Hey everybody!
Today marks the last day of the first camp, and it's visible by how tired we all are. This week was the youngest, so the next two weeks will be Jr. High. I'm a little curious to see what difference the age will make. The last week will be High Schoolers, but we're still a little unsure whether we'll be here for that whole week. The other possibility would be going back to Tirana to attend Emanuel Church's conference with Zef and see all of our friends their again.
It's crazy how time is here. I thought I was on top of it and then this week I suddenly lost all comprehension of it. In two messages to people the other day, I was saying that we just finished two weeks and that there were six weeks left here, but we actually just finished three weeks. I was also convinced that it was Tuesday when it was really Wednesday. I still haven't figured out if it's a good thing that I have no comprehension of time or not. I'm leaning towards not because I made myself a callendar to keep track of the days, and so apparently not even that can help me. I think that tomorrow's day off will be a great way to recover though. I didn't realize how tired I was until we were at our daily devotional and prayer time after lunch, and during the prayer I could feel myself starting to nod off. I got to take a nap during our two to five break though, so I feel better now, though a little bit groggy.
Since I just mentioned lunch, and we're getting close to dinner, I thought I'd comment on the food. They make amazing french fries at the camp. I ate three heaping servings of it today. We also have a greek salad of sorts with every meal, which consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, and onions, drenched in what I think is vinegar and salt. I miss how it was when it was just the staff eating, and we could dress our own salad, but I'm still more than happy to eat fresh veggies everyday. Some of the team is starting to get sick of it, but Jordan and I are still enjoying it. The Americans that have been in Albania for longer say that eventually everybody gets sick of it. Most of the team is missing Mexican food, though the food I miss the most is spaghetti. We got something similar to it, but not quite the same. Peanut butter is also missed, though we've been informed that you can only get it in Greece and it's somewhere around eight dollars a jar.
Alright, that's about all I have to say for now, and dinner is just about here, so until next time!
Friday, June 29, 2007
"This could be the best week of their year..."
As the first week of camp draws to an end I sit with my face painted like a clown.
This week has been amazing. I have met so many kids who have great hearts and huge smiles. Though language has been a barrier at times, I've learned that by just spending time with them, participating in activities, saying hello, and smiling at them means so much.
This week I traveled with one team to different activities. It was a great way for us to get to know each other. I had one child in particular who would lead me, even though at times I was clear in the directions.
My camp director Eric said this in our staff meeting this afternoon. "For many of these kids, this could be the best week of their year. They will have the most fun, they will have the best food, and they will have the best support from their leaders." This comment came straight from his heart drawing tears to his eyes. Eric has been a youth pastor back in the states and has worked at this camp since its beginning in 2000. His passion for youth and the camp experience is huge.
This moment was powerful for me as I saw his heart and thought of the implications. There are a number of campers who have grown so much this week; asking questions about God and accepting Christ into their life. Unfortunately though, some campers will return to rough lifestyles. Maybe they live in poverty, are neglected or even abused. A chore for some leaders this week was removing lice from campers. World Vision sponsored a couple campers to attend this weeks camp. I think about the campers this week. How much they've grown and their trek home. While their road may be rough, hopefully they know they have God, and with God He is there along the way, no matter what. As I think about the negative situations for some campers, I'm comforted knowing this.
This week has been amazing. I have met so many kids who have great hearts and huge smiles. Though language has been a barrier at times, I've learned that by just spending time with them, participating in activities, saying hello, and smiling at them means so much.
This week I traveled with one team to different activities. It was a great way for us to get to know each other. I had one child in particular who would lead me, even though at times I was clear in the directions.
My camp director Eric said this in our staff meeting this afternoon. "For many of these kids, this could be the best week of their year. They will have the most fun, they will have the best food, and they will have the best support from their leaders." This comment came straight from his heart drawing tears to his eyes. Eric has been a youth pastor back in the states and has worked at this camp since its beginning in 2000. His passion for youth and the camp experience is huge.
This moment was powerful for me as I saw his heart and thought of the implications. There are a number of campers who have grown so much this week; asking questions about God and accepting Christ into their life. Unfortunately though, some campers will return to rough lifestyles. Maybe they live in poverty, are neglected or even abused. A chore for some leaders this week was removing lice from campers. World Vision sponsored a couple campers to attend this weeks camp. I think about the campers this week. How much they've grown and their trek home. While their road may be rough, hopefully they know they have God, and with God He is there along the way, no matter what. As I think about the negative situations for some campers, I'm comforted knowing this.
Manuel
I just got done managing the zipline of the ropes course for the last group of kids and I have some time to write before lunch. This first week of camp has gone so well and I am beginning to feel the natural flow of life here. Yesterday was a beautiful day! The weather cooled down to a nice 70 degrees and there was a perfect breeze to keep all of the campers happy.
With over 150 kids in the camp, it has been a challenge to make real connections. The differences in language and culture don't make it any easier either! But, lately I have been able to find other ways to reach the hearts of children without using words. On tuesday I saw a little boy with big blue eyes sitting all by himself. I walked over to him and began to copy every move he made. Soon he began to catch on and he was laughing.
I later learned that his name is Manuel and he is from Korche (a small town about an hour away). Eric, one of the coordinators, told me that Manuel is in lots of pain because he has three rotting teeth. I was heartbroken to hear this news and I didn't know what to do. Then I realized that Manuel was always one of the happiest and strongest kids at camp. He always makes me laugh during worship because he sings so loud that he begins to turn bright red! Now I am glad that I was able to spend time with Manuel. I hope that I helped to make his time at camp special.
With over 150 kids in the camp, it has been a challenge to make real connections. The differences in language and culture don't make it any easier either! But, lately I have been able to find other ways to reach the hearts of children without using words. On tuesday I saw a little boy with big blue eyes sitting all by himself. I walked over to him and began to copy every move he made. Soon he began to catch on and he was laughing.
I later learned that his name is Manuel and he is from Korche (a small town about an hour away). Eric, one of the coordinators, told me that Manuel is in lots of pain because he has three rotting teeth. I was heartbroken to hear this news and I didn't know what to do. Then I realized that Manuel was always one of the happiest and strongest kids at camp. He always makes me laugh during worship because he sings so loud that he begins to turn bright red! Now I am glad that I was able to spend time with Manuel. I hope that I helped to make his time at camp special.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Robin Hood (or something like it)
I've been helping to supervise archery for this week's camp, so I've dubbed myself the Robin Hood of the camp. Unfortunately (or very fortunately depending on your perspective) I left my green tights at home. It's a pretty fun job though, despite the communication problems and possibility of getting shot with an arrow. The kids do a pretty good job; Elisi is the leader of archery (also the worship leader for the camp and the church, and a very hard worker), and so he explains how it works to the children, and then he and I are there to make sure they're doing it right. The first day went great and the kids really understood. The second day was a bit more interesting.
We have 2 targets with 4 kids shooting at them, and so Elisi and I work with two kids each. On the second day, every time I would turn my back I'd be saying, "Yo yo yo! (No no no!)," or, "Prit! (Wait!)," because inevitable the kid would think they had it all figured out but have some glaring mistake. It was fun though and no one has been hurt. Today, both Kurt and Lisa came to archery as well as our fellow American, Jordan, and with two of the Albanians, we had one person per archer. Afterwards, when the kids were gone, we took out the more powerful
bows and stepped back a little to have some fun ourselves. All in all, it went well.
The food has taken a small dive now that the cooks are cooking for over 150, but I'm still happy with it. The other night we had a type of egg soup that scared the rest of the team. They've all been looking at the menues to know what it is we're eating, so I figure that they scared themselves just by thinking about it too much. I thought it tasted like nothing at all, so I ended up eating Megan's serving as well. We're definitely eating well though, and they have fantastic fruit. None of the fruit here is available in the off season like it is in the US, so everything you eat is recently ripe.
There are 5 camps, each seperated by different ages, and so this week is the youngest camp, the next 3 will be a step up in age, and the last will be the oldest of them all. I think the current age group is 8 or 9 to 11 or 12 years old, and they're pretty fun, but a bit hard headed sometimes. As I mentioned, that could make archery hard at times, but still, they're good kids. We have a staff meeting everyday after lunch and one of the team leaders was saying that his kids at one point in the day wanted to pray rather than play, so everyone is encouraged by their spirits.
Overall, we're a little tired, but in a good way. We're all ready to go to sleep at the end of the day, and we can't wait for meals. It'll be interesting to see how things work out next week, though.
We have 2 targets with 4 kids shooting at them, and so Elisi and I work with two kids each. On the second day, every time I would turn my back I'd be saying, "Yo yo yo! (No no no!)," or, "Prit! (Wait!)," because inevitable the kid would think they had it all figured out but have some glaring mistake. It was fun though and no one has been hurt. Today, both Kurt and Lisa came to archery as well as our fellow American, Jordan, and with two of the Albanians, we had one person per archer. Afterwards, when the kids were gone, we took out the more powerful
bows and stepped back a little to have some fun ourselves. All in all, it went well.
The food has taken a small dive now that the cooks are cooking for over 150, but I'm still happy with it. The other night we had a type of egg soup that scared the rest of the team. They've all been looking at the menues to know what it is we're eating, so I figure that they scared themselves just by thinking about it too much. I thought it tasted like nothing at all, so I ended up eating Megan's serving as well. We're definitely eating well though, and they have fantastic fruit. None of the fruit here is available in the off season like it is in the US, so everything you eat is recently ripe.
There are 5 camps, each seperated by different ages, and so this week is the youngest camp, the next 3 will be a step up in age, and the last will be the oldest of them all. I think the current age group is 8 or 9 to 11 or 12 years old, and they're pretty fun, but a bit hard headed sometimes. As I mentioned, that could make archery hard at times, but still, they're good kids. We have a staff meeting everyday after lunch and one of the team leaders was saying that his kids at one point in the day wanted to pray rather than play, so everyone is encouraged by their spirits.
Overall, we're a little tired, but in a good way. We're all ready to go to sleep at the end of the day, and we can't wait for meals. It'll be interesting to see how things work out next week, though.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Albanian Adventures
Today part of the group shared in an Albanian adventure. This afternoon Kyla, Lisa and myself (Kurt) went swimming at one of the local pools. The pool happened to be about 45 minutes out of town. The road to get there was only one lane (mainly dirt). The mode of transportation was a two-passenger truck, but it had a bed which could hold between 10-20 people. On this trip I believe we had 12 max. Needless to say this experience was like none other. We had to stop once and push because we didn't have enough traction and we also over heated too.
Once we got to the pool I had one of the most brisk swims in my life. The water comes straight from a river.
This was a nice time to bond with the Albanian staff. Tomorrow we will bond with 120 Albanian kids. We cannot wait!
Once we got to the pool I had one of the most brisk swims in my life. The water comes straight from a river.
This was a nice time to bond with the Albanian staff. Tomorrow we will bond with 120 Albanian kids. We cannot wait!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Right now it is12:48 in the afternoon in beautiful Erseka. Each day that we have been here has been amazing. Mark and Ruth are housing us along with their four children. Their son Steven is especially hilarious. I have really enjoyed staying here because it feels like I belong. I feel like I'm part of the family.
Every morning I try to get up before it is too hot to go for walk up the hill by the house. Lisa and I will sometimes go together. The dirt trail is beautiful and has a wonderful view of the town from the top. I love the fresh air, wildflowers, and the cute old men that pass by and say "A'lo!"
Uh oh! lunch is ready. The food is awesome here and I don't wanna miss it! Bye. Love you!
Every morning I try to get up before it is too hot to go for walk up the hill by the house. Lisa and I will sometimes go together. The dirt trail is beautiful and has a wonderful view of the town from the top. I love the fresh air, wildflowers, and the cute old men that pass by and say "A'lo!"
Uh oh! lunch is ready. The food is awesome here and I don't wanna miss it! Bye. Love you!
More from Camp
We're getting nice and used to the camp now. We only have a few more days until all the campers show up, so all the rest of the staff is arriving now, including Kurt's and my roommate, who arrives tonight. We're all having fun though. We've been having amazing meals, which is much better than we were expecting. Any one who has ever been to camp has some idea of what to expect. Here, though, we're eating so well. Yesterday for lunch we had homemade fresh pizza. It was the best pizza we've had in all of Albania, and it definitely rivals most of what I've had in America. We've been destroying their supply of chocolate creme, as well. In Albania, a regular breakfast is bread with spreads on it, one of them being something very similar to Nutella, except without the nut, so I suppose it's just 'Tella. We've been putting it on everything though. It's not often that you have tons of chocalate to put on anything.
We also discovered a new tea, which really reminds me of Cinnabon's frosting on top of their cinnamon rolls. It's the same texture and everything. Kurt and I weren't too sure about it, but Megan definitely loved it. My favorite thing here is the ice cream, or alkullore as it's said in Albanian. There's this full store building with a single soft serve machine sitting in it here. It looks funny to have all that floor space for a soft serve machine, but it's so good and ridiculously cheap! A big waffle cone of it is 30 lek, which is basically a bit more than 30 cents.
I don't know if myself or anyone else has mentioned it on this blog, but it seems like a good time to bring up "old lek" and "new lek". When Kurt and I first asked for ice cream, they asked him for 300 lek, but the charge was actually 30 lek. Somehow, they switch between them like nothing, and it makes a big difference. Old lek is 10 times more than new lek, and if you ask them if they mean old or new lek, they don't actually know what you're talking about. It's really strange. Their other oddity here is that half the population here nods for yes, and the other half nods for no, and everyone that nods for yes says that everyone in Albania does that, and if you ask the others, they will say the exact opposite. It's definitely a little confusing!
Back to the camp, though, we're having a ton of fun. After dinner last night, we all jumped on the trampoline and had a good time launching each other and playing crack the egg/popcorn. Today we we're trained on the ropes course, so we had fun climbing and learning how to run it all, then we got to do the zip line. It was definitely a fun day. Now as I sit here, the Albanians are playing some game they call "beans" and we're all waiting for lunch. Kyla is sitting next to me updating the blog too, so I'll let her take over and say everything I haven't.
We also discovered a new tea, which really reminds me of Cinnabon's frosting on top of their cinnamon rolls. It's the same texture and everything. Kurt and I weren't too sure about it, but Megan definitely loved it. My favorite thing here is the ice cream, or alkullore as it's said in Albanian. There's this full store building with a single soft serve machine sitting in it here. It looks funny to have all that floor space for a soft serve machine, but it's so good and ridiculously cheap! A big waffle cone of it is 30 lek, which is basically a bit more than 30 cents.
I don't know if myself or anyone else has mentioned it on this blog, but it seems like a good time to bring up "old lek" and "new lek". When Kurt and I first asked for ice cream, they asked him for 300 lek, but the charge was actually 30 lek. Somehow, they switch between them like nothing, and it makes a big difference. Old lek is 10 times more than new lek, and if you ask them if they mean old or new lek, they don't actually know what you're talking about. It's really strange. Their other oddity here is that half the population here nods for yes, and the other half nods for no, and everyone that nods for yes says that everyone in Albania does that, and if you ask the others, they will say the exact opposite. It's definitely a little confusing!
Back to the camp, though, we're having a ton of fun. After dinner last night, we all jumped on the trampoline and had a good time launching each other and playing crack the egg/popcorn. Today we we're trained on the ropes course, so we had fun climbing and learning how to run it all, then we got to do the zip line. It was definitely a fun day. Now as I sit here, the Albanians are playing some game they call "beans" and we're all waiting for lunch. Kyla is sitting next to me updating the blog too, so I'll let her take over and say everything I haven't.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
God is GREAT!
Ok, so I have a confession to make, Tirana was not for me. I did my best to make the most out of the time that our team spent there, but let me just say I have never been so disappointed in myself. Now, I know that relational ministry does not necessarily have visual results, but I did not for one second feel needed in Tirana and despite my efforts and did not feel as thought I was serving God efficiently. But listen to this, Erseka is more than I could have ever asked for. There are needs for us to meet, children who we already have bonded with, and oh yeah amazing ice cream that costs less then the change that you can find under the cushins in your couch. All I know is that God is great and I am regretting the complaining prayers I sent his way as I struggled to find my place in Tirana. Please continue to pray for our team now that we have settled down in Erseka for the long hall. We are looking forward to serving God to the best of our abilities. God Bless!
Hello America! How are you all? Albania has been an awesome adventure so far. It is nothing like what I expected. The bus ride yesterday from Tirana to Erseke was like traveling back in time. I saw old men herding sheep and goats with their donkeys by their side. Open fields of wildflowers were stretched as far as the eye could see. I kept thinking about the beauty of Alabnia, but also about the suffering this country has been through. I have heard many stories of people my age and how they were not allowed to leave their homes in the late 90's. People still suffer today as they cannot escape the country easily and jobs are minimal.
But enough of that! I am so glad that I am here. Thank you to all of you who are praying for us and for those of you who have contributed to this trip. We have been using our funds for wonderful reational ministry already. We had a huge cultural night where we spoke with Albanians about American culture and got to eat an Albanian meal together! Then, we played some 'futbol'! I will write more later when I get a chance. I am keeping you all in my prayers!
But enough of that! I am so glad that I am here. Thank you to all of you who are praying for us and for those of you who have contributed to this trip. We have been using our funds for wonderful reational ministry already. We had a huge cultural night where we spoke with Albanians about American culture and got to eat an Albanian meal together! Then, we played some 'futbol'! I will write more later when I get a chance. I am keeping you all in my prayers!
Now in Eurseka
C'kemi (hello), our team has safely arrived in Eurseka. We left Tirana yesterday morning by bus. The trip took about 6-hours. It was a beautiful drive through the Balkans. Eurseka is a small town which sits in a valley in the Balkans. Greece is just over the hill. We will hike there sometime. The population is about 7 thousand here.
Already we have gotten to know the residents here. We are staying at the Hope House. It was originally designed to be an orphanage, but the need for it is not strong so it serves as a community home. The Stoscher's (the missionary family which runs the camp) also live here. They have four children and are very nice. Everyday from 6-7 kids from all over the community come to play. There is a play structure and an inflatable jumping pin. More than twenty kids came to play yesterday. Already they like us and we like them. Along with the kids are about twenty turtles which roam about the yard.
The camp is very unique. It is not in a rugged region. In fact it sits behind a couple factories. It was built in 1999 to house ethnic Albanians which were pushed out of Kosovo. After they returned the building was purchased Torch Bearers International and a camp was formed.
Currently we are preparing the camp. Thursday the main staff comes in. Today we poured gravel around the ropes course. (I'm working on my guns). We have this huge trampoline to set up, which I cannot wait to jump on.
An interesting connection, I am meeting people who went to the Urbana Conference I attended back in January. It is neat to share in that experience because that is where I felt God calling me back to Albania.
Thank you for your prayer. I miss you all but I'm not home sick yet.
Already we have gotten to know the residents here. We are staying at the Hope House. It was originally designed to be an orphanage, but the need for it is not strong so it serves as a community home. The Stoscher's (the missionary family which runs the camp) also live here. They have four children and are very nice. Everyday from 6-7 kids from all over the community come to play. There is a play structure and an inflatable jumping pin. More than twenty kids came to play yesterday. Already they like us and we like them. Along with the kids are about twenty turtles which roam about the yard.
The camp is very unique. It is not in a rugged region. In fact it sits behind a couple factories. It was built in 1999 to house ethnic Albanians which were pushed out of Kosovo. After they returned the building was purchased Torch Bearers International and a camp was formed.
Currently we are preparing the camp. Thursday the main staff comes in. Today we poured gravel around the ropes course. (I'm working on my guns). We have this huge trampoline to set up, which I cannot wait to jump on.
An interesting connection, I am meeting people who went to the Urbana Conference I attended back in January. It is neat to share in that experience because that is where I felt God calling me back to Albania.
Thank you for your prayer. I miss you all but I'm not home sick yet.
Urseke
Hello everybody! Our team made it to Urseke without any problems and we love it here!
We got up early on Monday morning and thanked and said goodbye to our lovely host families, then got on the bus and left. The drive wasn't too bad; We expected it to be terribly bumpy, but it wasn't bad. It would definitely suck to drive, because it was pretty much one and half lanes wide with lots of switchbacks.
On the way here, Lisa, Kyla and myself had a cultural experience. The place we stopped to rest didn't have normal toilets; Instead they had squating toilets. So we "popped a squat" and did our thing. Lisa even took a picture.
We love Urseke. We're staying in what was to be an orphanage, but there's no need for an orphanage here, from what I can understand. Mark and Ruth are living there with their 4 children, as well as their neice is living there as well currently. There will also be a seminary student that will be sharing a room with Kurt and myself. Their children are so awesome, as well as the children of the town. We've been getting all sorts of hugs and they'll tell us they love us. The place where we're living has a big playground, and so every evening for an hour the place is opened up for all the local children to play at; they even have a bounce house. One of the quirkiest things about it is that there are about 20 turtles just wandering around the yard. Apparently turtles live in the wild here, so they've been collected and live there now. It's so cozy though and we love it.
Last night we got a tour of the town from the only other 20-something-year-old American living here, and pretty much saw the whole town. The town is so small, so there's one place for everything. We would pass a place and she would say, "this is where you hang out," or, "this is where we buy ice cream," and so on. It's nice for me, especially, to be in a small town. Just seeing the stars again was amazing.
Today we slept in and then got to work. They have a ropes course on which the ground beneath was covered in sawdust, but unfortunately that would blow everywhere. So today, we pulled out the shovels and wheel barrels and started hauling pea-gravel. We finished at least half of it today and half so wicked blisters to show for it. The camp doesn't start until Sunday, so most of our projects will be like this for now.
We got up early on Monday morning and thanked and said goodbye to our lovely host families, then got on the bus and left. The drive wasn't too bad; We expected it to be terribly bumpy, but it wasn't bad. It would definitely suck to drive, because it was pretty much one and half lanes wide with lots of switchbacks.
On the way here, Lisa, Kyla and myself had a cultural experience. The place we stopped to rest didn't have normal toilets; Instead they had squating toilets. So we "popped a squat" and did our thing. Lisa even took a picture.
We love Urseke. We're staying in what was to be an orphanage, but there's no need for an orphanage here, from what I can understand. Mark and Ruth are living there with their 4 children, as well as their neice is living there as well currently. There will also be a seminary student that will be sharing a room with Kurt and myself. Their children are so awesome, as well as the children of the town. We've been getting all sorts of hugs and they'll tell us they love us. The place where we're living has a big playground, and so every evening for an hour the place is opened up for all the local children to play at; they even have a bounce house. One of the quirkiest things about it is that there are about 20 turtles just wandering around the yard. Apparently turtles live in the wild here, so they've been collected and live there now. It's so cozy though and we love it.
Last night we got a tour of the town from the only other 20-something-year-old American living here, and pretty much saw the whole town. The town is so small, so there's one place for everything. We would pass a place and she would say, "this is where you hang out," or, "this is where we buy ice cream," and so on. It's nice for me, especially, to be in a small town. Just seeing the stars again was amazing.
Today we slept in and then got to work. They have a ropes course on which the ground beneath was covered in sawdust, but unfortunately that would blow everywhere. So today, we pulled out the shovels and wheel barrels and started hauling pea-gravel. We finished at least half of it today and half so wicked blisters to show for it. The camp doesn't start until Sunday, so most of our projects will be like this for now.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Sunday
Since we went out clubbing last night, we slept in this morning. The club was fun; There was a really good band playing there. They played all sorts of covers and we danced from about 10pm till 1:30am. Kurt and I felt bad because our host family just told us to knock loudly when we got back, but we didn't like the idea of waking them up at 2am, especially with how nice they've been to us.
Sundays are dead in Tirana... Kurt and I went out, partly because we were getting bored and partly because we wanted to see if we could buy an American to European power converter. It was strange to see it so quite out. Most of the shops we're closed, so we walked to the "SkyTower" at the center of town. Basically it's a tall business building with a restaurant on top. We hung out for a little bit and just looked all over Tirana from above. We were both bummed that Kurt hadn't brought his camera, because it was a fantastic view. All that's left today is to go to church at 5:45, (I'm convinced that Zef stole the idea from Jeff ;) and then we're done in Tirana for a while.
We leave at 8:30 tomorrow morning on a bus to Urseke, and none of us have any idea what it's going to be like. Kurt had an idea what to expect in Tirana because he had been here 2 years before for about 2 weeks. I hear for the first few days, we won't have anything to do, because the camp apparently hasn't even begun yet. I do know that we plan to come back to Tirana about a week and a half before we leave Albania, so that we can attend a conference with Zef's church. We all think we may be tired of Urseke by then and ready for something else, as well as we will want to see our friends here before we leave. We'd have had to come back this direction anyways, since the airport is in Durres near Tirana.
That's all for now, until next time!
Sundays are dead in Tirana... Kurt and I went out, partly because we were getting bored and partly because we wanted to see if we could buy an American to European power converter. It was strange to see it so quite out. Most of the shops we're closed, so we walked to the "SkyTower" at the center of town. Basically it's a tall business building with a restaurant on top. We hung out for a little bit and just looked all over Tirana from above. We were both bummed that Kurt hadn't brought his camera, because it was a fantastic view. All that's left today is to go to church at 5:45, (I'm convinced that Zef stole the idea from Jeff ;) and then we're done in Tirana for a while.
We leave at 8:30 tomorrow morning on a bus to Urseke, and none of us have any idea what it's going to be like. Kurt had an idea what to expect in Tirana because he had been here 2 years before for about 2 weeks. I hear for the first few days, we won't have anything to do, because the camp apparently hasn't even begun yet. I do know that we plan to come back to Tirana about a week and a half before we leave Albania, so that we can attend a conference with Zef's church. We all think we may be tired of Urseke by then and ready for something else, as well as we will want to see our friends here before we leave. We'd have had to come back this direction anyways, since the airport is in Durres near Tirana.
That's all for now, until next time!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Vlore
Hello Friends. We have just returned from Vlore (a beautiful coastal city on the Ionian sea). We were there Thursday and Friday. We met with a college group from Vlore. These students are closer to my age so it was nice to meet them. I actually spoke to the group which was about 30 people in all. I talked about life complexity and our relationship with God, throwing some personal experience in. I was encouraged and delighted to speak to them.
Some youth from Tirana came along to Vlore. It has been great to talk and play with them. I'm able to practice my Albanian with them. They seem to get a kick out it. Today they were teaching various slang, like "I will pay for the bill" (when really I won't). The youth and college students here are so talented. They work so hard, but they also like to have fun. I'm glad to be apart of it.
On Monday morning we head to camp in Eurseka. It is about a 5 hour drive, one I'm told we won't forget. We're also told that this camp is great. People down here know about it. In fact, some of the college students we met in Vlore are going to be working at our camp.
Well I need to get to dinner now. It is about 9pm here. Dinners tend to be later in the evening.
Some youth from Tirana came along to Vlore. It has been great to talk and play with them. I'm able to practice my Albanian with them. They seem to get a kick out it. Today they were teaching various slang, like "I will pay for the bill" (when really I won't). The youth and college students here are so talented. They work so hard, but they also like to have fun. I'm glad to be apart of it.
On Monday morning we head to camp in Eurseka. It is about a 5 hour drive, one I'm told we won't forget. We're also told that this camp is great. People down here know about it. In fact, some of the college students we met in Vlore are going to be working at our camp.
Well I need to get to dinner now. It is about 9pm here. Dinners tend to be later in the evening.
More from Albania
Lisa mentioned it, but Tuesday night was one of the best nights for the team, so far. We had our American Cultural night, which was good, but for me the highlight was what came afterwards. The DJ at the place we were at turned on some Albanian traditional music, so we all started dancing in traditional Albanian dance, as well as some Russian dances, and some times of simply dancing. After that we all went outside and played Soccer. It's been so long since I last played soccer, so I was very, very rusty. It was funny; When I would tell them it's been a long time since I last played, they would say that it was the same for them, however, when I meant that it had been years since I had last played, they meant that they hadn't played since last week. There were also some Nigerian professional soccer players there as well, so it was interesting. I mostly played goal keeper, so I would sweat bullets every time one of the Nigerians was approaching the goal. Still I blocked a few shots, though not as many as I missed. They were all very nice though and were full of compliments, though.
Yesterday we drove out to Vlore and then spent the rest of the day on the beach. It's a rocky beach, not a sandy beach, but the water is amazingly beautiful. It's a beautiful light blue and it's the perfect temperature. It's so salty that Megan and I were commenting that we could never drown, with all the buoyancy. I was thinking that I like this kind of mission trip, where we can sit on a beautiful beach and then go eat some good food.
Last night we went to a midweek bible study meeting that Zef led in Vlore. It was actually on the same beach that we played on, and the sunset was beautiful. He taught on Romans 12 and about using the gifts that God gave us. I noticed that I've started to understand some Albanian when I've sat down and just listened to it. After we had dinner, the group there began dancing, similarly to the group after the night on Tuesday. I've learned a few traditional Albanian dances now, and a girl I've met in Tirana said she would give me a CD of the songs that we danced to.
Today we're back, and so I'm back to the internet cafe to update the blog and check on emails. We should be going out to a dance club tomorrow night, resting for most of sunday, then leaving on a bus for Urseke at 8:30 on monday morning. Hopefully I'll get a chance to go online in Urseke!
Yesterday we drove out to Vlore and then spent the rest of the day on the beach. It's a rocky beach, not a sandy beach, but the water is amazingly beautiful. It's a beautiful light blue and it's the perfect temperature. It's so salty that Megan and I were commenting that we could never drown, with all the buoyancy. I was thinking that I like this kind of mission trip, where we can sit on a beautiful beach and then go eat some good food.
Last night we went to a midweek bible study meeting that Zef led in Vlore. It was actually on the same beach that we played on, and the sunset was beautiful. He taught on Romans 12 and about using the gifts that God gave us. I noticed that I've started to understand some Albanian when I've sat down and just listened to it. After we had dinner, the group there began dancing, similarly to the group after the night on Tuesday. I've learned a few traditional Albanian dances now, and a girl I've met in Tirana said she would give me a CD of the songs that we danced to.
Today we're back, and so I'm back to the internet cafe to update the blog and check on emails. We should be going out to a dance club tomorrow night, resting for most of sunday, then leaving on a bus for Urseke at 8:30 on monday morning. Hopefully I'll get a chance to go online in Urseke!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Yesterday was my highlight of the trip so far. I think it was because we were able to do three things I enjoy most: Eat, dance, and play good soccer :) It was a time where language barriers meant nothing, and everybody was our guest. There were 45 people there, and we all had a chance to share something about American Culture as well as our stories. It was a time to remember for everyone. I am loving this country and the people we've met so far. Chico is in my thoughts and prayers always...
Albania is absolutely amazing! I am glad that I came here with little or no expectations. Because of this I have been able to accept the culture for what it is and I feel like it has been easier to adjust. Zef has been taking such good care of the team and we have been able to meet so many people here. Last night was absolutely perfect. It was our American cultural night and it was a great chance to us as a team to interact with many Albanians our age who either are believers or Zef wants us to plant seeds in. The night was so much fun. Everyone here is so excited and happy to be relational with us and we love being with them. Last night was also my 20th birthday and it was the best birthday that I could have ever hoped for. We had the best cake ever and got to play soccer so of course I loved it!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Yesterday we went to a different Lincoln Center than the one when we got here. Zef teaches english at this one, so he talked to some people and got us into the english classes to help the Albanian students learn english. It was so interesting to see things from the other side. I've taken spanish classes, so I'm used to seeing charts of irregular verbs in spanish and thinking about what's the present or past tense in spanish, but it was so weird to think that about English. Speaking of english, I've noticed that how I speak has changed; such as what words I use and how I speak. Like I said before, Gjergji and Paula speak english very well, but it's still easier for them and everyone else if we speak slowly and simply. I've started using expressions like them on accident as well, like Gjergji says, "wash your teeth."
We also had coffee with some of Zef's former students yesterday. Having coffee is really more of hanging out; of all the times I've had coffee here, I only actually drank coffee once. We met some interesting people though. I talked a lot with one of Albania's greatest basketball players. He's pretty modest, but he will admit to being in the top 5. That's being very modest though; He was the MVP of the league and his team won the playoffs. Kurt was just impressed with how cute the girls were...
Today we went to Kruye ("crew-ya"), which is one of the oldest cities in Albania. They have a national hero here named George Castrioti Scanderburg, or something like that. (The translation of his name is different everywhere I look.) Basically, he fought of the Ottoman empire and saved the country of Albania. His statue is here in Tirana as well as in Kruye and a few other places. It was fun though; we toured the castle where he used to live, which is now a museum, and then walked around the streets in a market very similar to what you'd find in Mexico. Everybody bought souvenirs and we're all out of Lek now. That's alright, though, we can convert some more later.
Now we're all just hanging out waiting to do our American Culture night. I think there are something like 43 people coming, which is huge. Zef didn't think near that many people would respond. So, we'll do that then play some soccer.
That's all for now. I'm not sure when I'll be on next, but hopefully before we leave Tirana on saturday.
By the way, today is Megan's birthday, so you'll all have to sing happy birthday to her when we get back... It'll only be 2 months late ;)
We also had coffee with some of Zef's former students yesterday. Having coffee is really more of hanging out; of all the times I've had coffee here, I only actually drank coffee once. We met some interesting people though. I talked a lot with one of Albania's greatest basketball players. He's pretty modest, but he will admit to being in the top 5. That's being very modest though; He was the MVP of the league and his team won the playoffs. Kurt was just impressed with how cute the girls were...
Today we went to Kruye ("crew-ya"), which is one of the oldest cities in Albania. They have a national hero here named George Castrioti Scanderburg, or something like that. (The translation of his name is different everywhere I look.) Basically, he fought of the Ottoman empire and saved the country of Albania. His statue is here in Tirana as well as in Kruye and a few other places. It was fun though; we toured the castle where he used to live, which is now a museum, and then walked around the streets in a market very similar to what you'd find in Mexico. Everybody bought souvenirs and we're all out of Lek now. That's alright, though, we can convert some more later.
Now we're all just hanging out waiting to do our American Culture night. I think there are something like 43 people coming, which is huge. Zef didn't think near that many people would respond. So, we'll do that then play some soccer.
That's all for now. I'm not sure when I'll be on next, but hopefully before we leave Tirana on saturday.
By the way, today is Megan's birthday, so you'll all have to sing happy birthday to her when we get back... It'll only be 2 months late ;)
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Volleyball and President Bush
Yesterday we all went out to a village called Vaqarr (pronounced "Vachar") where we played volleyball. It seems like the whole village came out to play volleyball and show us all how it's done. We started out playing Americans vs. Albanians but we got our butts handed to us. Then we split up and played young vs. old, but the old guys beat us then. At least it was a much closer game. I finally figured out why I learned numbers in Albanian; I was actually able to understand them calling out the score. It was very fun though, and gave us a glimpse into Albanian culture. Earlier in the day, we went to a children's bible study at the church. The two children of my host family, Paula and Gjergji (who are 15 and 13 respectively) attend this group, so we went to meet other kids and have a good time with them. We've been meeting quite a few Albanian Christians. The night we arrived we joined some Police officers who are Christians as well who eat together at the Stephen Center, which is owned by an American missionary/businessman. We already made a ton of plans for what to do while we're in Tirana, which is pretty cool that we get to plan our own time here. We're planning on doing a cultural night to share what American culture is like and what our beliefs are. There's a group of Dutch students here as well, so we hope to include them as well. We met a few of them the other day when we had lunch at the Steven Center, and the rest at volleyball. One of them came up to us during volleyball and said to us with a smile, "You don't look Albanian." They said they had never been to a country that doesn't speak English before, so I imagine they can get just as confused as us.
It's been nice for Kurt and I, since everyone in our host family understands English, and both Paula and Gjergji speak English. In fact, Gjergji has been hovering over my shoulder correcting me with spelling Albanian words and names in this blog and my emails. He's a good kid, and just like any kid he gets very excited and loves to be around us. I can't blame him though, I would have probably done the same at his age.
I'm starting to realize how long this time in Albania is going to be and I miss people back home, but I'm also pretty excited for what the trip will hold for us.
Right now I'm just sitting in an internet cafe of sorts getting updated/updating everyone, since our very own President Bush is in Albania today, and because of this, the whole capitol is essentially on lockdown. There are American flags lining the streets all the way from the airport to the city center and flags on many of the buildings, so Zef, who is the pastor here, told us that he prepared Albania for us to come. Anyways, we're having fun and learning a lot.
It's been nice for Kurt and I, since everyone in our host family understands English, and both Paula and Gjergji speak English. In fact, Gjergji has been hovering over my shoulder correcting me with spelling Albanian words and names in this blog and my emails. He's a good kid, and just like any kid he gets very excited and loves to be around us. I can't blame him though, I would have probably done the same at his age.
I'm starting to realize how long this time in Albania is going to be and I miss people back home, but I'm also pretty excited for what the trip will hold for us.
Right now I'm just sitting in an internet cafe of sorts getting updated/updating everyone, since our very own President Bush is in Albania today, and because of this, the whole capitol is essentially on lockdown. There are American flags lining the streets all the way from the airport to the city center and flags on many of the buildings, so Zef, who is the pastor here, told us that he prepared Albania for us to come. Anyways, we're having fun and learning a lot.
It is noon on Sunday here in Tirana. It is a beautiful day. I'm sitting in an Internet cafe with Albanian teen boys who are playing soccer and Counter Strike on the computers with Albanian music playing in the background. Our time here has so far been great. Our team is now beginning to feel rested and adjusted.
This morning President Bush flew into Tirana. I watched on TV as his procession pasted along the streets here. Security is high so we stayed inside. American flags are everywhere. Here in Albania there is much support for the US; which is weird considering the amount of Muslims here. Bush will be here until late this afternoon. I was commenting to my host family that he will do nothing fun. He won't meet the locals or eat their great food.
Yesterday I was able to eat on of my favorite Albanian dishes, ferges. It is a meaty stew type dish in which you dip bread into. It can be served as an appetizer or main dish. I was able to introduce the team to this and they enjoyed it.
Yesterday our team met with the youth of Emmanuel Church here in Tirana. The kids ranged in age from 8-15. Alex and Kyla shared their testimonies. I shared a little about our trip here. We played some mixers with the kids. One game was Bear-Hunter-Trap, a game like Paper-rock-scissors. We also played shuffle your buns and attempted to play some worship songs. It was a very positive experience for all.
Last night we gathered with the older youth to play volleyball. This age group consisted of high school/college students and their parents. We went to a village just outside Tirana. About 30 people attended. This was very fun. We had a game youth vs. adults. The Albanian men are passionate. They argued many calls. But in the end everyone hugged and was happy. The Albanian culture is one that expresses themselves. While it can look dramatic to us Americans, it looks to be healthy in the long run.
This afternoon our team will reconnect. Tonight we have church. I will be sharing a brief testimony and introduce our team to the church.
This morning President Bush flew into Tirana. I watched on TV as his procession pasted along the streets here. Security is high so we stayed inside. American flags are everywhere. Here in Albania there is much support for the US; which is weird considering the amount of Muslims here. Bush will be here until late this afternoon. I was commenting to my host family that he will do nothing fun. He won't meet the locals or eat their great food.
Yesterday I was able to eat on of my favorite Albanian dishes, ferges. It is a meaty stew type dish in which you dip bread into. It can be served as an appetizer or main dish. I was able to introduce the team to this and they enjoyed it.
Yesterday our team met with the youth of Emmanuel Church here in Tirana. The kids ranged in age from 8-15. Alex and Kyla shared their testimonies. I shared a little about our trip here. We played some mixers with the kids. One game was Bear-Hunter-Trap, a game like Paper-rock-scissors. We also played shuffle your buns and attempted to play some worship songs. It was a very positive experience for all.
Last night we gathered with the older youth to play volleyball. This age group consisted of high school/college students and their parents. We went to a village just outside Tirana. About 30 people attended. This was very fun. We had a game youth vs. adults. The Albanian men are passionate. They argued many calls. But in the end everyone hugged and was happy. The Albanian culture is one that expresses themselves. While it can look dramatic to us Americans, it looks to be healthy in the long run.
This afternoon our team will reconnect. Tonight we have church. I will be sharing a brief testimony and introduce our team to the church.
Friday, June 8, 2007
We Made It
Well, with only minor problems, we made it to Albania! We were stopped at the airport and told we couldn't fly to Albania without visas, so we had a breif panic. The best part of it was calling up Jeff Gep and having him just repeat over and over, "Holy Smokes." That quote already made it into our quote book for the trip. In the end, though, we got on the plane and it's all taken care of now. Megan's luggage didn't make it, but it sounds like it'll be resolved and she's taking it well.
Right now we're all very tired. We got up at 4 AM to go to the airport and right now it's about 7:30 AM or so back in Chico, but about 4:30 PM here. We've been commenting on how we're so tired we're dizzy, and how we've certainly hit a wall. We've been having a good time though, and our humor is still here. We already all have nicknames: Kurt is Big Poppa; Lisa is Hot Momma; Kyla is the nanny; and Meg and I are the children. Maybe not problem children, but definitely mischeivous.
We're heading out, so I'll update more later!
Right now we're all very tired. We got up at 4 AM to go to the airport and right now it's about 7:30 AM or so back in Chico, but about 4:30 PM here. We've been commenting on how we're so tired we're dizzy, and how we've certainly hit a wall. We've been having a good time though, and our humor is still here. We already all have nicknames: Kurt is Big Poppa; Lisa is Hot Momma; Kyla is the nanny; and Meg and I are the children. Maybe not problem children, but definitely mischeivous.
We're heading out, so I'll update more later!
Safe in Albania
Hello we are safe in Albania! It is just after 4pm Friday, 6am for you. We spent a lot of time on planes. Things went smoothly once we got out of Sacramento. At the counter in Sac, the ticket agent asked us for our Visas which we did not have. According to them, Albania requires a visa for people staying more than a month. This was given away by the return date marked on our tickets.
Luckily we were able to continue on, they said to contact the police here to get the visa. Turns out that the people I'm staying with, the husband is the third highest ranking officer in the department, and his wife is in charge of visitor visas. I don't expect a big problem. If we do we will be returning home early. Please keep this in your prayers.
Jet lag has the best of us right now. Right now the ground is shaky from the flights and the room is kind of spinning from being tired. We our looking forward to rest tonight.
We our also looking forward to meeting our host families here in Tirana. Apparently my host family is just as excited to see me as I am to see them.
Tonight we are meeting with a police officers bible study for dinner.
A funny note. So, I've never really known much about political America/Albania relations. I know that Albania is fond of America for support though. Anyways, hanging all over the streets of Albania are American and Albania flags. Turns out that President Bush is visiting Tirana this Sunday. There is a possibility we may meet Laura Bush who will be visiting an American university here. Who would have thought the president would be visiting here when we're here. I thought the flags were just for us!
Luckily we were able to continue on, they said to contact the police here to get the visa. Turns out that the people I'm staying with, the husband is the third highest ranking officer in the department, and his wife is in charge of visitor visas. I don't expect a big problem. If we do we will be returning home early. Please keep this in your prayers.
Jet lag has the best of us right now. Right now the ground is shaky from the flights and the room is kind of spinning from being tired. We our looking forward to rest tonight.
We our also looking forward to meeting our host families here in Tirana. Apparently my host family is just as excited to see me as I am to see them.
Tonight we are meeting with a police officers bible study for dinner.
A funny note. So, I've never really known much about political America/Albania relations. I know that Albania is fond of America for support though. Anyways, hanging all over the streets of Albania are American and Albania flags. Turns out that President Bush is visiting Tirana this Sunday. There is a possibility we may meet Laura Bush who will be visiting an American university here. Who would have thought the president would be visiting here when we're here. I thought the flags were just for us!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Tomorrow were on a jet plane...
Tomorrow we're on a jet plane or planes. We fly out of Sacramento early (7am) to Washington, D.C. There we have a 3-hour lay over then it is on the long haul, I believe 9-10 hours. We will fly into Vienna then onto Tirana . The last flight should only be about 90 minutes.
Currently, I'm excited about how excited I am and my lack of nervousness. Maybe it is because I've been before an have some idea of what to expect. I can't wait to see my Albanian friends and look forward to making more connections.
As we travel please keep us in prayer.
-Safe travels, make connecting flights and all
-Health along the long ride
-Whatever anxious thoughts we all may be having (we would be able to turn it all over to Him).
Tonight our team is meeting in Sacramento at Kyla's. We will be having one last meal with our families all together. It will be a good time to pray and laugh. Our parents can join together as they start to go through all the parental emotions that comes with their child going half way around the world. I'm so blessed to be apart of this team. And not just to have Kyla, Megan, Lisa and Alex along, but also all those who are supporting us back home.
Thank you so much. Stay tuned for more!
Currently, I'm excited about how excited I am and my lack of nervousness. Maybe it is because I've been before an have some idea of what to expect. I can't wait to see my Albanian friends and look forward to making more connections.
As we travel please keep us in prayer.
-Safe travels, make connecting flights and all
-Health along the long ride
-Whatever anxious thoughts we all may be having (we would be able to turn it all over to Him).
Tonight our team is meeting in Sacramento at Kyla's. We will be having one last meal with our families all together. It will be a good time to pray and laugh. Our parents can join together as they start to go through all the parental emotions that comes with their child going half way around the world. I'm so blessed to be apart of this team. And not just to have Kyla, Megan, Lisa and Alex along, but also all those who are supporting us back home.
Thank you so much. Stay tuned for more!
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