“Filled to the Brim”

Day three was all about discovering what it means to be truly filled up—no, not just with snacks or Bravo (canned fruit drink that is very common in Albania), but with something that lasts! Our Albanian partner, Shpetim, brought the story of the Woman at the Well to life by playing Jesus and asking American team member, Lilly, for a drink of water.

We dove into the question: Why do we try to fill our lives with things that don’t last? And what if there’s something better—something eternal? We pulled out four truths from the story:

• Jesus breaks down barriers to reach people – no matter who or where they are.
• He knows when we’re running on empty – even if we hide it well.
• He meets us right where we are – no need to clean up first.
• He offers us something that never runs out.

In Albania, giving the “right answer” is a big deal—everyone wants to say what the teacher expects.

But we flipped the script! We encouraged the kids to ask their own questions and share how the story hit home for them. Students opened up about the pressure to get good grades and make their parents proud, yet still feeling a little empty inside. Some shared personal stories and others asked clarifying questions such as, “What’s the difference between water and ‘living water’?”

To capture each day’s theme, the small groups create a picture that shows what it means to be Empty, Full, Filled, and “Full-filled.”

Day 4 was a relaxing day at the river! The weather couldn’t have been better—sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and refreshingly cool water. Everyone soaked up the good vibes, whether they were splashing around, spiking volleyballs, or getting competitive over UNO. We shared a meal, laughed together, and even tried our hand (and feet!) at some traditional dancing. It was the perfect recipe for a relaxing, joy-filled day by the river!

Albania Teen Camp 2025