Let the ESPRESSO begin!
The espresso machine that was in Shelby & Rose's apartment / café has been repaired and is up and running! So awesome to have a barista for a daughter. :-)
Picture: WATCHING THE FIRST BIT OF ESPRESSO DRIPPING OUT: Shelby (right) with our friend Besnik (left) and Alban, who fixes and maintains espresso machines (he has a lot to do as there is approximately one big espresso machine for every two Albanians :-). Alban is so excited about us being in Elbasan and what we are doing that he would not accept any payment for fixing a VERY broken down machine. He has signed his grandson up for the EPC English school. Can you say, "Man of Peace!" ?
Birthday Candles are for Wimps
In Albania, we go for birthday fireworks! Indoors? No problem!
Bethany on her 17th birthday
High Heels & Ancient Highways
My daughter Shelby just sent out her first update from Albania. If you are not on her list, you can check it out by clicking here (or on the picture below). If you would like to receive her updates, there will be a "Subscribe" button on the top left of the update in your browser.
Seventeen Years Ago
Seventeen years ago, we had a precious moment , our girl Bethany was born. She has been precious ever since that day. What a joy it has been to see our cute little girl, with eyes so big they could break her daddy's heart, grow into a beautiful young woman of God . . . with eyes so big they can break her daddy's heart!! I love you Beth! Happy Birthday.
School Day
Jillian went to her first day of Albanian school. One of our friends, Alketa, is her teacher (she helped arrange for her to go to school).
Lucy the Dog
Jillian has always talked about having a dog and wanting to name her Lucy. The owners of the home that we are renting in Albania had a dog that, since they were moving into an apartment, they could no longer keep. They asked if we would keep her - her name? LUCY!
...sometimes God does thing just because he can.
Hot Water
How many Albanians does it take to get hot water? Turns out, in this case, five plus one very large American. :-)
Overlooking Elbasan
We enjoyed a rooftop café overlooking Elbasan. ...so great to be here finally.
Super Mario
Robbie has enjoyed spending time with a new friend, Mario. Mario is Robbie's age, loves basketball (unusual for soccer crazy Albania) and wants to go to college in London, where his uncle lives.