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 -