Cedarville Magazine
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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.
