Dancing 

As the Albanian music picked up, one by one men and women got out of their seats, made their way to the open space, joined hands in the circle and began dancing in the classic Albanian style.   A ring of people linked; men, women and kids, circling the room. This may not seem like a big deal or may seem like a strange part of an outreach gathering. But It was the first time it has happened in the 2 years that we have been having gatherings for the Albanian community.  Dancing is a common part of any Albanian party. Weddings, birthdays, or usually any occasion. Often families will dance at home. It is in their blood and reflects their personalities and their uniqueness as Albanians. We’ve tried a couple of times at other points in our gatherings to start it, but it didn’t catch.  Why? For your average person to dance there needs to be familiarity and established relationships, a comfort level and camaraderie.   

That is why it was significant to witness and join the dancing.  I was particular touched by watching Riva, Klevis and Pirjen dance.  This family has been in the US for 2 years and has had a very rough go of it.  They had very little support from family and friends when they came and so life has been a fight to survive and pay the bills.  Last year Riva’s mother in Albania developed cancer and so Riva and her teenage son Pirjen returned to Albania to care for her mother for 6 months leaving Klevis, who speaks little English alone to fend for himself.  Along with others in the church community we helped Klevis through those long months. Since Riva and Pirjen returned there has still been many challenges including the earthquake in Albania which forced her mom out of her home because of damage.  They have shed many tears and we have prayed many prayers for help together as the constant tone of life has been worry, fear and stress. This was the first time they had danced in the 2 years since being in the US. By the end of the night they were sweating and tired, laughing and smiling from ear to ear.  

The dancing was a sign of what God has done - formed a community of Albanian believers and not yet believers who are becoming more and more comfortable with one another and the good news of Jesus.  Yet it is also an expression of what we long for the entire Albanian community - Joy. Not the superficial temporary joy of a fun evening, new things or toys, or achievements in life. But the deep, lasting Joy of Jesus Christ.  A joy that through every season causes your soul to sing, your heart to praise and your legs to get up and join the circle and dance.  

As we close this year we thank you for your prayers for our family and ministry. God is at work.  We see some of the ways, but also know that our call, like a good farmer, is to patiently work the soil, plant the seed and wait.   We look forward to 2020 and what God will do in us and through us and you.  

My prayer is that you as you reflect on God’s faithfulness in 2019 and his promises for 2020 that your heart will be filled with the joy that might even make you get up and dance!  

Jason, Kristine, Caleb and Evette