Why Do I Love Albania? This

What's better on a spring day than a fresh glass of kos and singing "Happy Birthday" (in Shqip, of course) to a new friend on her 60th birthday?

Ellie had just spontaneously hugged her and said, "Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl!"
That's why we call her our little ambassador!

Wednesday we visited a sweet village family who are regulars at the ministry center.  On our way out the door they told us how difficult it was to grow their produce because they have no well or access to city water.  BUT, they have generous neighbors who allow them to fill buckets from their well.  I commented that they sounded like wonderful, generous neighbors and our hostess B agreed, insisting that we meet them.

So what happened?  An impromptu coffee al fresco next door!

No sooner had we greeted them and the daughters-in-law started bringing out chairs and rugs for seating.  Then the dining room table and cloth.  Then glasses of freshly-made kos (a salty/sour drinkable yogurt), apples, and cake.

I have heard about the infusion of 'new people' to our little village and how it has changed the dynamic (and look) of the community.  I know that not all have been very warmly welcomed and I was curious to hear the story of our new hosts as they are not 'townies' (as we used to call 'em in Wilmore).  How did they find our little village?

She shared a little bit of their life in the north, of walking three hours to work before raising eight children, of marrying her husband on her birthday, 43 years ago that day (they married on her birthday, at his suggestion -- out of haste because tongues were wagging that she had insisted on meeting him before their pre-arranged marriage took place).  How they had to speak their native language in the secrecy of their home because their proximity to national borders at one time had them living in territory of questionable loyalty.  Oh the stories within the walls of just this little community. But yes, they liked their new village very, very much, in spite of the politician's failures to improve their roads and electricity issues (the climb alone to their gate requires strong legs and solid footing -- no roads near them!)

Before long, the other half of our group was calling.  When would we be back at the center for lunch?  Oh yes, back to the real world of grilled cheese sandwiches and pink lemonade waiting.

On our way out we had to take just one more photo because the view (and the luxury of a grass yard!) were so special.

Later that night we we were able to enjoy the company of old friends.  Ellie called Demir "Grandpa" in Shqip one time and I think he kinda liked the sound of it.  Demir helped us a few days this week with some projects around the center and Mira made the group a fantastic traditional dessert.  So grateful for old friends.

And in case you're wondering about Reni, this particular evening he announced before the end of supper that he was tired and going up to bed.  A few minutes later I checked on him and sure enough, out like a light.  In his clothes.