Simply Sam: Hello this is me.

We're baaaaacccckk! Stick with me friends, I'm sick and extremely jet lagged but wanted to give a little update. Albania in one word? Amazing. I can't even begin to describe everything the Lord did in my heart while over there. It was amazing to see that He really is the same overseas as He is in the United States. I know- thats obvious to some of you, but he is just so much more real to me now!! He's big and real and loves us so much. His spirit worked through me and took me so far out of my comfort zone I couldn't even see it anymore. I am so grateful he loved me enough to do that.Why do I ever rely on my own strength?! I get so much more done relying on his:)
The first few days were a hard adjustment, it was a huge culture shock. I felt useless because I went with the intent to serve but in turn we were served extremely well by people we barely knew. The albanians gave so much out of what little they had. They loved each other and the poor in their community extremely well. I have never experienced such kindness.
Our day to day activities varied. We delivered tracts door to door, hiked up the mountains to deliver tracts in villages, served food in a soup kitchen, delivered food to poor families and helped in an orphanage. The whole time Bani- the missionary we went to see, served as our translator. He and his wife Zamira have the most giving and loving hearts I have ever seen. They are giving all their time, money and love to restore unity among fellow believers in Elbasan. Their love for the Lord oozes out of them. Bani's smile and gentleness is contagious and he loves people so well. Just being his shadow for 12 days taught me so much.
I know people normally skip long blogs so I'll keep this short. To sum it up, I went to albania ready to serve and get dirty. In turn I was served and loved so well. My heart was softened and changed as to what ministry really looks like, its hard- you have to give it all up and consider others better than yourself. You have to sacrifice time and money and family and "normalcy" BUT it's all worth it. Bringing Jesus glory is always worth it. Thank you all so much for your prayers and financial support. I could not be more thankful or feel more loved than I do right now!