On Saturday, July 14th, we did the tourist thing with the team from Texas and visited the famous castle of Kruje (Krooya). This reconstructed castle is a museum for the Albanian national hero, Skenderbeg. He halted the Ottoman invasion in the 14oo's for about 50 years which allowed the rest of Europe to prepare for the Turks. The girls are sitting on the steps of the castle waiting with anticipation to enjoy the wonders of hundreds of years of history. LOL! Really, they did a wonderful job and got a feel for the history of the country they will call home.
Here is Kaitlyn and her new friend Emi (Amy). They hit it off right away and have already spent hours talking about America and Albania. It is very interesting to listen in on the conversation of young girls from different cultures trying to make a connection. If you haven't already guessed, Emi speaks amazing English. However, she and Kaitlyn have been working on Albanian together. Isn't our God just so good to us? He knew that friends for Kaitlyn would be the top of her list of things to make Albania home. He gave her one just outside the door of the airport. I just love to see Him provide for my children as they follow us all over the world.
Sierra thought the statue of Skenderbeg was really cool. She was especially fascinated with his helmet. Out of all the girls, she probably enjoyed the museum displays the most. She was standing on top of the castle area singing at the top of her lungs, "I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch my eye!" LOL!!!! I got real kick out of that.
The girls and Chelle enjoyed a photo op on the top of the castle. The day wasn't really this yellow, although the sun was bright. I don't know what was up with my camera, but here was are. Sierra and Whitney have taken the whole European big sunglass thing to heart. You may be asking, "Where is Kris during all this fun?" Well, Kris had to stay home to...study. This really was providential, because while he was home, the stomach bug got to him. He was thankful to be near a bathroom. However, during his travail, the power went out. This has been happening for at least 4 hours a day in Albania lately. When the power goes out this also shuts down water. So, poor Kris is home feeling miserable and now he's hot and he doesn't have any water for the bathroom. Thankfully, he is feeling better at the moment. Keep him in your prayers, as he has to preach at camp in two days.
This is the team from Lakeside, minus Kris. Of the 8 team members not in our family only two of them are new to Albania. Six of them have been 3 times now. We are looking forward to the team next year to be about the size of Lakeside Bible Church :).
Our day ended with new friends made, new places enjoyed and a bigger view of our great big God who proved Himself, again, to be in the details our lives. Goodbye or mire pafshim (meer pafsheem) until tomorrow. Enjoy your Lord's day as we worship Him together in every tongue and every nation.
On Saturday, July 14th, we did the tourist thing with the team from Texas and visited the famous castle of Kruje (Krooya). This reconstructed castle is a museum for the Albanian national hero, Skenderbeg. He halted the Ottoman invasion in the 14oo's for about 50 years which allowed the rest of Europe to prepare for the Turks. The girls are sitting on the steps of the castle waiting with anticipation to enjoy the wonders of hundreds of years of history. LOL! Really, they did a wonderful job and got a feel for the history of the country they will call home.
Here is Kaitlyn and her new friend Emi (Amy). They hit it off right away and have already spent hours talking about America and Albania. It is very interesting to listen in on the conversation of young girls from different cultures trying to make a connection. If you haven't already guessed, Emi speaks amazing English. However, she and Kaitlyn have been working on Albanian together. Isn't our God just so good to us? He knew that friends for Kaitlyn would be the top of her list of things to make Albania home. He gave her one just outside the door of the airport. I just love to see Him provide for my children as they follow us all over the world. 
Sierra thought the statue of Skenderbeg was really cool. She was especially fascinated with his helmet. Out of all the girls, she probably enjoyed the museum displays the most. She was standing on top of the castle area singing at the top of her lungs, "I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch my eye!" LOL!!!! I got real kick out of that. 
The girls and Chelle enjoyed a photo op on the top of the castle. The day wasn't really this yellow, although the sun was bright. I don't know what was up with my camera, but here was are. Sierra and Whitney have taken the whole European big sunglass thing to heart. You may be asking, "Where is Kris during all this fun?" Well, Kris had to stay home to...study. This really was providential, because while he was home, the stomach bug got to him. He was thankful to be near a bathroom. However, during his travail, the power went out. This has been happening for at least 4 hours a day in Albania lately. When the power goes out this also shuts down water. So, poor Kris is home feeling miserable and now he's hot and he doesn't have any water for the bathroom. Thankfully, he is feeling better at the moment. Keep him in your prayers, as he has to preach at camp in two days.
This is the team from Lakeside, minus Kris. Of the 8 team members not in our family only two of them are new to Albania. Six of them have been 3 times now. We are looking forward to the team next year to be about the size of Lakeside Bible Church :).
Our day ended with new friends made, new places enjoyed and a bigger view of our great big God who proved Himself, again, to be in the details our lives. Goodbye or mire pafshim (meer pafsheem) until tomorrow. Enjoy your Lord's day as we worship Him together in every tongue and every nation.
5 comments:
Yeah for new friends! Amazing how God answers prayers! May he continue to surprise you in new ways by his amazing love!
Hi Stires!! What a joy to see all the Stires (minus Kris) :(. Thank you Chelle for keeping us updated. The girls look so full of joy and contentment--praise the Lord!
Alex and I are praying for Kris (to get well) and the team and we look forward to coming next summer :).
1 Cor. 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him."
In our Saviours Love, Alex and Alicia B.
Chel, you are so faithful in getting updates of your family and the ministry out to us all! Thank you!
God is so faithful to us who are praying for you. We pray that the transition will be smooth. That the children will love it and make sweet new friends. That ministry will be full of joy. "Thank You, Father!"
We miss you dearly, but are so content that you are exactly where God has called you.
I Peter 4:10-11 says:
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Love,
Mom (also known as "Grammie")
Everyone looks so happy! Thanks for the update.
God Bless,
Jasmine
Sierra is such a kick! She makes me laugh out loud! What fun memories you're documenting...thanks for helping us enjoy your transition with you.
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