It is hard to believe it has been six months since we left our home for the MTC. In some ways it has gone by very fast, and in other ways not so fast. But always interesting. Last night we got home from a place called Llogora which is down south not too far from the Greek Border. We were asked to pick up some presenters that had flown in from Germany, England, and Portugal and take them to Llogora for EFY. We stayed there (at the resort) until Wednesday and brought some of them back. This is the same place we are having our Young Adult Conference next week, so it was good to be there and have a look around. Our impressions were luke warm, but the Albanians think this is a great place to stay. We were very happy to come home and have a tuna fish sandwich today. The food was interesting!!! One thing we have learned is that Albanians eat anything and everything. (Well not quite anything, but definitely everything).
A few weeks ago, our Center was broken into and our computers stolen. The police could find no forced entry, so that means someone had a key, or someone fixed a door so they could get in. It makes you feel violated to think this could happen, and by someone who has been to the Center and knows what we have there. They will never be found. The black market is alive and well here, and we probably will never know who did it. There are so many keys running around for the 2/4 building, and a set or two have been lost, so who knows. They left everything very neat for us though, like we are sorry to do this, but ----.
Glen has become an Albanian driver. We had to borrow the mission 9-passenger van to take everyone to Llogora, and he drove just like the locals, only he doesn't stop for the bumps and holes in the rode. As you are driving along the highway and there is a hole or bump, the cars in front you almost come to a complete stop so as not to damage their car. They go from 100 kph to 5 kph in seconds, and you are lucky not to ram the back of them. Glen doesn't mind playing chicken to get ahead of them so he won't have to stop when they slow down. I am surprised my foot hasn't gone through the floorboard by now.
Things are basically the same. Still no Center, but we continue to look for a place. We had a branch family night (on a Wednesday), and Pres. Beleshi asked us to furnish "a" game. When we got there, he thought we would be in charge of all the games!!! (Poor translation) We played musical chairs which they loved, and the sisters backed us up with the game of spoons. Albanians seem to be able to make their own fun and come up with things to do which is always fun to watch. The night was successful for those who came. We have been told the Yugoslav Embassy has been approved to buy, plus some additional property next to it for a church here. We are all very excited about this as the Church in Tirana needs ownership. This will make a great difference to the membership here in Tirana and we know will bring a greater Spirit to the members.
Sometimes I think our age is catching up to us as we never feel quite rested. But we know the Lord is watching over us and we will continue to work as hard as we can to accomplish his purpose for us here. We love the YA's and are grateful for our calling. Life is good, the gospel is true, and we are alive and well.
