9 November - The least of these!

Katie H. took this photo
which says it all.

Have I told you about Krystal?  She is an amazing lady with whom Debbie and I have spent a lot of time. Remember Don?  Well, Krystal is his wife. So, while Don wiles away his days building stoves, modeling a work ethic and building relationships with men (targeting the Roma), Krystal is demonstrating God's infinite love for the Roma children and their families who live close-by.  She has help from some other full-time missionaries... Pam, Marcella, Julee and others... who fill in when they can, and she hosts itinerant teams like those GBC stragglers from the English Camp last summer.  

Visiting

Have you ever thought about when someone is most receptive to the Gospel?  I would have to say that, in my experience, it is in childhood and young adulthood.  How many of my friends have told me that they came to know Christ when they were young?  With many of my Albanian friends, they were the first in their families to believe, and, in many instances, have led their families to salvation.

Hearing the story of Creation in
Krystal's living room

Homework help at the
kitchen table

There are so many ways to introduce Jesus.  We can stand on a street corner, proclaim the Gospel at "events," develop friendships with those outside the church.... you've heard the many ways. Krystal just strives to love these children... among the most un-lovable, according to the world.  And is she ever creative!  She hosts English clubs, Bible clubs, homework help, whatever she can!  I've helped her with a sewing club before... and one of those children has professed faith.  Unfortunately, she recently lost her "ministry center" which was perfectly located in the Roma neighborhood.... she didn't have to pay rent because it was left-over space from Don's factory before he lost the lease and had to move.  Don's move and the loss of his "extra space" has greatly diminished Krystal's ability to reach children.  She is now limited to hosting these clubs and groups at her kitchen table.

Inviting entrance and
large wooden porch

Large inside area that could
be divided for different activities

Down the street, right on the pedestrian route from local schools, and on a corner that their parents must also pass to get to town, there is a coffee bar for rent that would be just perfect (in my opinion).  It would provide room for the sewing club she started but has had to suspend, for cooking and health lessons for the young girls (or boys), for homework help, and a myriad of other things, including just plain fun times.  There is even a little play area for toddlers, so it would be a good location for gathering moms together, too.  All she needs is $500 each month for rent, and right now she doesn't have funding for it.  I will shamelessly tell you that investing in her ministry would be an incredible way to reach these children.  Please know that there are kids who have already professed faith in our Savior (I hate counting so I won't give numbers, but believe me it is a fruitful ministry). While Krystal and her friends are carefully mentoring these new believers, she yearns for the opportunity to reach more.  Would you consider joining me in a commitment to her ministry?  Can you visualize what Krystal could do with this place?  I can!  If God leads you in this direction, I will put you in touch with her sending ministry.

An area for the little ones

Krystal is such an ambassador for our Lord... she loves these little kids in all their poverty!   She remembers birthdays, finds ways to help girls yearning to learn, but whose family situation keeps them from going to school.  I know that heaven will be populated by some of these Roma children... and I pray that there will be so many more!

So, this is my last day at the Qendra Stefan... I am so sad to leave. The last 24 hours have been such a blur... making sure everything gets to the right place (including some sewing machines I've "found" for Krystal), making sure that Debbie is winging her way west, saying my good-byes to such good friends that I have here, and finally packing... I can't imagine how difficult it must be for full-time missionaries who have spent years here, have even more friends who must pack up and go home for a furlough or for good.  Albania has become home to them.  There are some who will not be here when I return... please pray with me that God would show them His limitless mercy, give them His bottomless peace, and that He is, even today, saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!!!"

See you soon!  Bekime!

A set of teeth and a new bicycle - 2 November

So, if someone asked you the question, “What is evanglism?”...  how would you respond?  Is it a large crowd, lots of lights and music, the laying on of hands?  Or, alternatively, is it true that evanglism isn’t an event, but a lifestyle?  Krystal and Don moved from South Carolina to Tirana some years ago with a desire to share Christ with people who have had little chance to hear of Him.  They work with Albanian Roma... some of the hardest people groups to reach.  

Roma are... well, how to describe?  Although most Roma would probably say that they are “Muslim by tradition,” I have been told that most actually live under the oppressive weight of animism and a cultural brokenness that seems impossible “to fix.”   Not only do their traditions and cultural “habits” work “against” them (they don’t send their children to school, for instance), their approach to life is very “in the moment” with little regard for what might be needed tomorrow or, even less important to them, next winter or eternity.  How does one reach these people?  There are many ways... 

New teeth will also
help him eat better

One way to reach them might be to provide a platform to befriend, train and enrich their lives through a commercial venture... to teach them the value of responsibility such as showing up for work every day... and then helping them to reap the rewards!  When a man can provide for his family it sets an example for others.  When a person is at work every day, there is a platform for friendship and, guess what, evangelism and then mentoring.  This is exactly what Don has worked to do... and it is finally becoming a reality.  And don't forget the "business park" neighbors, landlord, vendors, clients and others that will interact with Don during the work day.

Don inspects the new bike...
braking will make the commute safer
for his employee

Starting a business in Albania is no a small thing.  There are reams of papers... permits, taxes, insurance, etc... that need to be completed.  Interesting here is that the biggest onus that a new business faces is what happens if it fails... to close a business is even more difficult, prolonged, and quite expensive.  With the help of a new mission organization, Don has been able to navigate all of this in such a way that he is able to actually develop, produce and sell a product... wood stoves... for a reasonable price that the poor are better able to afford.  He currently has three employees... one came to work today with a new set of teeth (hallelujah!), another’s wife went to the ABC clinic today which she is able to access because of his private health insurance, and a third bought a new bike that actually has brakes!  Making a difference?  I think so... and providing an example.  Today I was lucky enough to see the factory.

(NOTE:  Please forgive the long pause in posting blogposts.  I haven't been in Albania long enough to become adept at working around internet/computer problems that occur due to be located in Albania. Thankfully, Krystal is quite adept at solving problems.)

31 October - the air is feeling like fall!

It was a crisp walk home last night as the full moon was waning and the streetlights hadn’t yet been lit.  As we sat down for dinner, we both noticed the boy at the next table who had two Halloween balloons on sticks... the first Halloween decorations I think either of us has seen here.  It reminded us of the preparations at GBC for the “big bash” last night and we prayed for a dynamite outreach!  How did it go?

Yesterday was an early morning, we had to be the first to order breakfast in order to wend our way to Zoguze (“Black Bird”) by 8... no, it’s not the circle that actually has the black bird (double headed eagle) in the center, that is Dogana.  I’m sure I have been told why this particular circle is called “Black Bird” but for the life of me I can’t remember right now.  We found a mini-van idling shortly after 8 slated to head north to Shkodra.  Ahhhh, sweet success... we were on schedule!  But, it didn’t leave for 45 minutes until every last seat was filled.  Well, that made us late...

We were meeting our friends at a church in Shkodra to spend some time with the ladies there and then the children in their new children’s center.  There were the yummiest looking cream puffs on serving plates tempting us as we sat down.  Debbie gave a brief account to the women about what she would be doing with the children later including the creation story, then we talked briefly about why God made Eden.  Have you ever thought about it?  A perfect place, made by God for the purpose of visiting the only creatures He made in His image and which were, as yet, perfect.  Picture that for a moment... speaking with your Creator, the Holy and Just God of the Universe, easily and casually about the day’s events or even just about random thoughts.  In the field over there are many others of His creatures, creatures over which you have been given dominion, enjoying the afternoon sun as it begins to slip towards the horizon.  Savor that.  No predators, no sex shops, no pollution... idyllic.

Our hostess, Voska, and her children

Why did God make the garden perfect?  Why were the people who lived there perfect?  Because God is Holy, He cannot tolerate imperfection... sin.  Well, we surely deserve to enjoy the garden, don’t we?  Why, aren’t we perfect?  That is I was perfect until this morning when I... there was discussion around the table, then laughter as the point was made.  OK, now we have a problem.  God desires to spend time with us in the Garden, but how to become perfect again in Creator’s eyes?  If God is Holy and also Just, then what should happen to imperfection?  It must be banished - "the wages of sin is death...", but there is a solution "... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ."  After discussing our loving God's solution to this conundrum... that is our perfect Savior who sacrificed Himself for each of us... we made Christmas tree ornaments designed to reiterate this truth through colors.  It just so happens the colors work well with Christmas!

Opening the center

In honor of the pastor murdered in blood feud

A leisurely walk around Shkoder followed, lunch on the walking street, then to the brand new children’s center for its inaugural event.  We felt privileged.  The children’s center is intended to enrich the lives of children, particularly those caught up in the whole “blood feud” mess.  Many of these children live in homes where stress is an understatement, where their fathers are furtively looking through the window curtains just waiting for the horrible moment when the bullet might find its target. 

"If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands"

Combine this with some somewhat oppressive traditions, particularly for girls, and the center becomes a welcome relief.  The children of two families finally arrived... transportation is a problem.  After songs, Debbie masterfully presented the creation story, supervised a torn paper craft, then treats and finally a reinforcement of the creation story through a second craft.  Even the oldest seemed to enjoy the festivity.

Creation

Paper craft making things created

 Oops!  We must hurriedly find a van before it is too late.  We did, it was leaving almost as we stepped in.  Back to Tirana, a slow walk home in the crisp air and thoughts of home.  Please know that you guys are in our thoughts and prayers while we are here, despite our activities and the excitement of new places, people, and challenges. 

Bekime (“Blessings”)

25 October - Tirana, the city of 9000 steps!

Sunday, 25 October

Hummm... a city of 9,000 steps!  While most days I approach 10,000 steps, yesterday I was close to 13,500 steps (~ 5.5 miles, 13 flights of stairs, and over 2000 calories).  One glitch is that my step counter is on Pacific Summer time and my little interpreter that communicates between it and my computer is still in Arroyo Grande.  So, Charlotte B., I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to match your record!!  As far as my step counter is concerned, my “day” starts at 12 midnight PDT, which is about when I get up here.  These monumental hardships (the inability to communicate with my computer) make for good memories... (add smiling emoticon here)  Since I rarely realize when I make 10,000 steps in 24 hours, I have decided to add a moniker to Tirana that is, at least, accurate... Tirana, the city of 9000 steps!

Although we had planned a trip to Bajram-Curri last Saturday and had everything set out to pack, we unexpectedly spent the weekend in Tirana... leading to no fewer adventures.  It was particularly disappointing to miss a trip north as we had looked forward to finally going again to Bajram-Curri for months before our trip.  I learned it was also difficult for Theresa and Migena who had changed so many things to schedule this outreach and plan our visit.  We know that God had His hand on this change of plans - disappointed as we are.

Amarildo (Donna's son) Deb and Donna

 Donna works “upstairs” at the Qendra Stefan, and we have become close friends over the years, despite my poor language skills.  She has invited me to her church repeatedly and, because we stayed in Tirana this week end, we finally got to go!  This is a church begun through the efforts of Nashua, a Brazilian missionary of my vintage (she is 70) who first came here in 1992. 

Nashua met Donna’s sister at the International Hotel, eventually lived with Donna and her sister for some months, and then transitioned to her own place.  When living with Donna and her sister, the three of them started Sunday meetings, inviting whomever would come.  This home church grew slowly until now they are the only evangelical church in Kamez with a congregation that on Sunday morning numbered about 60-70 people - a large church.  People work various jobs which require them to work on Sunday, so I am told the entire congregation is much larger.  Unusual in my experience here is that the congregation was comprised of all ages from small children to grandfathers and grandmothers.  Unusual also... Nashua preached!  And, it was obvious that God spoke through her preaching... I glanced around and every face was riveted on her.  Her very presence is powerful!

This church has prayed for years for a building.  It is very common here for a church to rent a space... sometimes on the very top floor of a walk-up.  This coming summer, however, their church building should be completed through the efforts and alms of the congregation and the anonymous gifts of others.  In it, they plan a food bank, small coffee bar for the poor (with reduced prices), vocational and language classes, homework help... you name it.  I can’t wait to be able to walk inside this monumental work and marvel at the strength and glory of our Lord.

Please remember us as you go about your day... we could really use your prayers.  I know that the Republican debates are coming up soon, perhaps you could pray during the commercial breaks...

In the meantime, mirupafshem!

NEWS FLASH 28 October... there is no blackout in Albania!

The electricity company is still generating electricity.  The Qendra Stefan still has WiFi.  My computer is still working.  But, I must admit that I have prioritized sleep over blog-posts... sorry!  This is the fourth blog-post I have begun and I am determined to finish it before I turn in.
You can tell from the paucity of news that things have gotten a little busy here.  I could catalog all that we have done so far, but rather than that I thought I would let you know that it was a beautiful day today and Debbie got lucky... she had the morning off while I visited Lezha. 

During the  first days here, a close friend asked if I would meet one of her friends in Lezha who had asked to see me.  The itinerary for our trip changed about three times, just since Monday, as we tried to accommodate Genta's work schedule (which, in typical Albanian style was fluid).  Genta and I left the Qendra Stefan at 7 - that is, before breakfast.

As I waited for her at the Bazaar Irri across the street (for those of you who have been here, the vegetable market has a name), I watched as the area "woke up" for the day.  Despite pronouncements by Eddie Rama, "home-made" vehicles still roam the streets although in lesser numbers, hand carts are pushed among the cars, and increasing numbers of bicycles and motorcycles complicate the morning commute.  The egg company a block from the Qendra Stefan was hustling with all their eggs this morning, vans coming and going as the vendors opened their booths at the bazaar.

There is construction in the area of the "smaller" market around the corner so that the vendors from there have relocated to the main Tregu (market), making the bazaar quite crowded.  There is no parking any more beyond the market.  Rather, that area is brimming with stalls which means even more congestion as people stop to do their vegetable shopping to or from work.

Finally, I spotted Genta and we began our trek north, passing through countryside that has become familiar over the years.  The fields were green (what a sight for this Californian), the houses multi-story and built in such a familiar pattern.  I didn't get any photos, but let's see if we can find some from another trip to post another day.

Lezha is south of Shkoder so the road reaching it is fairly good.  That means that there are stretches of good, even pavement interspersed with areas where potholes abound, pedestrians line the dirt shoulders, active construction blocks lanes and stealth obstacles such as areas just jack-hammered last night to stretch a small cable across the road leaving a shallow ditch perpendicular to traffic... significant for car tires.  Anyone who drives in Albania is, in my book, VERY SKILLED!!

 Lezha is a smaller city surrounded by hills and crowned with its very own castle.  My friends promise to show me around the castle one day, noting that "their" castle is not as nice as Shokra's... I don't know, it looks pretty good to me!  We had breakfast in a lovely restaurant, the "tourist coffee bar" I'm told, open since 1926 or so... even during Communism.  The walls were lined with fowl, trophies from generations past it looks like.  There are beautiful wooden beams and floor.  The eggs were perfect, the company even better.

My new friend joined Genta and me at breakfast, then Genta left to do her "work thing."  I had the opportunity to stroll the seaside in absolutely delightful weather while learning about my new friend.  Shinjin, a coastal village/town now part of Lezha proper, is along the shore.  You can see the summer condos that will be filled beyond full in the summer but are now quite empty and very appealing.  Most of the inhabitants of the shoreline at this time of year seem to be Roma... primarily children who should be in school, asking for money from the obvious foreigner while under the watchful eye of a parent somewhere.  Oh, that God would reach down and heal these people - from their poverty and their destiny.  The small travel trailer with windows covered with cardboard or paper is most likely home to an entire family of Roma.  It is parked along the boardwalk.

While in Lezha, I heard from my friend Vita who asked if we would join them for a women's group this evening.  So, after returning to the Qendra Stefan, running a number of errands and a stealing a half-hour of rest, Debbie and I were off to Vora and a fun evening with old friends.  Most who came were members of a church I visited last spring, some were new.  After introducing ourselves, Vita shared from the Psalms, led the singing of a beautiful hymn (these women sing with such passion - such a blessing), then we settled in for the important business of the day... a craft.  The craft reenforced Vita's message... we explained the colors chosen for the Christmas ornament as we went along... dark for sin, red for the blood of our precious Savior and so on... then Vita reviewed the colors and their meanings so that the ladies could tell their significance to others when the season arrived.  To a couple it was a new concept.

Finally, after a day of errands, friendship, fellowship and travel, we got dinner.  Lunch was a fleeting thought that never materialized, so we were both famished!  Then a quick Skype conversation with Bill, and now this.

It is definitely time for some zzzz's.  Today was a typical day... although we usually have two or three full meetings rather than just one.  Tomorrow, please pray for Debbie... she will be leading two meetings on kid's crafts and children's ministry.

Naten e mire, everyone!

Debbie arrived today - 20 October

Alban and I just got back from the airport with a weary Debbie!!!  And, all her luggage arrived with her!  We will soon go to dinner, and then I think she will want some much needed sleep in a bed!!

It's been wet today... it's been so long in California that it is still a somewhat unique experience.  Alban says that the "Californians bring the rain"...  it's essentially been dry except for the days that we Californians have arrived.

Last night, as I was passing one of the rooms in the Qendra Stefan, my peripheral vision caught a fleeting glance at a guy sitting in his room with an open door.  I thought I recognized him... from my peripheral vision???  "Jim?... Is that you?"  There was no answer, so I ever-so-slowly tried to stealthily peer, undetected, around the open door jam to decide if my peripheral vision had indeed just tricked me or if it truly was Jim... and, it was!
So, while I was with Don and Krystal, Jim, Joe, Charlotte and traveling companions filled up rooms down the hall (there are only 6 rooms total).  With them was a pastor from Iowa and ex-Southern Californians who are now in Kosovo.  We chatted for awhile in the hall, then met everyone this morning with Adi, Berti and others to share ministry experiences and visions for the Balkans.

So, this morning we learned about incredible things that are happening and foundations being set for ministry in Macedonia and Kosovo.  Michael and Rebecca have been invited by the Kosovar government to develop the sport of baseball there (apparently, baseball is becoming quite popular in Europe).  Meanwhile, David has started an NGO in Macedonia. 











Check out Michael's mitt... have you ever seen one quite like that???  Yes, there is a white thumb.  Imagine what an opportunity the colors provide to tell about the Good News!  Michael and Rebecca have all sorts of visions for ministries in Kosovo as off-shoots of their project to develop baseball there.  And, David has started an NGO in Macedonia to interface with Albanian-Macedonians, teaching them English and trying to find other  platforms for developing friendships.  He, also, has all sorts of ideas for interesting and unique ways to engage that culture.

Spent some time planning what we will do tomorrow, tried unsuccessfully to get some errands done, then went to pick up Debbie.  If I can, I'll give you a little idea of what happened with some Roma kids yesterday and the visions that Krystal and Don have for their ministries!  Right now I think I'll try to wrestle Debbie away from unpacking and get some chow!

Mirpafshim!

10,000 steps by 3 pm - Monday, 19 October

On the day I left, I walked 10,000 steps by 3 pm... almost 14,000 (according to that little device on my wrist) by the time I got onto the plane in LAX headed for Rome.  While I haven't yet made that goal while here, I have managed 10,000 by 6 pm with added steps before turning in... and that doesn't include walking up stairs!  Albania is a walking place.

What is new?  First of all, it feels so much like I never left here.  The weather, the people, the friends!  It truly does feel like my second homeland.  If only God would plant the ability to learn/speak Albanian into my head!  That would make it perfect!


The first new thing I noticed is a filtered water station right across from the Qendra Stefan... it looks like a big copper coffee pot.  There are others I've found dotting areas I have been so far... built in the pattern of small castles.  These are a gift from Kuwait.  They remind me that not all people have access to safe water - either in Albania or elsewhere.  In fact, when I mentioned this new "decoration" to my friend Elda, she commented that she has a can outside her shop to collect run-off water from her air conditioner.  One day, she saw a rag-tag man pick up the can and he downed the dirty water before she could manage to get to him so she could offer him her own water bottle.  It is a good reminder that lives elsewhere face different challenges than we face - like a lack of healthy choices we take for granted.

The desperately poor are still here.  While the government is trying to enforce the "laws on the books" (anti-pandering, for instance), and while this is most likely a good thing in the long run for the country, a consequence is that it further marginalizes the already marginalized and powerless.  Getting people to pay for their electricity, for instance - which was reportedly free under communism (making the concept somewhat oxymoronic to many) - has resulted in many of the poor being unable to pay and being disconnected from the grid.  On the one hand, a fairly common cause of death here is electrocution as men climb polls and try to "scab" electricity from someone else; additionally, the electrical infrastructure is inadequate.  This means that enforcing the law hopefully means fewer men will die from electrocution and the electric company will begin to have funds to maintain the infrastructure.  Even so, there are unintended (but anticipated) consequences.  Isn't this always the way?  What is a good thing often has a potential for bad side effects - take medicines, for instance, with their long lists of potential side effects.  Life is so often a balancing act... it gives me sympathy for those making decisions on a governmental level. 

Another consequence of the government trying to make order of chaos is that most every vendor now gives a receipt with every purchase.  That will make accounting so much easier for me, but for small vendors, the machine they are required to purchase is $400 and one of its major goals is to make sure that taxes levied for all purchases will actually begin to be collected.  Competition with vendors who do not collect taxes makes it difficult for those who wish to follow the law.  One of the differences here (and in much of Europe) is that the VAT tax (what we might call the "sales tax") is added to the price of the item to be sold rather than added to the bill at the time of purchase (as we are used to).  Adding the VAT to the price of the item makes it somewhat "invisible."   Making the tax "invisible" makes it easier to adjust the tax without too much fanfare because most people don't realize how much of the purchase price is tax.  It is kind of like the airline ticket we bought to come to Albania.  One of our tickets was, let's say, $1500.  I was interested to find out the actual fare payable to the airlines, so I clicked on something called "fees" and learned that less than half of the ticket price was for the airline and the rest was a litany of landing fees, airport fees, security fees, etc.  The next time you purchase an airplane ticket, look at the breakdown.  It's interesting.  We need the protection and maintenance of airports, but since all of that is included in the "airfare", we have no idea how much we are paying! 

Yesterday was really fun!  I went to Cornerstone Church at Instituti Jeta e Re (CRU) and got a chance to listen to a guest speaker preach... the head of Child Evangelism Fellowship from Hungary!  He spoke on 1 Corinthians 4 - a text helpful to me on this trip.  After the service, I talked with him and met the head of CEF in Albania as well as the head from Romania!  Triple whammy!  There was also  a missionary couple from the church who were back on a brief home leave and were introduced... they do relief work in Turkey... I'm interested in talking to them via Skype after I return home to learn more about how they approach Syrians (and others) fleeing the chaos in their homeland with the Gospel.  I also caught up with a lot of friends!  It is so good to be back!

After that, I had an opportunity to present a craft at a women's retreat for one of the churches here.  Their emphasis was on small groups - and one woman gave her testimony of being invited to a group, not knowing it was a "faith-based" group, which eventually led to her salvation.  It was inspiring!  And reminds me that we need to have places to invite unchurched women which are not overtly evangelical, but are safe, fun, and inclusive. The craft we did was a paper Christmas craft with a Gospel story.  The women were excited to be able to replicate the craft with their children and to decorate their tree with something that could spark a conversation.

Well, off to meet with a friend in health care - to find out what is happening there!  Pray for Debbie as she wends her way east... she starts out fairly early on Monday, but doesn't get here until Tuesday at dinnertime (time change and travel time).  Please pray for safe travels and an easy transition to Central European time for her.  The time change is always a challenge.

Mirpafshim!

The first real day... Friday, 16 October

Guess what's missing!

A traveler traveling without luggage!!  After my first flight was canceled due to weather, I was completely rerouted.  Then, my new flight from LA to Rome was delayed for a couple of hours making the lay-over in Rome something less than 30 minutes.  I figured I would be braving the first night with very few of my things as my clothes and phone were safely tucked away in the "carry-on" which I was required to check in LA because it was too heavy.  But, all my luggage finally arrived this afternoon so we are now "fully equipped," at least with all the things that were packed.  Although some might say that my mental capacity is still lacking!!!  Hopefully, after a full night's sleep things should be better in that department, too.

The weather here is strange for a Californian!  It is raining!  What is all this water about, anyway???  It is cool and absolutely delightful.  Krystal met me for breakfast... what a treat!  She raved about all those people who visited from GBC in July to help close her Kid's Center with a bang.  Although she has her eye on a new place, God will have to provide funding for rent, utilities and supplies before she will be able to move in... the space she met the kids in before was excess space in the warehouse Don rented for his business, and supplies were funded by her grocery budget.  With the move from their old center and increasing regulation here, this "double-teaming" is no longer possible.  Because they have no place for the kids to meet, her ministry has been significantly downsized for the time-being!  From my observation, this work of hers has been working amazingly well, both in evangelizing children as well as education/enrichment and provision of a loving and safe environment.  Please pray with me that her ministry needs will be met.  Krystal has such a heart for kids and their welfare/protection/education.  She sees a child made in the image of God in every child she sees - both the Roma child from "the river" as well as a child born to a more privileged family.

The rest of my day has been spent reacquainting myself with the things I packed (or remembering what was unable to fit... too much had to be left behind) and meeting with old friends.  One of my friends, a delightful lady vet who now works at "my" currency exchange shop, stepped out of her shop to close it just as I was on my way past it to Vodafone to "buy" some minutes.  We had coffee together - her mom died since I was last here, so my joy at seeing her was tempered somewhat by her obvious loss.

Please pray as I begin with a rather large group on Sunday and will be all by myself until Debbie arrives a few days later.  Remember me to God as you all worship with Jason, Justin and the crew!  This is the largest group I have met with, yet!  Falemenderit (thanks)!

Mirpafshim!  See you soon!

Tuesday morning... March 31

Another beautiful day... it is sunny, crisp and generally full of potential.  For a Californian, it is so much easier to face the day with the sun shining.

OK, I have a few minutes, and I hope I can finish a full post.  I can't tell you how many I have started and not been able to finish, so just deleted them... there was not enough to save or finish.  Life here is so much about bumping into someone and "having a coffee."  And, the Qendra Stefan is just the place people I know like to frequent...

Well, the predictable has happened.  Now I only have a few minutes.  Yesterday, we trekked to the prison... I went to Pre-Detention before (I don't think I have clued you in on that... but will later).  En route we saw something that is fairly common here.  We see animals grazing in the parks.  Here are some sheep... if you look closely, you will find a little lamb who, on answering his mother's call, was distracted by some very tempting grass just next to one of the benches.  My Albanian friends laugh at me as I am the consummate tourist!  I love taking pictures of things that are different... things I wouldn't see at home.

We gathered some of the women - many of whom we have seen before - in the library, and made colorful earrings out of cardstock.  If you are interested in making a pair, let Katie or me know and we can show you how!

We had an artist among us, and she decided to make hearts.  The rest of us, less artistically inclined, made circles.  One person tried squares which looked cool, too.  It was a fun time, and the ladies seemed delighted with their new jewelry!!  It was a change from the everyday things that they do, at least.

We spent the afternoon with the CRU ladies and their daughters, but you will have to wait to see our time there.  I must run right now... I have to be on my way to Bathore.  Please pray for wisdom for us there, for God to answer our pleas for direction!

Pafshim.

Sunday, March 29

Even a trip to church is interesting in Albania!

This morning, the team from Yucaipa left... no, I haven't told you yet about them, because it has simply been too busy.  But, they have filled the restaurant at the Qendra Stefan every morning and evening as they begin and end their outreaches, and part of their team visited the prison with me last week.  More later... if I ever get a chance to "cool my heels."  OK, this morning we took a leisurely walk to church...


We left a little early because we were invited to have a bagel with the Chappels... or at least meet in the bagel shop around the corner from church.  Right out of the "block," we wondered at the group gathered at the traffic circle just outside the Qendra Stefan.  It looks like they have a bird group, or perhaps they are trading, showing or selling their birds!  Last trip, Katie was told they were carrier pigeons, but some look more like pet birds... who knows!

So, around the circle, past the vegetable stand, and we run straight into the local rotisserie.  You will see that you can get a cooked chicken for lunch, for just 450 lek.  Or, if you're tired of chicken, you can get a goat's head for the same price (they are on the first row at the left - teeth and everything). 

We see this rotisserie every day.  I must admit, I'm not sure that the chickens and goat's heads are not the same as were left over from yesterday.  My taxi driver has warned me about buying one of these... I'm not sure why...

So, down the Rruga Hoxha Tahsim, left on the Rruga George W. Bush, across to the Rruga Elbansani, and low and behold we practically fell into this uncovered hole.  Katie is taking a photo of a resident of this abode... he was eating his fill of whatever has dropped into it, and Katie reports him to be quite portly.  You'll have to ask her about his species!

Down the Rr. Elbasani, past the small permanent circus-ride park and finally to the corner (which you have seen before) of the street where Instituti Jeta e Re is located... our church will meet on the top floor.  But, first, we wanted to meet Kyle and Linda at the local bagel shop... what is  happening outside?  A fellow is selling chickens, tied together by their feet, that he is carrying upside down in each of his hands.  Kyle got a picture of the transaction... I was too late to get one, so I settled on taking a photo of everyone watching him.

Church was great, and a real blessing for me.  It really has focused my mind about this trip.  The trip has been unusual in several ways - but then, what trip is "usual."  We visited afterwards with the wonderful people of Kisha Gur i Temelit (Cornerstone Church - named after a church in Iowa whose pastor was here last spring... I tried to talk him into applying for, or at least investigating, an opening I know of for a senior pastor), some time with Linda and Kyle, Berti and Adi.  We found Pellumb and Eli with Adi and Berti, so had a chance to catch up with them.  Then dinner with Ida and Migena.  It has been a wonderful day. 

I must catch you up, but, as seems to be my fate on this trip, I am exhausted.  We lost another hour last night... today is the first day of daylight savings time here.  It will be easier to connect with Bill now that we are back to nine hours difference... but it meant one less hour of sleep for us.

"Naten e mir" (good night) everyone.  Will try to catch you up on days past tomorrow... that is, if I get a chance!

Pafshim.