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
Friday, June 6, 2008
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.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Hello, Friends
Nate & Sarah and Tim & I made it safely to Tirana late Thursday night. My dad picked us up from the airport. Friday morning we met with a Christian worker who has successfully begun language schools for Albanians. We ate lunch with my parents' dear friends before driving down the old Roman road (a very curvy, mountainous drive) to Korce.
It's great to be home again! Today Tim was introduced to everyone who was at ch*ch office, and they were all very excited to meet Lydia's husband, (whom they've heard so much about). I have not been outside the house, since I'm still running fevers between 99-100.5 F. I've been feverish the past 10 days, but we both felt strongly that I should come anyway.
Monday night we host a couple's evening, and the women's retreat will be next Friday and Saturday. We all feel vulnerable, either due to exhaustion and/or sickness. However, today my family is taking the day to celebrate Thanksgiving Day (since we weren't together in November) before the Kimbers and Wrights arrive. We are so thankful to G*d because he is faithful. In our weakness, he is strong!
Blessings,
Lydia
Nate & Sarah and Tim & I made it safely to Tirana late Thursday night. My dad picked us up from the airport. Friday morning we met with a Christian worker who has successfully begun language schools for Albanians. We ate lunch with my parents' dear friends before driving down the old Roman road (a very curvy, mountainous drive) to Korce.
It's great to be home again! Today Tim was introduced to everyone who was at ch*ch office, and they were all very excited to meet Lydia's husband, (whom they've heard so much about). I have not been outside the house, since I'm still running fevers between 99-100.5 F. I've been feverish the past 10 days, but we both felt strongly that I should come anyway.
Monday night we host a couple's evening, and the women's retreat will be next Friday and Saturday. We all feel vulnerable, either due to exhaustion and/or sickness. However, today my family is taking the day to celebrate Thanksgiving Day (since we weren't together in November) before the Kimbers and Wrights arrive. We are so thankful to G*d because he is faithful. In our weakness, he is strong!
Blessings,
Lydia
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
80/20
Lydia and I are just about to get on a jet-plane heading for Albania! We are both excited and a little wary because Lydia's health has not been up to 100% these last few days. She had to call in sick on Monday and Tuesday because of an ear infection and abdominal pain. We went to the doctor today and she told us to go ahead with the trip, but with caution. She said she is 80% sure that these issues will fade away in the next few days. But that leaves 20% so we are being careful by getting a lot of rest, plenty of fluids, and taking the right medication. We appreciate your prayers.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Ottoman Empire
Hi Friends,
I imagine that some of you may start checking this blog, so I figured I would go ahead and make a post before heading out.
In case you haven't heard much of the history of this part of the world, here is a little info... At its zenith, the Ottoman Empire ruled much of the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. After WWI, it was stripped of much of its empire, being left with what is now the country of Turkey. (Albania gained its independence at that time.)
Much has happened in these countries in the past century. Albania became communist and developed what likely was one of the harshest regimes among any of the communist countries. Its government banished all forms of religion and declared the country officially atheist. It even closed its doors to the Russians for being too liberal and eventually did the same to China and the former Yugoslavia as well, in effect completely isolating itself. In 1991 however, the Albanian people toppled the communist government as much of Eastern Europe had already done.
On the other hand, Macedonia experienced a less stringent form of communism. It broke away from Yugoslavia in the past decade or so to establish an autonomous government and country. It adopted the name "Macedonia" much to Greece's frustration. (The ancient region of Macedonia likely occupied parts of both modern-day countries.) Macedonia has pockets of Albanian people who differ greatly from the ethnic Macedonian people.
Turkey has effectively established a version of a secular, democratic state and has developed economically and politically. It is part of NATO and is seeking admission in some form to the European Union (EU). It has a population of somewhere between 70-80 million people and occupies a large land mass which is considered to be 97% in "Asia" and 3% in "Europe" given that Istanbul straddles both continents.
Well, hopefully this gives you an idea of the countries that we are visiting. We appreciate your "interest and thoughts" on our behalf and will seek to keep you updated. Tim & Lydia and Sarah & I fly out on Wednesday, and Ben & Kelly and Tom & Sue fly out on Friday.
- Nate
I imagine that some of you may start checking this blog, so I figured I would go ahead and make a post before heading out.
In case you haven't heard much of the history of this part of the world, here is a little info... At its zenith, the Ottoman Empire ruled much of the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. After WWI, it was stripped of much of its empire, being left with what is now the country of Turkey. (Albania gained its independence at that time.)
Much has happened in these countries in the past century. Albania became communist and developed what likely was one of the harshest regimes among any of the communist countries. Its government banished all forms of religion and declared the country officially atheist. It even closed its doors to the Russians for being too liberal and eventually did the same to China and the former Yugoslavia as well, in effect completely isolating itself. In 1991 however, the Albanian people toppled the communist government as much of Eastern Europe had already done.
On the other hand, Macedonia experienced a less stringent form of communism. It broke away from Yugoslavia in the past decade or so to establish an autonomous government and country. It adopted the name "Macedonia" much to Greece's frustration. (The ancient region of Macedonia likely occupied parts of both modern-day countries.) Macedonia has pockets of Albanian people who differ greatly from the ethnic Macedonian people.
Turkey has effectively established a version of a secular, democratic state and has developed economically and politically. It is part of NATO and is seeking admission in some form to the European Union (EU). It has a population of somewhere between 70-80 million people and occupies a large land mass which is considered to be 97% in "Asia" and 3% in "Europe" given that Istanbul straddles both continents.
Well, hopefully this gives you an idea of the countries that we are visiting. We appreciate your "interest and thoughts" on our behalf and will seek to keep you updated. Tim & Lydia and Sarah & I fly out on Wednesday, and Ben & Kelly and Tom & Sue fly out on Friday.
- Nate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)