One word from Sue. To elaborate on Ben's remark that I can add insight into why we changed accommodations in Ankara: well, it had to do with a naked man in our bathroom--and it wasn't Tom. And that is probably all that needs to be written.
This posts comes from Istanbul, and we are all feeling the reality that our Ottoman Adventure is coming to an end, as we are in our final city.
But is the Adventure really ending? I don't think so.
It's really just the beginning, and Tom and I are grateful to be included in the journey.
Thanks, one and all, for keeping us in your thoughts as we have traveled and as we have sought the Father for His wisdom and direction. Grateful to Him; grateful for you!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Albania to Ankara
What a change in scenery the last few days. Immediately
following the service on Sunday of last week, we blitzed and
crammed our belongings back into our suitcases, took pictures
and said goodbyes. Bags were loaded back into a "fugon"
(makeshift transportation van. The spelling is probably
incorrect, it's pronounced "foo-g-own"), and traveled an hour or
so through the rain, and back over the unfinished dirt road we
came in on (the government, it is said, reports that they've
torn it up to pave it afresh, but it's been in sad condition for
quite a while now according to locals).
A colloquial Albanian language book I was glancing through at
the beginning of our trip describes the people as friendly,
hospitable, loyal and brave, as well as quick-tempered and
stubborn. We've seen all of this in our interactions with
people, and the land bears this out as well. The Albanian
landscape is awesome in raw beauty. Our way to and from Korce
sent us jolting up and down unfinished roads, somehow laid down
along the tops of mountains and overlooking grand valleys of red
poppies and olive trees against a background of dusty green,
orange and yellow. Sprinkled across this are the markings of
3/4 of a century of communism, struggle and attempted plans.
Small dome-shaped bunkers were visible everywhere we went,
physical evidence of the paranoia and phobia that for so long
was directed toward the west. Half-finished houses and
structures are everywhere, many of which are inhabited.
We piled out of the fugon in the sprinkling rain on the
Macedonian-Albanian border, and attempted to get a feel for our
surroundings (declining help with our bags from a man who didn't
speak any Albanian). The change in scenery was dramatic. We
were now surrounded by mountains carpeted generously in a thick
layer of deep green fir trees. We crossed the border without
issues (though the man at the passport counter did ask if we had
a ride.. apparently not many walk across the border here) and
met up with our driver, who as it turns out also ran the guest
house we were to stay at. More individual experiences to relate
here, naturally including another tea ceremony with the host
family. Perhaps the rest of the team will fill it in. Our drive from Struga to Skopje was significant, there is more to say here another time.
Skipping ahead quite a bit for the sake of time, we have now
arrived in Ankara, Turkey (arrived last night). I believe today
we are finally adjusting to this third major location change
(it's taken us a day and a night.. perhaps Sue can relate the
story of the pension we stayed in last night, and why we aren't
staying there tonight..) Turkey has welcomed us with open arms.
Today we have had extremely fruitful conversations with several
people, for which we are thankful. Tomorrow we head outside of
the city to get a feel for some of the more remote areas. We have a driver who speaks english and is a friend, and we're really anticipating it.
I'll be posting updates throughout the day on twitter from our mobile phone. There are even some from the last week and a half. You can follow the feed here: http://twitter.com/bnwri
following the service on Sunday of last week, we blitzed and
crammed our belongings back into our suitcases, took pictures
and said goodbyes. Bags were loaded back into a "fugon"
(makeshift transportation van. The spelling is probably
incorrect, it's pronounced "foo-g-own"), and traveled an hour or
so through the rain, and back over the unfinished dirt road we
came in on (the government, it is said, reports that they've
torn it up to pave it afresh, but it's been in sad condition for
quite a while now according to locals).
A colloquial Albanian language book I was glancing through at
the beginning of our trip describes the people as friendly,
hospitable, loyal and brave, as well as quick-tempered and
stubborn. We've seen all of this in our interactions with
people, and the land bears this out as well. The Albanian
landscape is awesome in raw beauty. Our way to and from Korce
sent us jolting up and down unfinished roads, somehow laid down
along the tops of mountains and overlooking grand valleys of red
poppies and olive trees against a background of dusty green,
orange and yellow. Sprinkled across this are the markings of
3/4 of a century of communism, struggle and attempted plans.
Small dome-shaped bunkers were visible everywhere we went,
physical evidence of the paranoia and phobia that for so long
was directed toward the west. Half-finished houses and
structures are everywhere, many of which are inhabited.
We piled out of the fugon in the sprinkling rain on the
Macedonian-Albanian border, and attempted to get a feel for our
surroundings (declining help with our bags from a man who didn't
speak any Albanian). The change in scenery was dramatic. We
were now surrounded by mountains carpeted generously in a thick
layer of deep green fir trees. We crossed the border without
issues (though the man at the passport counter did ask if we had
a ride.. apparently not many walk across the border here) and
met up with our driver, who as it turns out also ran the guest
house we were to stay at. More individual experiences to relate
here, naturally including another tea ceremony with the host
family. Perhaps the rest of the team will fill it in. Our drive from Struga to Skopje was significant, there is more to say here another time.
Skipping ahead quite a bit for the sake of time, we have now
arrived in Ankara, Turkey (arrived last night). I believe today
we are finally adjusting to this third major location change
(it's taken us a day and a night.. perhaps Sue can relate the
story of the pension we stayed in last night, and why we aren't
staying there tonight..) Turkey has welcomed us with open arms.
Today we have had extremely fruitful conversations with several
people, for which we are thankful. Tomorrow we head outside of
the city to get a feel for some of the more remote areas. We have a driver who speaks english and is a friend, and we're really anticipating it.
I'll be posting updates throughout the day on twitter from our mobile phone. There are even some from the last week and a half. You can follow the feed here: http://twitter.com/bnwri
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Skopje
Evening letdown after the trip from Struga to Skopje, Macedonia.
Morning meeting just before we head out to the airport. Headed this morning to Ankara, Turkey.
Monday, June 9, 2008
More from Korce
Youth meeting involves traditional Albanian dancing.
Cabling the upstairs training center. Thank you Kees for the crash course in CAT5 work! We were able to pass this knowledge on to some others here who will finish the project.
Foreign label translation.
Women's Retreat
Lydia led worship with Kelly on violin and 3 Albanian sisters singing.
Sue learns to dance the Albanian way!
Game time was especially fun.
Sue teaching on the "one another" verses.
New friends.
And more new friends.
Time for a "hand craft".
Friday, June 6, 2008
Albania Update
Hi Friends!
We are having a great time! The women just got up to the hotel on the hill for the women's retreat. I am about to head into worship practice, and Ben is sitting in the training room with computers and equipment everywhere :) Thank-you for "remembering" us. (By the way, I felt Sarah's and my baby kick in her womb!) The formation of this new life is so amazing :)
Well, we head out to Macedonia in a couple of days. So long for now...
- Nate
We are having a great time! The women just got up to the hotel on the hill for the women's retreat. I am about to head into worship practice, and Ben is sitting in the training room with computers and equipment everywhere :) Thank-you for "remembering" us. (By the way, I felt Sarah's and my baby kick in her womb!) The formation of this new life is so amazing :)
Well, we head out to Macedonia in a couple of days. So long for now...
- Nate
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Gezuar! Cheers!
Gezuar! is one of my favorite aspects of Albanian culture. My appreciation for it increased when we took a trip to a local village and were invited into a home for a sumptuous meal. Three generations greeted us at the door. They ushered us into their cramped living room and immediately placed drinks in front of us. I realized how important drinking is for them when the patriarch, Grampa Zati, began to give blessings for each of us before every drink.
After giving a blessing, the light in his eyes sparkled, and he said, "Gezuar!" He made sure each of the men clinked their glass with his and then we took a sip. "May you be full of health and life and joy." "May you have an heir." The significance of this evening increased with every drink we took. After half an hour of drinking the main dish was brought out. The hostess, Arta, had spent much of the day making a local favorite called Byrek (pronounced Bew-rek). After enjoying the delicious dish we showed our appreciation to the cook by saying, "May your hands be blessed." She responded by bringing out the queen of desserts, Baklavah! It was the perfect way to end the meal. But, wait. It isn't over yet.
After dinner, drinks were brought forth and soon Grampa Zati was leading a folk song. We hummed along and then he asked us for an American song. We decided on one of our favorites, "Amazing Grace." Singing that song for them was very significant. Grampa Zati didn't know the words, but he was still trying his best to show his approval by singing with us.
The highlight of the evening was a time of prayer in Albanian. Nate blessed them reading from Scripture and then we had a prayer in Albanian that was full of the faithfulness of God and blessings on the host family. To our surprise Grampa Zati began to cry. He was so touched by the prayer for his children and grandchildren that he was brought to tears. The atmosphere of the moment and the significance of the prayer caught me off-guard and before I knew it I felt a tear rolling down my cheek as well.
The prayer ended and I noticed that several of those present were taking tissue to dab their eyes. I could tell that everyone present had been impacted in a powerful way that evening. We left with many farewells. Each of the host family made a point to say good-bye and wish blessings to each of us. As we got into the car I realized I didn't want to leave. The amount of love present in the air had completely overcome the language barrier and I felt like one of the family. Gezuar to Grampa Zati's family!
After giving a blessing, the light in his eyes sparkled, and he said, "Gezuar!" He made sure each of the men clinked their glass with his and then we took a sip. "May you be full of health and life and joy." "May you have an heir." The significance of this evening increased with every drink we took. After half an hour of drinking the main dish was brought out. The hostess, Arta, had spent much of the day making a local favorite called Byrek (pronounced Bew-rek). After enjoying the delicious dish we showed our appreciation to the cook by saying, "May your hands be blessed." She responded by bringing out the queen of desserts, Baklavah! It was the perfect way to end the meal. But, wait. It isn't over yet.
After dinner, drinks were brought forth and soon Grampa Zati was leading a folk song. We hummed along and then he asked us for an American song. We decided on one of our favorites, "Amazing Grace." Singing that song for them was very significant. Grampa Zati didn't know the words, but he was still trying his best to show his approval by singing with us.
The highlight of the evening was a time of prayer in Albanian. Nate blessed them reading from Scripture and then we had a prayer in Albanian that was full of the faithfulness of God and blessings on the host family. To our surprise Grampa Zati began to cry. He was so touched by the prayer for his children and grandchildren that he was brought to tears. The atmosphere of the moment and the significance of the prayer caught me off-guard and before I knew it I felt a tear rolling down my cheek as well.
The prayer ended and I noticed that several of those present were taking tissue to dab their eyes. I could tell that everyone present had been impacted in a powerful way that evening. We left with many farewells. Each of the host family made a point to say good-bye and wish blessings to each of us. As we got into the car I realized I didn't want to leave. The amount of love present in the air had completely overcome the language barrier and I felt like one of the family. Gezuar to Grampa Zati's family!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Zoti Bekofte
It is day 6 of the Almacurkey trip. We are enjoying ourselves immensely. Over the weekend we were able to recover from jet-lag more fully and thus feel like we are more acclimated to the wonderful city of Korce. Lydia and Sarah are doing well. They have both had less energy than usual, but they are full of joy and have been able to attend several events and cook some excellent food!
On Sunday we had a great time in the local congregation and were united with the full team in the afternoon. Having all of us together helps make this trip seem as though it has officially begun.
On Monday we hosted a couple's night at the Kennedy center (the local center). We were very happy to see over 20 couples attend. Our team mentor Tom spoke on marriage and Nate, Lydia, and I sang. One highlight of the evening was the dancing. Lydia and I taught Swing dancing and then the DJ turned on Albanian music and we had a great time dancing in a large group dance. (For those of you who attended our wedding, we danced in the same Albanian wedding style). I was reminded that dancing is an excellent way to connect with people of different cultures. We slept soundly that night, pleased to know that we had been blessed with a successful event.
Several pictures have been uploaded at this website "http://picasaweb.google.com/timothydinkins/Albania" Check it out and look for the McDonalds imitation!
On Sunday we had a great time in the local congregation and were united with the full team in the afternoon. Having all of us together helps make this trip seem as though it has officially begun.
On Monday we hosted a couple's night at the Kennedy center (the local center). We were very happy to see over 20 couples attend. Our team mentor Tom spoke on marriage and Nate, Lydia, and I sang. One highlight of the evening was the dancing. Lydia and I taught Swing dancing and then the DJ turned on Albanian music and we had a great time dancing in a large group dance. (For those of you who attended our wedding, we danced in the same Albanian wedding style). I was reminded that dancing is an excellent way to connect with people of different cultures. We slept soundly that night, pleased to know that we had been blessed with a successful event.
Several pictures have been uploaded at this website "http://picasaweb.google.com/timothydinkins/Albania" Check it out and look for the McDonalds imitation!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
"Si Jeni"
Safely and wonderfully in Korce. The other four of us (Tom, Sue, Kelly and I) have completed the journey. Approximately 24 hours of travel followed by a short night's sleep (the exception being Sue, who has had a sleep deficit and made up for it last night by sleeping a full 7 hours). The Kimbers arrived 3 hours later than we did last night and met us this morning for the first time for breakfast. We sat sipping variations of coffee in a mostly empty cafe and caught up.
An hour later the four of us caught a van, us and our Albanian driver Michael (meek-ah-el), and launched up the windy road. Through bright green mountains, fields of red poppies, deserted farm equipment, cement structures, bunkers... the drive was spectacular. We'll try to write more later and include pictures.
Thank you for thinking of us. So thankful to be here.
An hour later the four of us caught a van, us and our Albanian driver Michael (meek-ah-el), and launched up the windy road. Through bright green mountains, fields of red poppies, deserted farm equipment, cement structures, bunkers... the drive was spectacular. We'll try to write more later and include pictures.
Thank you for thinking of us. So thankful to be here.
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