This past week, we were all excited to get more involved in organized ministry. We were told that one of the biggest things they wanted us to help with was the youth. They said the youth are not the future of the church—they are the church now. Just our being here and spending time with them is a ministry.

For our main ministry, we were split into six groups. Each group has a different church to serve at. A few times a week, we will all go to our assigned church and help with whatever they need—church services, youth ministry, outside work, painting, etc. Over the next month, we’ll continue going to these churches, building relationships, and blessing them in any way we can.

I’m lucky enough to be in the Cerrik group! On Tuesday, my group met the pastor of the church we would be serving at. He told us a little bit about the church and said we’d have the best time—and that everyone else would be jealous. The next day, we were going to visit the church to discuss ministry ideas and see the church.

When we arrived, the pastor greeted us and immediately asked if we wanted coffee. After getting our espresso, we all sat down and met some of the boys who go to the church. After introducing ourselves, we went out to play soccer. We were split into teams and played for about an hour. Even though I’ve never liked playing soccer, playing with all the boys was some of the most fun I’ve had on the whole trip. We cheered for each other, laughed the entire time, and they even let me score a pity goal (and cheered for me after). When we were all tired and sweaty, we got water and popcorn and took a bunch of pictures together. Heading back to Kotodesh that night, I was so excited to return for church on Saturday.

When Saturday came, we got picked up at 8:30 and headed to Cerrik. Just like a few days before, the first thing they did was make us coffee. Many of the same boys from Wednesday were there, along with a few adults and, our group. After singing, everyone in my group spoke in front of the church—sharing about the World Race, our testimonies, or what led us to Albania. At the end of the service, we spent more time talking with the boys. They asked if we wanted to learn Albanian, taught us some basic words, and hopefully we’ll keep learning a little more every time we visit.

Later, we went out with the pastor, his wife, and a few others from the church for lunch. We walked around Elbasan for a few hours, learned about the history, and got even more coffee. The whole day was so much fun, and I’m excited to go back and be with them again on Wednesday.

This first week of being in Cerrik has already been so much fun. I’m so grateful for everyone we’ve met and the opportunity to spend time with them. I can’t wait to see what the next month holds.