power

Tonight there was an amazing lightening storm here. It was an awesome display of God's power. I got chills down my back as I stood on my balcony watching the wind blow around everything that wasn't tied down and the lightening shoot around the sky. I love to watch storms, and I am not quite sure why. My friend who was here with me tonight, thought I was crazy to be outside and kept telling me to come inside. So as I stood outside alone, wondering why I enjoy storms so much...I was reminded of the amazing power and strength God has. Why do we ever worry or doubt....God has control of everything. Ok, I could expand upon this a bit more and probably write it out much more eloquently, but I am tired and have to wake up early tomorrow. So thats all you get. Good night and sweet dreams!

Happy Father's Day!

To all the Father's out there....Happy Father's Day!!!!

Why is it that American holidays always end up on days that I am busy and not home to call my family. So tonight I am finally home, and I can at least write a quick message on here to everyone. Unexpectedly I went to my friend's village for the day, and just came back at 9:30. Then I chatted wit my colleague a bit, and when I was finally back to my computer I could not reach any of my family. And I promised my American phone to the students who are here, to use today as a reward for a scavenger hunt, before I even realized what day it is. Oh well, they are young and its good they got to talk to their families. (Hopefully they all got to use it before it died, as the battery is dead now.)

Well I am tired now and will say Goodnight to all.

Dr, Pepper

Dr. Pepper and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.....life is good.

I was tired and feeling a little sluggish, and then I remembered I had one Dr. Pepper in my fridge. I have had it for about a week, a friend gave it to me, from the American base here. It was a nice surprise, as I haven't drank a Dr. Pepper in over 6 months. Since this is a rare treat, I was saving it for just the right time. But I do have a problem with saving American treats for a little too long, and then they aren't good by the time I eat them. So I have learned, or I am starting to learn, to enjoy the treats while I have them.

Well, now I am taking the evening off (or at least part) and watching Bride and Prejudice.

memorization

As a summer team we are memorizing different passages from scripture each week. Its a good encouragement for me, as I have trouble memorizing without accountability. I am hoping that I will still know them all at the end of the summer and not just memorize for the week at hand.

Last week's scripture: (I meant to write it on here last week...but that never happened.)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. - Ephesians 4:1-6

This week's scripture:

Sepse Perëndia e deshi aq botën, sa dha Birin e tij të vetëmlindurin, që, kushdo që beson në të, të mos humbasë, por të ketë jetë të përjetshme. -Gjoni 3:16 (John 3:16)

joy

Today was a good day. For the first time since being here (yes I am embarrassed to say its taken me this long) I memorized scripture in Albanian. In just a short time I was able to learn John 3:16 in Albanian....and I am happy. My friend even helped me with my pronunciation and memorized it herself. Also I have started learning more worship songs in Albanian and its wonderful. Tonight during bible study we sang in Albanian, and it was beautiful to hear our voices lifted in praise to God.

Today I am thankful to God for the simple blessings he gives us in abundance. God is good...all the time!

summer team

hmmm...so a quick update...my life has gotten a bit busier.

We now have 4 new summer team members here, alone with the semester volunteer who has been here since January. It will be a busy summer. 5 more students will come for July. I think it will be fun, but it will be a lot of work also. Today I made pancakes and then the team headed out to the village to play with some kids. I stayed home and rested a little and went to the park with a friend.


Tomorrow's plans include church in the morning, soccer or frisbee in the park in the afternoon, then meeting and worship in the evening. Now I will go to bed and be ready for the day tomorrow.

tired

I am not sure what is wrong with me lately...but I am always tired. I am getting enough sleep, and even trying to improve my sleep habits so that I go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. I have heard sleeping more before midnight is better. Well, I aim to be asleep by midnight and thats good for me.

Throughout the day I keep thinking, that would be a fun story to write on my blog, but by the end of the day when I sit down at my computer all the stories are gone. Sorry to my devoted readers. I hope to have more exciting stories soon...but for now...keep waiting.


And for a final comment....I played Frisbee in the rain last night and it was wonderful. Just me and a friend tossing the Frisbee on a warm summer night with rain sprinkling down on us. It was good. I don't think my friend expected me to say yes when she asked if I wanted to play. I didn't expect her to follow me as I walked out in the rain...but she did...and therefore we played. I love summer rain.