However, Danika and I have learned most of our Albanian greetings already. We spent two hours with Anise, our language teacher this morning (which had our brains fried by noon), and soon after that one of our neighbors came up to our apartment and visited with us for a while (none of the family speak English by the way). But we had so much fun pointing at things and learning the Albanian words, and in turn giving her the English.... but I say a lot of "yo kuptoj" ("Don't understand"), and laugh at ourselves. I found out that I have a legitimate Albanian name! But it's spelled a lot differently.... Xhesika.... which looks pretty awesome, I think. I may have to consider getting it changed when I get back to the States :)
On Friday afternoons the English missionaries get together for worship time, and we had such a sweet time of worship together. Granted, I love hearing Albanian all the time, but being able to offer up praise to God in my own native language, singing classics like "As the Deer" and "Shout to the Lord" touched me in a special way today. It was good to feel the overwhelming grace of God.... the miracle of me even being here hit me in a new way. Yet I couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be to also watch Albanians lift up sincere praise to God. Pray for these people. They are so beautiful and ripe for harvest, but the devil doesn't want them to come to Jesus. Thank you for all your prayers. I love you all!
I just read both your posts since arriving. Sounds like you're having a great time!! Write it all down, because you will never want to forget anything. Are you taking lots of pictures too? Jess, I can't believe you paid almost $15 for a coffee and a water!!! haha. That's crazy. Thinking of you and praying for you! Keep writing. :) <3 Jewel
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks for reading, Jewel. It's kindof hard to find time to get on the internet and write, but I suppose I'll get into more of a semblance of a routine once I've been here a little longer. I've taken a few pics.... it's hard though, because only the tourists take pics and I don't want to identify myself as that, or be like the person oohing and aahing over them getting water at the water hole. But I'm trying my best :) Thanks so much for your prayers!!
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