Fatjon’s father and I met in June of 2012. Fatjon had been my interpreter a few times, and we had already become friends of a sort. When I met Fatjon’s family at the “Children’s Day,” celebration in Fushe Kruje, I had no idea how dear each member would eventually be to me. Both of Fatjon’s parents and his sister came to church last Sunday. Sajmir spoke in front of the congregation to say how happy he was to have me back in Albania, and what a blessing our friendship has been to him. I told him that when I could, I would come to his house for a coffee. Today was that day.
I have noticed that it is easier to be busy than it is to have time. No one is truly so busy that they can not visit a friend in their home, unless they choose that busyness out of vanity, fear, or some other anti-value. Like exercise, spending time with people who love you is good for your mind, soul, and body. Like exercise, spending time with people who love you is one of the habits it is most difficult to keep. If it is selfish to be and to feel loved, then by all means be selfish. There is something about America that is broken if we are not encouraged culturally to connect deeply over time and to invest in people. People are the most valuable things in this world.
As always, President Barack Obama himself would not have felt or been more welcome than I in the home of Sajmir and his family. Sajmir embraced me and stroked my hair as we hugged each-other hello. I was given the seat of honor, furthest from the door. Time passed with the pleasantries first of enjoying Turkish coffee and some Derby brand cola drinks. About an hour and a half into the visit Sajmir’s wife asked if I would like to eat. Thirty minutes later I was enjoying a delightful, small feast; far more than any man has a right to consume.
Before leaving, I was invited to stay the night. Had I said yes to that I would have been given fresh clothes to sleep in and fresh clothes in the morning, a sumptuous breakfast, and many more hours of fellowship. I declined. When I wake up anywhere but Sauk, the entire day serves as an apology for my ill-preparedness. There may come a time, however, when the floor of my friend’s house feel’s like home to me; a change I would gladly welcome.
albaniacalling 