Prayer Request

[audiobliss]

Hey everybody. I'd like to request your prayers for the next two weeks or so. A friend and I from church are heading out Thursday morning for Albania on a mission trip.

We'll be working through an organization called World English Institute, and we'll be teaching Albanians of all ages (though mostly HS seniors and college-age students) English through what started out as a Bible correspondance course and a set of English grammar books. Four years of English grammar is a prerequisite, so we'll be mostly teaching conversational English and helping them become more familiar/comfortable with the language. We'll be working with about 22 or 23 other teachers, so while it's not a huge effort, it's still pretty sizable.

We'll be gone through the 22nd of July, so I probably won't be posting on here much for a while. :p

We leave Thursday morning out of Greensboro for Washington DC, then to Vienna, Austria, then finally into Tirana, Albania, where we'll be working. This is the first time I've ever been on a commercial plane or been out of the country, so I'm really excited about the plane trip and seeing another country in addition to the mission work itself.

As I understand it, we'll be staying in a seven room hotel...and we're not to expect A/C. However, there will be showers, so I suppose that's a plus.


Your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks would be greatly appreciated!


EDIT - Anybody have a small integrated and light bookshelf speakers I might could pack in my second suitcase? :D:D

[edbert]

The wife and I will definitely lift you up during this time.

[daboyz]

Sounds great, enjoy it. I'm sure you've been told but bring gum for that plane ride. Takeoffs and landings pop my eardrums and it takes awhile before you feel normal again.:( Overall it should be a wonderful experience for you. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back! :) Prayers are w/you.

[ben62670]

Done, and done. This kind of work is very rewarding. I have done some work trips for Word of Life bible School in NY, and for local members in need. The spiritual payment is way better than any monetary payment you can receive.
Ben

[Fireman32]

Done bro. Very cool that you are doing this. Have a safe trip and take lost of pics.

[PolkThug]

good luck d00d

[ohskigod]

watch your @ss!!

***translation, be careful....and aware of your surroundings at all times.

[Zero]

While I haven't set foot on Albanian territory personally, I've come to understand its a pretty friendly area; far from the state of things during the late 90's. Enjoy your trip - this will most likely be a thrilling time for you!

Meanwhile, they have some lovely beaches around the area - especially in neighboring Croatia. The women can be stunning, and I hear the tea ain't too shabby either! I'm envious, more than anything else! :)

Check out some hi-fi shops if you can, Eastern Europe is really putting out some great gear. Lot's of pride under the hood of their stuff.

Once again, stay safe - try to avoid bringing as much "stuff" with you when you tour around the country - and most of all, have fun with it!

[heiney9]

Have a safe, rewarding and successful trip.

[engtaz]

Prayer sent.

[shack]

Good for you! My daughter and some of her friends have done similar mission trips and have come back having gained much more than they were able to give.

[janmike]

Prayers sent. Good luck.

[audiobliss]

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. They're much appreciated!

I won't be able to bump this thread while I'm gone, but I would be greatly indebted to your continued prayers!

[dudeinaroom]

Sorry, I don't pray anymore, but I can send you well wishes and wishes of good luck. Hope all goes smooth, great work your doing.

[Sami]

Have a safe and fun trip. Albania should be fairly safe place to travel, it's not a hostile territory. In fact, it's one of the most USA friendly countries at the moment.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2...h-europe_N.htm

[hearingimpared]

Way to go Mike. . . our prayers are with you!!!

[duksbak]

Go have a great time doing God's will.

We'll still be here when you get back. Be safe and prayers sent your way!

[halo]

Best wishes on your journey. Godspeed.

[danger boy]

have fun... and the work does sound rewarding. I can't speak for the Albanian's, but most folks in those countries are very happy to see help from America. I think you'll return with a renewed sense of self worth.

peace

[schwarcw]

Michael, you are, and will be in my thoughts and prayers. I admire your motivation and faith to be a missionary. What you are doing takes courage. You are in for the adventure of your life. You will be touched in ways that will help you grow as a person. God speed!!:)

[woofiepaws]

Wishing you well. I've spent a bit of time in that part of the world, and came away with different perspectives.

[audiobliss]

Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, and may I add it provides much comfort for the one prayed for.

I found out last night that this 'seven room hotel' shouldn't be too bad. Each of us have our own room and our own bath, so the accomodations shouldn't be an issue.

I finally finished all the packing here a few minutes ago, and I'm pretty sure I have everything I'll need all together. My checked piece is a large (my second largest) rolling suitcase and weighs in at 45 pounds, and my 'carry-on' is a backpack that's 20x11x14 and weighs 22 pounds. My backpack is a little iffy in the depth department, but I'm hoping it'll pass just fine.

Again, I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers; they don't go unheard, nor do they go unanswered!

[hearingimpared]

Onward Christian Soldier! You do us proud!