April... What a full month! Yet, I have so few photos (compared to others), caught in the current of activity, I got swept away! Here are a few moments I managed to capture.
Week 1
The Greenhouse group from Kentucky stayed with us until April 2. On their last day in the village, some of us helped students with crafts, while others painted, and our two education specialists consulted with parents (below).
The team left some special "Easter" treats for the kids!
They were quickly enjoyed!
Ellie has loved volunteering once a week at VT Albania providing a simple music lesson. She has taught rhythm, musical 'moods', instrument families and more!
Below, accidentally 'twinning' at kids club with our teammate, B!
Luli and Hannah took Reni paintballing one Saturday afternoon. I think that was a first time experience for him!
Week 2
Soccer school is in full swing again!
While Nathan isn't on the pitch coaching, he assists as the supervisor of all students NOT in class (of which there are many roaming around). I was amused to find this snapshot of the office desk among his pics... And to think these all belong to kids under 12!
On Tuesday, April 9, we picked up a team of athletes from central Illinois!
They helped in so many ways! They took part in soccer school...
...proving activities at VT...
conducting basketball clinics...
And experiencing a taste of our lives in Albania! By the end of their visit, every single member of the team visited our local barber for a hair cut!
My neighbor was thrilled to discover an Easter egg in my yard! Better yet, it contained 50 lek!
I have started a little cooking club with my neighborhood girls. The participants vary each week, but we have fun. And I love pushing the boundaries of what foods they think they will like (or not)!
Week 3
Some activities were so popular with our last team that we repeated them with the sports team again! Below, a relaxing Sunday evening in our loft playing Jackbox games.
And we repeated the sampler of Albanian/regional beverages. Somehow, this crew didn't love dhalle either... lol
One morning, my friend L came to my home and made Albanian 'donuts' -- which we paired with local cheese, honey, jam, tomatoes, cucumbers, and deli meats -- for a traditional breakfast.
We climbed the Pyramid in Tirana on Sunday afternoon and Reni attempted to slide down a portion of it...
One of the group members is a semi-pro boxer and he facilitated two exercise classes, to the delight of the women.
And before we knew it, their visit was over! Traditional going away pics! It was SUCH a treat to have Steve visit, and he brought a great group!
Signs of spring... new leaves on my potted olive trees!
A team meeting to prioritize goals for the rest of the year
Week 4
How could I resist a photo of my neighbor showing me his 'tiny hands'?
The last Wednesday of April we had "Beta" class and another great turnout! This time we studied the story of the Prodigal son.
Saturday afternoon I was happy to take photos of our friends, the Konis! It had been a long time but my subjects were extremely photogenic! :-)
We wrapped up the last weekend of the month by hearing a great sermon on the leadership of Moses from visiting pastor, Rev Erwin Lutzer, formerly of Moody Church (Chicago).
Take care.
