SJ5 - Albania Mania!

We left Istanbul in the darkness of early morning on our way to the Tirana International Airport in Albania.  The flight was just over an hour and a half. As we came in toward the airport we broke through some very thick clouds to reveal a beautifully green landscape of mountains, giving way to what looked like lush agricultural valleys.  Once on the ground we were happily reunited with Tami's Dad, Tom Bonner.

After stopping for a mid-morning fresh squeezed orange juice blended drink, we headed on to

Lushnje.  Tom has been a missionary here for 13 years now. After my extensive 12 hours of experience here in Albania I can tell you my first impressions. The people we have met are delightful.  It is clear that Tom is loved and well known in his neighborhod.  Those of you who know him will find that this is no surprise.  He has never had trouble making friends or drawing people in around him.


After a brief mid-morning nap ( making up for having gotten up at 3:45 a.m. in Istanbul to make it to the airport) we went to join Olti and Sojana, a young couple who are working with the church in Lushnje along with Tom. They are eager and hoping to be a ful time ministry couple with the church here.  Both have completed Master's Degrees. Olit's degree is in maratime engineering and Sojana's is in finance.  After their scholing they felt called to pursue ministry. They are currently attending Bible training classes and working with the youth of the church on Lushjne and hoping to find full support.

Olti takes a selfie!

From 4:30 to abut 6:30 we were with Olti, Sojana, and the youth group.  School starts up on Monday and the numbers tonight were smaller than normal.  Still, it was fun to get to know a few of the kids and watch Olti and Sojana teach and interact with them.  I look forward to getting more time with them this week.  They are eager for training and mentoring.  I am prayerful that we can have some engaging a fruitful ministry conversations this week.  Please pray for Tami and I so we can be effective sounding boards for them this week.

Our plan for this week is to just be with Tom and the members of the church in Lushnje. We are eager to see how the week unfolds.  I will be leading the youth group time along with Olti next Saturday and preaching for the church on Sunday morning before heading to Athens.  Wahoo!!!