f.y.i.

I know some of you have been wondering when I will be returning back to the States. Last time I was home was July of 2004. Although I miss you all much, especially my 3 nieces, whom I am somehow supposed to watch grow up via pictures sent by email, my return to the States will still not be for a while. Usually I try to return home after one full year here in Albania. Being that July 2004 to July 2005 falls right in our busy season, I do not plan to return to the States until November or December-ish.

Many thanks to all of you for your continued support both in prayers, finances and encouraging words. As each year passes here in Albania its sometimes hard to believe I have made it here this long! I suppose like anywhere there are highs and lows, but I can truly say its a blessing to be here and a definite growing experience. Thanks for making my time here possible!

preparing for a busy summer season

Much like every other year we are preparing for a busy summer here in Albania. Since my last post (mid-February) I have been here in Tirane working at the Stephen Center. Because summer is quickly approaching I have been busy preparing for many short-term missions teams that we will be hosting here in Albania during the the months of June-August. We will have several teams coming from the USA, a team from Holland, one from the U.K., and various individuals from the USA and other places. These teams each have various skills and abilities; some teams will be working solely with children, while others will come to help with summer camps, run dental clinics, assist with various construction projects, etc. We always value the time that teams come to serve in Albania as for the majority they have proven to be a great encouragement to both the Albanians and the people part of the teams themselves.

PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR THESE TEAMS & INDIVIDUALS AS THEY COME TO BLESS THE PEOPLE IN ALBANIA.

*PRAY THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO RAISE THE FINANCES AND RESOURCES NEEDED TO COME.

*PRAY THAT AS TEAMS COME THAT THE PEOPLE HERE IN ALBANIA THEY WILL BE WORKING WITH WILL BE BLESSED, ENCOURAGED AND UNDERSTAND MORE OF GOD'S LOVE FOR THEM AND THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE HE DESIRES THEM TO ACCEPT.

*PRAY THAT THE TEAMS THEMSELVES WOULD BE BLESSED AND ENCOURAGED THROUGH THEIR TIME SERVED HERE IN ALBANIA