#missionary associate

[calledtobedifferent]

Living here in Albania certainly has its own challenges, but every day I realize that I am exactly where I need to be at this point in my life. God is teaching me so much through my experiences here. I haven't even been living in my new city for 3 weeks and I already feel completely at home. This is my home. I love my Albanian family. I am so excited to be starting up a consistent youth ministry hopefully next month with the Pastor. I really feel that God is mainly going to be using me in youth ministry here...He is already moving and working. :)

[calledtobedifferent]

Two Roles

I am realizing more and more that I really only have two roles to fill while in Albania: student and servant.

I must be a student every day as I embrace and learn from the Albanian culture. I must work hard to learn the Albanian language and practice as often as possible. I am here to learn.

Every day, I must put others before myself. I must actively seek ways to serve other believers and the church. I am not here to be the famous American missionary that moved to Albania. I am here to help clean the church, babysit the Pastor's kids, help out during outreach events, share the gospel, encourage both believers and unbelievers, and put Jesus Christ first every single day.

These two things are the roles that missionaries should fill with an attitude of humility.

[calledtobedifferent]

God's Calling People ALL Over the World

Today, I discovered that Brazil, El Salvador, Finland, Italy, Romania, South Africa, and the United States all have one thing in common that most people would not be able to guess. Each of these countries are represented here in Albania by Assemblies of God World Missions missionaries! It was a privilege to be able to fellowship with this diverse group of people this afternoon. We were able to share testimonies of how God is moving here in Albania, and also to enjoy good food and conversation. I love how some of these missionaries had never visited or heard of Albania, but God gave them dreams and visions of this country as He called them to come and serve here. Many of the couples serving here have been here for less than 2 years, so recently people have been coming into Albania to reach others. God really has a heart to see the lost in this country come into relationship with Him! Ahhh!! I am so happy to be a part of what God is doing here! :)

[calledtobedifferent]

Adapting to the Culture

I think my biggest problem here will be to reduce my general smiling at others. If a woman looks at a man and smiles at him here, it implies that she wants to be involved with him (or more). Within the the context of the church here, it is obviously quite different, but I need to constantly be reminding myself of the cultural differences here.

Also, fun story time. Just two days ago, I went grocery shopping with my friend Kreshnik, but before we did that we were just walking around the mall and we stopped to get coffee. Like a typical American, I marched up to the counter and proceeded to order a coffee. The man that was there looked extremely confused, so Kreshnik stepped in and we went to sit down. Apparently in these settings you simply go and sit down at a table and they come to you.

I am probably going to have about 1,000 more moments just like this and probably more uncomfortable. hahaha It's all about learning to adapt to the customs of another culture that is quite different from the one in which I was raised.

[calledtobedifferent]

My mentor missionaries pledged to support me at $50/month. :) This was definitely a surprise, but I am grateful for their eagerness to have me join them in Albania. I seriously only need to raise another $150 in monthly pledges!!!! I am SO close!

[calledtobedifferent]

Meeting Today

Later this afternoon, I am meeting with a former pastor of mine to try to get his church to bring me on board for monthly support. Pray that the meeting goes well!

[calledtobedifferent]

If any of you are interested in reading my missions newsletter, I posted a link to it on my missions blog. There is always a link to that blog on my "Who Am I?" page too. If you have some time tonight, just glance over my blog and/or newsletter, and pray for my current prayer needs. I would greatly appreciate it!

Have a lovely evening! It is now time for me to pack for my trip tomorrow. :)

[calledtobedifferent]

The dental assistant who cleans my teeth every 6 months donated $100 to me the other day. And today, when I came in for a cleaning, she gave me another check for $50. I love seeing The Lord get others excited about what I'll be doing in Albania. :)