Hello! We have officially crossed the pond and are in Vlora, Albania for six weeks. We spent Christmas in a predominantly Muslim country. To say we stick out here is an understatement.
Vlora is not a diverse city. Most people wear black and look Albanian.
Vlora is a city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, across from Italy. It is gorgeous!
We left the city to visit a mountainous village in Kuc where our ministry host teaches English. He plans to slowly introduce the gospel after building relationships.
He says the only way that they know now that he is a Christ follower at the moments is the cross on his rearview mirror.
The view from the school is incredible.
The owners of the tiny store next to the school. The Turkish coffee this woman makes is most delicious!
The Albanian flag~
Children playing outside the school. I couldn’t help feeling like I was in a snow globe.
We got to distribute Christmas presents to village children. My family has been packaging these boxed with Samaritans Purse’s Operation Christmas Child for years. It was so cool to witness the receiving end.
Team Hope is the Irish version of Operation Christmas Child.
We also distributed gifts at a special needs school!
Introducing my new team for the next 4 months! We are called Selah, which is Hebrew for “to pause & reflect” in the Bible.
This is my team lead Aliseyah and our host Pastor Ylli on Christmas Day. They don’t normally do too much for Christmas since it isn’t highly celebrated in Albania. He said to be able to take that much time off work is a luxury.
Tea & biscuits is a must when visiting someones home.
We went to an Albanian church service and Christmas celebration.
There was an incredible spread of food and message.
They dance and worship at the end and it is SO FUN – one of my favorite experiences on the race, ever!
Even the dogs get down! 🙂
The joy in this village was infectious!
No language barrier or cultural difference could get in the way of a joy so pure – of a peace & freedom so rich.
We also caroled around the city on New Years Eve! That is the big holiday in Albania. It was said that the reason they decorate for Christmas is because they have seen other countries do that!
Overall Vlora is gorgeous, but its people have a spirit of depression. They see the light that we carry, and it has allowed us to make numerous connections around the city with people who are curious to know more.
Please keep us in your prayers as we are obedient to the Lord and continue on with the Race. Surrender to God’s plan is the only certain thing in our days. Our route is up in the air and ministry has been “Ask the Lord” for months. This has allowed for much growth and greater ability to see the Lord move. However, it’s also very challenging. We’re at the half way mark and I’m not the same Lindsey I was five month ago, nor am I the same Lindsey I will be six months from now. I also would appreciate prayers for my healing/ scarring process from the accident last month.
I appreciate and love you all so much!
xo
Lindsey
Great Job Lindsey, Keep up the good work! Fun to watch!
Love the pictures and storytelling skills you are developing!!
This is one of my favorites Linds! Sooo cool
Lindsey Crown! I was grinning from ear to ear reading through your blog. The Lord has gifted you with beautiful eyes…and I don’t just mean because they are blue, but because you have eyes to see others. He is honing this gift more and more over the months. To see the needs of others, to see the needs of your own heart, and the processing of those on your team. I’m so glad to get to see what the Lord has walked you through already, and will be praying for more. What a blessing to be able to get a glimpse into your life in Vlora. Keep pushing girl!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:5-6
Also, tell Chanel she should be on an album cover, and looks like she’s living her best life ??
Thank you so much Samantha! So sweet to hear from you. It means a lot that you’re following along and see me so well.
Hope you’re enjoying Tirana! Miss you & can’t wait to hear all about it.
This was great, Lindsey. So much fun to tag along via these photos. The SELAH team photo was amazing! Miss you guys.
Beautiful blog, beautiful photos, beautiful heart! It is such a privilege to have a front-row seat to your journey. Love you much!
Such incredible photos! What a beautiful time spent celebrating the birth of our Savior with those around the world. Thank you for inviting us into your journey! Praying for endurance, healing, and more divine encounters! 🙂