And So A Year Has Passed

One year ago today was my last day in Albania. My flight left that night and I spent the whole day with my stomach in knots. Every moment was spent on the verge of tears which spilled over on several occasions. I had such a mix of emotions--sadness at the goodbyes, pain at the thought of never seeing some of those people again, hurt that there were things left undone and unexplored, aggravation that I'd spent my last week sick with the mumps and then a swollen eye the day before leaving, joy at knowing I would see my parents and my brother the next day, anticipation of reunions with friends, excitement at having a new house and city to acclimate to, thanksgiving for the multitude of blessings God had showered on me during my there, and nervous about such a long journey by myself.

I know that at the time I wrote about feeling relief. And, truly, that was my main emotion because it rolled all of those others into one big ball that made it seem normal to be having so many acute feelings at once.

Today, exactly one year later, I still feel just as blessed, if not more than I did that day. There aren't words to describe the gratefulness I feel for the people I met, the things I saw and did, and the placesI went. I literally have a new perspective on everything because of my time in Albania. Just thinking of it fills my heart to the point of overflowing with love for my Albanian friends and family. They taught me so much and were more patient with me than I deserved. It just makes me wonder how my Heavenly Father can love me and be patient with me even through so much more. Unfathomable.

But all of those things that altered my perspective, changed my perceptions, opened my eyes to new lines of thought, provided understanding, and educated me, all bear witness to God's love. He provided what was best for me ad taught me exactly what he in his infinite wisdom knew I needed to know. And all it took was a very unique country in Eastern Europe. ;)

The picture is of a bracelet that Neda gave me that last day in Albania. It was hers and she literally took it off her wrist and gave it to me. She told me to wear it for good luck, that when I wore it I wouldn't be sad because I would think of everyone there and be happy. She also said that it would make us close in our hearts because I would have her with me. I have been given many things in my life but I have never had someone take something off of their physical person and give it to me like that. Neda is someone with very little to give yet generosity frequently comes to mind when I think of Neda. So the fact that she gave me something of her very own right then and there makes it probably one of the most meaningful things I've ever been given.

A bracelet is a circle; everything is continuous. Therefore, in my mind, it is an appropriate symbol of my experience in Albania. All things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God knew it would all work out--the ups and downs--and that it would all fit together.

After a year has gone by, my mind is obviously jumbled with thoughts and emotions once again. But above all, I know that God set me to Albania as part of his purpose for me. I will never ever take that experience for granted. Aside from giving me my Savior and the wonderful family I have, it was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

**Note to the reader**
To write this, I used the iPhone app. for my blog and something is not right because the picture didn't attach. I'll work on figuring that out.