I have been having a very hard time with my Albanian since I returned to Malishevë 3 weeks ago. I struggle with understanding what is being said as well as finding the words to communicate clearly.
God in His faithfulness continues to go before me each day, providing opportunities that force me out of my comfort zone and make me use my Albanian.
To start with, a family in our fellowship has agreed to only speak to me in Albanian. I went to Prishtina on Tuesday and took the oldest daughter with me. We spent about 5 hours talking about all kinds of things. There was one time when she started laughing...and I couldn't figure out why. It was because I understood a question someone asked her, and she couldn't figure out what the girl was saying.
Earlier this week I went to my favorite restaurant for a late lunch. I like to sit outside and watch people and just let my mind wander and think about things. Well...God had other plans. Kujtim, a man that comes to our fellowship sometimes, sat down and started speaking to me in Albanian. As I would struggle to find the words or say really strange grammar combinations, he would help me, and teach me the correct way to say what I was trying to say. It turned out to be a verbal Albanian lesson while I ate lunch and later we shared coffee.
I have a new patient, Çlerim, that I am treating in his home. The first session was yesterday, and the person who was to serve as my translator, could not make it to Malishevë to pick me up. So someone from the family came to get me. Guess what? Not one person in this family spoke English. I had to smile and say to myself..."OK Lord, I can't do this without You". There were some rough spots, and I had to use my little pocket dictionary a few times...but it worked out. I was actually able to teach the mom a few things to do with her son each day.
Next, Tuesday, I am starting a discipleship class for two young ladies in our fellowship, Besora and Albana. Albana is a new believer, only 2 months, and is hungry for the Word. I have a discipleship program to use that is already written in Albanian, but I have to study to understand the questions, and to be able to lead discussion at the end of the lesson. I am going to memorize the scriptures in Albanian...right along with the girls. Stay tuned...
God's word tells us to not be afraid, to not be dismayed as He is the One who goes before us. He is providing opportunities where I have to communicate in Albanian. I am becoming more confident in using what I have learned. He has given me the desire to be a part of this community in Kosova...and I have to be able to understand what they are saying to me, and to be able to communicate with them. There is a saying in Albanian..."pak nga pak"...which means "step by step". I think that is what the Lord is asking of me as well...obedience, one step at time.
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