Who doesn't love new? The new year holiday is a welcome chance to pause and take a break from programs. It was doubly special because after years of dreaming, we were able to receive Dad Waggoner and sister, Rebecca, for an extended visit!
We relished quiet days and nights working on puzzles, playing games, and slowing down!
Dad really loved our mandarines and reportedly ate about 5 per day!
We tried to show them some of Albania, but the weather was pretty abysmal. The photo below says it all...
Pastor Genti, Shpresa, and Ester invited us over for coffee one evening!
One Sunday afternoon during a break in the showers we visited the center of Tirana before the Christmas village was taken down.
When programs resumed, we brought them along to experience the aspects of our daily lives, including meeting all the people we love and serve.
...and welcomed their help with projects like putting up Christmas decorations at Jeta!
We took them up to Shkodra and visited a factory where they make beautiful Venetian masks, sold around the world.
We also visited the Museum of Site and Witness...
...where many faith leaders were interrogated and persecuted for their faith.
Dad and Rebecca participated in morning exercise time at Valued Treasures...
...and dad helped us on a project to beautify an outdoor space for guests with the help of his new friends.
Below, Rebecca assists Sabina in learning knife skills, chopping cucumbers for a salad.
The rains ultimately breached the Erzeni River and resulted in flooding nearby.
One of our Valued Treasures students lives in the green home below.
We made several trips to deliver food and blankets, then later some hay to replace what was lost in the flood.
Dad shared a greeting and blessing during a Friday evening church service.
We also took them to the mountain town of Kruja...
We enjoyed an incredible supper at the Koni's home.
Dad brought his magnet game and it was a success.
Dad and Rebecca delivered several goodies ordered from the US, including some off-brand tablets that we scored on Black Friday. We loaded a free typing software that several students have been using to hone their keyboarding skills. Local schools do not make technology available to students, and most homes do not have personal computers -- only smart phones, so this is a valuable skill to acquire for future employment.
With a team arriving shortly after Dad's departure, he graciously helped us put up several meals in the freezer. I would just give him things to chop and measure and away he went!
Ellie helped too!
Rebecca had to leave early, but shortly after her departure we welcomed a colleague, Kevin, who came to observe and learn about the Valued Treasures program. He has since begun the process of helping us seek out some grants to supplement operations and future projects.
One Sunday we went into Tirana and were blessed with beautiful weather! Behind Ellie you can see a high-rise that features the map of Albania in relief.
We were able to celebrate Alvi's birthday!
Below, making a follow-up visit with Fati's family upon the return of the Artonis.
Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Dad!
His visit was so sweet. He was incredibly helpful, and his presence brought warmth to our home.
I just hope that the next time he comes, it's not so cold!
Life kept moving, and our next project was to remove the protective awning on the terrace of Jeta in preparation for building the framing to hold 50 new solar panels.
On the 28th we welcomed Lydia, a doctoral student of Occupational Therapy!
While with us until April, Lydia is training the Valued Treasures to acquire employable job skills, particularly within a coffee shop environment. A portion of her project included visiting local coffee as part of her research.
In closing, we want to say 'thank you' to everyone who has contributed to our benevolence fund to allow us to help Fati's family. In addition to one month's supply of hay, we were also able to supply some supplements for their dairy herd.
Coming up in February:
- a team of retired missionaries visits to pray for the ministries in our village,
- Valued Treasures takes part in Night to Shine,
- Nathan takes part in a conference with Luis,
- we celebrate Valentines with a special women's craft night,
- the gym ladies invite Cydil to an Albanian "potluck"
- Torchbearers sends a second team to volunteer at Valued Treasures
- and substantial progress is made on the terrace project!
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