A blurb from my notes app:
“I’m typing this on top of a mountain, watching the sun come up over Kotodesh. Someone plays guitar, others are taking photos, some are calling their loved ones in the states because 5am here means it’s just about time for bed at home.
and I cannot help but smile. These people. They’re some of the most incredible humans- and they’re just kids. They’re young people determined to live their lives for Christ, and like the sun that’s breaking over the mountain, I feel the refreshing breath of the next generation rising to take their place.
It’s so easy to get swept up in the dark that is the world- but I’m telling you- here in Albania I have found the light. They’re 18 singing worship after hiking a mountain in the dark at 4am. They’re so hungry to go out and give their time to ministries all over the countryside. And they’re making me realize- there is so much adventure to be lived.
In ministry, it’s easy to get your head down and get through Sunday. But God never wanted to be confined to one day. He wants to climb the mountain with us. He wants to laugh and dance, and eat dinner with us every day. He wants community with us, and I can’t help but feel it’s reflected in these students hearts.
For everyone who helped me get here- thank you. Thank you for this mountain moment”
We’ve been here in Kotodesh for 3.5 weeks. It feels crazy to say that because time is FLYING. (It also makes me cringe a bit knowing I have yet to update you all- my bad) Genuinely, I don’t know that I have ever had so much fun in my entire life.
As the high level introvert I am, I would fully expect a month in to be in desperate need of some space… and yet? I am actually for the first time in my life experiencing FOMO. Who knew- I was my mother’s daughter?! I hear my students laughing and I want to be near them. They decide to be crazy and go for a 4am sunrise hike and I want to be right in the middle of it. When they all decide to walk to town I miss their voices and shenannegains. I love these people.
My main ministry is being the sharp shooter here at camp. Everyone here knows- Amanda is going to tell you like it is. Half of them squirm as I squint at them, trying to make sense of what’s going on inside the complex mind of each individual. Some eagerly seek it out. I am happy to play ball with both. Every day, I uncover something new about someone new, and I think I might be the happiest I have ever been. Discipling students, leading them deeper into revelation about Jesus, their own gifts, and how God wants to see them thrive is such a great honor. Here are some of my favorite stories from the last few weeks.
I rode in an ambulance. We have a student that has a few medical issues, we knew about this going in. On one particularly hot day, she passed out in the sun and wouldn’t come out of it. After much time of waiting in the dirt, I scooped her up and carried her inside. We called an ambulance, just to make sure everything is okay. And she was scared-I would’ve been too. But my fellow leaders told me I got it, and I jumped in there and held her hand and made her laugh the whole way to the hospital. By the time we left we were in such a silly fit we couldn’t stop giggling. Taking fear, and turning it to fun makes me have deep joy.
We hosted a youth conference here in Kotodesh. Over 100 kids came which is huge for a small village in a mostly muslim country. I have a student who wanted to give one of the talks and she was nervous. I went over it a lot before, and on the night she stood in front of everyone with a steady confidence, I wept in the back of the sanctuary. I knew the words she was going to speak, but her heart is what sent me into a puddle. I couldn’t have been more proud of her.
On a day where something heavy was on my mind, a male student asked me what was up. As he and his friend walked by me, listening to my heart, it became a moment of teaching the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and community especially between men. I talked of love languages and how they can love one another better the following week. Teaching the younger generation to rise up into MEN of God? Sign me up.
One of those same boys and I had an incredible conversation led by the Holy Spirit. Getting to wake students up to who God actually is, and how He moves in everyday moments and not just Sunday mornings? Have I stepped into heaven?!?
On an “Adventure Day” to Macedonia, when I was in the back of the bus, thinking of some things happening at home, a student put her hands on me and began to pray. Joined by others on the back bench, I was covered in prayer and met in my need.
Every day is filled with beautiful God moments, and I am always excited for the next one. I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness to let me step into the space of these students. I am forever changed, and could probably just exist here for the rest of forever.
Yesterday I called my mom. Students had been walking to town and many were coming back into the church grounds while I paced the driveway. She heard first hand how I talk with these kids. How I connect to them and love them. She cries- “YOU’RE LIKE A MOM”. But my students would call me “busta” instead. Loving them is so easy and so much fun.
Don’t hear me wrong. I am not having a vacation. Things can be tough, taxing, downright stupid. But I have never experienced such joy in the little trials of every day. I wish everyone could experience this- I think it’s what God wanted for us. A community, on fire, pursuing Him. I truly am so grateful to be here. And grateful to all of you for your continued prayer, support, and love for me.
Thank you guys,
God bless you,
Amanda
Yay!!!!!!!!!
Weeping as I read these words from the best little “Busta” I’ve ever known. Watching you, listening to you, experiencing you minister to these students is a delight to my soul! Knowing that you woke up with three mosquito bites on your cheek, and ate a raw potato for lunch – and feel like you’re in Heaven – makes me giggle and rejoice in the mighty things our God is doing!! Carry on, “Busta!”