On my way home from Fushekruje yesterday I received a text message from Pastor Alban. It read “Hello vella. I come back to tirana becouse My second son is coming. Can you preach this sunday? @lb@n” Just a few months ago Alban’s wife Lida was hospitalized because she was having signs of labor far too early. Yesterday the miracle now known as Abiel took his first breaths. With special permission, three of us from the Fushekruje church were able to visit him and his mother in one of the hospitals in Tirana.
This little, red faced, long fingered bundle was awake and smiling for us. Fatjon, Ervis and I were only permitted to stay for five minutes and that was due to generosity regarding my nationality. In almost every instance where permission from authorities is the key to special privilege, I hear Pastor Alban drop the work “Amerikan” and we are suddenly given license to move about at will. No one ever asks for identification.
In the room with Lida was Alban’s older sister. She has been a blessing not only to Alban during this time, but to the church in Fushekruje as well. Tomorrow she will be driving from Tirana for the second week in a row to lead worship. Alban comes from a servant family. To my Amerikan eyes the Albanian hospital was clean and also free of clutter. It was also nearly entirely clear of personnel. There weren’t any nurses coming or going, no sound over a PA system, no buttons to push should assistance be needed. The room had two simple, metal framed, single sized beds with clean sheets. Lida checked in yesterday and is expected to be back in her own home by tonight.
It was good to spend time with Alban outside of the hospital. Fatjon, Ervis and I got a coffee with him at a cafe in the center this morning, and again at a cafe near the hospital later in the day. I could feel the relief he felt at having the pregnancy over with. I can only imagine how relieved his wife must be. Through this entire process, God has been faithful. I am looking forward to having Lida, Abiel and Abiel’s older brother David at a service in Fushekruje. I know our church is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its pastor’s new boy.
albaniacalling 