Cedarville Magazine, Summer 2014

Cedarville Magazine | 15 Leadership, Hennesey believes, is key. Kosovo is the youngest European nation in two ways. First, it declared independence on February 17, 2008. Second, 70 percent of its population is under the age of 35. These young people are hungry for learning. They are searching to find more than success — they want significance. They are tired of the past ways of life.The barricaded bridge between north and south Mitrovica is a constant reminder of what hasn’t worked in the past and what is needed in the future: strong, strategic, wise leaders. They will be those leaders. WhenThe House of Laughter closed, Hennesey expected it would take about a year for Kosovo Leadership Academy to be up and running. “Unrealistic, maybe, but I truly believed it,” she said. “Obviously, I am a visionary and need help with navigation. Everyone faces challenges, obstacles, and delays. Two challenges I have recently faced are new laws, which delayed the long-term land lease, and elections, which placed a new political party in power. Delays can either be viewed as frustrating obstacles or learning opportunities. I am striving to learn from the challenges.” Loving and Leading In this transition period, Hennesey has identified three important life truths — inspired by best-selling leadership author John Maxwell — that she is integrating into practice. First, the strength of the leader determines the effectiveness of any organization. “I want to be a leader who lifts others,” she said, “and helps them accomplish above and beyond what they thought was possible.” The second principle — that teams make dreams work — has become the school motto. Big dreams require great teams. It is never a one-person show. “What I may define as a delay may be God’s time to build our team,” she said. “From the campaign committee to the school board to the staff, the team continues to grow because God is sending leaders. Some Cedarville Magazine readers may one day be on the Kosovo Leadership Academy team!” Third, never quit. In Hennesey’s own words, “I have questioned. I have cried. I have been exhausted. But I haven’t quit. I don’t want to miss the amazing transformation that will take place in the hearts and lives of people throughout Mitrovica, Kosovo, and Eastern Europe.” Underneath Hennesey’s passion to be a leader who “never quits,” there has been a still, small voice guiding her forward. Her love for the people she serves makes following her Heavenly Father a clear choice. “They are more valuable than any riches or conveniences life in the States can offer,” she said. “I want them to have the opportunity to be everything God created them to be. I want to lead other leaders to a life of lasting significance and influence.” Postscript Along the path, God’s providence has been clear. Hennesey’s student Lavdim became Lydia’s best friend, and they were married in 2010. Reflecting, Hennesey wrote in her journal, “When God took Lydia’s dad to heaven before she had a chance to meet him, I prayed that one day He would give her a very special young man. He answered that prayer! What a privilege it has been to have a small part in the life of my daughter’s best friend.” And now God has extended the family with the birth of Loresa Lin in February. In January 2015, Lavdim and Lydia, with their little daughter, will join the team at Kosovo Leadership Academy. Nadine (Terrill) Hennesey ’87 is the founder of Kosovo Leadership Academy in Mitrovica. She was named Alumna of the Year in 2009. Rebecca Baker is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Cedarville University and author of When You Don’t See His Plan: The Nadine Hennesey Story , a 2011 book about Hennesey’s life and labors in Kosovo. She earned Master of Arts degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Bob Jones University.