Yesterday we packed up all of our packs and headed to our third country. It was a bittersweet moment leaving. Some really fun, sweet friendships had been formed in Shkodër. Our last couple of weeks were especially some of my favorite weeks. We danced line dances, Albanian dances, we played lots of games, made s’mores, had barbecues, went to the beach, introduced people to Jungle Speed, played musical chairs, did some fun photoshoots, went on many gelato runs, and so much more. 

As we said our final goodbyes and got into our van yesterday, it was hard. It was hard to leave the dear friends I had made. Ones that had been made in just a couple of weeks. I got to be surrounded by people who just loved the Lord and were truly living life as the hands and feet of Jesus. I was so impacted by everyone I came into contact with, both believers and non-believers. God truly blessed our time in Albania and it’s a time I’m never going to forget. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. It pushed me closer to God and my teammates. 

Now, today, I sit in a little cottage in the mountains of KOSOVO!! We are having a two and a half-day debrief where teams and, for some people, roles are changing and our alumni team leaders are leaving. This morning we all went on a super fun scavenger hunt that our squad leaders put together (shoutout to Linds and Al!!) and got to find out our new teams. I’ll introduce them soon to you guys, but they’re all so fun and so sweet and I’m excited to do life with them. 

Just a few weeks ago we entered the season of spring. And as spring comes, that means that the weather is changing and new life in nature is beginning to form. April is a month of change for me personally. April means I say goodbye to the people I’ve been doing life with BUT I get to step into something new, a new team, new people I get to do life with and I am excited to see what God forms with that. 

Enjoy some pictures from the last couple of weeks in Albania! 

Teaching new friends Jungle Speed

Penguin Team!

Behind the scenes for a photoshoot

Getting caught in the rain and getting snacks

Portraits drawn by our new friend

Beach trip with the youth

One of the many gelato runs

New friends from all over the world!

Slicing bread to be hot dog buns

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