It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in Albania for 9 days. The last week has flown by, and now we’re preparing to say goodbye and head to Rome. It’s been an amazing week, and the Lord has done incredible things in and through us.

Today, we had the opportunity to travel to Kruja, a mountain town about an hour from Tirana. Kruja was the original capital of Albania, and is full of history. We toured an old castle, and learned about the origins and history of this amazing country, including the invasion of the Ottoman empire, which introduced (read, forced) Islam on its people. While we were at the castle, the call to prayer sounded from one of the Mosques, giving a sense of reality to the religious atmosphere of Kruja and by extension, Albania. The Lord revealed the spirit of oppression that reigns over Albania through this religion, and though many are not religious, the atmosphere retains that sense. I felt my own call to prayer from Father, to lift up the people of this nation, that they would find salvation and freedom in Christ.

Kruja was a lovely town, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. We did some shopping, paid too much for probably cheaply made souvenirs, then headed back to the hotel. This evening, I find myself preparing my heart for tomorrow’s goodbyes, ready to see Rome and come home, but not ready to part from these dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep praying for our team as we finish up the work we were assigned to do. Love and miss you all!