Albania and Greece 2025
July 18, 2025
From June 13-29, I was a member of a small team that traveled to Korca, Albania and Athens, Greece. There were only five people on the team, three students (including me) and two Lipscomb staff members. In both countries, my team’s focus was to help with the church’s VBS programming. Our days were filled with VBS in the morning and opportunities to explore in the afternoon. Though we did much of the same work in each country, my experience in each was unique. Korca is a sleepy town settled in a valley. Athens is a vast, bustling city. However, each place brought its own special blessings and connections. It was undeniable that the love of Jesus radiated through every person I met.
Korca, Albania
Before leaving on the trip, Dr. Hall–the trip leader–told us that we were sent to help the kids, but they would be the ones making the real difference in our lives. I couldn’t have imagined how true that would be. Most of the children only spoke Albanian, but I found other ways to connect with them. I helped run games, and I took every opportunity to join in with them. One of their favorite games was musical chairs. The kids would often gather around me, take my phone, and control the music themselves! Another favorite moment was snack time. I would help Albert–the pastor–hand out cups of juice and croissants that seemed as big as the smallest kids. He taught me to say “Të bëftë mirë,” which is similar to “bon appetit.” It was small, but was a way to connect with the kids on their own terms.
In Korca, I felt peace like never before. I felt at home, especially when fellowshiping with the Albanian members of the team. One day, one of the couples invited the team to their home for a dinner party. We sat together and exchanged stories and testimonies as we ate fresh fruit and pizza. Even now, I feel overwhelmed with thankfulness for that moment. True Christian connection is such a beautiful thing to witness. We were a group of people from different countries and various walks of life, brought together because of our common beliefs. I always felt welcomed and accepted, there was never a time when I felt like a stranger. The team’s kindness inspired me, and I did my best to reflect it when I interacted with the children during VBS.
Athens, Greece
While in Greece, I observed the value of hospitality and connection in their culture, especially when sharing a meal. We had more time to spend with our hosts in Greece, as the VBS was shorter. Dino acted as a tour guide, taking us on a day cruise to some islands and a trip to Corinth. We also had the opportunity to take a tour of the Parthenon and spend time on Mars Hill. Dino and his wife were some of the most generous people I have ever met, always making sure that we were comfortable, full, and happy. We had lunch at their home during the week, and we were sent home with enough leftovers to feed us until we left for the States. While Athens was a change of pace from Korca, the love and care given by our hosts was a consistent blessing.
Though VBS was shorter and smaller in Athens–three days rather than five–it was still a special experience. There was one group of kids, so I had the opportunity to help with every station. Being able to slow down and help kids with crafts and crossword puzzles was a blessing, as I was able to get to know many of them personally. My main responsibility was to direct the children in a skit about the Fiery Furnace. Some of them were eager to participate, others wanted to stay in the back. No matter what, it was fulfilling to see how they became more invested in their roles by the end of the week. As a fine arts major, I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my passion. It was also fulfilling to see kids get excited about the Bible in a way they might not have experienced before. In those moments, I felt I was right where God needed me to be.
The moments when I felt the Holy Spirit were never grand or obvious, because God is found and good is done in the quiet moments. Looking back, it’s the little gestures, shared laughs, and genuine connection that make this experience one that I hope to have again.
By Hayley-Kate Nelms
Not a Trip
Category: Student Life