Happy Birthday!

It was so wonderful to enjoy my birthday here in Albania!!  It was a perfect day with my Anna taking me out to coffee, being surprised with flowers from Vera, a lovely dinner out with the Waggoners, and plenty of birthday wishes from family and friends.  I also heard happy birthday in Albanian!  There's a first for everything!

Darshen

Darshen is a small village high in the mountains.  While it's absolutely beautiful, it's also an incredibly poor area.    

Exploring the Amphitheater

This amphitheater, located in Durrës, was built in the 2nd century and just discovered about 50 years ago in the 60s.  It's still only partially uncovered today, but we were still able to explore some of the tunnels!  I found the ancient mosaics and what was thought to once be the lion's den some of the most interesting sections!

An ancient amphitheater uncovered among a modern city!

Durrës

I have officially waded in the Adriatic Sea!  Being in Durrës was a wonderful time!  You can tell from some of the pictures below that the kids had an absolute blast :)  We made waded in the water, made sandcastles, and hunted for shells.  The weather in Albania has been gorgeous and we are soaking up every minute of it that we can!

                                         

Krujë

Just a little history lesson at Krujë studying about Skanderbeg and some rich Albanian history!

The amazing view at Krujë.

                                       

 

These were grapes that we tried literally tasted like Welch's Grape Juice!

Part of the process of olives being crushed to create olive oil.

Fun with Homeschooling

Sure, I received my degree in education, but I never thought I would ever be a homeschool teacher!  I'll have to admit that it's way more fun than I imagined it to be!  We've been able to work at an efficient  pace they need to go, explore the park in Tirana during recess breaks, take them shopping to apply their math skills, and just have a good time!!  It would be an understatement to say that I absolutely adore these Albanian kiddos  :)

A Typical Evening

Anna and I have made a promise that we would explore Tirana every day that we're here!!  So far, we've visited a new coffee shop, eaten at a new restaurant, or wandered a different section of town every day so far!  It's fun being adventurous in the city and practicing our Shqip when we order our espresso or cappuccino!

Turtles at Church

Wildlife is not something you see in Tirana, Albania.  But here at the international church, in the middle of the city, is a small "turtle farm" in the church's front yard.  It definitely gets the kids excited about heading to church on Sunday mornings.  :)

Worshipping at an international church is always a pretty moving experience for me. Hearing multiple languages, and seeing a variety of cultures praising one God is incredibly inspiring.

First Visit to the Village

This weekend we visited the village where Cydil's parents primarily worked with their ministry, Planters.  We arrived for church in the evening and invited friends over for games and popcorn afterwards!  

The next morning we had singing, a bible lesson, and crafts!  Anna actually led the crafts, and we made oragami stars since our lesson this week was on Abraham.