I was talking to my family this afternoon, and Someone mentioned that this blog is usually focused on food and local sights. So here is a photo-less post, where I will try not to mention the fresh, homemade donut I am eating.

Last night the Banks family and I, as well as David and Rodina, went into Tirana to a homeschool event for missionary families, an International Food and Dance Night. There were so many people there, from all over the world--Germany, China, Finland, Scotland, the Caribbean, America... but food and dance leaped over all barriers. It was very neat to see, and we had a lot of fun.

On a cultural note: traffic in the city is crazy, backed up and free for all. There are few stoplights and fewer people who actually obey them. A common sight as you sit in your car, waiting for traffic to move, is gypsy kids weaving between the cars, begging for money. Seven, eight, nine year old children, some carrying infants, holding out their hands at your window. But here, begging is a family business, and a profitable one. Somewhere, an adult is watching, keeping an eye on their movements. At one time, the mayor of Tirana offered welfare to the beggars, to get them off the street. He offered families $150 a month, and they laughed. They said, "why would we do that, when we can get $150 in three days?" Sometimes they will maim the children, too, so that they are more pitiable.

Then this morning, I practiced with the worship team for tomorrow morning's music. It was an example of Albanian time: Mrs. Banks told me, "Practice at 10:00." So I came at ten. At ten fifteen, someone else showed up. At ten thirty, another person. Finally, at 10:50, we began practicing. But I'm learning--I came prepared, with a book to read while I waited.

This afternoon, we took two van loads of kids to a nearby church, up the mountain a little way, for a seminar on the gifts of the Spirit. It was interesting, both spiritually and culturally; spiritually, because it was Pentecostal, but the text was 1 Corinthians 13 & 14, and wisdom and knowledge were mentioned beside tongues and prophesies. This verse really stood out: "How is it them, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation..." the point being, every member of a church congregation receives some word from God during the week. Not everyone will speak in tongues, or prophesy, but perhaps they will have a hymn on their heart, or a Scripture.

Culturally, it was interesting, because the speaker was from Holland, and English was his second language. But it was the only common language with the interpreter, a Swiss man who spoke fluent shqip (Albanian).

Anyway... I'm looking forward to a fairly quiet evening. But who knows, that could change at any moment. Always expect the unexpected here! Have a great weekend, everyone!