Big Brotherrrrrrrr

Today is Sunday March 28, 2010. Today was Brad's birthday ( a volunteer) and Andrea and I traveled to Pajove to join in on the festivities. Andrea's Sister's husband drove us there and we met up with some volunteers and had a little hike to a beautiful place where we had a picnic and just enjoyed some volunteer times! I am amazed at all the beauty Albania has to offer when you can be overwhelmed at times about the issues that surround this country. Our day was a calm day filled with laughter and exchanges of stories. It was a nice break for all of the volunteers that made it out that day just to hang out and talk. I really have grown to love all my volunteers and appreciate them in their own ways because this is my family now plus my Albanian family. Everyone is different in their own ways, but our one common factor is that we all have a desire that brought us to this one place, Albania and because of that we all understand one another. After an afternoon in Pajove Andrea and I had to head back to Thane. Lets just say it was an adventure to get home not knowing a lot of shqip. We took a furgon to Paper then we were told to get out of there and take a taxi which really means get in a car with a strange man and hope you get home. (Ha) At least we had each other and we did make it home. That's how things go here sometimes it may seem like not such a good idea in the states, but what the heck were in Albania.

When I got home my family was working in the garden and my Mom was working on some paper work she was doing for an organization she works for called World Vision working with kids here in the village and they are pen pals to kids in America. I then got to tag along with Babi ( My dad) and kids to a near by field where we chopped up bar ( grass) and then loaded up the car to bring back for the cow. They do this about once a week. This process took about an hour. It's so funny how excited I get when I get to go out on little adventures such as this as do the kids. I love that everything has to do with working together as a family in order to serve another purpose to support the family. (main goal)

I go to school 6 times a week. My sister always walks hand and hand with me to school making sure I arrive safely. My sister and brothers all go to the school I go to. They usually end around one and then walk home for lunch. School is about three minutes away from my house. My classes consist of the seven volunteers that live in my community and twice a week we travel to Elbason which is 20 minutes away to meet with the other volunteers and break off into our specialities. Everyone here is divided into three groups. Health, Teaching and Community Organization. I am doing Health. Language is coming along slowly, but just in the first week I have improved because I can use key words to get my point across and they understand. ( I think they can read my gestures!) I can understand more than I can actually talk probably because I listen to my family all day and I am catching on! It forces me to want to learn the language so I can actually have an in-depth conversation someday instead of my 5 word phrases that I know! I am not stressing about it because I believe it will come and right now everyone is pretty forgiving of my language. I have two teachers that come in and help us everyday. ( Velma and Endrit) I really have enjoyed my teachers and they have a good time with us. Right now in class we are just going over the basis of things mainly survival language which if I can get that down shoot I can survive just fine :) During our breaks we go outside and converse with the kids or play futbol. They love to play with us and it seems thats all anyone wants you to do here is just give them some time. The first game I played I got knocked down twice and have some nice bruises to prove for it.

Food-
I had no idea what I was getting into because if I knew all the food I would be eating I wouldn't have gone out to lunch everyday for the last 4 months thinking I would never eat again. (Ha) We have eaten at home everyday which I have enjoyed. Homemade bread, milk, cheese, soups and all. Every meal is different and there is always something new that I try and I have enjoyed the fresh vegetables. (Surprising yes!) My mom is always cooking something. All I tell her is 'shume mire' which means VERY GOOD! For snacks we usually have buk (bread) with jam, cheese or fruit. They don't eat dessert usually and we usually finish dinner with fruit which has been a treat. We all sit together when we have our meals which is in the kitchen/living room the area where the TV is. They are shocked at how much water I drink and always ask me if I want milk and I say no thank- you water is fine and they laugh. But I have noticed that the little one is now drinking water because I do so thats good! They finally have allowed me to help with the dishes because I couldn't handle anymore of me not doing anything. Usually I try to do the dishes with the daughter to try and relieve some stress for the mom. A lot of the hanging out is done in this room because the main heating source that they have comes from the stove so it is warm down here. TV has seriously affected this culture just as any other culture. They love there TV and Big Brother is a huge thing right now and all people talk about is the show. They re- play it all week and once a week have a new 3 hour episode. They have a similar show of Deal or No Deal Albanian style!

Family-
I Bought a soccer ball for the family and thats all Andrea (Host brother) wants to do with me. Every second he says come play with me! It has been a good bonding experience for all us because now we can have something to do together. They also play volleyball. They really don't have a yard or backyard to play, but we use the room that we have to play. A common thing that happens here make do with what you have. (Resourceful) My grandparents are hardworking always doing something in the yard and ready to go with a smile on there face. My grandpa is very stylish and friendly always trying to have a conversation with me and I just smile and my grandma is always telling me to eat! (We laugh!) I love having them around and think that it's such a special thing to always have them around. My Dad works every other day at his job and when he is home he is always in the yard planting or putting together something. He does enjoy playing with us when we are out in the front! These people are always working!!!! I admire their work ethic, inspiring!

This weekend after our language class Saturday afternoon we are heading to stay with a volunteer that has been here for a year and we will stay a few nights with them and get their perspective. I am excited to go out and explore some of Albania which I hope to do more of! My days here seem like they fly by I have a hard time remembering what actually wen on! I am very comfortable with my family and have my own room which I only go in to sleep! I try to spend as much time with them as I can and bring my studies down to the kitchen because my sister loves to help me learn. (She loves to help me!) Just to let you know how thoughtful she is, the other day we were at school and on a break. I was outside and had finished my water and she saw that so she ran home and brought me a new water and an orange. And I thought who is this girl! What an amazing thoughtful young lady. I love her! I am trying to introduce exercise to my family and maybe later the community because they don't do that here so I put on my P90x videos upstairs one afternoon and the kids loved it! All three kids came in my room and starred at me for a while, but then joined in! It was so cute, the little one really enjoyed it. I will attempt running soon it's just hard because no one runs here and running on the street is very dangerous because drivers are out of there minds here! CRAZZY! There is a marathon later this year in Greece, there is something to think about!

Common things that you do when you live in Albania-
Use a turkish toilet ( umm not so much fun), Keep toilet paper in your backpack because restrooms don't have them, take 3 minute showers, drink lots of cafe, walk to get internet, and eat lots of food! (Yes they have all been accomplished!)

I miss my family and friends back home deeply not a day goes by that I don't wish that you could all be here with me, but until that time enjoyyyyy!!!
Todays food for thought... May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise.