64 days. Away from home in a foreign country. Living with 30 strangers. Ministering to kids that can barely understand English. Annoying our hosts to no end. Not seeing ourselves in a mirror. Trying not to flood the guy’s room every time we took showers.

64 days. In a country full of amazing history. Walking where Paul and Timothy walked. Living with 30 people who love Jesus. Generously being hosted by an amazing family. Building relationships and having fun with awesome kids despite having a language barrier. Playing games. Watching movies. Stargazing.

64 days I will never forget.

I lived in Albania for 64 days. I wouldn’t trade a single one of those days for anything else. There were times when it felt boring, monotonous, or like we weren’t making a difference. But there were also some of the best and most memorable moments of my life. Not a single day went by where we didn’t make a difference or serve someone in some way. Whether it was just picking up trash outside, playing volleyball with our hosts, talking to kids on our way to town, helping each other out when we were all exhausted, every day there was something different. Just being there sparked the question in so many people, “Why are they here? What are they doing in Kotodesh?”. When we got asked that it opened the door to tell them our story and our mission. They got to know our heart for Jesus and for them, spending 2 months in a place where the people who live there tell us they hate. Being there showed them we were there for the people not the place.

Albania was an unforgettable place with unforgettable experiences. I had so much fun, doing things that still don't feel real. I rode on the back of someone's tractor, did traditional Albanian dances, ate sufllaqe all the time, walked miles to the store, had more cappuccinos than you could imagine, and got to help minister to some of the best kids ever. It was sad to leave what was our home for 2 months, not even fully realizing we weren't coming back. Although its over I am so happy I got to be there, and am excited to continue ministry in Italy. I know Italy will be full of fun times, and ministry opportunities!