Another Safe Arrival, Another Warm and Loving Welcome, Another Challenge in the Classroom

A Room with a View

Settling In
Once Again

How time flies when you're having fun...and when you're challenged with a new job!  We apologize to any who might have been checking our blog site now and then, looking for a new post.  Even though we're somewhat familiar with Tirana and, of course, GDQ School, things change rapidly here, and returning always involves a big adjustment.

God blessed us with safe and smooth travel and a comfortable apartment to immediately occupy.  Those at the school whom we knew before have welcomed us back heartily and warmly, as have Albanian friends, and we certainly do not have opportunity to feel lonely.

Learning the ropes of a new teaching position (middle school science for grades 6-8) initially made our heads spin, but little by little, we're figuring things out. Team teaching (with each other) works well...apparently it takes both our brains and energy levels to accomplish what a single younger teacher could.  Bob does the bulk of the teaching, and Judy tries to organize files, copy copious documents/worksheets, and keep records.  Climbing the stairs to the 3rd floor science classroom takes its toll at our age.  For a few days I (Judy) tallied the number of trips up and down to the ground floor copier, averaging 8-10 a day.  Obviously my organizational skills need some honing; but, there's no need to head to the gym for exercise!

Working with several of the students we had 2 years ago is a joy.  They're wonderful young people, with a healthy balance of fun and willingness to study. Korea, Albania, England, Germany, USA, India, and Finland are the passports represented in our classes.  Many are missionary kids, but not all, as the school also serves internationals in Albania for business or embassy purposes.

The few photos we've tried to attach are generic pics of our Tirana, with views from our balcony and from the street.  You can see it's surrounded by small mountains, placing us in a basin, "perfect" for settling pollution.  We don't want to know how much work our respiratory systems are doing to deal with that! The government is clearly trying to clean up parts of the city, and there is definitely beauty to be found, but there is still much trash and crumbling infrastructure also.  Given all of that, we have found a lot to love, and we are enjoying the life we have here.

We miss all of you and love to hear from you, so keep those emails coming.  Of course we appreciate, so much, all your prayers; we do sense the Lord working in our lives....and throughout Albania.  Please pray specifically...

-for continued health for us, that we may complete the term

-that we may grow in trusting the Lord to enable us to teach as He wants

-that GDQ School will find a replacement for us in a timely manner

-In fact, pray for the school in all its recruitment needs, as this is a continuing    concern year in and year out.  If you know of anyone who might feel called to
 teach at an international Christian school, please direct them to us, and we'll 
 help them get connected.

Our love to you, and may God bless you,
B and J

                                                           We love those Albanian beans!

Catching up with visiting, as well as shopping

Mediterranean Beauty

No helmets or biking leather here!