Life in Lushnje

I have been living here for a week now. At moments it has felt like a year, and other seconds it has felt like a day. I put my two large bags in the back of the missionaries green land rover and we set off for Lushnje on last tuesday morning. It was about an hour and a half drive, I was feeling pretty good and was ready to meet my new family. During the drive there were many prayers said quietly and out loud, I was thankful that Steve and Rachael cared a lot about how I would fit in, and hope the best for me. When we arrived it seemed the sky became gray, and I literally could not think. The reality of me being in the town alone away from anyone I knew, or any Nazarene Americans started to set in. The next couple of hours went by very quickly, we went by the house quickly to put my stuff in my room, then were off to take a tour of the town. I honestly do not remember all that I saw or was told during that time. By brain seem to have one thing it was focusing on and only that “You can’t do this Emily!” There were so many emotions fleeing through me that I mustered up all the strength I could just not to cry every other second. It was a strange feeling to me, I felt so completely lost. The missionaries took me to the kindergarten where Elke (the main lady I would be working with and living with) was at. I met her and calmed down a little when I realized she could speak English pretty well. I said goodbye to Steve and Rachael, then we got into her car with her four year old daughter and drove home.

We had lunch with her husband, and her husband’s parents (who also live at the house). Olga (the grandmother of the house) served me my food, I was thankful that it was very tasty but she gave me huge portions. I ate about half of what she had given to me and could not fit another bite into my stomach. I tried to explain to her, but she kept on going off on me in Albanian. I really did not want to be rude or make a bad impression the very first day but there was just no way. Elke explained to her, but she still did not seem happy. After lunch I went to my new room and shut the door. There was a chair leaning against the white wall, and my legs almost did not even let me make it to the chair when finally I collapsed into it. I was a complete wreck. All the strength that I had before was no more, my emotions came flooding out of me with no end in sight. I literally balled, I had not flat out cried uncontrollably like that since a year ago when I felt God telling me to do mission work but I was so scared to do it on my own. So I was crying, shaking, and in complete fear of being in this odd place alone. But then as Sunday school answer as it may seem I remembered that I was not alone. I felt God so close to me, and knew he was watching over me. He was the only thing I could depend on to lead me through the next hours, days and year.

I finally got a hold of myself, and began to unpack my things. The room is not a bad looking room, it has a pleasant window over looking the garden draped with grape vines. There is bright orange curtains that make the white walls not feel so harsh. After I set my room up, I finished the evening with supper with the family then lots of prayers in my room as I went to sleep. The next morning when I woke up I felt this amazing peace. I was so thankful for the freshness, and a cool breath that I found within me. The next days were full of Albanian lessons, touring the town, and understanding there way of life. I am now a week later starting to get use to a few things like: the men starring at me without any hesitation, the awkward shower & toilet, and the muslim prayers on the loudspeaker in the middle of the town 5 times a day. I am getting use to that but I pray that it never goes unnoticed so I always remember to pray for them. The people here are very kind to me when they realize I am American. They are big fans, they know everything about America, they knew more about the elections then I had known while I was in the u.s. I would visit with an Albanian family and they would question my on the latest poll thoughts. I always would have no clue, and they were so surprised and wondered why I did not know .

Well me an Elke our starting a ministry at the church on Sunday. We are inviting girls 13 & up , who are interested in learning more English and getting to know other girls there age. We are having it an hour before service. I was pretty surprised when I realized God talking to me about this one, I mean back home I have a hard time with that age but I have realized that here it is very different. One thing is no matter what I say or how to stupid I act I am American. So through my Americaness we hope to lead them to Christ, does that sound wrong or weird I hope not. But God has really been showing me this possibility and both me and Elke are very excited about it. The church here is small, but God is leading. If you think about it pray for a new building for the church here in Lushnje. Right now we are meeting in a small room at the top of our house. Also pray for the ministry with the girls, and also all the church’s in Albania.

District Assembly was on Saturday in Tirana (the capitol) and it felt so small compared to past assembly's I have been at in my life, but it was also encouraging to hear these people’s hearts and how much they longed to make a difference in Albania. Pray for those leaders, pastors, and everyday person who are giving of themselves for God here.

Well I cant thank you enough for all your prayers, it is truly something I think of a lot and helps me remember why I am here. I hope you know that I am doing well and everyday life her becomes more comfortable and feels more normal.

We got wireless internet here at the house I am living at so hopefully I will be able to keep you more updated, and able to focus on one thing better.

Also I started another blog for pictures so it is called: lifeinlushnje.blogspot.com if that doesn't work for you, you can go to my profile and it will list the other blog there.

I hope you guys have a wonderful day, love you all!