Landi and Juli

We'd like to introduce you to our local pastor, Landi (lahn-dee) and his wife, Juli (you-lee). Their son, Greisi, you met on our previous post. Landi has been pastoring the Gorre church for about 8-9 years now. While it's difficult for us to understand his preaching due to the language barrier, it is clear he is devoted to the Lord and has a gift for opening up scripture to his congregation. During the week he spends much time transporting the pre-school/kindergarten children to school and back home each day. He must get up very early, as he has three different directions/villages to get to. At the end of the school day, off he goes, the same three runs in reverse. In addition to using his multi-talents, i.e., plumber, electrician, all-around fixer-upper, Landi is a master gardener. At home, he nurtures the family garden/greenhouse, the result of which yields copious vegetables and fruit. Much of the harvest is sold at a nearby wholesale market, while the remainder is used for the family. We've been treated to delicious peppers, eggplant, and other produce. Landi is a devoted and faithful pastor, husband, father, discipler, and friend to many local villagers. His great sense of humor livens up our attempts to communicate and eases some of the pressure of adapting to a new culture.

Juli has been a life-saver to us as she speaks English fairly well. She interprets for us on many occasions and tries to explain what we need to know---which is everything about Albanian culture, life in Gorre, and the pre-school where we help in various ways. As lead teacher, she supervises two other teachers, evaluates lesson plans, and teaches her own group of 4-5 year olds. As a wife, she is a resourceful and supportive partner to Landi. It's a treat to observe their great team-work.

For some time, Landi and Juli have wanted to start a new church in a neighboring village, and since we are here now to help with some of their more mundane responsibilites at the pre-school and church, that may indeed be possible.

We are so grateful for the warm welcome, friendship, and help this dear brother and sister in Christ have extended to us, and look forward to an ever closer friendship.

Grecie is the six year old son of our local Pastor Landi & his wife Juli. Each day, with few exceptions, Grecie appears at our door with eager anticipation of his English lesson with me ( Robert ).
A sharp young lad, Gracie seems to look forward to this time of day. Conjecture for a moment the cause of his enthusiasm. Perhaps he is anxious to learn English, maybe it is the quality time he gets to spend in frivolity with xhaxhi (uncle) Robert or possibly it is the chocolates he receives as reward for his lesson completion. Okay--let's hope that we don't run out of Tootsie Rolls, Hersey Kisses & M & M's for a while.

urgent prayer request

In the northern part of Albania there are many people who still follow ancient cultural traditions governing interaction between family clans that involve blood feuds and other brutal practices. We do not know much about this, so can't explain in detail at this point. However...
Dritan was a pastor of a church up north, whose family has been feuding with another family for many years, involving a "requisite" killing every 2 years. (After one person is killed, that family has 2 years to respond by killing someone in the other family, and back and forth it goes.) As a member of one of the families, Dritan was a prime target, even though, as a Christian, he did not support the feud. For some time he lived virtually in hiding, for self-protection. But 2 weeks ago he told a friend,
"I no longer want to live in a prison because of other people...If I can save them (the men of my family) by my death, so be it."
He came out into the open, and within 3 days of that statement, he was murdered, leaving a wife and young children.
Many of the missionaries we've met here know Dritan's family well. They are asking for prayer for Dritan's wife, Elona, and their children...prayer that they will be taken care of and prayer that they can forgive. If Elona could bring herself to forgive and to convince Dritan's family that she does not want them to carry out the next revenge killing, this particular feud would end. What a demonstration of the grace of God that would be! And, with that, who knows how God could be glorified, even in the tragic death of Dritan?

Brief Introduction...well, maybe not so brief

As of today, we have been in our new home for 2 weeks...and what an astounding 2 weeks it has been. Adapting to village life has its challenges, from language limitations, to learning how to travel to a neighboring town for groceries, to coping with frequent power outages. The everyday aspects of life are very different from home... perhaps we'll elaborate on that in the future.

Our apartment is part of a building that also houses a pre-school (called kindergarden here), our church sanctuary, and a small conference center. A few days after moving in, we "hosted" a 3-day class at the center, which meant providing snacks for the participants and meals and companionship for the teacher. Jenny volunteers at European Nazarene University (located in Germany), traveling to distance learning centers to teach various classes. We enjoyed having an American to talk to!

Currently our days begin in the pre-school by preparing snacks and lunch, taking up most of the morning. Until now, one of the 3 teachers has managed this, but our involvement frees her to focus on her class. One day the power was out, so lunch was cooked and served by candle-light! Although the photo is poor, you get an idea of the kitchen facility. We are amazed at what these teachers accomplish with very limited supplies. I (Judy) sit in on the classes from time to time, which actually is a good way to pick up the language. The kids giggle at my futile attempts to communicate, but they also are happy to help me learn.

Most afternoons include 1-2 hours of language study with a young woman from our church. She and her husband have been very helpful and patient, and they are becoming good friends. Also, most afternoons, Bob helps our pastor's 6 year old son practice English.

The rest of our time has been spent turning our apartment into "home", shopping for groceries, and trouble-shooting difficulties arising from unreliable electricity. To the local people, this is just a part of life, and they cope very well. For us pampered Westerners, it's been quite an adjustment, but each time a situation occurs, we become more able to take it in stride.


Albanians are very hospitable and generous people, and we are meeting many brothers and sisters in Christ. What a blessing to witness their deep and strong faith! Their willingness to take stands against the corruption that is a way of life here can have pretty severe consequences for them. To be so warmly welcomed into their church family is a great gift. God is taking very good care of us!

Please pray for these faithful ones to remain steadfast, and for us, as we seek to learn how we can encourage them. Zoti te bekofte! (God bless you!)