As you know, I have been here in Albania since January and I divided the time of one year into two times: six months in the South of Albania - Vlorë and another six months in the North - Shkodra, and in the beginning of August I moved to the North where I will stay until February next year. Saying goodbye to Vlorë was in one way quite difficult, as I experienced the beginning of a dream there and it was where I grew up a lot; but a new time has come and I am very excited about it!
Here in Shkodra, I will be volunteering with YWAM Shkodra, under the leadership of Rose (Brazilian) and Eduardo (Chilean). I had the opportunity to meet them and work with them a little bit in January and it was very good. In fact, it is very good to be "back" here with them! And to make it even better, I will be congregating in the local church (which I missed a lot), where I will serve not only the church, but also YWAM Shkodra and its ministries.
And speaking of ministries... The local church invests in discipleship with children, teens/youth and even though August is a vacation month, we held a summer camp for the kids.
And speaking of church... in these thirty-one days I was able to see again some people that I met at the beginning of the year and meet others too! It was a month of intertwining fellowship, which is fundamental in the life of a Christian.
Speaking of communion... as a YWAM worker, I had the privilege of receiving my first "Brazilian" team and how wonderful was this time with them, where I could refuel myself for the next six months. They were intense weeks, fun, of great learning and blessings from God. God is such a detailed Father that He thought of everything, especially in fulfilling the desires of my heart (to be able to sing/pray in my language). Being able to be here in Albania is very rewarding, but there are days (like everything in life) that are difficult and only God knew how much I needed a motivation to continue here on cloudy days. Being away from home and your language is very challenging indeed; but so far the Lord has sustained me and I believe it will be so until His coming!
I always think I can never write too much in my newsletters and when I see it... lucky for me I have you guys who read everything (👀 haha)
August was totally different than I imagined. It was so light, it was refreshing, and I can see the goodness of the Father in it.
On 24.08.21, I could celebrate with the Grace of God another year of life and I love birthdays, not only mine, but others too, and until that day, I was thinking how much I wanted to be celebrating next to my family and friends... What I would be doing if I were in Brazil... And at the peak of my emotions, I was feeling a Peace, because, besides living one of my brat dreams, my family and friends were present in this day so important to me, making me feel so loved and so special, and even away physically, this birthday is in my top 5! Being able to celebrate my birthday in the mission was a privilege that only God can grant me and I am totally grateful!
By our Jocum Shkodra team. Unlike before, today we are seven people walking together. So that God can cover us with protection, guiding us in unity and strengthening us every day!
For the local church, where we will be congregating during these six months. May we be a blessing in the church as they are in our lives. Helping them not only in their ministries and projects, but also growing together!
For the continuous learning of the language. Now more than ever, we will be immersed in Albanian!
For physical and emotional health!
If you want to be a part of this with me during this time either prayerfully or financially, here are my details:
Religion makes us proud of what we have done. The gospel makes us proud of what Jesus did. Timothy Keller