Beauty for Ashes in Albania

My time in Albania flew by! Coming into Albania, there were many changes: teams, languages, cultures, homes, ministries, diet, etc. I am coming to terms with change but can’t say that I am a fan of it. This has definitely been one of the most stretching parts of the world race. But Jesus has been so faithful through it all. I luckily was covered with Jesus’ peace amongst all the change on the second day in Albania. 

For the first three weeks of Albania, my team and I were in Elbasan, Albania partnering with a church called New Heights Elbasan. I came to love Elbasan quickly because I love the feeling of smaller cities, snow top mountains and cute cobblestone roads. On top of that, I quickly connected with some sweet people at the ministry we partnered with. This church has English classes during the week that we got to help out in. From that, we became close to the teachers and a handful of the students. All in all, some of the things that I loved about ministry with New Heights was being able to have 3 Beauty for Ashes sessions (groups for girls and women) and the relationships made with the teachers. 

My team and I put together two Beauty for Ashes sessions for a group of older women and one for the younger girls that attend the church and/or the English classes. As I have mentioned in my past blogs, I have been given the role of a Beauty for Ashes intern which includes putting together these “sessions” where women can come together in a comfortable environment and be able to learn more about Jesus in community. For the first session we put on for the older women, I convinced myself that I had to take it on all by myself. I needed to ask Jesus what the whole session should look like, including what I should talk about…this was a lot. I became quite overwhelmed and didn’t realize I was sinking till the day of the session. I felt no peace from the Lord the whole time I was planning it but just kept pushing through, thinking I had to do it all. That is where the problem laid…I wasn’t and the Lord kept trying to tell me that. The morning of the session, I felt the Lord tell me to hand over what I was holding and to hand out things to people on my team. Jillisa, a woman of immense knowledge from the Lord, was put on my heart to speak to the women. Abigail and Morgan, women of incredible artistic talent and discernment, helped me by making water color cards with Bible verses or words of encouragement. Jordan, a woman with a tender spirit and love for children, offered to help out by subbing in English classes so the teachers could join the session. It was awesome seeing how my team came along side and helped me see that I was not alone. The Lord had beautiful roles for us all to fill and because of that, the women that attended were seen and loved better than if I tried to take it on all by myself. 

For the younger girls Beauty for Ashes event, my team rallied together once again to make the girls feel loved and seen by us but more importantly, by Jesus. While praying for this event, I was asking who should speak to all the girls and Morgan was put on my heart. Although, at this point, Morgan hadn’t had a voice for about 40 days. She had lost her voice while in Craiova, Romania after becoming super sick. Thus, logically, having her speak made no sense but not much makes sense with the Lord. The day of the event, she had written down her story/lesson and wanted me to read it while she drew it on the white board behind me. Right before though, she told me that I was going to read all but the last paragraph because she was going to…I was scared but also overcome with unexplainable peace. Flash forward to her speech, I read up her paragraph then stoped talking as instructed and next thing you know, I heard a voice I hadn’t heard in a long time…Morgan was SPEAKING loud and clear! Say what!! I was in shock, confused about what was actually happening. I could not believe it. The Lord had recovered her voice so that she could share her story to these young women. Wow! He does show up! He does heal! He is all powerful! The Holy Spirit covered that classroom. It was tangible. In all, the younger girls event was nothing less than exceptional. 

Lastly, I want to briefly talk about the teachers. They are both from Albania, young and engaged. More than that, they are kind, intellectual, peaceful, and a blessing to get to know. It was a kiss from God getting to know them and be able to show them how much the Lord sees and cares for them. Even though our time was short, I left feeling like I was leaving friends I have known for a long time. It’s sweet seeing how the Lord can work in short periods of time if you let him. 

Thank you for reading and following along with my journey! Hope you are well! God bless!

I shall leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses: 

“For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name, I will greatly protect you. I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel my presence in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and bring you honor. I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”” 

Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭TPT‬‬