All I Want for Christmas is... NOTHING!

It has come to my attention, from email I've been receiving, that you may be interested in sending me (and Katie) a Christmas gift. Wow, thank you! Once again I'm blown away by the generosity and kind hearts of many. Not to mention how impressed I am that so many are thinking that far in advance. Or perhaps sending Christmas gifts wasn't on your radar, but now after reading the first sentence you feel slightly obligated to send your friend in a developing nation a little something. Let me start off by saying how much I appreciate this thoughtful gesture. It actually means more to me than you'll know - especially since it will be my first Christmas away from home and family. That being said I would like to respectfully decline all Christmas gifts this year. Period.

Although we're serving in a developing nation Katie and I have it pretty good. We currently have everything that we need, plus some, here with us! Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy receiving packages with goodies from America in them. But shipping is outrageous and my heart cringes every time I see the cost, especially because there is so much need in the world. So many people fighting just to live, who deserve your gift more than I do. I would much prefer you saving that money to spend elsewhere, perhaps on something more world changing than an airplane ride for a box. And honestly, you've already been giving me the best gift all year- your prayer support.  

If my argument was not convincing enough, please consider deferring any gift you were still thinking of sending me to an organization such as: Samaritians Purse,  World Vision, or World Hope International.  Or if you would prefer to directly support my work you can support one of the Albanian projects. Really, it's a win, win, win situation for everybody. There is no losing involved!

So nothing is what I want. Because giving me nothing for Christmas will be the best Christmas present ever!

Nicole & Katie in Albania: Video Update 10 - HALLOWEEN EDITION

Halloween. The one holiday I thought I wouldn't miss being in the states for. And really, I'm not missing it that much. Costumes. Parties. Decorations. Not really my cup of tea. Carving pumpkins and candy on the other hand, that's what I'm talking about.

Halloween (Hallouini, in Albanian) is not a traditionally celebrated holiday here. In the last few years it has become popular in the big cities but only at bars as a way to make money. It is celebrated similar to ways that would be seen in Hollywood movies. Costumes. Loud music. Partying. (or so I assume/have been told, I haven't actually been to one.) Here, kids don't get dressed up and trick-or-treat throughout the neighborhood and pumpkins are for cooking, not carving. But get this: any and every time we visit an Albanian home we are served candy. It's like Halloween 365 days a year and I don't have to get dressed up in costume. It's definitely one part of the Albanian culture that I've come to enjoy.

Katie and I couldn't resist buying pumpkins the other day when we saw them at the market. We brought a little bit of Halloween to our home in Albania.  Check out our HALLOWEEN EDITION Video Update and pictures below.

Nicole & Katie in Albania: Video Update 9

Perhaps you were wondering what Katie and I do for fun on rainy days. Or maybe not. But we wanted to show you anyway.  So without any further ado, here is our new favorite rainy day activity.

Behind the scenes: Katie directing.

Behind the Scenes: Nicole in front of the camera.

Disclaimer: this video evokes a lot of emotion. Please use the bathroom first.

Working Hard

Monday morning Katie, Danika, and I worked hard for our breakfast. Katie and Danika demonstrate what it’s like to crack walnuts the Albanian way. With. Your.  Bare. Hands. Prior to eating walnuts in Albania I thought I had a decent amount of strength. I was proven wrong when I discovered it took me 5 minutes to muster up enough strength to crack a walnut with 2 hands and all my might. Real Albanians make cracking them with one hand look like a piece of cake. Us on the other hand… Let's just say it's a good thing Katie and I have 2 years to practice. 

My Neighborhood

Perhaps you are curious to know where I live. Well, I mean, I know you know that I live in Albania. And if you've been following my blog from the beginning you've also been on a tour of my house. BUT until this point you have not seen too many pictures of the neighborhood/community where I live.

Early one morning last week, Katie (my missionary partner) went out on a photography adventure and captured some pictures of the Kenet. She has generously given me permission to post a link to her blog here so you can see some of the pictures (with captions) that she took. Hope this gives you a better visual as to where we are living. Enjoy!

Click here for the neighborhood tour

Nicole & Katie In Albania: Video Update 8

The weather dropped from 96 deg. to 70 deg. overnight. Katie and I were super excited. Check out our video for more information about the change in weather.

 Oh...don't forget to watch all of our videos until the very end! ;)

Getting Out of the Boat

Right now, building relationships is my job. Sounds easy, right? Would you think less of me if I admitted how incredibly difficult it is? Especially for shy, introverted me. It’s hard in my own language to go up and make conversation with people I know… and multiply that by (at least) 100 when it’s in a language you’re just barely treading water in, people you don’t know, and a culture you still don’t completely understand. Why the heck did God call ME to Albania to build new relationships? There are so many other people in this world that would be so much better at this than me. Why me??

I have the desire, but not the courage. I’m willing, but terrified. But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the last 2 months: all I have to do is take the initiative. Take the first step. Get out of the boat. And God meets me there. When I step out of my comfort-zone, He’s there with the safety net ready to catch me so I don’t fall. He’s holding my hand, pushing me from behind and on the sidelines cheering for me all at the same time. He’s there to help me every step of the way. He wants to see me succeed- all I have to do is take the first step.

God didn’t call me to Albania because it would be easy. He called me here at this time because He knows it’s where I am supposed to be according to His plan. With everything in life there are growing pains- they are uncomfortable, hurt like heck, and stretch you more than you desire. They don’t kill you, but instead make you stronger. They increase your faith and mold you into the person God created you to be.

I’m still not sure why God called me to do this. I know that this is where I’m supposed to be. It’s not easy, but as long as I continue to make an effort, God will give me all of the strength I need.

Nicole & Katie In Albania: Video Update 7

Katie and I have been in Albania for two months now. We have a solid base of language and can hold a basic conversation. Or so we think...

We have started to speak only in Albanian one day a week in our home. No English... What a challenge!

Watch our first "Vetem Shqip te Shtunen.

We have included subtitles on the bottom of the screen- read them first time around. THEN, watch the video again and read the thought bubbles up top to get a glimpse into our minds as we try to speak only Albanian.

Nicole & Katie in Albania: Video Update 6

Fanta Exotic. Eggplant. And tiny glasses. The latest update live from Albania.

Have any questions, topics or thoughts you'd like us to discuss on our next video? Let us know. Until then... uh, mirupafshim.

EuroConference 2011: Part 3

The ride home wasn’t nearly as eventful as the ride up. We did run into a bit of traffic the first day, which added a few extra hours onto the trip, but it wasn’t too bad. Driving through Germany and Austria I caught myself thinking what it would have been like for my ancestors many years ago when they were living there. I’m definitely not a history person but there’s something about being in a place so rich with history that makes me stand in awe.  Are there any similarities still today? Or is everything completely different? I tried to envision what life might have been like back then and wished I had the chance to ask and discuss this with them personally. Thankfully we’ll have a lot of time to catch up in heaven. ;)

Sunrise in Germany

Anyway… back to the story… On the return we spent the night outside of Venice, Italy and had about 2 hours to spend in the city. It was beautiful. There is just something about water that I find very attractive and relaxing. We had just enough time to visit St. Mark’s Square, get some pizza, and head back to the hostel. 

Venice, Italy

Add caption

St. Mark's Cathedral

Venice by night.

We were all wiped out, and as our head hit the pillow that night we were out. Another early morning to ensure we returned the rental cars and caught the ferry on time.

We got to Bari and were hit with good news and bad news. The good news was the rental cars were returned on time and we didn’t get charged an extra day. The bad news was the ferry was delayed… of course, a reoccurring theme of our travels.

We split up into two groups. One group stayed with the luggage as the second went to get dinner and then we switched. It was a long 8 hours of sitting and waiting, sitting and waiting, sitting and waiting (Yes, I feel that repeating myself three times makes it more dramatic.)

A pretty sweet castle in Bari, Italy

Waiting for the ferry... (L-R: Katie, Me and Dawn)

Waiting with the luggage for the delayed ferry.

The ferry finally arrived. We made it. And, well, the rest is history. 

The End. 

EuroConference 2011: Part 2

The conference itself was pretty exciting but not nearly as exciting as the journey to the conference... really though, how can you follow that adventure? I felt like I was living my dream of being on the Amazing Race.

It’s always a pleasure being around like minded people. People with the same mission and goals. People who can relate to things you are going through. And after only a month in the field it was nice being surrounded by native English speakers again.

The conference was a time to worship. A time to learn. And a time to grow. The speakers were all very inspirational and left us with good practical advice to take back to the field with us.

The center we stayed in was beautiful. It was really nice being able to drink water from the tap (and brush our teeth with tap water) and take long showers. Though I gotta admit I didn’t take nearly as long as I could have. There was internet access available, the roads were paved and there was tons of grass everywhere. Minus the fact that the natives spoke German and not English, I felt like I was back in America. It was refreshing. 

Schonblick Conference Center

Schonblick Conference Center

Schwabisch Gmund, Germany

Each afternoon we had a block of free time to use at our leisure. A few days we walked into town. I'm always amazed to be in a place that is so rich with history. It makes me feel so small.

Schwabisch Gmund, Germany

some shops

stereotypical German building

beautiful cathedral

having fun