I’m not really sure how we get the name “Albania” for this country. Because in the Albanian language, the country is called Shqipërisë… figure that one out. Anyway, life here is pretty cool, and also pretty intense.
Amanda and I posing with some grape vines, haha.
We live here at the University of Vlore in the girls dorm, and we basically just do life with these girls. We eat in their cafeteria, share the public shower rooms and squatty potties, play cards outside, have conversations on couches, and develop friendships. Other than that, we are partnering with CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) and working alongside their ministry.
Volleyball tournament. Notice the amount of females in this picture. We
were promptly ushered off the volleyball court 😉
Today will be our second volleyball tournament with the students. We also attend weekly prayer meetings, host American nights (the Halloween party is so soon!), go on prayer walks, sell CRU magazines, invite them for coffee dates, teach English in the University classrooms and talk about American culture, and do the weekly meetings for CRU, where we put on skits, share testimonies of how God has worked in our lives, and I believe we will be preaching sermons soon.
Some of our girls hanging out outside the dorm, singing worship songs and
prepping for ministry.
Selling magazines to promote CRU. The Cupid Shuffle may or may not have
been done to attract visitors 😉
This month’s ministry is very different from South America. European ministry focuses less on poverty (since there is less), and more on the spiritual darkness in each country. Albania is a Muslim country, and we are not allowed to say we are missionaries or Christians except in personal conversation. This month has been pretty challenging. When you’re surrounded by orphans living on the streets, it’s not that hard to minister and serve. When you’re surrounded by decently well off 20 something year old girls on their computers, and you don’t speak their language, it can get a little intimidating and awkward. We have been challenged that this month is a lot more similar to what ministry could look like back home in America, and this is our practice for coming back home in 8 months. Also, since it is relational ministry, less pictures are taken during actual ministry time in order to preserve relationship. That’s why this month you will see less pictures of ministry, and more about day’s off or scenery. We are cautioned to be appropriate with our picture taking this month. For example, we couldn’t bring a picture into the English classroom. Just wanted to explain 🙂 Here’s a link to the skit we did. It’s not us, because our version isn’t online yet, but it’ll give you a pretty good idea.
Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
Natalie played Jesus, and I played Satan. The joys of being on an all-girl’s team, haha. I think I looked kinda scary. No worries though, Jesus won. As always.
LASTLY… here’s a video Kyle put together of the garbage dump we worked at in the desert of Peru.
Steph,
You are such an awesome witness for the Lord and it is amazing to be watching you as you grow in Him!!
I love this blog because you are right, this is the ministry your learning to bring back home, for we need it here as much, if not more than some of the countries you are called to. Having been on mission trips involving poor children, I definitely understand what you are saying, and I am praising God that you are aware of this and recognize GOd’s work in all of it.
I also love the 2 reposts as they were quite the eye opener.
My prayers continue to be with you and your team as you go forward.
God Speed,
Traci