My translator Fatjon is one of the people who follows this blog.  Keeping a type of journal that anyone can access is tricky for any number of reasons, most of which I’m sure that you, good reader, can identify on your own.  Today Fatjon quoted this blog to me at work.  He said “Oh Joshua, why did you say in your blog that feel like you are a part of the community of Fushekruje when you are a part of the community?”  When he began his question I could feel my eyes rolling in frustration.  Of course I don’t want my journal to become the fodder for conversation at work.  But after this he said “This was so beautiful that you wrote that.”  And, of course, no one knew what he was saying except for me.  My sensitivity to my own privacy often times brings me to early, incorrect conclusions.  Of course Fatjon would not say something dishonoring to me in front of other people.  What he said has me thinking.

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Just after exiting the forgone from Tirana this morning I ran into Saim, a local shop owner; we shook hands and exchanged civilities.  While walking from the center of Fushekruje to the job site, I heard a tapping on a cafe window as I passed.  Inside were Leonard and Freddie, two men I know from being around town.  They invited me to sit with them for coffee, and insisted on paying afterward.  As we sat, one of the tile layers from the church came in to join us briefly.  Another block up the road I greeted Vinny’s mother and sisters, they own and run the shop where I purchase bottled water every day.  A car drove past, inside was one of the waiters from Capo Nord giving me a wave.  At the plakateria up the road was Spetim Lula, eager to have a conversation.  And look there at that cafe, its Besim; the city engineer for my project extending an open hand into the air.

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I am a part of the community of Fushekruje.  I like being a part of the community of Fushekruje.  My community extends beyond the five men I sweat through work with every day into shops, homes, families and businesses.  Thankfully I have a friend with broad, deep vision to help me realize it.  Thanks Fratello.