As we enter day 4 in Erseke, we are slowly getting the hang of the Albanian way of life. Things definitely move more slowly here. I have yet to see anyone rushing. And everywhere you look, you see people enjoying one another, even in the midst of their work. Shopkeepers sit down at tables outside their businesses to sip coffee or soft drinks with their clients; farmers stop threshing to chat with their neighbors. And the young people from the local church meet several times a day to play games, play music and sing together, or take walks or hikes into the neighboring woods or mountains.
Yesterday, Abi Stoscher (16) invited Isabel to join the high school youth group for a hike up the mountain to a neighboring village. There, they paused to play some games with a soccer ball (mind you, no adult is coordinating this activity; this is just what they do). Then they hiked back down. Isabel was really impressed with how happy the youth seem here, just hanging out together and doing healthy activities like this. Later in the evening, around 9, the youth gathered again at the Stoscher's house and guided us up the same road in the pitch dark to see and catch fireflies. We walked for at least 40 minutes, catching fireflies and laughing and talking -- some of the kids practicing their English with us, or laughing at our attempts at Albanian. Our family finally bowed out just before 10 to get our kids home to bed, but they kept going. I think these young people, as well as the adults in this small town, will teach us a lot about true community before we leave.
Oh, for those who know Natalie, she was there too, hiking to find fireflies. She is doing very well, getting to know her fellow camp-leaders from around the world. I think she's eager for camp to begin this weekend, though. It's a bit slow right now, perhaps too boring for someone still fighting homesickness. We're having Natalie over for dinner tonight, so we'll have more time to talk.
For today's photos, here are a few images of the local kids, who gather every day from 6-7 to play on the Stoscher's playground. Jeff brought a wiffle ball and bat, so that was a big hit yesterday.
2 comments:
How is Jeff feeling?
Starting to come out of it; thanks for asking. Yesterday was like living with a surly bear, he was feeling so miserable and wallowing in his discouragement. But I'm starting to see his sense of humor return, thank goodness!
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