Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Ancient Wisdom
A few weeks ago, on our way back from the mountains we passed a man carrying a hedgehog over his shoulder. And we learnt that a cooked hedgehog's meat helps heal the rheumatism. Invaluable.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Independence Day(s), Albania!
As it happens with many small countries, Albania has several days to commemorate the end of an oppressive regime. However, due to historical disputes, only one day of due celebration might remain.
Albania had been occupied and plundered by neighbours from near and far throughout most of its history; the occupation of then Illyrian lands by the Roman Empire was followed by the invasions of barbarians and Slavs, and a half millennium of Ottoman rule. But for a brief period in 1400s, the Albanians did not enjoy freedom until 1912, when on November 28th they declared independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Many nations came and went during the soon to come World War I and later in the century during the World War II. Finally, in 1944, the Albanian partisans liberated the country from the nazis. (It is noteworthy that Albania was the only Eastern European country to drive out the nazis without Russia's help.) Once again, the freedom was gained on November 28th. Or was it November 29th?
For years, November 28th was celebrated as the Day of Independence and November 29th - as the Day of Liberation. However, a few years ago some started doubting the historic correctness of November 29th. Yet who could now tell with certainty when exactly the last German soldier crossed the border?
Leaving the disagreements and arguments aside, a unique conglomerate - November 28-29 - is being celebrated in a proper manner; flags with the two-headed eagle are flown, fireworks fired, and a well deserved holiday enjoyed. I say, the more days to celebrate, the better. Despite the many centuries of oppression, the Albanians preserved their unique language and culture, and that alone is worth good two days of festivities.
So Happy Independence Day(s), Albania! And may the liberty be enjoyed for many more years to come!
Albania had been occupied and plundered by neighbours from near and far throughout most of its history; the occupation of then Illyrian lands by the Roman Empire was followed by the invasions of barbarians and Slavs, and a half millennium of Ottoman rule. But for a brief period in 1400s, the Albanians did not enjoy freedom until 1912, when on November 28th they declared independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Many nations came and went during the soon to come World War I and later in the century during the World War II. Finally, in 1944, the Albanian partisans liberated the country from the nazis. (It is noteworthy that Albania was the only Eastern European country to drive out the nazis without Russia's help.) Once again, the freedom was gained on November 28th. Or was it November 29th?
For years, November 28th was celebrated as the Day of Independence and November 29th - as the Day of Liberation. However, a few years ago some started doubting the historic correctness of November 29th. Yet who could now tell with certainty when exactly the last German soldier crossed the border?
Leaving the disagreements and arguments aside, a unique conglomerate - November 28-29 - is being celebrated in a proper manner; flags with the two-headed eagle are flown, fireworks fired, and a well deserved holiday enjoyed. I say, the more days to celebrate, the better. Despite the many centuries of oppression, the Albanians preserved their unique language and culture, and that alone is worth good two days of festivities.
So Happy Independence Day(s), Albania! And may the liberty be enjoyed for many more years to come!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
married and finally back in Albania!
Hi Everyone!
Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Over the past 6+ months I have been away from Albania (the longest I have ever been away). But, as most of you know, there was a very good reason for my absence- I got married! The wedding was on June 28th, which happened to be the hottest day Oregon had seen in years. We prayed that it would not rain but never thought we would need to pray about the heat! I guess know we know to be more specific! Anyway, after a great wedding we had a wonderful honeymoon in Alaska. The tropical beaches of the Caribbean are nice and all, but we much more prefer the mountains and wilderness. After the honeymoon, we departed for Vita's homeland (Lithuania). There we had a small wedding party with her family and friends, changed her surname, got all her documents in order, purchased a vehicle and packed her belongings. Thankfully since she has been living on the mission field in recent years she doesn't own very much! We hit the road for Albania and after 3 days of driving, arrived here in Tirane late Sunday evening.
Tomorrow we will make the journey to our final destination in Korce. There we will begin the search for a home of our own (or apartment), and then begin to furnish it. As of now we have nothing but 2 sleeping bags and backpacking mattresses, so we figure they will get some use until we can find a bed. Oh, we even have a tent and a backpacking stove and pot.....so why do we need to look for a house?
We are both excited and happy to finally be here. We look forward to resume pastoring the church in Korce and working with our friends and "family" there to serve and love Southeastern Albania.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Muchlove,
Sean & Vita
p.s. We hope to have a more official newsletter out soon!
Friday, February 29, 2008
February Newsletter
(NOTE: click on the images and you will be redirected to the Flickr website. Above each image click on "all sizes" and you will find the large image so you can more easily read the newsletter.)
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