6 Months Later

It was right around the 1 year mark in Albania when I felt like I could live life without overthinking everything. I could get places without having to ask for directions because I knew the general vicinity of everything – even in the city. I knew where to go to get different things you couldn’t always find in the Kenet.

I wasn’t nearly as ignorant about the culture anymore. I had the greetings down & could navigate my way through visits like a local – I even hosted an entire extended Albanian family for New Year’s dinner! I could speak without first having to think nearly every word through in my head to make sure I could say what I wanted in Albanian. I could just talk and for the most part, get my point across.Maybe it was because of the language coming more naturally to me but it was also around the 1 year mark that my relationships with some Albanians began growing deeper.

But around the 1 year mark, life in Albania was feeling a lot less forced & overthought and started to feel a lot more natural. When I moved to Atlanta, I felt similar to when I moved to Albania. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know where anything was. And having grown up in a small town, I had no idea how things worked in the big city. I’ve been here for almost 6 months now and I’m starting to feel like I’m making progress in settling down here. I’m feeling much like I did in Albania around the 1 year mark. I think the reason I’ve adapted to the city quicker is because I didn’t have to learn another language – thank goodness!

I no longer have to use a GPS everywhere I go. Even when I get a little lost, I recognize things and about half the time can find my way back to a familiar part of the city which is great for me and my non-existent sense of direction. I know when you should avoid driving because of the crazy amounts of traffic that will just creep along the interstates. I also know some parts of the city will always have tons of traffic – no matter the time of day. Aggressive driving also comes much more naturally to me.

After trying out several different churches, I have found a church to call home. It’s not your typical church which I like! It meets at 8pm in a hair salon. There is an awesome time of prayer after the service for those who want to pray & usually it doesn’t finish until 11. The church is very mission minded as it is reaching out to the local community and has a very missional heart. I can’t wait to see what God does through the church.

I’ve also seen growth in relationships. When I first moved, I didn’t know anyone – unless you count my roommate that I only met once before moving. But not only have we grown closer but I’ve also grown close with a group of girls from church. I’ve also finally started making headway in meeting more people in the photography & film industry. In the past month, I’ve also picked up random one time jobs in both areas.

After 6 months in Atlanta, I finally feel like things are starting to click!