Cereal is the new Granola Bar

Let me just prepare you for a second here. This post changes in emotions quite frequently. I probably should have made this three different post. But there all together, so here you go...

Like the title says cereal is the NEW granola bar. I know shocking, I have not given up on my first love but when chewy granola bars are no where to be found here in Lushnje you have to give in to something new sometime.

I have always enjoyed cereal, but never have I craved it...

Yep those frosties are frost - i - licious

I had way to much free time today... but it sure was fun!

I could have put these on my photo page, but I felt they needed to show themselves here.

This weekend has been a miraculous weekend. After the past two months of struggle after struggle, God has given the church here some amazing encouragement. From my past post it might not have sounded like the church is having problems. That is because its hard for me to be debbie downer all the time. On here I want to tell you of the positive, not of the negative. Kisha E Nazarait (Church of the Nazarene) in Lushnje has been alive and well for many years. But just like a certain church back home, there were good times and seats filled but now there are few. The Sundays I have worshiped here, have been hard and always with some problem. This weekend 3 of the struggles here, became no more.

It has been pretty dark here the past couple of weeks. It has been cold, dark, and rainy. But even though we were tired, even if we had to fix our attitudes every other second (Yeah that was me.) We kept motivated to the task at hand. WE prayed when no Girls showed up to our english bible study every Sunday, WE prayed when Elke struggled over and over again with her kindergarten, and WE prayed when we would travel to the village of Barboulijna, and get no response. This last Sunday so many dark things had happened, I almost could not breathe.

But thankfully God was there and stood by our side...

This Friday the sun rose high in the sky and filled the wet streets of Lushnje with warmness. I can not explain how thankful I was for the sun, but it gave me such a peace and assurance not to give up. When Elke came home from the Kindergarten I could tell she had been blessed with the sunshine as well. She got good news for her school. Her joy was amazing to see, and together we soaked up Gods goodness.

I had planned on sleeping in on Saturday. I haven't had a Saturday to do that, so I thought this would be the day. At 6 A.M I was awoken. I was not drowsy, upset, or even cold. I awoke with a smile on my face, and a want to get things done. For the next couple hours I did little chores things no one likes to do, but I did it with that same smile. I oddly had so much fun, just doing laundry. I even squeezed in time to make some pancakes! Later me and Elke went and did some Christmas shopping and had a great time. It kind of reminded me of going shopping with my mom - and that was a good feeling. We then headed out to Barboulinja once again. A few others decided to join us, we got some materials ready and we began going throughout the town. First the kids began to just follow us from house to house. Then the kids began to talk to us and then the adults. The village was interested! They are ready to start some bible studies, and are very intrigued with us. HOW amazing is that! God is Good!

Today I awoke with the same good spirit, and was ready for the day. I had actually forgotten about the girls bible study, since we have not had anybody come. I soon remembered and felt empowered to just go out in the street and Invite whoever came by (let me tell you, that is not like me.) Me and Elke were making our way out the doors, when a group of girls were coming our way! The study went wonderfully, the girls were so eager to speak english and seemed to really enjoy themselves. Me and Elke almost could not control our emotions. He has given us such an amazing weekend, full of such encouragement. I am so thankful for his devotion, and always being there.

One other thing (Yes this has been a crazy long post, but I just feel it yeah know.)

While during the service today, I glanced down at my bible. I have had the bible for many years. I think I received it when I was in High school. My bible is pretty worned. That might not be the write word, but it is not as beautiful as the day I received it. Many pages are bent, there are pencil marks on the edges, and many things have been stuck in it (bulletins, reminders, notes...) Today when I glanced down the front cover began to open a little. I saw the message that was written to me by the giver. " Emily,

This message will transform and change you.
I pray that your life may be found in the pages of this story.
I love you and I'm very proud of you,
Merry Christmas,

Philip "

As I read this my eyes began to water, and my eyes stayed fixed on the words "Merry Christmas". I remember that Christmas pretty well. I think philip got everyone bibles that year (I could be wrong, and if so I am sorry.) And I remember when I got it as a Christmas gift that year, I did not jump for joy. I was kind to my brother said thanks, but it wasn't the CD or Movie I had really wanted. But my bible I was given that Christmas did not disown me. It stayed with me through thick and thin. It went with me to teen camps, followed me to NYC, and was used during Bib. Faith class in college. Over the years I have gotten other bibles, they are a lot nicer and newer. But when it came time to choose which one was to come with me here to Albania, this bible rose to the challenge. Thankfully I am here to say now Thanks brother. Thanks for giving me my bible. Thanks for giving me the story, because you were right. My bible has transformed and changed me, and my LIFE has been found in these very pages. Thanks for giving me a LIFE honoring and following God.

Thanks for my Christmas present brother, I might not have shown you my appreciation back then. But today I have found the words. Merry Christmas!