Hey guys! Here is another update for everyone! Wow, time is flying! We are now officially settled into our home for the next couple of months in a town in Albania called Kotodesh. It’s a beautiful little town with the friendliest people. We are staying at a church, so we have gotten several opportunities to participate in ministry here! We got to lead worship and play some fun games with the kids, and help with the youth group, where some of the team shared their testimonies, and we played volleyball and soccer. The language barrier can be difficult at times, but thankfully, you don’t have to talk when playing games and laughing. In the upcoming weeks, we will have many more opportunities for ministry like serving in the local community and running kids camps here at the church! I have truly been having the best time! We have also officially started all of our classes! So we have had several opportunities to learn more about leadership and career development, and along with that, I am taking a psychology class, which has been so interesting.  But even amidst all the high points there have been lows, for those of you who don’t know i had to get stitches in my arm shortly before I left on this trip, the day I left they got infected and left me in a lot of pain the next few days, I was able to get a hold of some antibiotics and it started to get better but that didn’t last and it got bad again. Going to hospitals is truly one of my biggest fears, so I kept telling myself it was fine, so I didn’t have to go, and being in a new environment with new people, I tried my absolute hardest not to show I was in pain or struggling, because I didn’t want to come off as being weak or scared. I ended up having to go into the hospital and get it cleaned and drained which hurt very bad haha, it was hard because I felt very alone, it was at this time that I realized what it meant to fully rely on God, to just submit yourself to him and trust that he’s got you, and he did, he never left my side. The next day, I had to go back to the hospital about 45 minutes away, and they told me the doctor was in surgery and I would have to wait. I was starting to get so frustrated and overwhelmed; I felt like i was missing out and like I was a burden having to ask for help. But the lord knew what he was doing. Our host actually had a friend at another hospital who took very good care of me and made sure my arm was no longer infected; it's now almost completely healed, and I get the stitches out on Monday. It was hard tho, having to face something that scares me so much all alone without my mom or family, but I wasn’t alone. God was faithful through it all, and I learned so much about what it looks like to truly trust him with everything. I truly appreciate everyone who was praying for me during this time!

With the challenges behind me, I want to share how this journey has been truly life-changing. As the Bible reminds us, we will face trials and moments that test our faith, but it is precisely in these moments that our faith grows stronger and more resilient. I’ve experienced firsthand how perseverance, trust, and the support of a loving community can transform even the hardest challenges into opportunities for growth.

Looking ahead, as I prepare for the second semester, I still need to raise $6,900 to cover essential expenses, including flights, housing, food, classes, and ministry opportunities. Your support whether through prayer or financial contribution would mean the world to me. Every dollar brings me closer to continuing this mission, impacting lives, and deepening my own faith.

If you feel moved to partner with me on this journey, please consider contributing or sharing my story with others who might be willing to help. Your prayers are also appreciated, especially as several of our team members have been sick and we continue to seek wisdom and discernment in ministry.

Thank you for your love, encouragement, and prayers. I’m excited to share more updates with you soon! For more frequent updates, follow my Instagram: @macywiegel_nichejourneyschool. Together, we can make a lasting difference. God is good!

“Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”

James 1:2-4