Thursday pm

Here we are, almost to the end of our week and wondering where our days have gone. This has been a great day and we have watched as God has confirmed to us His wonderful love and favor we have found in Albania. One of our highlights today was going to the grade school where the children of Grumbellimi attend. We were welcomed by the children in the courtyard with shouts of "Do you speak English?" "Yes, we said do you?" They proceeded to talk with us in broken English but so excited to have Americans at their school. Pastor Bill was surrounded by young grade school girls and he was able to share with them in English and tell them about Jesus' love for us and for them. They have very open hearts and anxious to learn and use their new found language skills. We then were allowed to enter the school and look in their classrooms but then we were summoned to meet with the school Director and his assistant. They asked us to sit in their office and share with them why we were in Albania, asking each of our names and repeating them back to us. As we shared, they took it all in and then asked questions of us!! They both gave us an overview of their school system and how it functions in Albania. They were very appreciative of the work we are doing with the gypsy children and for our presence in their country. They even took us to a class in session, which by the way had one of our girls in the glass, Brasillda, and let us take a picture of her. The Director even wanted his picture taken with her!!! Pastor Bill got to show them on their world maps where we were from in Ohio. Considering that we were not allowed in the school 2 years ago, this is a big step for us with these people.

The rest of our day was again spent with the children, hugging, laughing, playing and loving them - a desperate need for these children. The church work site continues to show progress, and tomorrow will allow us to finish some of the rooms with the plaster walls completed. Much is yet to be done and God's timing will determine the finished product! Today was a breakthrough with the workers from Albania, allowing for our team to be accepted and not looked upon as interference with their work.

It is a privilege to be here and be used as Jesus' hands and feet, sharing His love and in turn being blessed beyond measure. Thank you Calvary family for supporting us and for praying for us. The needs are so great and these people are also God's children, as are we. Please continue to hold us up and pray that our final days with them will plant even more seeds that our next team will begin to water, awaiting the harvest. It has been a joy to meet with the children and friends again, and to see how they have grown in the Lord. We are thankful for the Plagenhoef family and their commitment to the Albania people. They are truly wonderful workers in the vineyard! It's time for me to sleep - one more hard days work ahead. Thank you again for loving the missions field and the peoples we support. See you soon.