We’ve now been in Albania for a week, and it’s been an amazing experience. It is absolutely beautiful here. The mountains and the sky. The weather (even though it gets pretty hot wearing pants every day), the sunsets and sunrises, and much more. But more than any of the “easily noticeable” things, the culture of the people stands out the most.
Every single day, vendors set up their tables along the side of the streets and lay out whatever they’re selling (clothes, watches, shoes, gadgets, etc). We’ve already been able to make connections with some of these vendors that we walk past every day. Even though they don’t speak English, we communicate through hand motions, smiles, and laughs. It is fulfilling to see the smiles on their faces every day when they see our big group of obnoxious american teenagers approaching their store. We’ve also been able to connect with some students at the park that our team plays volleyball with. There is very little English spoken by them either, but again…the Lord allows communication through actions and smiles. I have learned you have to be willing to look dumb when you don’t understand them in order to do the right thing. For example, they will say something in their language and I will do what I think they’re telling me to do…spoiler alert, I’m usually wrong. Laughs follow, and eventually we get to the right thing. Communication is trial and error, but it is teaching me to humble myself and to not take myself so serious…it’s okay to look silly and get something wrong, there should be no fear behind that.
One of my favorite things so far has been playing games with the children after church one of the first days we were here. The service didn’t fill my cup…because I couldn’t understand a word of it. This has been something I’m struggling with because church has always been a place to restore my soul after a long week, however it’s been difficult here without being able to understand the words and be poured into like I’m used to. Through this though, I’ve grown to learn how to fill my cup more through my personal time with God every day, and I’m very grateful for that. All this being said, I don’t dislike church here…it’s amazing! The community I get to experience and the relationships we get to build are something I will always remember. Even when I can’t necessarily be filled by the sermon; my cup is filled by the community, smiles, and laughter of meeting new people, playing games with the children, and more.
I’m excited for this month here in Albania. I’m excited to keep building relationships, spreading joy, seeing smiles, hearing laughs, etc. And I’m excited for all the things that I don’t even know to be excited about. The Lord provides and I’m so grateful for everything He has done already, as well as everything He will do in the future!
