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!)
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