June 27, 2016

Our last two days in Albania were filled with good things. Here are just a few photos sampling these events and our flights to the US.

I have been following how the ditch was dug, the electric cable laid, and the ditch refilled. and finally I saw the paving bricks being put back in to make the sidewalk again. The total project was very people intensive.

The Sidewalk Being Remade Over the Covereds Ditch (20-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

On Tuesday, early evening, the pastoral team and our spouses visited Angelina and her husband as a way to be supportive after they experienced a death in their extended family.

Dini and Angelina's Husband Converse (21-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Angelina, Klementina, Solenge and Sofia (21-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The next day, at 1:45 p.m. we flew from Tirana to Frankfurt to Wessington, DC, and then Heidi picked us up and drove us to Harrisonburg.

Elsie, Sofia and Solenge Walk toward Our Gate in Tirana (22-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Elsie Seems to Be Deep in Thought (22-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

A Snack on the Plane Makes an Interesting Composition (22-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Pulling into Our Gate at the Washington Dulles Airport (22-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Life seems to have many interesting twists and turns if we but take the time and eeffort to notice them. And with God in control, we can have peace regaardless of what happens. "Thank you, God!"

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June 24, 2016

Back in 1991, Sam Scaggs and some other team members came to Lezhë to preach the good news of God forgiving our sins through Jesus' life, death, resurrection and return to Heaven. That was the founding of the first Mennonite church in Albania, Guri i Themelit. So on Sunday, June 19, we celebrated the past 25 years with some of the persons who were responsible for leadership during this years. 

June and Lloyd Weaver (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Long-time Member Gjeto (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

From Lushnjë Urim and Allen Umble (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Rafael Çukaj's Parents (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Norma Telos (a 20-year veteran missionary) Talks with Ken Horst (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Worship Team: Women's Group + Robert Cook (piano) & Francis Marques (guitar) (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Preacher: Sam Scaggs (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Greeting from Virginia Mennonite Missions: Lynn Suter (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

In 1993, Paul and June Kropf came to Albania where Paul was the first pastor of Guri i Themelit church. He dies upexpectely on Christmas Day 2010. 

June (Kropf) Weaver Recalls Her and Paul's Time at GIT (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Dini Shahini put together a slide show of the history of the church citing people and events on a timeline. Our son Todd and daughter-in-law Maria were leading the first YES team to come to Lezhë in 1998-99 

Photos of Three of the Short-term YES Teams in Lezhë (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Allen Umble, who has lived approximately 20 years in Albania with most of that time spent in Lezhë, was a teacher of English and mission team leader.

Allen Umble Recalls His Time at GIT (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Dini was one of the first persons to coming to a believing faith in Christ under Sam Scaggs preaching, and he and Klementina were one of the first group leaders for the church.

Klementina Reminisces about the Early Years and More Recently (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The morning program was followed by cake and drink refreshments. Later in the evening the mission staff and visitors had a dinner at Jolly's Restaurant.. There were many photos taken of friends and supports with mission workers. Here are a few.

Milton and Mary Ethel Heatwole and Dini and Klementina Shahini (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Mary Ethel, Milton, Lynn, Klementina, and Katrina (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Sam Scaggs and His Grandson and Friends (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The Shahini's and Weaver's (19-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

It was very good to celebrate what God has done and is dong in Lezhë, Albania. We look forward to more growth and more surprises as God continues to work with his family off children here.

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June 20, 2016

From when we entered through the Lezha Academic Center gate and received a program for the graduation, we had a very good time celebrating with the seniors, their families and the other teachers and staff.

Artiola and Elsie Talk with Words and Their Hands (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

We made sure to get our photos with the Xhari sisters. Armelda had just returned earlier in the week from her graduation from Christopher Dock High School (PA, USA), and Irena has been here a few weeks already after her graduation from Hesston College (KS, USA).

Irena Poses with Us (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

We Welcomed Armelda Home (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The graduation program began with two musical numbers by a small but dedicated LAC choir led by Julie Cowan, accompanied by Robert Cook on the keyboard, and assisted vocally by Katrina Schmid.

 

LAC Choir Provides a Prelude (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Close-up of the Choir (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The commencement ceremonies began with remarks from the principal/director Klementina Shahini and a commencement address by Dr. Don Steiner, chair of the LAC board of directors. Following these were a valedictorian's speech aimed at the class of 2016 and a salutatorian's address aimed at the parents (in Albanian) and even an address from the top student from the graduating class of 2014. 

 

Director Klementina Shahini Welcomed Everyone to the Graduation (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Dr. Don Steiner with Interpreter Gjorgjina (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

One-half of the Class of 16 Seniors (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

The Other Half of the Class (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Inda Gave a Personal and Challenging Speech (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Gjergj Speaks to the Parents in Shqip (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Arrilda from Her Two Years of Experience at LCC International U. (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

I also enjoyed capturing a few more informal moments such as this one with Dini and two friends, Dhimitri, and LAC student, and his sister Agi, an LCC student.

 

Dhimitri, Agi and Dini Lister to the Ceremonies (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Then finally it was time to hand out the diplomas. The students came forward as guidance counselor, Ina Yzeiraj, read off the names. 

 

Ina Yzeiraj Found Her Task a Happy One (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The seniors lined up in front of the podium after receiving their diplomas. I captured a friend, Gladis, as he looked my way and gave his usual half smile. 

 

Gledis Was Happy, too, and Maybe a Bit Sad for the End of LAC for Him. (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Pastor Rafael Tartari Gave the Closing Benediction (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Seniors Lined Up and Threw Their Caps in the Air to Celebrate (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Seniors Posed with LAC Faculty and Staffa (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

The Photographer with My Camera Caught Us in an Informal Moment (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

With Joy at the End of a Successful Event, Dini and Klementina, Pose for Me (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Now for some more informal photos, some of which are posed but still relaxed. 

 

Fatlum and His Grandpa Are Both Proud (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Donaldo Lleshi had been in this class before transferring to Central Christian High School two years ago to complete his high school education. He was eager for Fatlum and him to be photographed together.

 

Sober Good Friends--Donaldo and Fatlum (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Evianda Was Congratulated by Two Friends (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Kristi and Ornela, Two Students from Chemistry 11 Posed for Me (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

"What's Up" Gaitan and His Friends, Armando and Gjergj (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

I Get in a Photo with Fatlum and His Grandpa (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Mother Mona Is Not Too Worried about Crying Andrea (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Mother Was Correct--Andrea Found Mia (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Katrina Schmid Shares a Moment with Irena and Her Younger Sister Romina (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

After the ceremonies and all of the congratulations were given, teachers, staff, visitors and friends met for a dinner.

 

Chester Mast (Dini's Close Friend from Chesapeake, VA) (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

An Albanian Celebration Seems Incomplete without Dancing (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Ken and Sue Horst Share a Moment with Rafael Çukaj (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

As LAC board members came to Lezhë for a semi-annual board meeting, three of them meet with LAC teachers for input on what we see as some of the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities facing LAC now and in the next five years. The three were Elaine Moyer, Robin Gingerich, and Lois King.

 

The Faculty Met for a Confab with the LAC Board (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Elaine and Robin Directed Us in What We Were to Do (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

The Sheets of Ideas We Generated (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

On Saturday morning, Elsie and I offered an informal walking tour of parts of Lezhe to Chester and two teachers from LCC International University who were in town to give a two-week intensive English study program.

 

Grazina and Eric Relax from the Tour with Ice Cream and Water (18-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

This was a wonderful but full few days at the end of our semester of teaching. It is always good to see students moving on the the next stage of their journey through life--fully ready or not! We pray that God would walk with them on this journey.

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June 16, 2016

Yesterday after finishing my lunchtime sufllaqe, I sat awhile longer chatting with Irena (who graduated from Lezha Academic Center two years ago and was back home for the summer) about her time at Hesston College, Hesston, KS, USA. Dini Shahini came along just then and asked if I could lead the prayer meeting at the church at 5 p.m. I said "yes" but wondered how I was going to do that with  my limited ability with the Albanian language. But Dini could not very well be picking up some guests at the airport at the same time he was to lead the prayer meeting.

So I did some planning for the meeting.

My "Guide-sheet" with English and Albanian for Me to Say (15-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," (I Peter 5:7) turned out to be an excellent theme for the meeting. Our sharing was deep and personal with emotions and tears coming to the surface. And God had prepared Xhilda, a senior in the public high school who knows English well, to be there as my translator and an active participant in the prayer time.

Even though I initially wondered why we did not just cancel the prayer meeting, God had more challenges and growth points for me as he surprised me yet again with his Spirit's presence and guidance. "Faleminderit Zot!" (Thank you, God!)

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June 14, 2016

This next weekend we are participating in two celebrations. On Saturday, Lezha Academic Center has its graduation in the evening. It is the fifth one for the school and worth celebrating. Then on Sunday we will celebrate the founding of our church, Guri i Themelit, 25 years ago. So to help get us in the mood, here are some photos from LAC and GIT.

Invitation to Attend the LAC 2016 Graduation (13-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Last week we experienced one of the traditions that has emerged at LAC. The juniors gave the seniors helium-filled balloons which they then released together outside. This was an occasion to illustrate how the seniors were going to rise high in their separate futures. 

Juniors Risi, Sheila, and Arbis Untangle Balloon Strings (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Juniors Give Balloons to Seniors (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Seniors Get Ready to Release the Balloons (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

The Balloons Float High in the Sky (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

At the church it has been good to see a number of former students back for the summer from their various universities in various countries. At the church it has been good to see a number of former students back for the summer from their various universities in various countries.

Josh Tells a Story (12-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Praise Time Led by Gjorgjina, Klaudia, and Evianda with Rafael on the Guitar (12-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The Previous Week Norma and Evianda Led Us (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

The economic situation has gotten very bad in Brazil, so Virginia Mennonite Missions is attempting to help the Brazilian church raise funds so that the Tartari family can continue to live and be God's people in Lezhë. 

A Family Photo for a Prayer Card (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Let me go back to a few photos from LAC beginning with two from the monthly assembly on Friday, June 3.

Celebrating All of the Persons with Birthdays during the Summer (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Klementina Congratulates the Students of the Month (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

At lunch the previous day, I captured Evianda retuning her food tray to Morela, the cook.

Evianda Hands Her Tray to Morela (2-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

On my way to LAC on that Friday morning, I captured this sign on the phone store with the other side of the street reflected in the window. It reminds persons to re-fill their phone cards.

Reflection and Sign in the Window of a Phone Store (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Friday evening as several of us left the pizza restaurant, I noticed this banner of the street. The translations into English goes something like this: "Ramadan brings peace in your hearts and families." I was reminded that while not many persons are real devout in their religious practices, one's religious background places a large role in the culture 

Banner Reminding Persons that Ramadan Has Begun (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

As spring is turning into summer, we have noticed a number of new highway signs have been erected. Here is one right in Lezhë.  

New Road Signs Are Visible in Lezhë (7-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

On my way to and from LAC, I have been interested for sometime in observing how the small repair shop works. Lots of appliances and tools that may seem older are repaired for more life. But one day I noticed that they had a wooden chaise lounge for sale up against the outside wall along with a wooden rake for use by village farmers.

Wooden Rake and Chaise Lounge (3-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

This past week Lois King returned to Albania to donate some time to working with Elsie in the library at LAC and to be here for the various celebrations and LAC board meeting. We appreciate her contributions, including our Friday evening meal at Jolly's

 

Lois Watches as Klementina and Elsie Talk with their Hands (10-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Julie Awaits Her Meal (10-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Klementina Catches Me Taking Her Photo and Smiles (10-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Life seems to have many twists and turns, even those that may seem to be odd or dead ends, but with God in control it is an interesting and often fun journey! 

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June 4, 2016

On Sunday evening, May 29, Lezha Academic Center held its prom for senior, their parents and invited guests. There is always some good conversations, lots of Albanian dancing, good food, and a few tears as seniors face the end of their time at LAC with friends they have gotten close to., their parents and invited guests. There is always some good conversations, lots of Albanian dancing, good food, and a few tears as seniors face the end of their time at LAC with friends they have gotten close to.

Univers Hotel Wedding House Hosts LAC Prom (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Bardha, Nikolin, and their daughter Dona picked Elsie and I up and drove us to the Univers Hotel for the prom. Before entering the building, we decided to have some coffees in the beautiful weather outside.

Dona Thinks about Placing a Coffee Order? (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Below are just a few samples of photos from the LAC prom..

The Seniors First Dane (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Seniors Pose with Mr. and Mrs. Shahini (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Near the End of the Prom, Seniors Do Another Dance (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Notice the Variety of Footwear (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Inda Gets Her Valedictorian Ribbon Reversed (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Principal Shahini, Salutatorian Gjergj, and Valedictorian Inda (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Armando Jaku Gives a Smile (2-9May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Armando Nekaj Gives a Kiss (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Elsie and I were sitting at a table with Klementina, Dini and the two students they are responsible for (from the southern part of Albania) and Bardha, Nikolin and Dona.

Dhimitri Works on a Caricature of Me (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Klaudja Enjoys Giving Smiles (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Nikolin Granted Me a Smile and a Photo (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Dini Is Deep in Thought (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Earlier last week (Wednesday, to be precise), Dini and I had driven to Lushnjë where we met Allen Umble and his landlord's son, Llazi, who drove us to a couple of villages near the city to meet several persons. Our first visit was with a couple in whose house a Mennonite church had met for some time but which later disbanded.

Agim and Goni Ndoni Hosted Us for Discussion and Refreshments (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

We Were Given Plums Before Leaving (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Our next stop was with the former president of the farmers organization that disbanded a few years ago as individual farmers marketed their own produce. He specializes in growing vegetables in greenhouses. The farmers group has an outstanding loan with Albania Mennonite Mission Foundation of which Dini is the new executive director. 

Stavri Gjini Shows Allen Tomatoes Ready for Tirana (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Some of the Greenhouses on the Site (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Stavri and Dini Inspect Cucumber Plants (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Along roadsides and fence rows throughout the country, lots of small groves of bamboo plants grow. Sometimes they are harvested and used as building material for sheds.

 

A Shed with Walls of Dried Bamboo Poles (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

On the north side of Tirana on our way home to Lezhë, we passed a sign for a small village called Budull. A couple days later when I asked our Albanian teacher friends about the village, no one seemed to know where I was talking about. The problem was two-fold. First of all, I pronounced it "bud-all", and it should have been more like "boodool". Secondly, it is so small that many of the persons in Lezhë do not know of it. So I still have lots to learn about Shqip--the Albanian language. 

 

The Highway Sign for Budull (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

There were other interesting sights along the way back to Lezhë. 

Dark Clouds Over Farms and Houses (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Rocky Debris Along the Mat River Near Lac (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Common in Lezhë are the motorcycle carts often run by Roma men. I am amazed at the apparent ingenuity of how they are constructed and that as old as they look that they are still kept up well enough to be still used.

Motorcycle Cart with Cargo (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Boy Riding in the Cargo Bay of a Motorcycle Cart (25-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

This past Sunday morning, Toni Dedgjonaj preached his first sermon at our church, Guri i Themelit.

Toni Dedgjonaj Preaching at GIT (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

And I continue to be interested in construction, technology, farming and such things. So here are a few photos highlighting these. The first four have to do with a new high-power electrical cable being buried underground near our apartment.

Underground Cable Partially Buried (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Small Excavator and Hand Shoveling Help Bury the Cable (29-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Coiled-up Cable Ready to Be Extended (30-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Close-up of End of Electrical Cable (30-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

For several months, one of the small shops across from the market here in Lezhë has been selling baler twine. This is plastic rope and not the sisal type that I was acquainted with when I worked on a farm as a youth. This particular variety is produced by a German company that now has world-wide offices and manufacturing plants, Class Baletex 400 baler twine is available online in Europe, too.

Baler Twine and Oil for Sale Outside a Shop in Lezhë (2-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

Close-up of a Two-Roll Package of Baler Twine (2-Jun-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

On Monday, May 30 (US Memorial Day), we went bought some ice cream and ate it in a nearby park. It was fun to see kids (one boy wanted his picture taken) and families having fun together. 

Popcorn and Cotton Cady Cart and a Boy (30-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

 

Ogert Blows Bubbles for His Children and Others (30-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

This is also the season for some fruits that we usually do not have n the US.  Below is a plate of such a fruit. At first I called it kimçë (with i pronounced like a long-e and ç like a ch), but later I was informed that I mis-identified it. It is really kumbull (a small green plum which will turn a reddish purple color as it ripens more). Any fruit and vegetable ship will carry these small green fruits.  [Corrected" 14-Jun-2016.]

 

Kumball Fruit Brought to LAC for Any Teacher or Staff Who Wanted Any (23-May-16; © Richard L. Bowman)

These photos document only a few of the people and events with whom we have interacted, but they do give a good sample of our lives here in Lezhë. And we are grateful to God and others for all of their support for our time and work here. We enjoy it a lot!

--©2014-16, Richard L. Bowman)

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