Merry Christmas from Albania!

Dear Friends and Family,

Time has flown by, and with our intense focus on teaching responsibilities, too much time has elapsed between blog posts.  There is truly much to share about this unique country/culture, how God is working here, and the physical and spiritual needs of the people.  Of course, now our minds and hearts are on Christmas, and it is with that in mind that we write.  I (Judy) must begin by apologizing for the drab appearance of this post.  Our camera was recently miss-placed and hasn't revealed itself yet.  (Care to guess which one of us forgot where she last put it?)  Consequently we have no pictures appropriate to Christmas.  Give your imagination some exercise as you try to picture what is described.

In Skenderbeg Square in the Tirana city center stands an enormous tree covered with lights and ornaments.  Smaller trees throughout the square are also decked with lights, and shops display a few ornaments.  No music for the season can be heard, except for an occasional secular song about Santa.  Children are excited for the New Year celebration, when Santa arrives to bring gifts.  That will be the biggest feasting and partying of the year, followed by enormous fireworks displays from the smallest of back yards to the main city square.  Just 3 weeks ago, in recognizing 100 years of independence from the Ottoman Empire, all of Albania held one gigantic party, with great pride and festivity. And between those two rousing, joyful events, Christmas will slip quietly by, un-noticed by most, just as Jesus is un-noticed by most here.

But this most indescribable and valuable gift of all, Jesus with us, is here!  He lives in the hearts of many Albanians, and is entering the hearts of more and more all the time.  The evangelical church is reaching out, ecumenically, to attempt to meet some of the great physical needs caused by poverty and corruption and to lift spiritual burdens by sharing the love of Christ.  In Tirana there are many small churches, pastored and led by missionaries, but the number of churches pastored and led by Albanian Christians is growing.  In greater Albania the same is true, and it is in the outlying areas where some of the greatest heart change is happening.  While the task of carrying the Good News to all seems daunting, God is working, and people's lives and hearts are being changed.

We will be arriving home Christmas Eve for a short break and will return to Albania Jan. 5 to finish out the school year at GDQ International Christian School.  It will be a busy time, but we are very excited about being back in Wisconsin.
As we ponder God's great love and His willingness become a baby covered in skin to walk and live among us...His willingness to come to us since we so resisted going to Him...we say "Thanks be to God!"  And we pray you will know the indescribable peace available in a relationship with Him.

Merry Christmas, with love,   Bob and Judy

A Heart for the Sick

Yes, we are still here, busy at school.  In fact, probably 80% of our time is focused on school, and the rest on basic survival in Albania.  Do we relax?  Of course, now and then.  It is good work that we're involved in here, and so we don't mind having it consume most of our time.  God is providing abundantly, both physically and spiritually, and we are grateful to Him.


The mission field in Albania is wide open, and we have been impressed with 2 aspects of it:  the variety types of ministry and the spirit of unity within which they generally seem to work.  And so, with many of our posts, we would like to introduce you to a few of the people we've met who are putting their lives on the line here.

 A Heart for the Sick

 Dr. Guy and Carolyn Eshelman have been serving here since 2001.  We know Carolyn as a colleague at GDQ School, and we have been so blessed to have received top-notch health care from Dr. Guy at the ABC Health Center.  Here is their story.

What brought you to Albania?  Well, the short answer is, of course, God.  He brought us here, and He has sustained us.  We have experienced many difficulties and trials, along the way, but we can truly say that Albania has become our home.  We are grateful for the opportunity God has given us to live with and work among the Albanian people and the international community in this country.

Family members and their roles in your overall mission:  

*Guy teaches and models medicine from a biblical model at ABC Family Health Center.  You can    learn more at: http://www.abchealth.org/en

*Carolyn is a middle school science teacher at GDQ International Christian School

*Ryan, 19, is a sophomore at Cairn University, Philadelphia, PA; he is pursuing a career in computer technology

*Philip, 18, Katie, 15, and Aubrey, 13, are students at the GDQ International Christian School

What are your American ties/roots? Guy and I both grew up in Lancaster County, PA

 How has your ministry changed/grown over the years?  Our first term in Albania was spent in full-time language and culture study.  Almost from the beginning, Guy knew he would be working with ABC Family Health Center.  Shortly after our arrival, he became the medical director when the then-current directors left Albania.  Recently, he has been relieved (physically and emotionally!) of his position as the executive director when the board hired a new director.  Now Guy is more free to pursue his passion of teaching and modeling how to do medicine according to a biblical model.

The role for me was less clear.  I came to Albania as a mother of four with a previous career as a family nurse practitioner.  I knew that if God had a role for me in medicine, I would happily step into it.  But I also knew He might have something else in store for me, and I would also happily step into that role as well.  It never entered my mind that I might become a teacher!

Near the end of our first term, a teammate who taught grades 3 and 4 (we had many combined grades at that time), had a request.  She was looking for someone who could look at the Science curriculum and gather together supplies for the activities.  I said I would do it.  As I looked at the curriculum, I figured out that I could do more than just gather supplies, so I made an offer.  "Grace, if it would help you out, I could probably teach this to grade 4."  She didn't even hesitate.  That is how I started my ministry at the GDQ, and I am now the science teacher for grades 6, 7, and 8.

Where do you envision your family in five years?  In 5 years, our youngest, Aubrey, will graduate from high school.  We hope to take our first ever year-long furlough at that time.  Then we envision returning to Albania to resume our ministries.  But we know that we are in the hands of our Almighty God.  He may have a completely different plan for our lives!

Dr.Guy still serves and teaches at the ABC Health Center.  Many Albanian doctors and nurses have served and learned under his leadership and are now providing quality, compassionate care to the Albanian people.  In addition to offering a setting for Albanian doctors to learn how to provide excellent care from a biblical perspective, the center serves patients at low cost, provides home health care, and offers community outreach programs to the Albanian people.  It is an amazing ministry.  For those of you interested in medical missions, we recommend checking out their website, mentioned above.

As we progress through this year, we thank you for your support and prayers.  It is encouraging to stay connected with family and friends from home and from all the various places we have called home over the last several years.  You are a blessing!

Pastor Ermal, Nertila, Emanuel, and ?

Two years ago on our blog we featured the Gjermeni family while serving in the small rural village of Gorre.  How exciting it is to see the results of prayer and the ministry of these faithful followers of Jesus.  How gratifying it is to have spent this past Sunday worshiping with newly designated Pastor Ermal.

Ermal and his family are living in the apartment that we previously set up and lived in during our six month mission two years ago.  To visit them there was truly like coming home.  The Gjermenis are doing well, but they are experiencing many struggles.  Life is harsh for most Albanians.  Jobs are scarce, especially in rural areas. 

    

Pastor Ermal and Nertila are working hard to evangelize the village of Gorre. They focus on youth, as the adult population is very resistant to our Christian faith.  They also work closely with rural churches of many denominations to share the Gospel and to meet physical needs (food, medical care, etc.) of hurting village people.  There is no work (paying job) for Ermal, and the small church family is unable to offer any financial support.  They currently receive $100/month from a Dutch Christian group.  Both Nertila and Ermal are taking Bible classes, and much of the $100 pays their tuition.

Nertila is pregnant, due to deliver sometime in March.  Her health is at risk, and medical care is limited.  They live at the end of the village water line and are without water many days.  An old washing machine is no longer working, so Nertila must wash out clothing by hand, when water is available.  Of course, frequent power outages remain problematic also.  Soon there will be baby diapers to contend with. 

A new well could be drilled for around $2000.  A new washing machine would run about $500.  Many people suffer throughout the world, and many are far worse off than Pastor Ermal's family.  However, what a blessing it would be for them to be able to rely on a clean source of water and the means to clean their clothes.  Their hearts are devoted to our Lord, and they remain grateful to Him for all He does provide.  Please pray for these dear ones.

    

 

In the photos you see the Gjermeni family; our gathering around their lunch table; Ermal and Aurora, who pastors another small village church nearby; and the guys hanging out in front of the church...with cake.

Diamond in the Rough

Is the GDQ International Christian School a diamond in the rough?  Well, Tirana, Albania is not a likely candidate for the top 100 most beautiful cities in the world.  In fact, Albania's capital city might more likely be in the top 100 of the more "rough around the edges" cities.  And, while the GDQ School, itself, may not win a beauty contest for its physical appearance either, it sure does qualify for beauty on the inside.

Albania does have some reasons for boasting, however.  Since the fall of communism in the early 1990's, there have been gains in the restoration of a once closed city culture.  Along with a scattering of historical ruins and a scenic Adriatic coast in greater Albania, Tirana actually can now boast about its mimic of western style malls and even an attempt to walmart-ise (sic) some new services and products.

On the outskirts of this congested city, ensconced behind the sheltered protection of brick and mortar walls and gated entrance, lies one of Tirana's jewels.  The GDQ Schol exists because the Lord has enabled dedicated and committed volunteers from several different nations to serve in pedagogical ministry.  Over 100 children, also from many different countries, grades K through 12, are being taught by a staff of qualified and devoted individuals.  The majority of students are from missionary families currently serving in and around Tirana.  We already stated that it might not win a contest for outward beauty, but a glance at the inside heart of the school reveals a spirit of unity as the entire staff acknowledges Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

What a blessing to be a part of such a providential enterprise.  Though the work is demanding and the classroom temperatures exhaustingly hot (or cold in the winter), one cannot help but be humbled and in awe of such a dynamic Christ-centered ministry.  How satisfying it is to be part of a school where teaching from a Biblical world view is not only allowed, but is the focus across the curriculum.

GDQ must continually seek volunteer teachers to fill classroom voids.  Please lift this particular issue up in prayer. 

(Pictures show our students in class and a lively chapel time.)

                                                                 Settling in Once Again

The flight went very well, and it's great to be back.  Our luggage arrived with us, and Kathy and Gjergi from GDQ School met us at the airport.  We and bags were loaded in 95 degree heat, only to find that the van wouldn't start.  We looked at each other, laughed, and said silently, "Welcome to Albania!"  Bob got behind the wheel, and Gjiergi pushed from behind.  With a little help from strangers and much perspiration, the clutch was popped, and we were on our way to the new apartment.  On the way, Kathy said, "Oh, by the way, the elevator to your 7th floor apartment isn't finished yet."  And another silent look passed between us.  We're so thankful for Kathy and Gjergi, as  muscling 250 pounds of luggage up 134 (I counted them) steps would have been next to impossible for us, given the heat and jet lag...to say nothing of our age.

Since then the days have been filled with shopping to outfit the apartment, on foot and by bus and by SUV driven by a helpful friend.  We have perspired copiously and are drinking lots of water.  Carrying 3 gallon bottles and groceries and supplies up to the 7th floor in upper 90's heat is giving our hearts great challenge.  In the States most people would be complaining about not having an elevator that had been promised, and our American and European friends duly commiserate with us.  (Although we haven't really complained.)  But Albanians hear about it and give a big smile, saying, "So, you'll get some great exercise!"  That's the way they handle most challenges, with acceptance, a smile, and a mind-set to do the best they can.  Today we tried our washing machine for the first time, and it leaked all over the floor.  So, the landlord came immediately and replaced the broken washer with a rubber band, promising to come tomorrow with the right washer.  And we've been able to finish 2 loads of laundry using that rubber band.  They are resourceful people.

We are very thankful the the air conditioner in the living room works, and that's where we sleep.  When temps moderate in a few weeks we'll move to the bedroom.  The apartment is spacious and comfortable, and the landlord's family very friendly and helpful.

On Monday, work begins with teacher in-service and prep time.  Students begin the following Monday.  We're looking forward to being in the classroom again, although feeling a bit apprehensive about new subject matter and a school atmosphere completely different from what we're used to.  Please pray for our trust in God to enable as He promises.

This is longer than most of our blogs (partly because Judy is writing), but we want to share a bit of our life in Albania.  Future blogs will not focus so much on us, I promise.  We miss you, family and friends, but God is taking great care of us, and there are many dear ones here who are helping us get settled.  I'll try to attach a few photos.  If it works, you'll see a sunset view from our apartment balcony (huge Catholic church across the street from us), the entrance to GDQ International Christian School, and our bus stop in 98 degree heat.

Zoti ju bekofte!  (God bless you!)      Judy and Bob