Albania Part 1: Endless Gifts

It was our first weekend in Albania and with the little knowledge of Shqip (pronounced ”Sheep”) I had, I set out to find some postcards. I walked into a little shop and fumbled through google translate to tell the woman behind the counter what I was looking for. After picking some out I again fumbled, this time with the currency (Lek) that I was also still getting used to. As she counted the ones I picked out, she grabbed an extra one and said something I couldn’t understand. A woman behind me said, “It’s a gift, for free.” My nervous heart that was embarrassed from the awkward situation felt a sigh of relief as I was met with such generosity and kindness. Little did I know that would be the first of MANY GIFTS I received in Albania.

Our team spent the month living in a small village named Kotodesh. Over two weeks we traveled to different villages to help with summer camps. After those were over we spent more time in Kotodesh and Katajel helping serve in anyway we could. As I was reflecting on our time in Albania I was filled with so much goodness remembering the numerous ways this community POURED INTO MY HEART. The people we met welcomed us in like family and despite language barriers we still found ways to connect.

From Ardit and Ranja I received the gift of VULNERABILITY. We were complete strangers to this young couple that pastors the church in Kotodesh and still they opened their hearts to us. After sharing testimonies with each other we felt the trust building to where they were vulnerable to ask for prayer, to express the desires they had for their village, and to share dreams they had for their future.

Lefter and Mamma were a pastor couple from Katajel, the next village over. Lefter drove us to and from the city every weekend, Mamma always greeted us with a hug and kisses on the cheek, and their children treated us like friends they’d known for years. On a drive to another village we got to hear Lefters testimony in greater detail. I held back tears as his story exuded STEADFASTNESS and PASSION for him and his family to serve the Lord. What an honor it was to listen to his heart for the Lord and his desire to be obedient at any cost. Lefters SELFLESSNESS was a gift to us in so many ways.

From Armarildo, I saw the gift of LOYALTY shine. He didn’t want to talk to us much when he first met us, true story he actually told us this at the end of the month, but we quickly found a place in his heart. He was our best translator and a familiar face we also grew to love. His commitment to continue pursuing friendship with us and selflessly translating for us more than he wanted to screams loyalty. CHEERS to you friend! 

We spent a lot of time with the youth in Katajel and anytime we were with them I received gifts of LAUGHTER and JOY. When I say laughter I mean it in so many ways; Deep from the gut laughter at an awkward play in the game, top of your lungs laughter, laughter so strong you can’t catch your breath, and laughter that makes you start crying!

We were continually met with the gift of GENEROSITY by people in the community. Village life is humbling. Most of the families are living in poverty and yet anytime we stepped into someones home we were met with a welcoming hello and continuous offers of food, drink, etc. If they had something to give, big or small, they offered it up with no hesitation.

The memories I have with these new friends are endless. I’ll miss them a lot. I’m praying that God would continue to show up to them in new ways. I’m praying a steadfastness and strengthening of their spirits to continue fighting the good fight. Think about the people in your life, what are some gifts you receive from them daily?

While they continuously poured into me without even knowing it… I was using that to POUR OUT to the Lord with personal battles.

Stay tuned for Albania Part 2! To be continued…

-Cyntya