These are in no particular order, but I think the favorite part of their visit (as is almost ANYone who visits us) are times in the homes of our village neighbors.
The photo below was taken on Saturday. Xhania had graciously babysat the kids while we took the Harrimans and McCollums on a hike to a national park on the coast (those pics call for their own post). When we returned she insisted we come inside where she served us fresh watermelon. I think that's the best post-hike snack treat ever!
Present-day Albanian culture is primarily dominated by the influence of their communist past. While bunkers are not nearly as visible as they were ten years ago, they're not hard to find and I insist that any visitor here has to have their photo taken on, by, or inside one. It's just something you can't do anywhere else in the world.
The other primary influence on culture was Albania's Ottoman occupation. We took them to see this beautiful Turkish bridge built in the 1700s.
And yes, the first several days they were here it rained. I didn't think that was possible in late June, but I was wrong.
You know my involvement with the women's craft project in the village. It's made me partial to woman-run businesses in Albania, especially by truly talented individuals who sell unique products. Over the past nine months I've become a real fan of this lady below in Kruje. She quoted me the lowest prices on her rugs, lower than anyone else in the bazaar (other shops would come down if you bartered -- but I don't like to do that, and am willing to pay a fair price for quality goods). Anyways, I'm fascinated by her creativity and talent love watching her work the pedals of her loom in her bare feet. If you want a wool rug, table runner, or place mats, I can hook you up...
After church on Friday night my friend "L" invited us over to her home the next morning. It was the first time I got to meet her husband who works nights.
When we showed up, she looked a little surprised that I hadn't brought anyone with me to translate! I told her I was going to try my best to serve as "perkthyes" (translator). ;-)
I have to tell you, I had fun! Next time, I'll bring a notebook to write down the words I didn't know so I could look them up later, but I can see how village life will help my language skills immensely. And I also think I have a better idea what they mean when they talk about a 'village dialect'.
Last Thursday was the evening for the U.S./Germany game. A lot of Albanians cheer for Germany (don't ask me why - another Albanian shared my curiousity because after all, "they invaded Albania" at one time).
Saturday morning was Kids club. Tell me, what craft would you do to accompany the story of Jesus' first miracle (turning water into wine at a wedding)? Thankfully, I married a creative man and he suggested wedding cards for Ms. Eta who was marrying later that day.
Poor Pamela looked up at me and told me she didn't know how to write yet. Thanks, Mersin, for saving the day!
Scrapbooking paper, rubber stamps, markers, and paper punches... it's amazing how little it takes to unleash some creativity!
Friday night Dr. Harriman shared in church. This was indicative of how I felt a little bit of the time... happy to get everyone where they needed to be at the right time, then realizing I didn't have my 'good camera'.
Sunday morning Nathan was asked to fill the pulpit for our pastor at the international church, specifically about our family's adoption story, so he shared much of what we shared during our year of homeland ministry prior to coming to Albania. Though this time it was quite different sharing with a predominantly Albanian audience.
It was an honor to share, and as always we share not to bring attention to ourselves but in hopes that the story of what God has done in us, would draw other closer to Him and in their understanding of God's pursuing love for them. Here is what someone wrote me later:
"There were a couple of young ladies in the middle section that I kept watching because they were dabbing tears from the eyes throughout the entirety of the message. I wanted Nathan to know that when the salvation invitation was given, one of them raised their hand. Such a beautiful finish to a wonderfully prepared sermon."
Finally, we were pleased that Dyzi came to church with us on Sunday morning! We wanted to publicly validate the importance of her work at the orphanage and honor her. She was brought from Elbasan by our Texan-friend, Julie (BIG thanks, Julie!). Afterwards we all ate together at a local restaurant. Each occasion that we get to spend with Dyzi allows us to get to know her a little bit better. What she shared about her growing up experience (as one of 8 children, living on her father's salary of $70 per month with a ration of 2 lbs of meat for the month) was fascinating. It's astounding to us the conditions in which the average person lived in this country, not that long ago -- from sharing a single outfit with a sibling, to eating the same thing, every day, for years on end.
Well, that about wraps up last week! Let me hit publish, but before I do, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!! We will miss your fireworks and parades!!!
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