Time to get to work...

So let me just say my time spent in Turkey was A-mazing! It was all I could ask for. The hotel was the nicest hotel I have ever been in, and the service was phenomenal. I did not feel Like I should be worthy of such things but somehow I was. The hotel was right on the Mediterranean so there was a pretty amazing view from my room. The food was wonderful, my favorite thing they had was in the mornings. They had PANCAKES with SYRUP!!! You do not know how much I have missed that, yes it has not been that long since I have been away but I really love pancakes. Especially pancakes with such a beloved thing as syrup. Syrup is a rare thing here in albania, you can get some in the capitol but its about 20 dollars a bottle. hmm I think I will pass on that price. Anyways It was way cool to meet all the different Nazarene missionaries in Eurasia. I loved hearing there different stories, and just getting to know these people who are impacting the world. ohh what a feeling. The whole meaning for the retreat was "Relax... It is His church" so the whole time was made for everyone just to have a good time, so there were not a lot of scheduled events. This was the first year they have ever done this regional retreat so I have to say I was pretty lucky. We had a service in the morning and one in the evening, and that was pretty much it other then a few optional workshops. So lots of time to kick back and have a good ole' time. Thursday did not feel like thanksgiving until the evening when they made a lovely thanksgiving dinner just for our group. The day was filled with the waves of the Mediterranean crashing on our feet, reading in the warm sun, and making new friendships. It finally felt like thanksgiving after our huge feast and everyone leaned back in there seats and you could tell everyone was stuffed. It finally was thanksgiving! ha ha. The next day started out with a wonderful morning service, but at the end of the service I realized I no longer wanted to relax I was ready to get back to what God has called me to do right now. Unlike most people that was there I have just gotten started, even though I am always up for hanging out in a 5 star hotel in Turkey I am also ready to serve. So after praying at the end of the service, it took me a second to remember that I still had a few more days of relaxing. The next days passed by quickly but each one was filled with God's presence and I was shown many things.

One thing God showed me was that this past month I have not been doing what I have come to Lushnje to do. Instead of me serving others here, they have been serving me. So it is now time for me to serve them, I am here to help them and I am ready to work.

Today I started working at a kindergarten 30 minutes from the house. It is part of a Nazarene church in Gorre. I am now there chef, and I hope I can make these little ones full and happy. When I arrived there today, I felt a peace come over me. I knew this is where I needed to be. It is quite large and surprisingly very nice. I was surprised by a few things as I walked through the different rooms. I was surprised by how clean it was. Most places, especially schools I have been to here just have a old grimy feel to them. This kindergarten was quite the opposite, everything was nice and orderly. The main lady who showed me around who is also the pastors wife seems to be very respecting of order and rules. Let me tell you that was so refreshing to hear and see in a place that has no idea how to respect on another. I felt pleased to be working with her. I am looking forward to tomorrow and getting to know the place better.

Well I am excited about my rejuvenation to serve here, to learn the language, and just to love as God has loved.

Have a grand one friends, happy beginning of December!

Comments

karye said…
Emily, seriously I don't know what I would do without your blogs! I would be lost and I wouldn't know what to pray for and what was going on. I'm so excited! Everytime I see that you've posted a new entry I get sooo happy and I have to stop whatever I'm doing at the time and read. Your posts warm my soul and ya know something friend...you've helped ease a fear that's always been in the back of my mind. I'll explain more later, cause i'm sending you a letter but just know friend that just by you obeying God, you've helped me grow closer to Him. Love you friend and I'm always praying for you.
December 5, 2008 at 5:26 PM
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