 150 kids come to this camp to have fun, learn and live.
During this first week, I have not seen one child without a smile on their face. God is definitely here. There are a few children who speak very limited English so they have spent time attempting to teach us the language. The Albanian language is beautiful but is a pretty difficult language to pick up! I'm determined to be able to communicate with these children each week! When learning every time I don’t say something right they get louder and louder and say YO (no) and re pronounce it!!! I have already learned 1-10 and simple phrases and words. Even though there is a language barrier, it has definitely not stopped me from just totally loving on these amazing children! Each week is a different group of children, so please continue to keep these children in your prayers. Our main focus is to shine Jesus through our love for them.
My own time has definitely been limited. It is hot, showers are cold, and toilet paper is limited. It is only the beginning. I pray that our squad can remember to love each other as they love themselves. That they will remember to hold each other to the highest regard. My greatest desire is to become closer to Jesus throughout these 11 months. Walk hand in hand with him, and do HIS will, which he has set out for me. God is already changing my heart. He is changing my heart for things of Him and not myself. Things I held onto so tightly back home, I have already began to be released from and it is so comforting.
On the weekends we have the days off. We had worship this morning, and now I am so excited I am going to be able to be Skype in with my Sunday school class back home in Tennessee. It really is the little things in life. Remember to Savor every moment!!!!!
I am in awe of God, and mostly in awe that he cares so much for me. I am here for a reason, and so excited for the days to come.
Love,
Sar
