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.