Over the past four months I have been blessed by three distinct and sometimes overlapping groups of people. The Church Body in Fushekruje, the crew on the work site, and the missionaries I have met since coming here have all blessed me in ways beyond counting,and I have tried to capture that in these writings. There are two other groups who add color and life to this exciting world of mine. First, there are the people back home; my family and supporters who write and skype and love me. Second, there are those Albanians for which no reason for connection has been made obvious; a seeming random collection of friends made familiar by hospitality and warm interactions.
A group of boys who sell mementos of Albania in and around Qender Skenderbeu. These three approached me about eight weeks ago hoping to sell a tourist a key-chain, pen, magnet, snow-globe, or miniature flag. We sat for awhile on the steps between the Sahat and the Jamiya talking about who they were and who I am. I took a small flag to fly from my backpack and some red pens with the two-headed eagle on them. Since that day I have probably seen and spoken with these young men on ten different occasions. Each time a Christian has a chance to witness; to make a friendship for Christ.
My friend Shpetim owns a business near the church building site. He is always inviting me to sit and to talk. His English skills are superior to most of the people I have met here and we trade questions about language with one-another. He is from Kruje, but has been in Fushekruje for many years and he has introduced me to some of his friends there.
Also in Fushekruje, living in and around the apartment complex near Capo Nord, is a group of elementary school aged kids. A few of the boys will holler “Hello!” in big voices meant to carry a great distance. “How are you?!” They yell at me. Mostly I will wave back at them so as not to hurt their pride. Sometimes I will take a few minutes to ask how they are doing. It is fun to be such an anomaly to people so young. Yesterday I noticed them playing cards as I walked past. They stood to pose for a photograph.
There are also a number of vendors I have come into contact with. Mostly men, they are shop owners, waiters, cooks or all three depending on the size of the establishment. At Lokal Tymi you can get the best qofta in Fushkruje. The first time I saw the sign I thought “That must mean “local time,” an idea akin to “our place.” Yesterday I realized that it means “The Smoky Restaurant.” It is an indoor grill house with a small window in the back and the front door as its only ventilation. Best carbohydrate/fat combination you are likely to find anywhere; a healthy chunk of bread and four sausage meatballs for about 90 cents US.
And so, here I am, there you are, you are a Christian, you are a witness and your sphere of influence is broader than you can imagine. Every conversation, every meal with a stranger, every coffee shared in friendship is another moment given to God for the strengthening of His kingdom.
albaniacalling 
Josh,
Bless you for sharing the images, the words with the people in your country of Albania. Bless you also for sharing these with me and all of us! You are greatly admired, my son.
Dad