Its no fun being sick on Christmas or when its snowing outside. I have had this bad cold/flu for the past week and I just can't seem to get rid of it. I am drinking lots of tea with lemon (the Albanian remedy when you are sick) and eating lots of yummy mandarins for vitamin C. I think I am finally starting to feel better, and no longer have a tissue constantly to my nose. I may even venture out into the snow today.
Yesterday a friend of mine called me to tell me it was snowing. I just laughed and said, "I know and I wish I could go out in it." He knows I like the snow a lot, for one day he saw me walking in the snow, really big flakes coming down steadily. He stopped to talk to me for a minute and asked if I had an umbrella. I laughed and said, "Ya, its in my bag, but its more fun to walk with the snow falling on you." I was just waking home and didn't mind getting covered in whiteness. He just laughed.
So its nice and pretty and white here now...and I am stuck inside with a cold. No fun!
Thursday, December 27
Monday, December 24
Tuesday, December 18
truth
After a lazy day at home catching up on rest and trying to make the most of my day without much electricity, I enjoyed a wonderful night out in the city. As usual I had class at 5:30 and gave the second exam of the semester. I have been tired this week, so I enjoyed the break from teaching tonight. As the students finished their exams they went out in the hallway and waited for friends to finish. Thankfully everyone finished fairly quickly and as the last student left those still in the hall invited me to join them for coffee, a typical after class event. So the usual gang (7 guys) and I headed to our normal spot and drank coffee and practiced some more English. They always say they will make me practice my Albanian, but English is usually spoken more than Albanian, especially tonight as the conversations were sometimes heated. I love this group of guys and making them think hard. After class over coffee we have had some great conversations throughout the past year or so.
Tonight the conversation ranged from Jewish traditions that are similar here to cheating to corruption to city pride. The conversation that interested me the most, even though I have had it often, was about cheating and corruption. Although many people here do not connect the two, I do. Somehow we started talking about cheating during a game, something this is done so often and not really seen as wrong. Its just a game. The competitive person in me, defended this idea with passion. Who cares if its just a game....it starts there and goes on to more serious things, an exam in school, paying your electricity bill, stealing money when in a political position. I tried to explain that children need to be taught that rules are important and are there for a reason. If one does not cheat in a game, I believe one is less likely to cheat in real life. These values need to be taught from childhood, and then they will be more likely to be followed as an adult in society. Most agreed with my reasoning, but still thought it was okay to cheat in a game. Its more fun that way, they explained. They weren't getting my point.
The conversation moved on to corruption, based off the question why is our electricity so bad right now. Everyone knows the power company has been given millions of dollars to make the system better, but nothing has changed. Where has the money gone? I heard from a friend this country is the 4th most corrupt in the world. I am not sure if I believe its that bad, but its bad. One student who works for the power company explained that the company was not to blame, the politicians and ministries are corrupt and therefore they can not change anything. They are the ones in control. Again and again I gave the example, if everyone was jumping off a bridge, would you do it? Of course they said no, but did not see the reason why they should be different. If your boss and your boss' boss and so on are all corrupt, how can you not be corrupt also?
Many times we have talked about truth and right and wrong. What do you base truth on? To me, it seems that this country does not have a basis for truth. Truth is what others have told them, what others do, what has always been done. There is no set standard to base a moral code on. Although most have heard of the Ten Commandments, they don't understand them, and the system has not been based on these.
How do you change a whole society? Where do you start to shape the future? Can one person really make a difference? These are questions my students often ask me, and I persevere to shine my Light as bright as possible, trying to make a difference in their lives, hoping to spread the Truth in this dark and confused land.
Tonight the conversation ranged from Jewish traditions that are similar here to cheating to corruption to city pride. The conversation that interested me the most, even though I have had it often, was about cheating and corruption. Although many people here do not connect the two, I do. Somehow we started talking about cheating during a game, something this is done so often and not really seen as wrong. Its just a game. The competitive person in me, defended this idea with passion. Who cares if its just a game....it starts there and goes on to more serious things, an exam in school, paying your electricity bill, stealing money when in a political position. I tried to explain that children need to be taught that rules are important and are there for a reason. If one does not cheat in a game, I believe one is less likely to cheat in real life. These values need to be taught from childhood, and then they will be more likely to be followed as an adult in society. Most agreed with my reasoning, but still thought it was okay to cheat in a game. Its more fun that way, they explained. They weren't getting my point.
The conversation moved on to corruption, based off the question why is our electricity so bad right now. Everyone knows the power company has been given millions of dollars to make the system better, but nothing has changed. Where has the money gone? I heard from a friend this country is the 4th most corrupt in the world. I am not sure if I believe its that bad, but its bad. One student who works for the power company explained that the company was not to blame, the politicians and ministries are corrupt and therefore they can not change anything. They are the ones in control. Again and again I gave the example, if everyone was jumping off a bridge, would you do it? Of course they said no, but did not see the reason why they should be different. If your boss and your boss' boss and so on are all corrupt, how can you not be corrupt also?
Many times we have talked about truth and right and wrong. What do you base truth on? To me, it seems that this country does not have a basis for truth. Truth is what others have told them, what others do, what has always been done. There is no set standard to base a moral code on. Although most have heard of the Ten Commandments, they don't understand them, and the system has not been based on these.
How do you change a whole society? Where do you start to shape the future? Can one person really make a difference? These are questions my students often ask me, and I persevere to shine my Light as bright as possible, trying to make a difference in their lives, hoping to spread the Truth in this dark and confused land.
Friday, December 14
Power
For the past couple days the electricity has been very limited. I just heard that we have it better than others, but still its no fun. The schedule has been 3 hours on, 3 hours off, or 4 on 2 off. But you never know which one it will be…so hard to plan ahead.
Its always at the most inconvenient times that the power goes off.
Now usually the power goes out for an hour, and that not bad. You can post-pone any of the above mentioned activities one hour and everything is ok. But when its off for three hours, that puts a bit of a kink in your schedule.
So I have learned to :
Its always at the most inconvenient times that the power goes off.
- Right as I am about to turn on the hot water to make coffee.
- As soon as I walk into the bathroom to dry my hair.
- The exact time I had planned to make dinner.
- When my favorite TV show is about to start.
- In the middle of class.
So I have learned to :
- Put on make-up sitting close to a window (to get some light.)
- Be thankful for the battery in my computer.
- Put a cake in the oven 10 minutes past the hour (usually goes off on the hour, so at 10 minutes past the hour, you are 95% sure there will be electricity for at least another 50 minutes.)
- Put a hat on when my hair is wet and I must go outside.
- Go without coffee at home.
- Order take-out when I get really hungry.
- Be flexible with the schedule I had planned.
- Play cards by candle light.
- Enjoy going to bed early.
Sunday, December 9
uncertainty
Today I ask you all to take a moment and pray for peace in the area I am living in. Much uncertainty lies ahead. Many rumors have been spread about what will happen, and we all hope that they are positive steps towards the future of this land. The people here are tired of waiting and ready for change. I am anxiously awaiting what will actually happen. Please remember these people and this land with me.
Monday, November 26
pictures from Thanksgiving
When I started cooking, I realized I had a shortage of cooking dishes...so I putthem all out and labeled them to keep everything straight and see what else I needed.
After the power going out right as I was supossed to put the turkey (well actually it was a big chicken) in the oven, it was all ready just 30 minutes later than planned.
I am sad it wasn't more colorful and pretty on the plate...but it sure was all really good.
After the power going out right as I was supossed to put the turkey (well actually it was a big chicken) in the oven, it was all ready just 30 minutes later than planned.
I am sad it wasn't more colorful and pretty on the plate...but it sure was all really good.
Thursday, November 22
Happy Thanksgiving!
For the first time since I have lived here I am cooking my own Thanksgiving dinner. Its a make-shift Thanksgiving dinner, as I was not prepared ahead of time enough to remember to actually go buy a Turkey in the neighboring country (can't buy them here) before the road was closed due to snow. So I bought the biggest chicken I could find, and I am attempting a big dinner for my friends. I have invited 8 people, but I believe only 5 or 6 will come. It will be interesting.
This morning I woke up early and started baking and getting as much done as I could before the water went off. I made cranberry bread and apple crisp. I had some pie crust dough in my freezer I had made last year, so I attempted to bake it, to use for a chocolate cream pie. Well, its baked, and shrunk a lot, so I am now debating making a make-shift grahm-cracker crust, or just having a chocolate cream pie that has a crust with out sides.
Now off to clean some and then start the rest of the stuff (mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and corn).
This morning I woke up early and started baking and getting as much done as I could before the water went off. I made cranberry bread and apple crisp. I had some pie crust dough in my freezer I had made last year, so I attempted to bake it, to use for a chocolate cream pie. Well, its baked, and shrunk a lot, so I am now debating making a make-shift grahm-cracker crust, or just having a chocolate cream pie that has a crust with out sides.
Now off to clean some and then start the rest of the stuff (mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and corn).
Monday, November 19
fun in the snow
Yesterday morning I woke up to complete whiteness outside my window...and so my friend and I went for a walk in the park. It was beautiful!
monday
Another Monday morning and thankfully I have no where to go until later this afternoon. I woke up early this morning to take a friend who slept over to work at 7am, and for some strange reason decided to stay up after that. Now its only 10:30 in the morning and I feel I have been very productive. I have done a little pilates, put away dishes, made banana bread, washed those dishes, made breakfast, took a shower, loaded pictures onto my computer, and talked to a friend. Now I guess its time to get to work...and wash my breakfast dishes. I really hate washing dishes. I love to cook, but often the idea of washing the dishes stops me from actually cooking. Lately I have been trying to stay on top of the dishes (which is hard when the water is only on for certain hours a day.)
Monday, November 12
excellence
Wow, again, as usual, time has passed me by and I have not been motivated to write anything down. Lately I have been pondering living my life with excellence. I think this spurred from reading a friend's website, but I am not quite sure. Needless of where it came from, its been a good topic to ponder, and I believe a much needed one for myself.
Its one thing to do things well, and get all the necessary work done to live and keep my job, but its another thing to do everything with excellence. God expects this of us. I should always want to do everything with excellence, because I am working for God, not man....but its hard. My selfish flesh is still here, and many times its lazy. Many days I just do not feel motivated to do all I should be doing, but just enough to get by. I keep telling myself I need to change, and do better, but I keep failing.
So I try to take things one day at a time...
Now with a little update for you all. Really all is the same. Classes are going very well, and thankfully I even have a lot of girls in my classes this semester. I am excited about this and eager to build on those relationships.
My landlord recently installed central heating in my apartment and I love it! Now that its working all the noise and drilling and men in my apartment working when I just wanted to take a nap were all worth it. Okay I do admit I enjoyed starting my wood stove and sitting there watching the fire, but there is something nice about my whole apartment being warm all the time. Now when I want a fire I can still light my stove and enjoy watching the fire, but not have to worry about starting it every morning to defrost my apartment.
Thats about all for now. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving soon and cooking my own turkey (if I ever find one) and inviting some friends over to share in our American tradition.
Its one thing to do things well, and get all the necessary work done to live and keep my job, but its another thing to do everything with excellence. God expects this of us. I should always want to do everything with excellence, because I am working for God, not man....but its hard. My selfish flesh is still here, and many times its lazy. Many days I just do not feel motivated to do all I should be doing, but just enough to get by. I keep telling myself I need to change, and do better, but I keep failing.
So I try to take things one day at a time...
Now with a little update for you all. Really all is the same. Classes are going very well, and thankfully I even have a lot of girls in my classes this semester. I am excited about this and eager to build on those relationships.
My landlord recently installed central heating in my apartment and I love it! Now that its working all the noise and drilling and men in my apartment working when I just wanted to take a nap were all worth it. Okay I do admit I enjoyed starting my wood stove and sitting there watching the fire, but there is something nice about my whole apartment being warm all the time. Now when I want a fire I can still light my stove and enjoy watching the fire, but not have to worry about starting it every morning to defrost my apartment.
Thats about all for now. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving soon and cooking my own turkey (if I ever find one) and inviting some friends over to share in our American tradition.
Thursday, October 25
farkle
I just got home from a fun night out on the town. Okay, its not what it sounds like. We usually have game night on Thursday nights, but tonight the apartment we usually use for this was under construction. So we decided to move the game night to a local coffee bar. Although when we are in the flat we sometimes play loud and crazy games, for tonight we thought to just play a card game or something, since we were in public.
A crouwd began to gather and the tables were full. About 12 of our students had come for this coffee/game night. After the initial greetings and chatting we decided to break out the games. At first this was met with resistence. And even when I mentioned playing cards at the coffee shop during class, my students all looked at me perplexed. Why would I ever do that? Coffee shops are for talking and drinking coffee, nothing more. One students even said to me, "well, we can try it." But he didn't sound very convincing.
One end of the tables started a game of Dutch Blitz (my new addiction) but since only four people can play that the rest of us were left out. I debated what game would be easy to play and would include the remaining 10 people. I mentioned UNO (a game we often play at the flat), but this was quickly dismissed. I tried to explain Yatzee, but I haven't played that in forever and wasn't sure of the rules. My students reassured me, "Its good to just talk." "Its too noisy in here to concentrate on a game."
Finally I thought of a game, Farkle also known as Zilch. With some resistance, we started the game, rolling 6 dice and hoping for a 5 or a 1 to add up points. After the first round everyone was fully into the game and quickly they were cursing me and hoping I would not get points. I love how a game can bring out a completely different side of a person. I won the first round, but my students are quick learners and they quickly picked up some strategy and I was no where near winning the second game.
A crouwd began to gather and the tables were full. About 12 of our students had come for this coffee/game night. After the initial greetings and chatting we decided to break out the games. At first this was met with resistence. And even when I mentioned playing cards at the coffee shop during class, my students all looked at me perplexed. Why would I ever do that? Coffee shops are for talking and drinking coffee, nothing more. One students even said to me, "well, we can try it." But he didn't sound very convincing.
One end of the tables started a game of Dutch Blitz (my new addiction) but since only four people can play that the rest of us were left out. I debated what game would be easy to play and would include the remaining 10 people. I mentioned UNO (a game we often play at the flat), but this was quickly dismissed. I tried to explain Yatzee, but I haven't played that in forever and wasn't sure of the rules. My students reassured me, "Its good to just talk." "Its too noisy in here to concentrate on a game."
Finally I thought of a game, Farkle also known as Zilch. With some resistance, we started the game, rolling 6 dice and hoping for a 5 or a 1 to add up points. After the first round everyone was fully into the game and quickly they were cursing me and hoping I would not get points. I love how a game can bring out a completely different side of a person. I won the first round, but my students are quick learners and they quickly picked up some strategy and I was no where near winning the second game.
Wednesday, October 24
more pictures of baby Owen
This is the cutest baby I have ever seen. He is only a few days old and already smiling for pictures. Here is a picture with the proud parents:
They went home on Monday and are settling into their house with a new baby. I can't wait until I am there next summer.
Sunday, October 21
Saturday, October 20
thanks
I am thankful that my brother sent me a video of Owen. I am sad I can not hold my new nephew in my arms....but am happy that with technology I can see a video of him. Thanks brother!
I am thankful for the wood stove in my flat right now...and the roaring fire that is coming from it while snow is falling outside. Yes, its still October. Why is it snowing already? I laughed when it started snowing earlier tonight and said, oh it won't stay on the ground. Well I don't know about the ground but the rooftops are all white now...and its still falling at a heavy speed.
I am thankful for the fondue pot my brother gave me for Christmas last year. Last night we had some girls over for a movie and chocolate fondue. What a fun treat!
I am thankful for the great pancake recipe I have and the blueberries I bought in the mountains over the summer that I put in pancakes this morning. Saturdays are always a great day for pancakes. Two of my friends spent the night and a new American colleague just arrived a few days ago, so we all enjoyed pancakes together.
I am thankful for candles when the power goes out...and when it comes back on after 40 minutes.... so we could finish our movie tonight.
I am thankful for the wood stove in my flat right now...and the roaring fire that is coming from it while snow is falling outside. Yes, its still October. Why is it snowing already? I laughed when it started snowing earlier tonight and said, oh it won't stay on the ground. Well I don't know about the ground but the rooftops are all white now...and its still falling at a heavy speed.
I am thankful for the fondue pot my brother gave me for Christmas last year. Last night we had some girls over for a movie and chocolate fondue. What a fun treat!
I am thankful for the great pancake recipe I have and the blueberries I bought in the mountains over the summer that I put in pancakes this morning. Saturdays are always a great day for pancakes. Two of my friends spent the night and a new American colleague just arrived a few days ago, so we all enjoyed pancakes together.
I am thankful for candles when the power goes out...and when it comes back on after 40 minutes.... so we could finish our movie tonight.
Thursday, October 18
I am an AUNT
Owen Michael Kobus was born this morning at 4:15 Eastern Standard time. Todd and Lisa are very proud parents of a big and healthy baby.
s'mores
How long is it going to take me to get used to my busy schedule again? Really I can't complain. Most mornings I sleep as late as I want, and have to be up doing things around 10 or 11. I am usually gone all afternoon, teach in the late afternoon, and have some activity in the evening. In America I was always busy, and it was no problem, but here its just so much more work and effort to get anything done.
This weekend I visited a family for the holiday, and then we all decided to take a quick trip to the mountains. It was a random little excursion, but lots of fun. We drove to the mountains and stopped for coffee. I then realized that I had put the makings for s'mores in my car, and we borrowed a lighter from the waiter at the restaurant, and headed further up the mountain to build a fire. It was slightly difficult to build a fire because it had been raining the past couple days. Thankfully I had some cardboard in my trunk and we successfully built a fire and roasted marshmallows. It was a very random, but very fun afternoon activity.
This weekend I visited a family for the holiday, and then we all decided to take a quick trip to the mountains. It was a random little excursion, but lots of fun. We drove to the mountains and stopped for coffee. I then realized that I had put the makings for s'mores in my car, and we borrowed a lighter from the waiter at the restaurant, and headed further up the mountain to build a fire. It was slightly difficult to build a fire because it had been raining the past couple days. Thankfully I had some cardboard in my trunk and we successfully built a fire and roasted marshmallows. It was a very random, but very fun afternoon activity.
Friday, October 12
Me Fat Bajrami
Today is the end of the month of fasting for the Muslim people. Now they will celebrate for three days. Today, the first day of celebrating, everyone goes to visit their family. It is a time of visiting and eating lots of baklava. I decided to stay home today and clean, and will visit the families I know over the weekend.
dinner and cake
Last monday was my friend's birthday, so I eagerly made a cake and invited people over to celebrate. Here are some pictures.
First we went out for coffee after class.
Then we came back to my flat for cake....but I decided to make a quick dinner first.
And then we ate cake!
Fun times for all.
First we went out for coffee after class.
Then we came back to my flat for cake....but I decided to make a quick dinner first.
And then we ate cake!
Fun times for all.
Monday, October 8
Busy again
So the craziness of my life here has begun again. Classes have started up, clubs that I supervise have started, and many other random activities I am in are about to be in full swing. I am not at all used to the busy life anymore and am having trouble staying on top of everything. The months of August and September were fairly relaxing for me....but not anymore.
This weekend I hung out with a friend and relaxed a lot. It was very nice, but now I have lots of work to do. Saturday I was supposed to be busy and go to a kids club, but I stepped on a nail in the morning, and then was forced to stay home and sleep all day.
Today its cloudy and rainy outside and I just want to stay in bed again. It was hard to get out of bed this morning. Well I have work to do...no more sleep for me.
This weekend I hung out with a friend and relaxed a lot. It was very nice, but now I have lots of work to do. Saturday I was supposed to be busy and go to a kids club, but I stepped on a nail in the morning, and then was forced to stay home and sleep all day.
Today its cloudy and rainy outside and I just want to stay in bed again. It was hard to get out of bed this morning. Well I have work to do...no more sleep for me.
Tuesday, October 2
Sunday, September 30
Since when does my profile say I am in Afghanistan? Thats funny. I just noticed it today...and I guess I will change it.
Its my birthday! I am tired. I was woken up at 6:15 this morning to my roommate and friend singing happy birthday and bringing me breakfast in bed. It was really sweet. Now I have some work to do, and then I will have some friends over for lunch.
Its my birthday! I am tired. I was woken up at 6:15 this morning to my roommate and friend singing happy birthday and bringing me breakfast in bed. It was really sweet. Now I have some work to do, and then I will have some friends over for lunch.
Friday, September 28
student center
So today I signed a grant. It all worked out, I am not quite sure how it came to be, but basically I was handed an idea and a grant to go with it. I will start up a student services center (their name) or what I like to call it, a student training/recourse center. I am kind of excited, although I still don't know all the details.
The problem I had yesterday was opening a bank account under our NGO name. You would think that wouldn't be that difficult....but it was. I went to the bank five times yesterday. Each time asking what I need to do to open an NGO account. Each time they said, you need this, this, and this. I then went back with those things, and they said, oh you also need this. So at 5:30 when I still needed one more piece of information, something I just needed to create I gave up and went home. By the end I was thouroughly frustrated. One of the times I was walking I got caught in the rain, so I was also wet. It wasn't a fun afternoon. I typed up the last piece of information last night and asked my boss to go open the account this morning, as I had meetings outside the city all day. When I called to check if she had been able to open the account, she said, yes, it was so easy. I just laughed. Yes, finally I had gathered all the needed information.
So now I will rest, as I only slept a couple hours last night and had a busy day today.
The problem I had yesterday was opening a bank account under our NGO name. You would think that wouldn't be that difficult....but it was. I went to the bank five times yesterday. Each time asking what I need to do to open an NGO account. Each time they said, you need this, this, and this. I then went back with those things, and they said, oh you also need this. So at 5:30 when I still needed one more piece of information, something I just needed to create I gave up and went home. By the end I was thouroughly frustrated. One of the times I was walking I got caught in the rain, so I was also wet. It wasn't a fun afternoon. I typed up the last piece of information last night and asked my boss to go open the account this morning, as I had meetings outside the city all day. When I called to check if she had been able to open the account, she said, yes, it was so easy. I just laughed. Yes, finally I had gathered all the needed information.
So now I will rest, as I only slept a couple hours last night and had a busy day today.
ahh
I had the most annoying day I have had in a long time. Why can't things be more organized here? Well, if all goes well tomorrow and after staying up until 2am tonight, I may have a new project to be involved in. I am actually really excited about it, even though I am not quite sure what it entails. More later...I should go to bed now, as I have to leave at 8am for a bunch of meetings with school directors tomorrow.
Monday, September 24
my weekend
Anything to procrastinate...right...well I can say after waking up at 6am and working from 7am taking a break at 2 is worthy. But I still have lessons to plan, and I am determined to get a head start on this semester. So I will continue to work later this afternoon, but a nap may come first.
So this weekend was full of fun times. On Friday night I went to a Japanese restaurant and introduced some friends to sushi for the first time. Its only the second time I have been to that restaurant as its a bit pricey and usually my friends aren't willing to try something new. I don't think my Albanian friends really enjoyed the food, but we Americans surely did. Its definitely a place I will have to hit again before my sushi liking roommate leaves.
Then after a sunny day in the village playing with kids my roommate and I headed to an international military base located in my city. I met this American military guy at the airport last month. I was waiting in line with my friend, and this guy started talking to us. This was the first time since I have been here that I have managed to get on a military base, so I was excited, all with the promise of real hamburgers.
Overall it was an interesting night. It was a farewell cookout for 6 guys who were finishing their time here. All the guys there (ok and 4 girls besides us) were from different countries. I really enjoy hanging out and talking with such a mixed group of people like that. We had some good conversations, really good food (real hamburgers with bacon, ham, macaroni salad) and some funny stories to remember. The best part of all (well maybe not best, but a really good thing), we can go on the base again and buy some American goodies I have been missing.
So this weekend was full of fun times. On Friday night I went to a Japanese restaurant and introduced some friends to sushi for the first time. Its only the second time I have been to that restaurant as its a bit pricey and usually my friends aren't willing to try something new. I don't think my Albanian friends really enjoyed the food, but we Americans surely did. Its definitely a place I will have to hit again before my sushi liking roommate leaves.
Then after a sunny day in the village playing with kids my roommate and I headed to an international military base located in my city. I met this American military guy at the airport last month. I was waiting in line with my friend, and this guy started talking to us. This was the first time since I have been here that I have managed to get on a military base, so I was excited, all with the promise of real hamburgers.
Overall it was an interesting night. It was a farewell cookout for 6 guys who were finishing their time here. All the guys there (ok and 4 girls besides us) were from different countries. I really enjoy hanging out and talking with such a mixed group of people like that. We had some good conversations, really good food (real hamburgers with bacon, ham, macaroni salad) and some funny stories to remember. The best part of all (well maybe not best, but a really good thing), we can go on the base again and buy some American goodies I have been missing.
Thursday, September 20
sleep
Can I just tell you all that I love my students. I really enjoy introducing my students to other Americans and showing my students off. I am so proud of them. The past couple days we have met a lot of my students, and it makes me happy every time I see them. I can't wait for classes to start next week - hopefully.
The only problem with classes starting and getting into the swing of things again is that I will no longer be able to go to bed early. Lately at about 9pm I get tired, and head to bed anytime after that. Its now almost 11pm and I am exhausted. I am ready to sleep. The good thing is that I then wake up early and have found that I am actually very productive in the mornings. Its kind of a fun change for me.
Okay....my bed is calling my name now....I must listen to it. Good night!
The only problem with classes starting and getting into the swing of things again is that I will no longer be able to go to bed early. Lately at about 9pm I get tired, and head to bed anytime after that. Its now almost 11pm and I am exhausted. I am ready to sleep. The good thing is that I then wake up early and have found that I am actually very productive in the mornings. Its kind of a fun change for me.
Okay....my bed is calling my name now....I must listen to it. Good night!
Tuesday, September 18
priorities
Tonight in bible study the topic was priorities. It was a reminder I really needed to hear, a little kick in the butt. So today I am asking you, what are your priorities? Are the things you do just keeping you busy, or are you doing something that will impact eternity? Do you know where the hours of your day go or are they just wasting away. I can honestly say I do not answer these questions very well right now. I am working on it, and reminders like tonight help to keep me going, to get back on track with God and set my priorities where they should be.
Monday, September 17
death
Today was a day busy with coffee visits. On Friday a girl from California arrived and will stay with me for three months. She will be helping me teach here at the university and at the local hospital. I am so happy that she has joined us in the work here, she is definitely and answer to prayer.
When meeting with one friend today I found out that another friend's father died last Friday. I was shocked and dismayed at this. He was only 65 and had not been sick. He got sick and went to the hospital on Thursday and died on Friday. A few of us went to my friend's house this afternoon to visit her and her family, and she is still in shock and denial. Please lift her and her family up.
When meeting with one friend today I found out that another friend's father died last Friday. I was shocked and dismayed at this. He was only 65 and had not been sick. He got sick and went to the hospital on Thursday and died on Friday. A few of us went to my friend's house this afternoon to visit her and her family, and she is still in shock and denial. Please lift her and her family up.
Friday, September 14
obedience
Today I am trying to be obedient to all that God is showing me. Clear, simple, unhindered obedience....its hard for me...but thats my challenge for today.
Yesterday started the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a month of fasting. Last night at 6:30 the streets were crowded and the bakeries were busy. At about 7:00 the call to prayer went off and the people could eat again. They had gone since 5:30 in the morning without letting anything pass through their mouth....no water, no smoking, no eating. Please remember the people here during this time.
Yesterday started the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a month of fasting. Last night at 6:30 the streets were crowded and the bakeries were busy. At about 7:00 the call to prayer went off and the people could eat again. They had gone since 5:30 in the morning without letting anything pass through their mouth....no water, no smoking, no eating. Please remember the people here during this time.
Wednesday, September 12
4 years
September 10th marked my four year anniversary of being here. I can no longer say like it seems I have been here a sort time. For sure it has gone by quickly, but more it feels like I have been here forever. When I think back about when I first applied to come here and I thought it would be for just one year, I laugh. I remember when I was at the conference and I found out they were no longer sending people for just one year. I had to commit to two years or nothing at all. I almost left right then. I thought to myself, I can do one year, but two, thats really long! Wow, I have changed.
Four years, now thats a long time. But I love it here. This has become my home. I have become part Albanian, and the thought of returning to the States is really hard. Next month I will take the GRE (I finally have the date so I really have to study now) and will apply for graduate school. For sure I am going back to the states next summer. My brother and his wife are having a baby and I am ready to spend some time with my family again. Still its hard. I can not imagine what my life will look like back in the states...living in Massachusetts.
I am absolutely thankful that I am an American, and that has been shown to me loud and clear again and again while living here. At the same time, I enjoy being an American living overseas. Although I often hate the extra attention I receive as an American, its not so bad. They love us here, which is actually hard to come by as an American these days while in a foreign country. When I go back to the states I am just another anybody. That will be strange.
Although this country I am living in has many problems, it has many great sides to it also. The people are the most giving and hospitable people I have ever met. Hopefully I have learned some from them, but I will never compare to their selfless hospitality at all times. Families are still very important here and bound together tightly. Even as adults, more time is spent with family than friends. Life goes at an easy, relaxed pace here. Coffee breaks are a must. I could go on and on about how I love this place, these people, this culture but I am here for another 9 months or so, so I need to try to focus on today and enjoy it for what it is.
Four years, now thats a long time. But I love it here. This has become my home. I have become part Albanian, and the thought of returning to the States is really hard. Next month I will take the GRE (I finally have the date so I really have to study now) and will apply for graduate school. For sure I am going back to the states next summer. My brother and his wife are having a baby and I am ready to spend some time with my family again. Still its hard. I can not imagine what my life will look like back in the states...living in Massachusetts.
I am absolutely thankful that I am an American, and that has been shown to me loud and clear again and again while living here. At the same time, I enjoy being an American living overseas. Although I often hate the extra attention I receive as an American, its not so bad. They love us here, which is actually hard to come by as an American these days while in a foreign country. When I go back to the states I am just another anybody. That will be strange.
Although this country I am living in has many problems, it has many great sides to it also. The people are the most giving and hospitable people I have ever met. Hopefully I have learned some from them, but I will never compare to their selfless hospitality at all times. Families are still very important here and bound together tightly. Even as adults, more time is spent with family than friends. Life goes at an easy, relaxed pace here. Coffee breaks are a must. I could go on and on about how I love this place, these people, this culture but I am here for another 9 months or so, so I need to try to focus on today and enjoy it for what it is.
Wednesday, September 5
cold
The weather here is so strange. One week its sweltering hot and unbearable and now its really cold and miserable. Okay, its good that its not so hot anymore, and we really need the rain, but it doesn't need to switch back and forth so quickly. Just yesterday I had the AC on in the car and today we had the heater on. The weather forecast says the low is 35 for tonight. Isn't it just the beginning of September?
Monday, September 3
school
School started today in this country. As I was driving into town this morning I noticed a drast difference. Although in August I complained that the city was empty and no one was around, it was enjoyable. The streets were not crowded with people, you could find a parking spot slightly easily, and I could go out without running into many people I know. That has all changed now and the people are back! Its amazing how much of a student centered city this is.
The students are back...that also means my work is back. Time to get busy again.
The students are back...that also means my work is back. Time to get busy again.
Friday, August 31
no pig
So I didn't go to the pig roast...I was slightly sad, but its ok. I will get onto the base another time. No fun stories from last night to tell you all.
Thursday, August 30
pig roast
So I am intrigued...I have been invited to go to a pig roast on one of the military bases here. Not sure what to expect, but I am sure it will be fun. I will be sure to let you all know how it goes. I am just excited to finally get on a base...and this means I am now able to buy my favorite American treats. I can't wait. I don't know if I will be able to hit the PX tonight, but at least I will get to know some of the soldiers and it will be easier to ask them to let me on to buy stuff.
Monday, August 27
Peppers and Tomatoes
Thankfully the weather has finally cooled down a bit. There is a nice breeze that is actually refreshing, and the evenings are cool again. Its very good. The only problem, now I don't have an excuse to sit around and not do anything. So today I have cleaned my flat some, baked a cake, and did some work on the computer. Tonight I will go to a friend's house for dinner.
Here are some pictures from my friend's family's garden. This weekend I picked peppers and beans. But no proof because my camera battery died before we started working. The interesting part of the beans...they pick them after they are dried. They look like sugar-snap beans, or some kind of bean like that. And I ate one green...and they taste pretty good...but my friends thought I was crazy when I ate it. They just use the beans inside once they are dried. Maybe next weekend I will get some pictures of the beans. For now here are peppers and tomatoes. I have become very fond of peppers since living here. They cook with them so many different ways. This weekend we even ate them raw, not in a salad, but just chowing down on it like a carrot. It was strange at first, but good.
And these tomatoes are unbelievably good. I can not eat enough of them. Thankfully my mom's friend sent me home this morning with some freshly picked tomatoes and peppers (and onions and eggs too). Yummy!!
Here are some pictures from my friend's family's garden. This weekend I picked peppers and beans. But no proof because my camera battery died before we started working. The interesting part of the beans...they pick them after they are dried. They look like sugar-snap beans, or some kind of bean like that. And I ate one green...and they taste pretty good...but my friends thought I was crazy when I ate it. They just use the beans inside once they are dried. Maybe next weekend I will get some pictures of the beans. For now here are peppers and tomatoes. I have become very fond of peppers since living here. They cook with them so many different ways. This weekend we even ate them raw, not in a salad, but just chowing down on it like a carrot. It was strange at first, but good.
And these tomatoes are unbelievably good. I can not eat enough of them. Thankfully my mom's friend sent me home this morning with some freshly picked tomatoes and peppers (and onions and eggs too). Yummy!!
Thursday, August 23
chickens
I would rather be here in the village right now....enjoying the cool breeze.
Chickens....do you go to bed with the chickens?
Do we say this in America when someone goes to bed early? I love watching the little baby chicks walk around and follow their mom everywhere. I grew up in the city, so village life is so interesting to me. I am always asking why, and I am determined to learn to milk a cow before I leave.
hot
Its too hot to actually do anything today. No one is here, as most students are all home in their villages, so there is no one to go out with. But its too hot to walk in the city anyway. Then its too hot to get any work done in my flat. Basically today I have done nothing. Its too hot to sleep, too hot to sit in front of the computer and work, too hot to try to study. Right now its 6:30pm and the temperature gage still says 104 F. Lately the nights have still been cool, so I am waiting for that...but we'll see. I haven't spent a night in the city for awhile. I think I will go try to watch a movie now, and then do some work once it cools down.
Wednesday, August 22
GRE
So I believe I will be starting grad school next fall. I have picked out the school I would like to go to, and now the only problem is that I must start studying. Its no fun. I like being the teacher, not the student. I actually like learning, finding out about new things, but not taking tests. Just the thought of taking this test after not being in school for so many years really frightens me. I used to think I was a smart person, but I sometimes doubt that these days. I have not been challenged mentally, educationally in a long time. Yes, I read books, the news, and random other things, I plan lessons, write recommendations, and supervise other teachers...but I do not study, I do not memorize. I am not good at memorizing. I am not good at vocabulary. My English vocabulary has actually gotten pretty bad after living here for 4 years not often speaking with other native English speakers about intellectual topics that may broaden my vocabulary.
Well I just printed off two test prep booklets. I will start with the Math section first, thats easy. Its concrete and understandable. I am good at math. I just need to remember it. Its been 10 years since I have taken a math course. Fun times lie ahead.
I am off to my friend's village....and maybe I will study there.
Well I just printed off two test prep booklets. I will start with the Math section first, thats easy. Its concrete and understandable. I am good at math. I just need to remember it. Its been 10 years since I have taken a math course. Fun times lie ahead.
I am off to my friend's village....and maybe I will study there.
Monday, August 20
Odd place
"With its population of a little over three million, Albania is rather an odd place - a country where the expected rarely happens, and the unexpected often does."
This is a quote from a BBC article about a neighboring country over here. I find it is true for most countries here, especially where I live.
This is a quote from a BBC article about a neighboring country over here. I find it is true for most countries here, especially where I live.
Ooops
Sometimes I am stupid....and sometimes forgetful...and when those are combined its not a good thing. The other day I started to write a story for here, but I wrote it in Word. I guess I never actually saved it, and then closed word. Well yesterday when I opened Word to do something else, it had a document in auto recovery...but I thought, I don't remember not saving anything, so I canceled the auto recovery. Well this morning I thought, I need to post my story on here, so I opened up word....only to find I never saved what I wrote. Now I am lazy to write it again. So for now you just get this post. Maybe later this afternoon I will have the creative juices flowing in my mind to write another story.
Sunday, August 12
fyi
For those of you who are interested about my life...I am off to the beach again. This time I will relax (hopefully) and spend some time with a couple old friends.
Until then...hope you all are enjoying your summers.
Until then...hope you all are enjoying your summers.
Tuesday, August 7
Some views from my balcony....
I love to be outside when it rains, so I kept walking out on my balcony yesterday, just looking at all the rain. A few things made me laugh, and I thought I would document them for your viewing pleasure.
The first is a construction vehicle that has been here for a few too many days for my listening comfort. It is making a lot of noise. It was nice that they didn't work for most of yesterday, as it was raining. I don't understand what they are doing....something about a water pipe.
My neighbors recently got new internet and cable...and this is what happened to my balcony railing. The wires come from a telephone pole at the end of the yard.
Where does all that wiring really go? Does anyone know???
At least when looking down from my balcony I see this pretty plum tree.
Okay I am off for another coffee visit today. Hope you all enjoyed the views from my balcony.
The first is a construction vehicle that has been here for a few too many days for my listening comfort. It is making a lot of noise. It was nice that they didn't work for most of yesterday, as it was raining. I don't understand what they are doing....something about a water pipe.
My neighbors recently got new internet and cable...and this is what happened to my balcony railing. The wires come from a telephone pole at the end of the yard.
Where does all that wiring really go? Does anyone know???
At least when looking down from my balcony I see this pretty plum tree.Okay I am off for another coffee visit today. Hope you all enjoyed the views from my balcony.
Monday, August 6
some pics
Yes, this is my way of not actually getting my work done...but I thought its important for you all to see some pictures. The first two are from the leadership camp we have in the mountains. I just stopped by for one night, of course, on the day of the hike...a great excuse to be in the mountains.
For the summer we had a band here, and a couple times we hung out in the park and they played. And of course we ate watermelon!
Sad goodbyes. With 10 students here for the summer, they stayed busy and made lots of friends. On the last night all were still here we all got together for one final coffee time.
For the summer we had a band here, and a couple times we hung out in the park and they played. And of course we ate watermelon!
Sad goodbyes. With 10 students here for the summer, they stayed busy and made lots of friends. On the last night all were still here we all got together for one final coffee time.
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