Day 1: Jetlag, Coffee, Tatsiabab!

Dear friends & family, 

Our first day flying into Albania has been nothing but WILD. Before even entering the country, we had a myriad of miracles in which God let us know HE is the one opening doors, not us.  With lost luggage, then extra (EXTRA) charges for such lost luggage, and the most intensive airport security imaginable– we finally boarded from the CIA airport in Rome to head towards the capital of Albania. 

The seats were separated and I got to sit next to two college students. This was a divine appointment orchestrated by God! I sat next to two women: one of them being a Christian from Montenegro (who sat by the window), and another being an Albanian muslim sitting in the middle, then me on the aisle seat. I would like to call this God’s “Evangelism Sandwich.” This short plane ride, only about 50minutes, led to both women wanting to read the Bible more. Definitely something I would like to call a win in the Kingdom!! As we talked about life, boyfriends, anxiety, and hope, delivering the Gospel became so easy. Weaving the threads of hope, founded in Jesus, is by far my favorite thing to do in life. Getting to see the glimmers of curiosity spark in people’s eyes, when sharing the love of Jesus, is what Kingdom building is all about!

Pondering this beautiful encounter, I am reminded of the fundamental truths experienced on earth. 

 Each culture on earth has questions of divine purpose, and what that means for them. In Hinduism you see that the culture grasps for the eternal in seeing a false god for everything. In Islam, their god demands rather than transforms minds. Each culture looks for meaning and purpose to explain the trials of life. We are honored with knowing that the  ONLY true meaning is found in Christ who died on the cross for us. Jesus not only died for us, but He lived for us. This living, dying, and resurrecting is an example of what we are called to do. We are called to (1) Live for him, (2) Die daily for him, and (3) Be in Eternity with Him. 

1. We live by being in His love. Through this we are able to operate from a place of love, impacting those around us to know His love. 
2. In dying (not just physically), we display His glory by picking up our cross and denying our flesh. We reject the ways of the world and embrace His purpose for our lives. 
3. By believing and confessing that He is Lord, we are gifted eternal life. Eternity is spent in the deepest relationship with the Trinity, in perfect harmony we worship the Lord outside of time constraints.

Anyways, arriving in Tirana airport, we were picked up by Krisian who jump scared me, lol! We laughed, and Noah kept asking who he was because he thought I got jump scared by a random Albanian—which made it even more funny. I thank God for giving me a protective younger (and taller) brother. 

After being picked up, we drove from Tirane (big city) to Elbasan (our destination). This was about a 40 kilometer drive, roughly 42 minutes, aka 24 miles. While we were driving, my dad connected in a great way with Kristian: through their mutual heart for Evangelism. As they talked shop about life, I sat next to Noah in the back and heard him whisper: “wow, it would be nice to live here one day.” Before getting ahead of myself, which I often do, I submitted that to the Lord for Him to water. 

We got dropped off, then went for  coffee about an hour later. Seeing Ersina brought me the most joy, this woman of God has a tender heart for people. Emmanueli ran up to me, huge, and hugged me– I had not seen any of the Kotorri family in almost 4 years. Everything is God’s timing, and I’m grateful for things lined up for a time such as this. After having coffee, we went to eat dinner which was fabulous. The greatest food is Albanian food, and I’m biased. 

My favorite soup of ALL TIME, is called “Tatsiabab” which is an Albanian beef soup ( I won’t go into detail what kind of beef) but boy is it delicious. We ate soup, some yogurt, bread, and salad– it was the perfect welcoming meal. 

The highlight  of the night was spending time with the Kotorri family. This family has sacrificed so much for the Kingdom of heaven. Through building up a church, in a muslim dominated nation, they are forging crucial bonds that need to be built before revival breaks out. Albania has gone through so much, in its rich history, and the Kotorri family has fostered true healing only made possible through the Lord’s mercy. 

Day 1 was filled with Jet lag, coffee and tatsiabab— but in all those things it was made whole through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I cannot imagine a life without the gentleness of God, and the beauty of knowing His love. 

Thank you for praying with us during this time!!!! 

I have listed several prayer requests below, as well as needs.

Prayer Requests: 

•  Be in prayer for these women, whose names are Tamara and Marci. I believe God designed that short plane ride to plant seeds that will blossom His eternal promises! 
• Pray for Albanians to know Christ! Join us in praying that God give dreams and visions to the Albanian people, for them to know God’s true love. 
• Kotorri Family— pray for Kristian’s physical health, for Ersina’s work/school, and for Emmanueli to be an ambassador for Christ in his school. 

Needs: 

• A lot was spent on extra luggage charges, which I was hoping to use the money to buy paint to complete the church mural. Please pray with me on this to be provided from the Lord, so we can bless the church with something beautiful!