Settling into a life takes time. I am most certainly still settling. For now the dawn light brings me to stir from sleep. I have a yogurt and honey breakfast chased down by 2-3 glasses of cold, cold water. Once I’ve arrived in Fushekruje, I typically try and find time for a coffee with a friend. By the time I arrive on site the men have been working for about and hour. Our work is gravel and packed earth, concrete, and precast curbs. We move a lot of material, all of it by hand. As of today my crew is composed of 6 men.
Sajmir took Gony as his assistant today. Together they set about 25 meters of border.
Ervis was taking care of punch-list items with the drain system.
The rest of us focused on moving as much dirt as possible. Our jobsite is out of level from one corner to another by about 50 centimeters. It will not be completely level when we are done; we need some slope for drainage. All of us will be stronger and in better cardiovascular shape by the time work has been completed. Fatjon is growing in ability and endurance with each day. To coin a new cliche: Construction is easy, if you know what to do.
I feel like I am part of the community of the city of Fushekruje. There are about 50 people who I know and who are looking to say hello and an excuse to pass some time together. The rhythm of my day has me wearing grooves in a path which had seemed daunting and bumpy very recently. I am like my father and so my gut reaction is to try and meet all of the people here; but I know that wisdom would have me bonded like a brother to only a handful of people. I never would have chosen these brothers for myself.
Life is always this way.
albaniacalling 
“I never would have chosen these brothers for myself.” ~ True, like so many things in life. In my case, wonderful people in my life, brothers and sisters that have emerged out of pain and trial…a path and people I never would have chosen myself.