Update from the Field: Albania
We made it to Albania!! After two weeks of settling into life and ministry here I can say this with certainty: what a beautiful place and people!
Here in the city of Elbason we’re working with a ministry called A2B (Aid to the Balkans) and their various projects. Center 1 is called Bread of Life where I spend my mornings playing dominos with and serving food to older adults who’ve been abandoned by their families. The center also delivers meals to some who are not able to leave their homes. Another Life is a school for Roma and Egyptian children in the same center, I spend my afternoons playing games with them. Center 2 is Hope for the Future, this is another school that has morning and afternoon programs for Roma and Egyptian kids of all ages. A2B also has their Family Link program, which is monthly food parcels for people in desperate need. Center 3 is the House of Opportunities, a transitional house where young adults entering into adulthood from orphanages can learn life skills and independent living. The House of Opportunities is also where my team is living! We have one 19 year old roommate who’s already become a part of our family through local adventures, serving together at the other centers, and regular family dinners.
The Lord has been speaking rest over this current season on the Race. My time in Romania was truly a mountain top experience with the Lord and the ways He invited me to partner with Him and pour out (I’ll post a blog on the highlights at some point in the future!!). One way you could pray for me is a willing heart to rest well and to abide in the shelter of the Almighty.
A quick update with finding, I’m now at 92% including the committed monthly amounts! Only $1,444 to go!! My next goal is 100% by February 15, please continue praying for the Lord to provide for me in this journey! Not just with this funding but also with personal spending money too. Personal spending includes all personal hygiene supplies, sight-seeing and adventures, coffee shop visits, and climate-appropriate clothes (living out of a backpack requires a change in attire for each change in climate, next up is warmer weather in Turkey).
Here is my donation link through the missions organization (a tax-deductible nonprofit) for supporting the trip:
And below is my Venmo for personal spending:
@Dezarae_Westveld
Thank you all for all of your support and constant prayers, I wouldn't be here without this community of brothers and sisters in Christ rallying around me. God bless!!