A shout-out to my fam...today is Garrett's birthday (16, yikes!), Ash just graduated high school and is having her party, and mi madre is putting it on. Rest at the Thompson household tomorrow? Good question, I think that is rare! I love you all, miss you all, and am praying for you all! :)
It's hard to believe it's already almost the end of my second full week here in Tirana, Albania. I am trying to soak in each moment, especially with the new friends I have made here. As Ana wisely said, I have my entire life to live at home, but only six weeks to be here in Albania...it sure changes your perspective when I think about it that way!
God teaches me so much each day. It's wonderful being in a different place where I get lost (happened twice, actually, but after the first time I got a map so I was able to get un-lost ;) ), have new people around, and a language barrier that makes me focus on the One who never changes and is always faithful and true. I feel that I am drawing closer to God and as He promised in James, He is drawing closer to me; and as the Light comes near and the fire gets hot and I am forced out of my comfort zone, I see God is working in me and changing me to become more like Him. It's really quite wonderful, even when the growing pains hurt.
Let's see, last I wrote was Wednesday. Since then I have observed both Wednesday night and Sunday morning children's classes, had a training for children's ministry workers, and met with three of the five girls that we met last week. For starters, Albanian kids are typical kids...there is only one difference between them and American kids, and that difference is (drum roll please!)...they speak Albanian! Haha, quite a revelation, huh? Well for some reason, it never occurred to me that I would not speak the same language as the kids I've come to work with. Talk about blonde. Let me just say, this can be frustrating. I can't tell a kid to quiet down, nor can I be of much comfort if one is crying...I can only give a hug or make my best stern face matched with a "shhh!" sound.
Of course training was also in Albanian, but good old Ana, who speaks English very, very well and walks everywhere with me (often 45-minute to 1 hour walks...we are on a diet...we eat sweets and then stay the same weight by walking everywhere :P ), translated. When we finally got through the theoretical and played some demo games, language barrier was not such an obstacle...except for directions and rules, but who needs those??? (JUST KIDDING!)
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie we watched with the three girls, Facing the Giants, so many "beautiful moments" as the Albanians say. Afterward, the women who invited the girls to come back, along with Alketa who I am staying with, shared the Gospel (in Albanian of course) with them. I have learned that the perfect time to pray is when others are speaking in Albanian and there is no one to translate for me. The girls didn't seem too receptive to the Gospel at this time, but even the one who was joking around when they started sharing said she would think about it by the time they were done talking. I think they are interested in the youth camp that will be in July, so they are in need of continued prayer.
I continue to be amazed by the Christians I am getting to know here. Their love and passion for the Lord is amazing. Everyday I find myself in spiritual discussions with them and am encouraged. This is something I want to take back with me, just to ponder God's greatness and how He works.
The lesson I have been learning the past few days is to live out the freedom I have in Christ. I see more clearly my desire to have my circumstances under control. I like to plan and I often miss times enjoying God or the people/setting He's placed in front of me because I am too busy making sure whatever the next thing is will run smoothly. Alketa and I talked about the difference between good and bad perfectionism. It is good that we seek to be holy before our holy God and to do our best...but we should find peace and contentment in that. All too often I try to reach my own expectation or what I feel others are expecting out of me, and that becomes bondage because I worry about how to reach it or what will happen if I fail. God does not set us up for failure if we only rely on Him. I am thankful that He is in control and if He wants something to happen, He will bring it to pass, whether I worry or not. How much more joy there is when I simply trust Him! As Alketa wisely put it, we are called to live faith, not to do faith. Our salvation is not based on works but on grace. We are free to make errors. Even though we are striving for holiness, God does not expect us to be perfect while we are on earth. He wants followers who are humbly open to His working through them. I was reminded of this in my devotions this week in I Corinthians 1:27-31.
Some Scriptures that have hit home this week:
Psalm 37:4, 7a- Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:
Isaiah 26:3-4, 12- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
Psalm 143:5-6, 8- I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirty land. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindess in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Psalm 29:2- Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Worship Him today. Seek to know Him. Reflect on His faithfulness and find peace in Him :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
"I like cuna" and the gypsy attack and other updates...
With our group there is no way there aren't some funny stories to tell...especially with two ditsy blonde girls. So last I posted was Friday morning. We did our invitation sharing at the high school and I finally met Arsi, Alketa's best friend. After we passed out the invites, we went to lunch, our entire group plus Donald. We had super yummy amazing pizza baked in a wood oven. If you've never had it, try it sometime! During our meal, we decided to practice our Albanian and I began writing down more words, their meaning, and pronunciation that make sense to me. One new set of words I learned was "cun" (which is pronounced like choon) which means "boy" and "cuna" which means boys. As soon as I heard this my mind clicked and I said what I was thinking, "Cuna sounds like tuna!" Immediately Jeff and Donald began cracking up and I am thinking, what the heck?! So I ask. They tell me that I had just said "I like chuna!" which means "I like boys!" Oh dear. Now I am teased occasionally about this...I don't think I will be able to live it down.
That afternoon when we had a few minutes of free time, Tiff, Rachel and I decided to walk around a bit, not too far from the church though. As we were passing over a walkway, these little kids were passing us, and one was on a bike. He began to swerve towards me, but I noticed and moved out of the way and begin to say that he was going to run into Rachel. She, of course, was in her own world, and the boy ran his bike right into her. At first we began to walk away, but then we noticed he seemed to be hurt. Being the kind-hearted girls, Tiff and Rachel tried to see if he was okay, but in my head it didn't make sense that he was hurt, but he seemed genuine. All of a sudden about five or six kids were swarming around us and one was accusing us of hurting him. I looked at him again and saw that he was smiling and then the kids thrust there hands into Tiff's pockets and grabbed at Rachel's and Tiff's purses. One kids found a hair rubberband in Tiff's pocket and when Tiff saw she triumphantly pointed and laughed at the kid. We began to walk away because we got the kids off of Tiff when we heard Rachel cry, "They are holding onto my purse!" We turned back and Tiff gave an angry "YO!" (No!) at them and they let go. Afterwards we realized they were "gypsy" kids, they are darker than Albanian children and usually have someone who makes them sell things or pickpocket. It's really sad to see all these kids running around doing this stuff just to survive.
That night we met with some of the women from church for coffee while the men went to a men's retreat in Durres. During that time, the women asked us about our testimonies. It is so cool to me how that is one of the first things that ask about. It reminds me that I need to work more on my spiritual relationships with people. We went back to where Tiff was staying that night and cooked a pasta dinner for our Albanian girlfriends, it was fun :)
I think Saturday has been my favorite day so far. A group of girls went to the park to have a picnic, play volleyball and encourage each other in Christ. While we waited for the rest of our group, Alketa, Arsi, her wonderful sister Ana, Irena, and I hit a volleyball around. When the rest of our group came, we sat on blankets and Alketa played guitar and we sang some worship songs in Albanian and English. It was so moving to worship God so purely together. Then we talked for a long time about the Lord and mission work and testimonies. It was so good.
That night was the movie. At the table Rachel and I sat at there were five middle school girls who wanted to practice some English. Anila and Elga got their phone numbers and we are meeting on Saturday with them. Really pray for opportunities to share the gospel. I hope they are open.
Sunday was a more relaxed day and after church we visited some families. Monday was great, we went to Mount Daijti by a cable car, which freaked Tiff out :P and went to a gorgeous restaurant with Lanti and Freddi. The view was amazing and a great reminder of how incredible the God we serve is.
After the team left yesterday, I spent the day with Ana. I think this girl is incredible. I feel like I have found a close friend in her and have been able to open up much to her along with Alketa and Arsi. I love how hungry and passionate for the Lord these girls are and how they set an example for me to follow. I am very much encouraged by the testimony of the Christians here in Albania, and how devoted they are to Christ and to the Body.
Plans are beginning to unfold with how I will be of use to the church here, beginning with tonight when I get to see the kids' classes for the first time. Pray for openness and insight for me as I begin to observe and help in the classes. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Psalm 34:8
That afternoon when we had a few minutes of free time, Tiff, Rachel and I decided to walk around a bit, not too far from the church though. As we were passing over a walkway, these little kids were passing us, and one was on a bike. He began to swerve towards me, but I noticed and moved out of the way and begin to say that he was going to run into Rachel. She, of course, was in her own world, and the boy ran his bike right into her. At first we began to walk away, but then we noticed he seemed to be hurt. Being the kind-hearted girls, Tiff and Rachel tried to see if he was okay, but in my head it didn't make sense that he was hurt, but he seemed genuine. All of a sudden about five or six kids were swarming around us and one was accusing us of hurting him. I looked at him again and saw that he was smiling and then the kids thrust there hands into Tiff's pockets and grabbed at Rachel's and Tiff's purses. One kids found a hair rubberband in Tiff's pocket and when Tiff saw she triumphantly pointed and laughed at the kid. We began to walk away because we got the kids off of Tiff when we heard Rachel cry, "They are holding onto my purse!" We turned back and Tiff gave an angry "YO!" (No!) at them and they let go. Afterwards we realized they were "gypsy" kids, they are darker than Albanian children and usually have someone who makes them sell things or pickpocket. It's really sad to see all these kids running around doing this stuff just to survive.
That night we met with some of the women from church for coffee while the men went to a men's retreat in Durres. During that time, the women asked us about our testimonies. It is so cool to me how that is one of the first things that ask about. It reminds me that I need to work more on my spiritual relationships with people. We went back to where Tiff was staying that night and cooked a pasta dinner for our Albanian girlfriends, it was fun :)
I think Saturday has been my favorite day so far. A group of girls went to the park to have a picnic, play volleyball and encourage each other in Christ. While we waited for the rest of our group, Alketa, Arsi, her wonderful sister Ana, Irena, and I hit a volleyball around. When the rest of our group came, we sat on blankets and Alketa played guitar and we sang some worship songs in Albanian and English. It was so moving to worship God so purely together. Then we talked for a long time about the Lord and mission work and testimonies. It was so good.
That night was the movie. At the table Rachel and I sat at there were five middle school girls who wanted to practice some English. Anila and Elga got their phone numbers and we are meeting on Saturday with them. Really pray for opportunities to share the gospel. I hope they are open.
Sunday was a more relaxed day and after church we visited some families. Monday was great, we went to Mount Daijti by a cable car, which freaked Tiff out :P and went to a gorgeous restaurant with Lanti and Freddi. The view was amazing and a great reminder of how incredible the God we serve is.
After the team left yesterday, I spent the day with Ana. I think this girl is incredible. I feel like I have found a close friend in her and have been able to open up much to her along with Alketa and Arsi. I love how hungry and passionate for the Lord these girls are and how they set an example for me to follow. I am very much encouraged by the testimony of the Christians here in Albania, and how devoted they are to Christ and to the Body.
Plans are beginning to unfold with how I will be of use to the church here, beginning with tonight when I get to see the kids' classes for the first time. Pray for openness and insight for me as I begin to observe and help in the classes. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Psalm 34:8
Lessons learned by the end of week one!
That first week really flew. There is no way around that. I cannot believe Tiff, Ray, Rachel, and Gerhard are already gone. I am sad that I am not able to go around Tirana with this terrific/fun group anymore, but I am thankful that I can begin to get down and dirty with why I came since I am now more acquainted with life here and how things work.
Right now, I would say the biggest lesson God is teaching me is that I cannot rely on my emotions. In Fireproof there is a line that one of the characters says to Caleb (the main character) that really struck a chord for me, it goes something like, you can't trust how you feel. Your heart will deceive you. You must lead your heart. During some "breakfast" with Alketa, the amazing woman I am staying with, over coffee we read a verse that echoed this, Proverbs 23:19: Here thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. As I ponder these things, I realize that even if I don't feel like doing something God wants me to do, though I already know I will do my best to obey, I know now that I will also be joyful and at peace in it. Maybe I don't feel like having that attitude, but I will lead my heart to follow the Lord and just do it. As much as I want to logically reason out how God will do things according to my desires, He is not subject to me, but rather I am to follow Him. Just like Abraham and Isaac. Abe wants a son, but loses faith and has Ismael by Hagar. He tries to fulfill God's promise his own way. But God had a bigger plan and finally gave Sarah a son. So you would think that after that big faith trial that God would leave it at that. But God has another plan and wants Abe to sacrifice his son. Abe obeys. I don't know how he does it, but he does. He commits to do it in his heart and not until the final seconds does God stop him. I want this kind of faith. I pray that as I continue here that I want to want to know God more, to the maximum capacity possible, and that I pursue it.
Right now, I would say the biggest lesson God is teaching me is that I cannot rely on my emotions. In Fireproof there is a line that one of the characters says to Caleb (the main character) that really struck a chord for me, it goes something like, you can't trust how you feel. Your heart will deceive you. You must lead your heart. During some "breakfast" with Alketa, the amazing woman I am staying with, over coffee we read a verse that echoed this, Proverbs 23:19: Here thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. As I ponder these things, I realize that even if I don't feel like doing something God wants me to do, though I already know I will do my best to obey, I know now that I will also be joyful and at peace in it. Maybe I don't feel like having that attitude, but I will lead my heart to follow the Lord and just do it. As much as I want to logically reason out how God will do things according to my desires, He is not subject to me, but rather I am to follow Him. Just like Abraham and Isaac. Abe wants a son, but loses faith and has Ismael by Hagar. He tries to fulfill God's promise his own way. But God had a bigger plan and finally gave Sarah a son. So you would think that after that big faith trial that God would leave it at that. But God has another plan and wants Abe to sacrifice his son. Abe obeys. I don't know how he does it, but he does. He commits to do it in his heart and not until the final seconds does God stop him. I want this kind of faith. I pray that as I continue here that I want to want to know God more, to the maximum capacity possible, and that I pursue it.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Attack of the Turkey and Getting Tired
The past few days have been lots of fun and quite interesting. On Wednesday we went to Durres and walked around the city and went to Sazan and Laura's house for lunch. Durres is not nearly as crowded or big as Tirana. I like it very much. We got to go to the very top of a building, 15th floor I think, and have coffee with some of the Durres church members. It started with our group, Sazan, Laura and their girls, Taulant (the Tirana pastor) and Freddi, the church member who picked up Gerhard from the airport, and then 3-4 more church members joined us in our time sitting and talking. It was pretty cool.
After a HUGE, yummy lunch, Tiff, Rachel, Laura's sister Jorita, Freddi, Festim, and I went for a walk. We visited the amphitheater ruins where supposedly Titus was beheaded and Paul preached there. It was so cool. There were some animals inside, and we met a turkey. Freddi had a confrontation with the turkey, and Rachel and I were running away from it because it was trying to follow us. It was hilarious. It kept following Freddy and almost got Rachel.
The girls went to church in Durres and the men went back to Tirana. One thing we loved was how loud all the people sang during worship. There was probably about 20 people there, but we could tell they sang their hearts out as they sang at the top of their lungs to the Lord. It was amazing how passionate they were. One of the girls sang especially loud, and it was such a blessing :)
Yesterday Jeff came in and he took us around Tirana telling the story of how the church began. Hearing how God works is very encouraging. Even in the annoying times when they got kicked out of their apartments, God used it for good because they would tell their neighbors about Jesus every time they moved. Even though at the time it was novel for the Albanians to see an American and that helped draw them to the church, as time passed we can see the fruit of their ministry in the church that is now established and those who truly want to follow Christ.
During our walk, we crossed a street and Rachel tripped over a bike and got a tire mark on her leg. After we knew she was okay, Gerhard commented the Rachel must be TIREd now. Later, Ray was retelling the story and told Donald that Rachel is just like him now, reTIREd. :P
Today we are going to pass out more brochures to high schoolers about the film the church is showing tomorrow night and giving the gospel at. They are showing Fireproof, which I am pretty pumped for. I am praying for opportunities to have some conversations and share the gospel during it. Yesterday it seemed like none of the students wanted to talk to me in English, but then Tiff encouraged us to ask them their name and year and get them talking before inviting them. Pray for boldness today...it's easy to be friendly towards those who are nice to you, it is more difficult when the students have no reason whatsoever to be interested in what I want to share. We need to show them we care before they care about what we say.
After a HUGE, yummy lunch, Tiff, Rachel, Laura's sister Jorita, Freddi, Festim, and I went for a walk. We visited the amphitheater ruins where supposedly Titus was beheaded and Paul preached there. It was so cool. There were some animals inside, and we met a turkey. Freddi had a confrontation with the turkey, and Rachel and I were running away from it because it was trying to follow us. It was hilarious. It kept following Freddy and almost got Rachel.
The girls went to church in Durres and the men went back to Tirana. One thing we loved was how loud all the people sang during worship. There was probably about 20 people there, but we could tell they sang their hearts out as they sang at the top of their lungs to the Lord. It was amazing how passionate they were. One of the girls sang especially loud, and it was such a blessing :)
Yesterday Jeff came in and he took us around Tirana telling the story of how the church began. Hearing how God works is very encouraging. Even in the annoying times when they got kicked out of their apartments, God used it for good because they would tell their neighbors about Jesus every time they moved. Even though at the time it was novel for the Albanians to see an American and that helped draw them to the church, as time passed we can see the fruit of their ministry in the church that is now established and those who truly want to follow Christ.
During our walk, we crossed a street and Rachel tripped over a bike and got a tire mark on her leg. After we knew she was okay, Gerhard commented the Rachel must be TIREd now. Later, Ray was retelling the story and told Donald that Rachel is just like him now, reTIREd. :P
Today we are going to pass out more brochures to high schoolers about the film the church is showing tomorrow night and giving the gospel at. They are showing Fireproof, which I am pretty pumped for. I am praying for opportunities to have some conversations and share the gospel during it. Yesterday it seemed like none of the students wanted to talk to me in English, but then Tiff encouraged us to ask them their name and year and get them talking before inviting them. Pray for boldness today...it's easy to be friendly towards those who are nice to you, it is more difficult when the students have no reason whatsoever to be interested in what I want to share. We need to show them we care before they care about what we say.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The end of traveling and Day one in Albania
Today is our second day in Albania. This six hour time change is definitely different, but I slept a looong time last night, hopefully it gives me some energy and vigor. We only lost one bag, which was much better than we expected since we only had about 15 minutes to make our second flight from Newark, NJ to Munich, Germany. We thought for sure they would be left behind, but thankfully, God provided otherwise :)
We experienced our first Albanian coffee yesterday after our meal here. YUM! It's similar to espresso, but only Ray drank it black. Rachel and I not only had it with milk, but had 2 bags of sugar added as well. It helped me wake up a little, but Rachel was about bouncing off the walls. It was very rainy yesterday. The thunder is very loud here.
I met the girls I am staying with last night. They are both very nice, hospitable, and generous. We got to talk quite a bit, and I figured out that I definitely like them very much. I am excited to get to know them both well.
We are going to Durres today. I have no idea what's on our itinerary for the day, but I am excited to meet new people and see new places. Oh, I also rode my first bus this morning. Traffic is craziness here, and so the bus is slow with all of its stops, but I think it is faster than walking...or at least less tiring ;)
I would really appreciate prayer for remembering names and making connections with people. So far has gone well, but pray that God keeps blessing that.
We experienced our first Albanian coffee yesterday after our meal here. YUM! It's similar to espresso, but only Ray drank it black. Rachel and I not only had it with milk, but had 2 bags of sugar added as well. It helped me wake up a little, but Rachel was about bouncing off the walls. It was very rainy yesterday. The thunder is very loud here.
I met the girls I am staying with last night. They are both very nice, hospitable, and generous. We got to talk quite a bit, and I figured out that I definitely like them very much. I am excited to get to know them both well.
We are going to Durres today. I have no idea what's on our itinerary for the day, but I am excited to meet new people and see new places. Oh, I also rode my first bus this morning. Traffic is craziness here, and so the bus is slow with all of its stops, but I think it is faster than walking...or at least less tiring ;)
I would really appreciate prayer for remembering names and making connections with people. So far has gone well, but pray that God keeps blessing that.
Monday, May 16, 2011
About to takeoff
We are sitting in the airport waiting until it's time for our flight. Pastor Jeff is not feeling well, so I am sitting with Ray, Tiff, and Rachel. We have had fun swapping stories and are getting excited to begin our traveling. I am excited for what God is going to do in the short time this team with be with me and see how He changes us. I am slightly nervous, but I know God is big and He is my hope and expectation. It's been so neat to see how He has provided financially for this, even before I got started on raising support. I know He has me here for a reason, and it's cool to be walking with Him one step at a time. How thankful I am that He has made me His child and cares for me!
Please pray for us, especially for safety, servant's hearts, and for growth in our relationships with Christ! :)
Psalm 62
Please pray for us, especially for safety, servant's hearts, and for growth in our relationships with Christ! :)
Psalm 62
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Packing for a 6-week venture...
I finally began putting away all of my junk from my dorm room today. Some went to the basement, some to storage in the back room, and some has been set aside to accompany me to Albania. My (Landen's) room is an organized mess as I begin to designate what is to go and what is to stay. I am getting super pumped to travel with the first team (Pastor Jeff Bartell, Rachel Gopp, Tiffany Grove, Ray Hicks, and Gerhard Reichart) on Monday to my temporary home in Tirana, Albania. Eagerness to see what God's gonna do through me and how He is going to grow me is creeping, well more like flooding, in. Thanks for checking out this blog, I hope to keep it updated with prayer requests and praises from the trip.
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