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.