Skip to main content

Beautiful hearts. Beautiful country.

My heart is full. Full of thankfulness for these months I got to spend here in this beautiful country. Needless to say these last days have been more intentional. Not so much in the trying to get a billion things done, but intentional in desiring to absorb and appreciate the moments more.

Last night was the last time on the streets with the Iris team. It was such a precious time! They had made homemade chocolates and little verses had been written out for the women. As we divided into groups and headed out it was so beautiful to see the joy on the faces of the women as they got the little gift. It’s amazing how such a small thing can make such a difference. One girl said “this was just what I needed”. It was such a special evening of getting to know a little of what hides behind the confident exterior of these women (and men) who night after night stand on the street corners offering themselves to the cars that come by. It is always a privilege when they choose to open up and talk. A privilege to get a glimpse of their beautiful hearts. And a privilege to be allowed to speak words of life into their lives.

We left so encouraged by God’s commitment and love to them and us.

Driving back I had such peace. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the city to the base when there is no traffic, which there generally is very little of at 2:30 am. And as I was driving I also realised how relaxed I was, and smiled at the irony of how the last few days of my time here I am not feeling stressed and overwhelmed by driving and have actually quite come to enjoy the challenge of navigating the craziness of traffic here.

Thankful!

Today I had a last beach visit. Waking up the sky looked very grey and yet as we drove to the beach the sky became a beautiful blue. It was great to feel the warmth of the sun topping up my tan, and enjoying the warm sea water, knowing that this is the last time for a good while. This nation has a lot of challenges, but it also has so much beauty! Beauty which you can’t find anywhere else. Seeking to savour the flavours that define this place, I enjoyed a last água de coco (coconut water) before I left the beach...for now.

Friendship.

Sitting here I am so thankful for friendships here. So many amazing people I have had the privilege of knowing more and getting to know these months. People who make my life richer. So thankful for them. This evening I went with a bunch of friends to eat a final churro and tapioca. It was delicious and such a blessed time. Beats packing. Friends are such a gift.

Leaving... tomorrow I go. After almost a full last day I get on a plane and head into wrapping up this season. Tying up loose ends and saying goodbye in Amsterdam. Not looking forward to the good bye part, but hope to focus on the appreciating people part rather than the imminent absence part. Amsterdam is also full of people who make my life rich. I look forward to seeing them again.

And so I end this day full of thankfulness. Thankful for this journey I get to be on. And thankful for Jesus and the cross. Thankful that tomorrow is Easter Sunday- a reminder that He didn’t just die, but that He rose and is alive and gives me life. And for that I am the most thankful.

Popular posts from this blog

Taking in the familiar and a heart connected.

Amsterdam. It still has that muggy feeling in Summer, and a constant flow of people which if you stop to think about it, it's quite amazing that there would even be space to accommodate them all. But then I guess they are not all staying. Just passing through on their way to or from somewhere. It's always good for the heart to visit somewhere that was once home. The familiarity of streets and customs makes it easier to embrace what might be new as well as the joy of being reacquainted with old friends. Friends. So many of them to be found in this city, ready with hugs and good words that are uttered when seeing someone who was away again. Friendship. A treasure that cannot be bought. Cobblestones trodden by many, including myself. Sitting on a bench. Praying. Remembering the first time I stumbled upon this area lined with windows with red lights and curtains. An area which has come to represent no longer windows, but people to me. Some still behind a window. Others who have ...
Read more

Getting to know the local culture.

Life is a strange thing. Last week went…not much happened, and then it was over. The weekend was quite calm without too many wild and exciting things happening. Except, of course, a wee outing to watch the National Championship for Veteran Ploughing. Now, like me, you might be sadly lacking an understanding of what this actually means. So I am delighted to be able to enlighten you in this respect. It’s basically (for the “farm-language-illiterate” like myself) a competition where you use old (hence the name “veteran”) tractors and ploughs, and plough up a stretch of field which is then evaluated and the one scoring the highest sum (accuracy, depth, how well the soil is turned is all given points) wins. I must admit that this information I got by eavesdropping on a conversation next to me where a man was explaining to some of my friends how it all works. So that was a fun adventure….although we only stayed for a bit. What is sort of occupying my mind at present is my upcoming travel abr...
Read more

What was your dream?- scraping the surface of the heart of Albania

“What was your dream when you were 20?” That was a question our guide asked us as we were standing outside a huge derelict cement monument in Tirana, the capital of Albania. We’d spent the day touring and hearing a lot about the history and journey of Albania, a young country with more Albanians living in other countries than in Albania itself. A country where tourism has only really been built up the past 30 years. It was eye opening to hear more of the history, and it made me realise that this country is so much more than meets the eye. A country where the beaches and tourist area of Durres Riviera was packed with tourists, mostly from the Balcan area. A country where hospitality is ingrained in the culture, and where the friendliness of the people was noticeable. After a pause to let us reflect over the question of dreams, for some thinking further back than others, our guide told us that for him it had been to own a pair of jeans. That simple fact said so much. Both of what he...
Read more