Quick note...

Today a couple of my students did the most precious things. Firstly, Marinela and Vesjana are 13 year old new students that started last week. I call them my giggly girls because they are seriously the most gifted laughers I've ever heard. Anyways...we are just getting through the Garden story and the lesson concludes with how God will defeat Satan someday with the goodness and suffering of one man. So I asked them, "hmmm...who could this man be that died for all of us and showed a beautiful life of love?" They just stared at me (and giggled of course, those cuties). So I asked them if they have ever heard of Jesus, and the continued blank stares. We talked a bit about him, and how I really hoped they stayed with the course to hear how He shows God by the way He lived. This little event just amazed me though. Usually my students have at least seen a movie (that doesn't really show the essence of Christ, but at least it's a start) or heard about some weird manger story. But these girls really had no clue. In a way I see this as a gift to disregard  all the connotation and opinions of Him and see Him with fresh eyes...but it always makes me stop when I meet folks that truly haven't heard.

After these girls I meet with Albana. She is a bit older than me, and really insightful. I love talking with her because we go past the stories and games that I have with the kids (although those are a blast too). She really gets the application and depth of meaning behind what we read. Today we were able to put the WEI materials aside for a bit and read some of Romans 12, because it applied with our conversation on worship. I love when we just hold and enjoy the bible together. She was even more precious than usual today. After we read she couldn't stop sifting through the pages, glancing over what this New Testament is all about. I asked if she could sense truth in these words, and she nodded in wonderment. With her Muslim background, she hasn't been exposed to a lot of Jesus other than him as one of the many prophets (obviously), but it seems she is really starting to embrace what His followers stand for. It's beautiful to watch...

IT'S THE LAST WEEK!!!

I can't believe the last week is upon me! We have been extremely busy as we finish up our part of the teaching campaign with our students. Danah and I have been hosting a lot of friends, and it's been a great time of communion. I'm praying that I can spend each moment intentionally as we finish out. I also pray that impressions of our Servant King will be lasting, and that the church here in Korce will grow in number and also in vibrancy as time goes on. This is no easy place to live with purpose and love. It's all so foreign here. I have this deep respect for the folks that are willing to be Christians in Albania, and take hold of something with sincerity because it comes with pretty quick persecution (I have so much to learn from them).

I have gathered so much from this trip. A letter will be coming to everyone with more specifics on what I've gained as far as work in the future. I want you all to know that the trip doesn't end as I go home, and that so many Albanians and myself are encouraged and excited to continue living out lives of purpose. In short, for those of you who wonder about my long term "mission work" in the future, I am in waiting about locations and details. There is an organization called WEC I'm interested in working with internationally, the thoughts of India still come up through a social work master's program, and God has given me so many friends my age with similar mindsets that I could see myself striving to live intentionally as followers/relevant nonconformists/ Christians with them in the States. I am still really fascinated by Muslim culture, and Albania has only scratched the surface. The war-torn communist history of the land also adds new elements of working internationally that beckon me to stay. God and I will be talking about it, and for now I'm ridiculously excited to serve with some amazing women in Newberg, OR as I finish up school this year.

This has been the most humbling trip for me. I have seen hospitality beyond compare, and the face of Jesus where I least expect it sometimes (like in our 97 year old neighbor that Danah and I met last night. He has been a christian for years and had many connections with WEI workers. Who knew?). I find myself in a constant spiritual battle between the pharisee and tax collector of Luke 18. Serving humbly with true love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control it so outside of my (of our) nature. In my flesh truly dwells no good thing. This trip has brought me back to my knees and I am so thankful. Also, I am forever indebted to the following poets and writers: Rainer Maria Rilke, Mary Oliver, Anne Lamott, and Shane Claiborne. They have spoken so much to me through this trip, and I encourage you to read anything you can get your hands on by these folks. In closing, a poem...because poems are always good closings! This one is borderline cheesy...but I love Mary Oliver. I can't help it.

WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come into the world to do this,
to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.”

- MARY OLIVER -

New folks and quotes...

I have really been enjoying my time with my students these days!!! Bruna, Eva, Artemis, Malvina, and Ines are probably the Albanians I am closest to, all beautiful girls with fantastic searching hearts. For Albania and many of my students I pray for the end of indifference towards religion, and a desire to create real change in themselves and the country. Muslims and Christians live in peace...but mostly because there isn't a driving passion behind either. There is so much worth in the Way when it is unmasked for what it really is. The aftermath of communism still sits on the streets, and I hope folks remember this so Jesus' new way of living as relevant nonconformists is still powerful.

Also, I ask that you are in prayer for the gypsy community here in Albania. They are tossed aside from society and have yet to find a home (but if we really are the church of "the least of these" they must find one with us). I met a bunch of these adorable beautifully dark skinned kiddos outside the Orthodox church where they were swimming practically naked in the fountains. They are ridiculously precious, always begging because many of their parent's don't have work (some by choice, most not). They have become some of my most precious friends. My friend Bruna (a 16 year old who has been coming to church here and learning English with WEI) helped translate games for the kids and I, and we also discovered bubbles at the market place. I can't wait to blow bubbles with them. These are the ways to break societal walls: with bubbles, potlucks, a reclaiming of humanity through friendship, and His love (and a few more complexities, I am aware). As someone interested in international social work, I cannot wait for the day when I will be able to invest a long term connection with these beauties. I cannot always give them money for fear they will attribute it all to me, the rich American. I try instead to give food and bubbles when I have it, but always a surpassing love and hope. I pray they gather this.

On a lighter note, QUOTES OF THE WEEK from my teaching time:
Me: "Malvina, how are you able to trust that God is real?"
Malvina: "Because He helps me, Lizz. Don't you see? I need help, so much help. I talk to Him about this and He always brings help to me. He is The Helper."

Me: "Ines, what do you think the world would like without sin?"
Ines: "That's heaven!"
Me: "Do you think we can be apart of bringing some of that heaven to this dead earth?"
Ines:"Yes. With love. It is always about love."

Me:" What do picture in the Garden of Eden?"
Ines: "Lizz, Do you like butterflies and bunnies?"
Me: "Of course!"
Ines: "Eden was full of butterflies and bunnies!!!!!"

And there we have it: butterflies, bunnies, and breaking down societal walls. This is the Albania I dream about.

HOPE is upon us. As is GRACE, eventually.

I will offer you some gifts I've received here in the form of a list. There is so much to be said as events and stories unfold!!!

1. Enjoyed the beautiful town of Dardha this past weekend. A glorious village of 100 elderly folks where fresh tea and herbs grow out of the green mountainside. We enjoyed some Lakrore (Lak-roar) that was made at campfire from a past WEI student's family. They were the face of Jesus with their hospitality. One of the Albanian students here (Bruna) and I had some fantastic bonding time as well.2. Every other morning I rise at 5am to meet my friend Artemis, her mother, grandmother, and grandfather for a hour walk/jog in the hills. It's a gift to have opportunities to simply love. Deeper conversations of spirituality are coming with her, but for now I am more than content that God is blessing us with fresh air in the morning and opportunities to consider the lilies. Her family is outstanding.




3. The teen class has about 10 in attendance (we started it last week), which is successful for our little church in Korce. Pray these youth stay in enthused, and that we can be contagiously enthusiastic. They are preparing for a bible bowl, which I am creating some study materials to encourage visual and kenistetic learners that can hopefully be reused in the future. Basically, I doodle out the stories of Luke chapter by chapter. This might just be a future profession for me. Seriously!

4. I met with Malvina this morning (my sharp 13 year old daily student) and we spoke about the resurrection, and the amazing symbol this gives us to rise as new creations. She is really sincere in her desire to be with God, and wants to be apart of His loving Kingdom! We are starting conversations about baptism, and she has expressed that she would love to be baptised. Please pray for her desire to commit to be authentic and passionate! Pray only the Holy Spirit speaks to her in our conversations, so she hears and is stirred by truth to follow Him.

5. I am experiencing grace in all its slow, eventual, but punctual process. He has giving me enough bread for the day, so to speak and for that I am forever grateful. I want to be dancing over quail and manna, so lets pray for growth, but also contentment.

You are all so loved.

We are creatures of habit.

I must tell you all that I'm struggling. A few times a day (especially while I'm teaching, but usually in informal meetings) I get a real sense for why I love embedding myself in other cultures. But sincerely, most of the time it is trying for me to see a Jubilee around the corner for this little church in Korce. We need prayers for creativity, for a revival, for hearts that can hope and long for a better world and more of His glorious kingdom. I pray it is not ridiculous for me to be dreaming of a community that has depth and pours out truth; that a rabble rousing church full of struggle and pain, that is simultaneously (or at least eventually) able to cling to a God that allows grace and freedom is fully possible. Are glimmers of heaven really not possible on this earth? I simply cannot believe we are here to stare at the sun; to convince ourselves He is up in the heavens somewhere, while we stay here, our eyes steady on our watches, waiting for the next activity in the schedule of our predictable lives. And worst of all: I know I am apart of the problem, that I get caught up in meaningless tasks and forget what worth there is in the truth, love and hope we are privileged to with Him. Can we help each other get there? Lord knows, I need it. Please talk to Him on my behalf.
Also, there is good news too. I do not want to leave this note in a state of depression. I have 6 wonderful students, most of which are girls younger than me, and they are adorable. Discussions with them are moments of sheer beauty...I love hearing them as they see Jesus as he is. Pray that they are nothing but honest with me, and I with them. I would hate for them to feel any sort of pressure as we discuss His glorious character...I want them only to sense invitation in my excitement of who He is. I am planning some outside activities too for all the students in WEI, so let us hope they are well received. I love you all so much! More to come...especially once I see you face to face. I'm never very good at retelling stories through a computer screen. Let us go forth in hope...creating more moments of eternity on earth.

FINALLY IN KORCE.

Merdita (good day) all!
Korce is a less fortunate, rubbled Greece...with people constantly in the streets. You can sense the craving for modernization as new trucks drive side by side with carriages. They are a family-oriented society, where weddings take a week and providing for each other comes before all else. Greek Orthodox and Muslim are the religions of choice (or force during the early 1900s...many folks have Muslim names because of the previous rulers. Albanian history is craaazy...), though few people are devout. It is of cooler temperature than Tirana...as it is about a 3 hours and 30min drive through the mountains southbound. A GORGEOUS drive yesterday, which I enjoyed in extended lengths thanks to the flat tire on our 1982 bright green van. I drove with an Albanian minister and his family, including cousins from Italy. It was jammed pack with people foreign to each other...but we laughed a lot. By cooler than Tirana I mean more like 90 than 110 degrees.
I live with this beautiful lady named Dana. She is in her 60s, way laid back, and full of life. I warned her right away that I am a wanderer, and told her not to be worried when I go on long walks. She just nodded, glanced at both of our bare feet and said, "we are one in the same." The church has less than 10 people, but they are eager and all using WEI as a tool throughout the week. The full time missionary couple are in their late 20s...the sort of folks that are never afraid to share what they know and are very to-the-point, but kind.
I met 3 smiley teenaged girls at church today, and they have been coming for weeks and still searching. Im really hoping for many coffee dates and friendship with them, so please be in prayer for them and the students I have yet to meet. Most of the students are younger here, which excites me since I'm the only teacher (other than the 2 full timers) that is under 60. The church dynamic is extremely traditional...and I'm not sure what to think of it. I know there are more believers than 10 in this city, but our strict, unquestioned doctrine keeps them merely at our doorstep...and that is rough to see. Pocradets is another town the missionaries have worked with, but most of them are women there, so they are told they cant go much further because male leaders are scarce. I can't convince myself that this is how it is supposed to be. I pray for this church to learn how to seek and ask questions together. I know a YHWH that can handle any of my questions...and I pray for a church that can be safe enough to seek Him together. More to come...the sunshine is beckoning me. I love you all. Please read Hosea 2: 14-23...I feel Him alluring me and cannot help but sing.

A New Beginning...

"Oh, for a faith that will not shrink when pressed by thug or foe, that will not tremble at the bring of poverty or woe. That will not murmur nor complain beneath the chastening rod, but in hour of grief or pain, can lean upon its God."

The unknown is a frightening adventure. I'm not sure what town I will be heading to as the trip approaches this Friday. But I am excited to again be a part of the newness God continually regenerates in each of us. "He has made everything beautiful in its time"...and I am but a piece of this universal, timeless conversation.

Still over $1000 behind, I realize I too am learning the joy in sacrifice.