They Came To The Party!

You know that feeling when you send out invitations to a party and you hold your breath wondering if anyone will come? 

That's how we felt driving up to Metalle today. 

As we rounded the bend in the road, a child stuck his head out his gate, saw us, and darted across and up the slope to the old school grounds.

Nathan said he thought, "At least we'll have one child!"

Then we kept following the curve up the road. They heard our engines straining and wheels crunching the gravel and came running.

And they just kept coming.

We hurriedly unloaded and tried setting up while dozens of eyes looked on.

The parachute bag served as an effective weight on the easel.

Nathan counted 78 kids and grown-ups, no including our team.

They listened while we sang the first song and clapped politely when we finished.  The next song (If You Have Faith Like a Mustard Seed) was a little more interactive.  Kimberly grabbed a helper and the ice started to break.

Then Eda started the first lesson.  "Who Created the World?"

I was so proud of her.  And so glad I was wearing sunglasses.
To everyone who has invested in the ministry in Albania over the past two decades, we witnessed the miracle of replication.

The wind was crazy loud, but we discovered it was much quieter on the back side of the school.

The parachute was an enormous hit.  Parents even joined in!

Smiles and more smiles.

American toddlers are quite the novelty... Props to her mama, Faith, for sharing her daughter. ;-)

We were so grateful for our buddy, Luli, who joined us and gave a much needed hand!

Before we knew it, it was time to go!  They said they wanted us to come back next week!

Thank you, Lord, for going ahead of us!  He answered your prayers!