A different way of doing things

We have spent the last couple of days helping our friends Mark and Ruthie get ready for the first camp of about 140 kids, which started today. Actually, we're not sure we're very helpful, but it helps us to be helpful, if that makes sense. So we showed up yesterday eager to get to work. Mark gave us the task of clearing some willow branches away from a stairway, and sweeping the steps. The only thing was, there were probably 8 people interested in doing this same task, and our tools were a couple dinner knives (to cut the branches, since no one could locate clippers) and two brooms with missing sticks. Everyone just kind of took turns cutting and sweeping and watching. I found it a good picture of life here in Erseke. People are very eager to be helpful, the tools are often substandard (by American standards) but the job gets done one way or another.

Here's another example: Today we were asked to help put together an above-ground pool next to the camp. But the pool, just recently purchased from a vendor far away, was missing two pretty important things: the instructions to put it together, and a curved pipe that made up the corner. Again, there were about a dozen volunteers -- mostly high school and college boys -- happy to help figure things out. And when we told Mark there was a piece missing, he just replied, "I'm sure we can come up with something." And, by golly, when I returned an hour later, the pool was set up and ready to be filled with water.

I'm trying hard to embrace this culture for what it is, rather than through my American mindset or my perfectionistic nature. Things don't always go as efficiently as I would wish it. The results sometimes seem less polished than I'd like. But overall, these people seem much less stressed than the average Westerner. Equally impressively, they show incredible affection to each other. Even we newbees are welcomed with hugs and kisses by those we've met, well, sometimes 10 minutes before. Not a bad way to live, wouldn't you agree?

Before I bid you meeru pavshim ("goodbye" with improvised spelling), I'll fill you in that Jeff is finally -- thank you Jesus -- feeling better. I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say he was the grouchiest of grouches yesterday. (Here's a direct quote -- Me: "Look at that beautiful sunset." Him: "I really could care less about the sunset.") Do you feel my pain? But today that glimmer of humor returned, as well as his voice and appetite, so I think he's on the mend.

And I did decide to forego the opportunity to do some reporting in the north part of the country, since I didn't think my jetlagged body was ready for a 10-hour trip (one way) on windy, gut-wrenching mountain roads. I'm hoping I'll be able to do some other stories closer to home. But, then again, I'm in Albania now, so you never know day-to-day what might happen. :)