Albania Recap

Our time in Albania has come to an end. We were in Albania from August 12th to October 9th. All five of our different teams were spread across the country in different locations until we debriefed during our last week in Albania.

Ministry

Ministry was pretty open and relaxed for us throughout our time in Tirana Albania. We had ministry Tuesday through Friday, and Sunday, then had Saturday and Monday off. 

In the mornings T-F we would start our day off with team prayer from 8-9, then head straight into ministry from 9-1. 

During our morning ministry we would typically work on preparing Sunday school for the kids at the church. We were creating lesson plans, snacks, crafts, and posters (backdrop artwork) not only for the time we were there but for the church to use all the way until the end of the year. 

Early on in our time in Albania us guys did some painting, pressure washing, staining, cleanning containers, etc.

We also held a VBS during a week in August from M-Th for the kids.

We would have a break after morning ministry where we would have lunch, possibly team times, likely naps (remember seeking rest stated in past blogs) and I don’t even know what else we did. 

Evening ministry was from 6-9.

Evening ministry was a time for community outreach. Typically the team would worship around the city and bring people in who were curious about what was going on. Then conversation took place when people were drawn in.

I, almost every evening ministry decided to go and play basketball. We were told by our hosts to simply build relationships and I found that basketball was a super sweet space to meet people, and get to know each other over a basketball game.

On Sundays we then had Sunday school with the kids.

We also had the opportunity to go out of town a couple times to a special needs school, and play with other kids in the neighborhood (typically soccer).

Highlights

• Getting to play basketball as “ministry” was definitely special, and just those guys were really awesome to see at the park every time.

• Souflages (basically a gyro) and Fanta Exotic! Had them daily. And the ice cream at Mango! So good!

• Probably my favorite adventure weekend on the trip so far going to the Albanian Alps! We had a four day weekend and made the most of it hiking through the mountains from one town to another town. We stayed in a lodge and cabin that had gorgeous views all around them. We also got to ride a ferry along a river that bends between the mountains on our way home. Was a sweet weekend with my teammates Micah, Tymon, and Juls where there was some freedom to our life I don’t often feel on this trip.

• My favorite day of the race also took place during debrief about a week and a half ago. Was a great day of conversations with people. God met me in a sweet way during a devotional. And we worshipped as a squad right in the middle of the square and tons of people stopped by to see what was going on. As an Albanian said “this never happens, Albanians are too ashamed to do something like this.” We ain’t ashamed of the gospel. I got to play with some gypsy kids who are always begging for money in the city, and just let them be kids for a second. We then ended the day with an all night prayer event where throughout the night there was always somebody praying over salvation for friends and family. Such a great day you can ask me more about face to face along with the adventure weekend.

• All of the people we got to work alongside throughout our time in Albania.

Surprised

Apparently there is no such thing as lines in Albania. Everybody just pushes their way to the front.

How spiritually heavy a place can be, and the toll that can place on you.

Currently Growing

I don’t want to dig into it too much because I may write about it later on. The ultimate question that every man has is: do I have what it takes? Lately that answer has been inconsistent. Throughout my time in Albania I think I was struggling with this in different aspects. So I am working on regaining the confidence I have in my true identity. Maybe I don’t have what it takes in every category but my God does. So add that to prayer requests. Very vague, you can ask me about it later if I don’t end up writing about it.

I am not really sure what else at the moment.. Still seeking to learn how to rest with God.

What’s Next?

We are already in South Africa. Stay tuned for updates on a place that has already been so sweet and refreshing.

Prayer Requests

We are less than five weeks away from being done with our time on the field, which means I need help to stay present and soak in the rest of the time that I have on this trip.

Pray that God will utilize these few weeks and not just send me off on a high note but a powerful note.

I quickly skirted through this one sorry, not well written. So make sure you ask me about my time in Albania whenever you see me next. 

Love y’all a lot! Jesus loves you a heck of a lot more!!!

Peace

JD