Early morning - June 19

Well, I guess it's time to come home - my toothbrush broke!  It has been an incredible time here - and I can't wait to share.

It has been replete with sewing, beading, evaluating, catching up with old friends and enjoying new ones, and HEAT!!  The thermostat is being cranked up today again, and I must say, without any doubt, that I am not acclimated.  Of all the things which have been a problem, this is the biggest - but, as I've been here, it has become less so.

Monday, I was asked to evaluate the handwork of the women (not just the widows) of Bathore for World Vision.  They are hoping to put together a panair (read "fair") for these ladies to sell their wares.  I must say that the ladies were so adept at so many hand works!  They needed a lesson, however, in the British custom of "waiting on line."  A couple of times they mobbed the area where I was working, trying to get their things evaluated.  Since then, I have had the surprise opportunity of seeing a close friend who works with World Vision and now supervises those working the north.  So, we talked about opportunities for hand crafts, and some ideas as to how to market them.

We also talked about building business in poorer areas with a goal of aiding the community - providing jobs, eduction and hope.  She is a visionary, and I can't wait to see what miracles will take place under her tutelage.

Yesterday was filled with errands, last minute deliveries and final good-byes.  We spent time with our special ladies - praying that the work of their hands might be fruitful.  Our Abba wants us to work, and these ladies are certainly willing to do that.  Now, if we can find them a market, and begin a sustainable business, then perhaps we will have a real impact on their situation.

Well, I'm wedging the last of my earthly goods into satchels as I prepare for my last ride out of Tirana for this trip.  God is certainly at work here; His many people are busy in so many areas.  It has been a blessing to meet Him here, and to encourage and help His workers.  Oh, that the Lord would continue to bless the works of His people here, and would cause a great tsunami of blessings on these people so that they would glorify and call upon Him.

Mirupashen.

Sunday evening - June 16, 2013

In some ways, Sundays are the hardest for me.  The cheerful ladies who keep this place clean and with whom I've managed a bit of a pantomimed conversation are gone.  The restaurant is closed - and with it all the people who come and go and with whom I've become friends.  There's Robert, who runs a myriad of errands, speaks very little English, but who has become a friend.  There's Joseph, and Toni, the servers, cooks... and there is nowhere close which is quite the same.  It has become a bit of a ritual to eat alone downstairs, but to brave one of the restaurants where the servers are not fluent in English makes me afraid I will become sick with this crazy lactose intolerance that plagues my physical form.  Often, I just buy some things at the grocery and muddle through.

So many women in mourning, aways busy

This morning I attended a new church in Tirana e Re.  As I waited for my close friend who was going to walk with me, I sat at the Opera coffee bar and had a... no, not a coffee... a lemon soda.  Everyone drinks macchiatos here - I'm not sure how Starbucks does them, but here they are espresso with steamed and foamy milk (and added sugar).  Since I can't have the milk, I have been in the habit of getting an espresso, which I finally figured out gives my stomach a run for the money.  So, I've switched to lemon sodas.  Now, why doesn't a lemon soda do the same thing?  Got me!

The headgear to the left - village?

At any rate, I was sitting at the Opera, enjoying people watching.  I will never grow tired of people here - such variety.  The widows, these from the north, walk by.  I've learned that many of them are young enough to be my daughters, although their weathered skin makes them look much older, their faces much thinner.  Other women with headgear that is not immediately recognizable - Muslim?  Village woman?  I think the former.  A well-dressed woman in high heels pedals by going somewhere - see her heels?  Children with political flags walk by ... evidence of an impending election.  In fact, evidence of the election is everywhere - more posters and flags each day as the suspense builds.

Children carrying political flags

It's tough enough to have 2 parties, imagine if there were over 60!  Yes, in Albania there are 66, but most (all but 4) are lined up with one side or the other... the Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë (complete with the Podesta group) or the Partia Socialiste e Shqipërisë.  The former alliance, called the Alliance for Employment, Prosperity and Integration, is headed by Sali Berisha, the current prime minister.  He is from Tropoja, and is supported by many from the north.  Although he is, by tradition, Muslim (with at least one of his two children active in that religion), I understand that he has been seemingly even-handed with the evangelicals.  From what I can garner, he upholds traditional values, but is accused by many of being corrupt (so what else is new?).  The opposition alliance, Alliance for a European Albania, is led by Eddie Rama, former mayor of Tirana.  He is an artist - responsible for the colorful buildings in Tirana - but reputed to be less focused on traditional values but a good administrator, a little hot-headed - and also reputed to be corrupt.  What appear to me to be rumors abound, and there is no real consensus among my Christian friends.  But, it makes for fun conversation - I'm a sucker for a political discussion.  Perhaps you noticed. 

 Movement for "New Albania"

Socialist Movement for Integration

Everyone seems to be primarily interested in getting honest government, but are skeptical that it can or will happen.  They almost universally feel that politicians, by nature, take advantage of the people,  becoming politicians to become rich.  They cynically comment that the only times streets are paved is at election time - and then the paving sometimes is poorly planned... surrounding power poles in the middle of the "street" (rather than adjusting the street or the poles) making the street difficult to maneuver.  Isn't that true the world over?

Here you can see a street being prepped for pavement - but it is not all that different than many of the side streets I've traveled here... and then another with fresh asphalt - behind me is a fellow putting the finishing touches on cement around a manhole.  He didn't look like he wanted to be the subject of a photo, so I'll just tell you about him.

Last night I visited a church somewhere in Tirana - Yzberisht - it is south of the road that leads to Durres, I think.  At any rate, you can see the asphalt around the telephone and power poles in the middle of the street.  There is not enough room on either side to comfortably maneuver, although an occasional car did just that.  Also, many of the poles were leaning!   Perhaps you can appreciate that in this photo.

I have so much more to share, but this missive is taking on the proportions of a tome, so I'll bid you adieu for now.  This land is amazing, this land upon which Paul walked.  The people are becoming my people - the part of our family that is here, dear to me.  Please pray for this wonderful land - this enduring people.  Pray for peace - known only through our wonderful Savior and King.

Mirupafshem.

  

Friday morning - June 14

Students with their end-of-year gifts

As "the countdown" begins, things begin to get a little frantic here - it will be less than a week before I leave.  All the people and appointments that seemed to be so flexible at the beginning - "we'll get to it; you're here for such a long time" - are piling up in this last week.  I must admit to a little of that nonchalance myself, but no longer!

Medical office next door in Bathore

Today, I travel with Alban and Dori to Kruja.  They have been so gracious to assent - it is the home of Skanderbeg and Daniel will be getting a little history lesson, I understand.  It is also a town with many folk arts and I must admit that I am doing a little research... looking for that something the widows could produce and potentially use as income, either by itself or by incorporating it into another product.  The ladies don't value their hand skills very highly, and I have found that until asked specifically about something, they don't think to

OB and assistant

mention it "because everyone knows how to do that."

At any rate, I have jealously guarded this day and kept it free... all my other days have been filled.  So, my second tourist excursion in all the times I've been here.

Can't wait to share about all my activities, but had no internet last night, and no time this morning.  Hopefully, will get a chance to fill you in this evening or tomorrow morning!

Chance of rain

Thanks for your prayers - so far no errant viruses or bacteria have taken up residence, but I must admit that the body seems to be older this year.... maybe I've celebrated my 49th birthday too many times!!!

Mirupashen!

Wednesday morning - June 12

I have but a few moments... I've been up (while you guys slumber, I might add) for an hour or so taking care of incidentals.  I am moving to a new room today, so had to gather all my miscellaneous things and get ready for the day ahead.  As we enter the final stretch of our time here, the days get a little more full with all those things that couldn't be scheduled before.  So, leisure will probably be a thing not realized again until I curl up into the space allowed on the next Turkish Air flight in one week.  Can you believe it?  Only a week left!  And today is filled with appointments.

In terms of my purpose and work here, I have continued with all the various projects so lovingly supplied by all of you who know who you are.  My satchels are lightening, and many of my goals are being realized - hopefully, those are exactly what our Abba had planned for me.  I am becoming a little Albanian, I think, as people proclaim that I am their sister, their mother, or just family.  Yes, we are family - and I thank God for that.  The people I know here are so dear to me, and as I said before, many of them are such an example for me to follow as I strive to please our Abba.

OK, Tirana.  My eyes will never grow tired of feasting on the panorama that is Tirana and environs.  There are so many sights, so much merchandise displayed on every available fence, sidewalk, or walking bridge.  There is such a hustle and bustle.  While the people of Tirana lament the loss of hospitality in this big city, there seems no lack to me - the anonymity of a big city seems a universal  consequence of such a large population.  What is it like to walk around here?
 
First, at this time of year it is becoming warm.  I know from experience that it will be even warmer next month, but already the air has been "heavy" in anticipation of a downpour - one which has not been realized for some days.  The air is dusty, and people are anxious for some rain.  For me, with my California acclimatisation, I feel the humidity.  While others are seemingly quite comfortable, I am literally melting.  I remember when I studied in Philadelphia that my family looked like I feel here when they made a summer visit while I was quite comfortable.  So, I'm confident that if I were to live here, I wouldn't respond to the humidity as I am now.   Even walking on the shady side of the street is not that helpful to me... in the old days, they would say that I am "glowing" and "glowing" and "glowing" some more (in the "old days," women didn't "sweat").

Second, for those of you who have been here, you already know that one of the popular mayors of Tirana was Eddie Rama (who, by chance, is running to be prime minister) is, by trade, an artist.  As mayor,  he encouraged the people to paint their buildings in unique and colorful ways.  I don't have too many pictures of the result, but suffice it to say that they remain colorful and fun.

Because of the intersection of so many cultures, religions and generations, the dress here is so diverse.  There are covered women (a prayer each time I see one), village people, those in mourning (not just widows) dressed in black, farmers, workers, young office workers.  Women in heels riding their bike to work.  Men waiting for work next to their tools.  The broad variety of dress and circumstance surpasses any other city I remember, and hopefully I'll find a variety of photos to give you some feeling of the breadth.

And, this city (and probably all of Albania) is a center of reuse and repurpose!  Traffic is an odd variety of left or right driving cars (some were obtained in the UK), the pristine tail end of a Mercedes attached to a motorbike with "mom and dad" riding comfortably on the back seat, the back wheel and "business" part of a bicycle attached to a double wheeled cart, huge bales of collected plastic water bottles balancing precariously on the back of a bicycle being ridden by any a suited elderly gentleman.  It is visually delicious!

OK, I've got to get ready for my overly committed day.  No time to find some of the photos I really wanted to share with you - another time.  Grace to you and peace from the Author of peace.

Mirupashem.

Tuesday Morning - June 11

Last Thursday, the streets were quiet at 7 pm, the vegetable stands empty of vendors, only a few women and children were in the grocery store.  I have never been in Tirana when there are so few cars on the street - except for maybe the dead of night.  It is eery... and as I return from the grocery store I pass a coffee bar filled with men drinking coffee and... watching football.  Albania is playing Norway for a slot in some kind of finals - I think for qualifying to be in the run up to the World Cup next year.   

The afternoon is filled with men walking and driving around with Albanian flags draped around themselves - the colors were EVERYWHERE!!!  Traffic is at a standstill as, it seems, the whole world is heading for the stadium off of Rruga Elbasani where the standoff is to take place.  Tickets were sold out in the first 12 hours some days ago, I understand, and now scalpers are demanding double.  Pedestrians ignore traffic lights as they weave in and out of traffic.  Groups (of primarily men, and most of them young) have obviously already started to celebrate.  You can feel the tension in the air.

Early on, as the game begins, there are cheers and cars honking.  Then, dead quiet!  In the first few minutes - maybe 10 minutes - of the game Albania scores!  The ground rumbles with the collective cheer.  Then quiet again as the ball returns to play.  It is fielded back and forth - an attempt at a score - saved!  Gasps, sighs, coffee and a variety of liquid refreshments are consumed as the ball flies for the goal and misses, then off-sides; the first third is over and Albania is ahead.  The second third is punctuated with power plays, attempts at goal and heroic saves on both sides; it is finally over and Albania remains ahead.  Each third seems to last at least 90 minutes instead of the requisite 30 as the tension mounts.  The quiet is organic!  Down to the last 15 minutes of the last period and all is well for Albania - now 10 minutes and Albania remains in the lead!  Is it possible?  Could Albania actually win this game and the respect that has eluded them always?

Albania has never been at a world class level in football.  Not only is their soccer history one of domination, so is their national history.  Since before the time of Christ, these independent warriors were overcome first by the Greeks, then the Romans, then the Barbarians or the Italians.  Their history is one of other nations leering at them in greed - annex this small area and use it as a breadbasket.  This even continued during the Communist times when Yugoslavia maneuvered to annex this tiny nation.  This football contest takes on a new dimension - can Albania beat the competition and stand proud as an independent nation, alone and free from annexation to any neighbor?  We are down to the last 5 minutes of the game!  Albania remains ahead.  Four minutes... and, alas, Norway scores.  Oh, no!  There are only 4 minutes or so left.  Can Albania snatch this victory in only 4 minutes?  The tension mounts in the coffee shops and bars, in living rooms and in restaurants where large screen TVs have been erected.  Each kick of the ball is followed by collective eyes as heads move in concert with the movements of the game.  Three minutes... two minutes... the final buzzer!  Whoosh!  An opportunity lost, and the quiet remains.  There are a few tentative honks, no cheers, and the traffic remains uncommonly light as the fans console themselves.

There is no riotous celebration (for which I am a little thankful having seen the excitement and tension building all afternoon and the emotion with which Albanians approach football).  Albania remains in the same standing as before, and for this everyone is happy.  But, there is a  disappointment that the victory which was almost in their grasp is lost.

Illyricum is an area which extended at one time from the top of the Adriatic Sea to an area below Corfu.  It was populated by an ancient, proud and enduring people with a unique language.  They lived in territories, much like the American Indians did, usually in peace.  This proud people were overwhelmed by the Greeks before the time of Christ, and their "tribal" differences ignored as they became a Greek vassal state.  For more than three millennia, they remained conquered by one neighbor or another.  It wasn't until 1912 that these people were again able to be independent of others.  During the time since 1912, much has happened, but the country of Albania has remained, albeit with parts lopped off in the process of modern map-making.  Greece "took" Cameria, Syria "took" Kosovo.  So, the animosity continues today - the Balkan blood boiling on both sides of the imposed border, histories written dependent on the political sway of the author or government.  Is this not always the way of humans?

The idea that societies can "evolve" into perfect communities is foreign to the truth of humanity.  Human beings remain selfish, clannish, afraid of the "other."  The form that selfishness takes, or the lust for power takes, changes with the circumstances, but the basis is the same.  And, so many people are misled into raw emotion by the truism that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."  We know when it will all end, and all I can say is "Come quickly."  Amen.

Monday Morning - June 10

What a treat yesterday - I spent some time with my Sunday School class!  It was so good to share with them, to see their faces, to hear them, to know what they are studying - and to know that they are praying for me.  It makes such a difference to know that there are others who remember what you are doing, who plead with our Abba for your sake.  Their prayers are being answered - so far, my body is holding out OK!!  Pretty good for an old lady! 

I shared with my class the rules that I am forming about Albania.
     RULE 1:  Walk on the shady side of the street.  Can you believe
I had just returned from a "short" amble to Tirana e Re - 45-50 minutes each way.  It was particularly apropos for that outing, and the second was like it:
     RULE 2:  Only cross the street with a group including an old lady (me) and a young child.
I am getting better at crossing streets against the red light or mid-block!  I had a little training in NYC.  Each time I come, the traffic is a little better - this time the pedestrians seem to be a little more contained.  Nonetheless, it is always better to cross, even in crosswalks, with a few others!
     RULE 3:  Be flexible.  OK, this is the hard one for me... and I'm thinking of moving it up to number 1.  My appointments for yesterday all canceled, but I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite people in the afternoon - oh, that I could speak a little more Albanian!  Today, while madly dashing around to get ready, my two appointments this morning canceled - is it me????  But, they have all rescheduled, just conflicts.  It is all according to His plan, so He will take care of it.  It made getting ready today a little more leisurely and gave me an opportunity to chat with you.

Do you have any candidates for Rule 4 or 5?  Le me know.

Well, my respite is over - may we all walk in the manner to which we have been called - with humility, gentleness, and patience.

Mirupafshim

Friday morning

Well, it has dawned sunny and warm - and humid.  The sunny and warm part I can relate to, the humid part not so much.  Another first for Albania - I have a blister on my foot.  It is somewhat of a miracle that I haven't had one before, but I walked and walked yesterday, and I could feel it forming.  That means different shoes today, and socks - then long pants to cover the socks.  Today should be a warm one for me.

I thought today I would spend a few minutes on why I do this blog.  It takes me an hour or two each day to put together my thoughts and photos, and to find things I think you might find interesting.  The purpose of this blog is multifaceted.  First, for those who have joined me on this journey - for those who pray and who have participated in its execution in so many ways - it is my way of including you on your adventure with God.  It is not "me" that is on this trip (even though I often use the first person singular for clarity), it really is "us".  The "us" includes our Abba who directs everything, but also all of you.  You know who you are - I hope you feel included on this adventure, that I provide a clear window into the experiences, hopes, disappointments, misadventures, and new sights and sounds that are here.

But beyond the "here and now," I want you to meet the people I meet.  They are such an encouragement to me, and hopefully through me to you - they love our Abba so much, they depend on Him daily, they seek His advice about seemingly trivial things, they covet His peace.  They thank Him when things go well.  They depend on Him to find a way when there seems to be a roadblock.  They share their doubts with Him - He is, moment by moment, a part of their lives.  Can we say that?  We live in such a comfortable society, one with so many conveniences and methods to control our environment, that I worry that we forget about the Creator - the one who REALLY controls our environment.  I do - too often.

Now, before my friends here say that I am glorifying them... please know that we are to encourage one another.  While we are to emulate Christ, we are also supposed to watch for examples of Him in our siblings so that we can weave those habits into our own lives to bring us closer to our ultimate goal.  What I see here is a passion - something we may have lost in the West.  As a friend related to me... in the US, we pay our electric bill by writing a check or with a few keystrokes in an electronic transfer.  Here, to pay your electric bill you have to go to the proper office (which is not always obvious), stand in a seemingly unending line without the English penchant for order, argue with the clerk about your address or the way you spell your name or some other triviality and so on until you can finally check off that errand.  By that time, it's lunch.  Then, you have to try to arrange for a telephone - another four hour task.  And, your day is consumed with what would take - generously - 10 minutes at home.  The daily task of living here is more time consuming.  As a result, perhaps, it slows everything down, allowing us to revel in the small ways that God cares for His own.  Perhaps it makes it easier to see - because it is harder to control the environment.  Perhaps it is just the cross-cultural experience that brings things into focus.  Whatever it is, my purpose is to bring before my siblings at home some examples to emulate... not to glorify anyone, but to edify the Body.

So, my writing, hopefully, will give you a window into what it's like for me.  Not that every missions trip is like this, but come along with me on this one.  How I can make this more real for you?  How can I answer those crazy questions that you have?  Do you yearn to know what it is like to confront a Turkish toilet?  Or, what to do when a Roma child looks at you asking for alms?  I've tried to answer a few of these questions here.

Now, more specifically, my friend Migena has pointed out a couple of mistakes I made in my hyperbole.  To correct them would only make things even more amazing - so suffice it to say that I apologize for passing on misinformation. 

To God be the glory - may we do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with Him!!

Mirupashen

Thursday morning

The dawn was sunny this morning with no clouds that I can see.  That means it will heat up today, I think.  For the last week we have had dark clouds dumping buckets of water then moving on, leaving gentle breezes, flitting clouds and a comfortable temperature.  Other than the fact that the clouds seemed to time their downpours with my excursions, it has been quite pleasant.

Recall that I spent Thursday and Monday with Ida teaching three ladies how to make the beaded necklace project I have.  It seems that word has spread, and our attendance at beading class doubled to six on Tuesday - with three children.  (Yesterday, I purchased some coloring books to give those patient children an activity.)  Two ladies brought their finished necklaces in, and we exchanged them for five to do for pay, to be done Monday.  What is a fair wage?  It sees that if they work sewing shoes all day (recall our spring visit where one shoe fetches about 10 to 15 cents), or in a factory, that they can clear about $2 a day.  We have tried to find a fair wage, but one which allows us to price our product reasonably in the US - our potential market for the time being.  Hopefully, we have done so... and the widows say they think it is fair. 


Then back to the Stephen Center to meet Theresa Weaver, a missionary from Florida who has spent quite a bit of time in the north - first Shkroder, then B-Currie (where we went to church last Sunday).  She is helping a young girl with hearing problems, and we lunched together.  We were looking into what skills the ladies in the villages/north have, and are there any that can be translated into products for export.  Well, they basically crochet and knit, according to Theresa.  Ok, then, can we use that?  It seems they can duplicate just about anything we give them - so, perhaps!  Unfortunately, weaving seems to be falling by the wayside.  So, this arena needs more work.

Then a short rest (30 minutes) and back to Bathore for a widows' meeting.  We piled into a taxi (five women and a little boy) and headed out to meet at Chamila's bar (next to Ida's) - another coffee, worship (beautiful viola and women's voices - familiar music and lovely words), then my testimony and a talk by a woman who is a psychologist teaching at the local university speaking on child abuse - physical, emotional and sexual.  The widows were extremely attentive, and it seems that she hit a chord with a few.  Migena and I talked about resources if one (or more) of the widows come forward with a problem... Migena has it covered!!

Migena and Ida - with few resources - obviously have a heart for these women.  While there are many widows in Bathore (Ida said about 150... I wonder if that is a little low), and they cannot serve all of them, they have decided to share their own resources and lives with 40 or so.  Without fanfare, they give these ladies (and their children) friendship, advice, respect, food and dignity.  They truly are the feet and hands of our Abba in action.  Migena started this on her own without a mission covering and without the support (initially) of her pastor or church - just the urging of her Abba.  Ida closed a successful shop to relocate to Bathore - about 45 minutes from her home - to be closer to the women and to befriend them.  They are both listening to the words and promptings they receive from Him, and they are obeying.  Oh, that the whole family would do that... it would be a movement that would amaze the world!  And, be unstoppable.

Finally, home to dinner and a shower.  It had been a busy but exciting day.  Wednesday, I left Ida alone in her shop so she could get a little work done.  Her day is normally punctuated with friendly greetings as people pass by as well as others looking for some work to be done.  So, Ida, even without me, has an unpredictable time - making it hard to get her contracted work done.

This is the "before"

The ministry center

And the "after" - a classroom

Wednesday, I was invited to give a craft at a girl's club with missionaries for the Roma.  Perhaps you remember Krystal, Marcella and Julie - three families who are missionaries to the two tribes of Roma that live near the "river".  We spent some time at Marcella's house last visit, and this time we thought we'd teach the girls how to crochet during girl's club at Krystal's house.  So, there was some prep to be done - with loads of "liquid sunshine" to compliment it, and in the afternoon we  left for Krystal's.  It was nice to have a somewhat lazy morning after all the activity.

A second, larger classroom

The "factory"

The "factory"

You would not believe what this team of missionaries has done!  Right now, Krystal and Don live on the first floor of a house on a rather large piece of property which once housed a factory for making road tiles (?) during Communist times and perhaps served as an armory somewhere it in its past.  There are mountains of gravel, and several abandoned cement buildings, with all the equipment they contained pilfered.  One of the outbuildings has been outfitted for ministry by Don (primarily) as he taught the local young men how to do carpentry, plastering and so on.  You would be amazed at the result!  And, an attempt to begin a business making fire pits for patio use.  Kyle is hoping to help in efforts to train the locals and begin a self-sustaining business whose primary purpose is training - and sharing the Gospel not just in word, but also in deed.

Krystal, Julie and Marcelle visit women, have kids' clubs (originally one club, now THREE!!), try to develop relationships and garner trust.  Here, the older girls meet for a time of art (coloring), Gospel stories, treats, craft and games.  There were about 10 or 12 yesterday, Albanians and some from both tribes.  These groups rarely intermix - except at Krystal's house and the ministry.  And, here I found Fatiana - the Roma girl we spent time with on our last visit!  And, she remembered me!

Girls here marry at around 12 to 15 - by 16 (in one tribe) they are old maids!  The young wives must stay at home for a time as they serve their mother-in-law and their husband's whole family (including the other daughters-in-law).   So, we discussed the possibility of teaching two of these young marrieds how to make purses out of plastic bags - thanks Liz and Jennifer!  We'll see what comes of that.  Krystal, Julie and I discussed ways we could support their ministry... they asked for prayer!  They need faithful prayer warriors - the enemy is so busy over here! 

Right now, Krystal and Don have been recalled early to gather financial support.  Please pray for these faithful servants - that God would make their fundraising successful beyond their wildest dreams (so they can fund the ministry center above, for one), that they would be encouraged by the their siblings in the US, that others would catch the vision, and that their efforts would be blessed in Tirane... to God's glory!

Oh, and the greatest news of their ministry!  They have been working to plant a church - which is beginning to take root - and while I am here, they are having not only their FIRST BAPTISM (of five) but it will be PUBLIC - what an idea.  Praise our wonderful Abba!  Hopefully, I will be there.

Well, enough for now - please do uphold these two teams of selfless brothers and sisters in their ministries - that the enemy would be held back, that the worldly resources would pour in, that the Word of our Abba would continue to shine in these neighborhoods!  These siblings of ours surely work with "the least of these"- the forgotten, the disposable.

Mirupashen!

Tuesday morning

There is so much to tell you, and I have much to do this morning before I leave.  For the first time, I didn't sleep past 3:30 am - but kept trying, anyway.  That means that the time I spent tossing and turning could have been better spent sharing with you the sights and sounds of this wonderful trip.

It's 5:30 in the morning here - the minarets have finished their call.  It's fun (though sad) to think of an old, wizened man climbing all those stairs to sing out a call to prayer from the top of one of those spires, but I know that doesn't happen here anymore... it is all automated.

Lake at Fierze

Tropoje was beautiful - the air was clear, the alpine mountains green with cultivated plots horizontal on the hills.  One could imagine the AERO teams hiking the mountain trails to an area where you could just see a few specks designating a village.  The gorges were steep, with rivers bursting with water.  Albania has had an overabundance of water this year and is selling electricity to its neighbors.

Hydro electric plant

The rocks are a little slippery

We stayed in Fierze, a small Catholic town close to the largest hydroelectric plant in Albania, and despite the drizzle went to visit high above the plant.  We had a feast of local dishes, enjoyed meeting family, and visited over coffee.  I awoke to a cacophony of chirping birds, the lowing of a cow, and the tinkle of a herd of goats which couldn't decide where to graze - they kept going to and fro across their path just above my window!  You can just see them in this picture.  I can only imagine getting up each morning, stepping out the door of my flat to a vista of the lake, the sounds of the livestock, and the crisp mountain air.  This was the childhood of my friend!

Can you just see the goats?

Church on Sunday was so appropriate - the sermon was on the family of God... how we are siblings, we are to help each other in our family because by doing so we show the world how we are different.  I came away amazed that we all have siblings, albeit only a few at times, in even the most remote corners of the world.

The town of B-Currie from afar

Cutting fli

Baked from above in layers

Church was in B-Currie - a town named after a patriot who worked for independence in 1912.  It was good to see the town and understand how it is different from the city.  There is a traditional food called Fli (pronounced like the pesky insect) which is only made in Tropoje and Kosovo.  Despite a ridge that is the tail of the Alps between them, Kosovo and Tropoje share many traditions, foods, a dialect and an identity.  While it may have been expedient to draw an international border along a ridge of mountains, it apparently separated a people.  We looked into the shops looking for local goods - there is lots of crocheting, and perhaps we can turn that into a product that will sell well. There were many renditions of the local traditional dress, absolutely beautiful, which features beaded embellishment.  I didn't take any pictures though I should have.  I did not see much in the way of hand loomed wool or other traditional products.  Today I'll see a pastor from the north who works in Tropoje and see if she has some ideas or experience with local products.  Hopefully, later I will be able to visit Kruje - the home of Skanderbeg - where, I am told, there are many examples of traditional arts.

Then home again - passing through Kosovo en route.  I hope I can find a road map here - I'd like to see how things go together.  There is so much more to tell, but that will have to wait.  It was a wonderful, amazing trip with incredible friends which I will not soon forget!

Yesterday was Monday - and I spent it at Ida's.  We had three women who came to learn how to bead - they were excited to be able to earn some money.  Our agreement is that I will give them their first kit so they can learn how to do the pattern.  Then, if they do well, I will pay them to make several kits that I will bring home to see if I can market them.  With money in hand from the kits that they have beaded for pay, they can buy a few kits to make and market themselves.  These necklaces are different here, and although will not fetch nearly the price I hope to get in the US, I think they will sell for these ladies.  Perhaps you recognize the lovely face of Vera - and her younger girl Sylvie.  Vera picked up the pattern immediately, and will help her neighbor Negi (a young woman living alone with her five children).

Ida with her new necklace

Chamila and her necklace

We finished Ida's necklace - she was an incredible help with the ladies - and our neighbor Chamila also finished hers.  There is a lot of interest in the design - hopefully enough to elicit some funds for these widows.

Ida spent the rest of the afternoon greeting so many of the neighborhood women who just happened by.  There were some other widows that had been invited to come and learn to bead earlier in the day but who could not make it.  They will come today to learn.  We should have six ladies (and their children) this morning.  Pray that I keep everything straight!!  Especially as we introduce a new design - and I choose which women will do it.

One of the widow's daughters makes a braided (or knotted) necklace/bracelet that may go well with the beaded beads.  So, we'll investigate that.  So far, so good.  Please pray that I remember that this is Albania - with Albanian time - not the US.  The day is punctuated by many coffees, greetings, introductions, explanations, and I nearly itch to get my objective done.  I keep pinching myself to remember that I am not here to complete MY objective, but HIS.  We will meet Chamila, an ethnic Muslim, at church on Sunday... perhaps that is why I am here.

OK, please keep me in prayers for protection from illness (I am not able to control food and water as well as I have in the past and I came home last time with an unwelcome pathogen).  Please pray also that I recognize His opportunities and respond as He would have me.  Today the food aid for 34 widows will be delivered to Ida's - all done on $250 monthly.  Remember Ida in your prayers, as well... she helps support herself and her family with the things she makes out of her shop... I don't know when she has a chance to do any sewing.  Of course, I am there which complicates things, but even if I sit in the corner like a church mouse, she hardly has a chance to touch her sewing machine.  Last week, she showed me a stack of orders that must be done, and I know that I am an impediment by my very presence.  Pray also for Migena who has taken on extra work just to cover the expenses for the food aid... each month the goal is met by God's grace.  And, last but not least, please pray for these widows whose plight is so different than it would be in the US.  We are to care for widows - let this endeavor make a little difference and glorify Him!  (Please also remember that poor little guy with the heart condition...)

Mirupashem!