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

Our Little Church

In 1992, just 2 years after collapse of the communist dictatorship, the work was started by Church of the Nazarene missionary volunteers. The Gorre church was organized in 1995, and Pastor Landi has faithfully served since 1997.

Although he lives in a nearby village and not in Gorre, Landi has invested much effort over the years in getting to know the villagers. One reason for starting our pre-school and housing it in the church complex was to help parents and others feel comfortable coming onto church grounds. Apparently, early on, the church became known as a church just for young people, and adults felt it was not a place for them. In addition, the Orthodox tradition of most people in this area was severely and brutally squelched under communism. (Albania was the first country ever to officially declare itself an atheistic nation.) People who lived in that era are not used to practicing their faith or speaking of it. They appear to be comfortable with calling themselves Christians but not actively practicing their faith.

Because of the pre-school, people are now more relaxed about setting foot on church grounds. Unfortunately, we remain a tiny congregation (by US standards), and only a handful of people attend Sunday services. But God works in their hearts, and they try to reach out to the villagers by special programs and providing food and other necessities to the very poor and needy.

There are many nearby villages, and some have (or had at one time) their own similar small churches. A few believers are scattered around. We asked about gathering these faithful together in one village church. In the US, we think nothing of traveling miles to a church we love. But in rural Albania, few people have their own transportation, so even a couple of miles is a difficult distance. The church, therefore, must go to them, rather than expecting them to do the footwork.

Accordingly, Landi has just begun to work on a dream he's had for years to serve in another village. On Friday afternoons he holds a class there for children of all ages, introducing them to the Bible and God's love. The combination of lively teaching and fun games is drawing 25-30 children weekly. Children who have not lived under the fear of communism seem to be more open to the Gospel than their parents and grandparents, and they are the future church in Albania.

In this same village, Juli plans to offer English classes for a group of interested women, who may be open to Bible study at the same time. Will a church eventually form there? Only God knows. But we do know He continues to capture the hearts of people all over Albania, and for that we give Him praise!

WE'RE BACK IN GORRE

Shume shume ftohte! That's "very very cold" in Albanian. We have arrived safely back in Gorre after 2 weeks at home in WI where temps bottomed out at -40 F. Since the cold seems to be a hot topic in much of the world (nice break from all that global warming talk) this winter, we thought we'd share a bit of our experience with Albanian cold.

While outside temps typically fall nowhere nearly as low as they do in WI, this year it seemed to begin with a day of snowfall (the first time in at least 10 years here in Gorre!) Unseasonably low temps (30's & 40's daytime) were coupled with several days of long power outages. Buildings here are constructed of concrete and ceramic tile with no insulation or central heating. Power outages obviously render electric space heaters useless. So interior temps soon matched outside temps in our apartment, and we could frequently see our breath inside. Layers of clothing, afghans, and gloves were our wardrobe. One night, when Christmas cookies had to be baked for a church party, we resorted to rolling them out in the bedroom---the one room we try to keep heated.

It was quite a shock for those of us used to entering a house where all the rooms are warm, even if it's -40 outside. Here people generally heat one small room with a space heater, and that's where the family congregates for the winter.

Schools and public buildings are not heated either. Thankfully we acquired enough heaters for each pre-school class, and the children and teacher gathered around its warmth for lessons, huddled up in their winter jackets.

As soon as we left WI last week, temps there rose into the +40's. And we are enjoying daytime highs in the mid-60's here now. The apartment still retains its winter chill, but spring is in the air. Gardeners and produce growers have planted tomatoes and peppers in their greenhouses, and the longer daylight hours are one of God's special blessings. In all things we give thanks!
for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come. Song of Solomon 2:11

Intermission

We will now interrupt this blog site with a brief intermission. On the 29th of January, Lord willing, we'll llift off from Tirana's international airport. Our round trip ticket schedules a February 12 return to Albania.

A two week respite will pass quickly. We do hope to soak up much love via the grandchildren as well as the possibility of squeezing in brief visits with nearby family and friends.

When we arrive back here in Gorre we will continue with our local routine and also plan for a transition of mission service which we'll tell you about later.

Til then, may God richly bless your lives. He is the source of all blessings and the One who provides amazing grace. May you choose to enter His gates with thanksgiving and approach His court with praise.

An overnight Guest

Life goes on in the village of Gorre. Thinking that we were back into our "normal" routine after the holiday season, we were surprised one evening with a gentle knock on our door. Our good friend Ermal, whom you've met before, stood at our entrance with another young man whom we did not recognize.

Ermal introduced the young man as David Graeser, currently from Istanbul, Turkey. "Could you put David up for the night? He is here for a visit and needs a bed and a meal or two." Yes, we scrambled to get one of the icy cold rooms set up with linens, copious blankets and one of our small electric heaters.

We soon learned that David had previously visited Gorre (about 3 years ago) while on a short term mission trip. He managed to befriend Ermal as well as other local villagers at that time. Now, he was back in the area to visit those previous acquaintances.

It happens that David is a very gifted young man. Along with several other members of his group, he uses his musical talents, dancing abilities and other drama related skills to communicate the Gospel among the Turkish populace. An Atlanta, Georgia native, David has committed two years, at least, with the Operation Mobilization mission.

How exciting to witness a young man devote his life in this way to serve the Lord. We enjoyed our visit with David. After a hot shower, a warm meal, a good night's rest and breakfast, David left our village to make other visits in Albania. We trust that he is now back in Istanbul preparing for his group's next performance for Jesus.

PS: An up-date on the revenge killing of Pastor Dritan that we reported on earlier in the fall: Praise the Lord that Dritan's family has decided not to continue the feud...what a courageous, yet humble stand, for a Christian family to take. Prayer is still necessary for the 1500 men we have been told live in hiding because of similar threats on their lives.

Turkey Mania

Since our arrival here in rural Albania, we have been intrigued by a common and pervasive scene: turkey shepherds watching their flocks by day and ostensibly penning them up by night. While spending a few of the holidays and nights in Tirana, we witnessed the climax of the turkey drama. Shackled together or hobbled in some similar fashion, huge numbers of turkeys brought the streets and sidewalks of the big city alive with feathered islands and their shepherds now turned merchants (a scene repeated in most settlements throughout the country). Having cared for their feathered friends for several months now, just days prior to the new year, the local merchants spend the hours from early sun-up to after sunset hawking (no pun here) their big birds. Life is now short for thousands of innocent turkeys as they are soon to have their heads severed so the lady of the house can prepare the year's most highly celebrated meal.
Fortunately for us, Pastor Landi and Juli invited us to their home, where we shared the much anticipated Albanian New Year's feast. What a delectable experience for us, as we were treated to beautiful side dishes in addition to hormone-free turkey meat. Our pictures show the effort and beauty of the festive meal, but only our taste buds and stretched stomachs can attest to the delightful experience.
Sadly, however, while the locals spend weeks, even months, preparing the the New Year's bash, the blessings of Christmas barely get noticed. The festivities, including turkey feasts, flashing lights, fireworks and even some decorated evergreen trees, all culminate in the celebration of the new year, to the exclusion of Jesus' birth. Pray with us that this trend will be reversed as more and more people accept the reality of the Christ Child.
May God richly bless you with His love in this new year!