9 November - gray skies

It's been over a week since we posted a newsy blog!  Who knew?  Things have gone so rapidly here, that I had not realized the time lapse, although the zero hour for return is fast approaching.

Don's prototype

Don's "office"

A challenging Bible study group

As you may already know, the blasted virus (for which I had been immunized, was taking Airborne and zinc) found me last weekend, and since there was a cancellation in our schedule, decided to spend Saturday and Sunday (1 & 2 November) in bed... literally.   Katie and I did get up Sunday afternoon to tour Don Zollinger's factory/ministry center, and to attend Roma church/Bible study with Don and the Schoch's.  The Zollingers sure are energetic, full of ideas and have a ministry format that is not all too different from ours, so it was good to see what he is up to and see how much progress he has made.  He also showed us his most recent product - a moderately priced stove which seems to be somewhat popular, so he is gearing up to produce quite a few to cover his orders.  The Shochs have been here "since forever" and have gleaned a lot of knowledge about the Albanian Roma.  Their ministry has seen fruit, but it is a difficult group to reach... they are so intent on today and rarely plan for tomorrow.  That means, we have to make the Bible relevant for this 24 hours to them... not relevant for the future (heaven, judgment, etc. that we understand so well).  An interesting challenge.

Approaching the prison is intimidating!

Katie enjoyed it!

It starts out organized.... really!

Suela is back!

Downstairs at Steven Center

Katie with the CRU crew

Monday we went to the prison - it was wonderful (as usual).  A couple of our friends will soon be out, and plans were made to meet up with them when we can.  The ladies loved the colors and patterns of the fabric we brought to make flowers, I think, the ability to do something different, and to know that we continue to visit them.  There were many that we had seen before, and, even though we can't speak the same language, we can be there again and again so they know we care.  We learned a lot about the system - each time a little more - and we'll share when we get back!  One thing that will be different from the last two visits is that Suela is back!  She had a baby, and has just returned from maternity leave.  So, we'll be visiting with her again, and Vita will be doing something else with the prison ministry... maybe we can even go with her to the "holding" prison where the ladies stay while their cases are litigated.

Things generally start off "slowly"...

But, rarely stay that way...

As people get busy...

Then photos!

Monday afternoon was the last time I saw Katie (sorry the photos are "up there").  We split up!  She helped the CRU ladies and their daughters made flowers at the Qendra Stefan while I went with Vita to Vora to do the same thing with her church ladies.  Both groups seemed to have fun - it is so rewarding for us when everyone seems to enjoy making the craft we've worked so hard to prepare!  We shared our testimonies, included in at least the second group were some ladies who were brand new to the fellowships... so that was GOOD!

OK, I'm getting frustrated with the blog... it's hard to manipulate the photos.  Anyone out there have an English speaking computer that actually follows verbal commands???  Could use one...

Tuesday was "devoted" to preparing a lecture... with only a few welcome interruptions.  Had lunch with Julee, then had a wild buying session with Dava on the other side of the table, her sister in Shkodra on the phone translating her Albanian for me and me on the phone with Katie and e-mailing her pictures.  But, think we all got it done properly.  Dava seemed happy with the sales, and Katie with the purchases. 

Intracellular sperm injection

Presented the ethical conundrum of in vitro fertilization to the ladies at CRU Wednesday morning, and they were incredibly interested I think.  We had a lively discussion about what we felt was ethical with IVF - and touched on the related subjects of personhood, societal obligations to protect the weak, and a consensus of when life begins.  So, it was a good beginning to what might become a series on ethics and the Christian.  Here, there are few barriers to anything which we, as Christians, might consider unethical.  It's actually not too different at home, and we often stand silent.  WE, the hands and feet of the Most High God, need to be advocates for the weak and undefended... read babies in the womb or lab.


OK, that's enough for today.  I really have had enough of this program.  More has happened, but I will bring you guys up to date tomorrow or later.

Be blessed!  Be bold!  Be like our Savior!

Pafshim!  Ciao!