Since I was preaching this past Sunday at Guri i Themelit church in Lezhë,  Pastor Rafael Tartari asked if I would sit on the front row of chairs. This was on the opposite side from which I normally viewed the happenings, so I got a different visual perspective.

The Worship Group Led Us on Sunday (17-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

My message was on Jesus' parables of the talents (bags of money). It was a challenge to me personally to ponder what resources I do have and how I am or am not using them to build God's kingdom. Xhorxhina (to the right in the photo above) is home from her first year at LCC International (Lithuania) for the summer and did the translating into Shqip for me. It was good to see her again and to learn that she had a very good year although she was very glad to be home. 

Title Slide to My Sermon (17-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

After church people tend to reconnect and share how their lives have been.  In the photo below Xhevahir, Katrina and Justin share a few moments on the sidewalk  outside of the church's store front.

Young Adults Visit Outside the Church (17-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

The weather has been unreasonably hot and humid last week and our air conditioning did not work, so as I got reqdy for the next day at school on Sunday afternoon, I listened to some music by the Gaither Vocal Band. Being inspired by the music helped me forget the heat!

My (17-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

On Wednesday evening we were invited to the home of Solenge, Rafael, Paulo, and Sophia for dinner. It shared outstanding food and conversation. And playing with the children did our hearts good as we thought of our own grandchildren.

Sophia Takes a Drink while Playing on the Rug (20-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Elsie Photographs Our Gathering around the Table (20-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

School at Lezha Academic Center is coming to an end for the senior class. On Thursday they took their final in chemistry from me, and then we shared good wishes on Friday, their last day of formal classes. Graduation will be on June 19 with national exams needing to be taken prior to then.

The Ten Seniors (one at the desk off-camera) Look Buried in Chemistry (21-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Kledja Intently Works Herr Calculator (21-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

While I was out getting photos of flowers at the school, a girls' PE class came out, so I exchanged greetings with them and got out of their way.

PE Class Warms up by Running (22-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

Since Friday was the last official day for the senior class, they released balloons to symbolize their ensuing freedom to explore where God might take them. 

Seniors Release Their Balloons 22-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

I did get some photos of the red roses blooming in the hedge. They are a glorious spot of bright color to cheer sunny or cloudy weather.

Red Roses in the Hedge at LAC (22-May-15; © Richard L. Bowman)

It is hard to believe that the academic year is coming to a close. I'm sure there will be more new experiences for us as the next several weeks roll around.

--©2014-15, Richard L. Bowman

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