Kathy in Kosova

Police stop...twice in 30 minutes....?

2012-01-25T18:47:00.003+01:00

I was driving to a city called Gjakova yesterday evening. Along one stretch of road I am very cautious about the speed limit, since I was stopped by the police 3 months ago for going too fast. The roads were wet from the recent snowfall, the temperature was dropping, and it was getting dark. There was no way I was speeding...but a police officer stepped into the road and waved me over to stop.

Oh man...! How could I be getting another speeding ticket when I was being so careful...? The police officer was very nice and asked me in english for my driver's license and my documents, as he was waving his flashlight at my car tires. He didn't even look at my documents. He told me to have a nice evening and waved me to drive on. No speeding ticket...what a relief.

30 minutes later, same road conditions, just before I reached Gjakova, another police officer stepped into the road and waved me over to stop. Again...??? I had just gone through the emotions of possibly getting a speeding ticket...and now it is happening again. This officer spoke to me completely in Albanian, again inspecting my documents and tires...taking a while to inspect my NM driver's license. I am pretty sure he has never seen a NM license before.

So...no speeding tickets, my documents are all in order, and yes I have winter tires on my car.

Have a nice evening...

Still stuck in the field...

2012-01-22T12:37:00.004+01:00

My little car is still stuck in the field behind my apartment. I guess it will have to stay there until the snow melts some and I can find some young men to help push and dig. I am not sure where I will park it when I get it out...the edges of the streets are piled high with snow from the sidewalks.

There is more snow forecast for Tue-Thurs this next week. I had wanted to see how my car handled on snowy roads. I know this for certain...it doesn't do well in deep snow.

Winter wonderland...

2012-01-21T15:01:00.007+01:00

We finally had a major winter snowfall in Malishevë. We have had flurries all winter long...but this morning there was 10-12 inches of snow. It is so beautiful and early this morning as the sun came up it was so quiet and pristine.

As the shops along the main street in Malishevë began to open, the snow was piled high on the sidewalks. There was some sculpting of the snow, and a few snowmen started showing up.

Unfortunately there was a huge pile of snow put into the area of the street where I usually exit my parking place between two buildings. So...I had to attempt an exit through the field behind my building. My little car pushed snow as I was able to go about 50 yards before becoming stuck. The clearance on my little car is not high enough for this amount of snow. It is currently in the field behind my apartment, and it will stay there until some of the snow melts. I do have to be careful to not wait too long because with the melting of the snow comes the mud.

Camping showers...brrrrr

2012-01-19T08:09:00.003+01:00

A new adventure...camping showers in the winter!

In the past there have been times when there was no water, off for several hours or a day. But I have never experienced a time when the water turns off and on every 5-10 minutes. The water had been fluctuating but had been quiet for the last 2 hours. So...I thought it was safe to get into the shower. I was all shampooed and soaped up...water off! Yikes...! It is about 50 degrees in the hallway/shower area. It took about 8 liters of cold water out of a bottle to rinse off. It took about an hour to get warmed up. I had power so that was a help to dry my hair, have hot tea, and snuggle up in the warm living room.

Now, I am so thankful when the water stays on throughout an entire shower.

Never put off till tomorrow...

2012-01-10T09:48:00.002+01:00

"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today..."

This is so true here, but I still find myself doing that very thing.

Two days ago I did quite a lot of cooking and decided to finish all the dishes the next day. The power had gone off and I don't like to wash dishes by candle light. Yesterday morning, there was no water...ok so I will leave the dishes until the water comes back on. Today...2 days later there is still no water.

So....this morning I am washing dishes "camping style". It takes me 6 liters of water, 1/2 to wash, 1/2 to rinse, to do all of my dishes. I have water stored in 2 liter bottles, and heat it on the stove. It takes a lot longer to wash dishes this way...why did I not just do them 2 days ago?

Oh, by the way....I use the left over dish water to flush the toilet...no water is wasted. I hope the water is back on in another day or so...washing my hair "camping style" is not as much fun.

In the news...

2011-12-30T11:11:00.008+01:00

About a month ago I was interviewed for a national newspaper, Zëri. The title of the newspaper means "voice". I have never been interviewed before and found it to be very interesting. Through a translator...Urim, I was asked many questions, and here are some of my answers:

What do you find hard about living in Kosova? "when the power goes out and I have to close my clinic because it is cold, or there is no water...but I know that everyone else also deals with these difficulties...it is part of life here."
What do you like about the people of Malishevë/Kosova? "I like the way people are friendly, and how they value families and relationships. The people of Kosova are very hard workers. "
What do you not like about the people of Kosova? "the cigarette smoke" (we all laughed when I said that, especially since the man doing the interview had just lit up a cigarette.)
What would you tell the Mayor of Malishevë? "continue to encourage the people to be a part of the change that is taking place in Kosova...it will take time, but step by step good changes are taking place, be patient"

I was also able to share that I was a Christian missionary, and that God gave me a love for the people of Kosova, and especially for the community of Malishevë. They found it difficult to understand why I would leave the wealth and comfort of America to come help the people of Kosova. There were also general questions about my family and friends in the US, as well as questions about my physical therapy work and clinic.

There was one question that I was not asked..."where is your husband?" That is usually the first question people ask me.

A few friends have read the article that was released today and told me it was very good, very positive about the work that is going on here in Malishevë. Yes, I bought a few extra copies of the newspaper.

Perëndia ia fali dashurinë për Kosovën is translated "God gave her a love for Kosova."

Yes, He did...

Slow down....! (part 2)

2011-12-17T09:07:00.002+01:00

Ok....so I got a speeding ticket. Last Sunday when I was returning from Skopje on my first "airport run", I was stopped for going 23kph over the speed limit. Pastor Jeff was with me, we were talking, I probably wasn't paying close attention. Then, there was a police officer standing in the middle of the road with his little stop sign in hand. He asked me for all of my paper work, and license. He asked me where I work, live, and what I do there. He then showed me the speed gun...73kph...in a 50kph zone. He returned to the car with a ticket, and a 25€ fine.

He did not keep my documents...that was a very good thing. It was on a Sunday, and on Monday I had to drive to Skopje again, and needed my documents. I am told you drive to another city, pay the fine and get your documents back. I only had to go to a bank in Malishevë and pay the fine. Yes...I have already paid the fine.

Returning from my second "airport run"...I watched closely the area where I got the ticket...looking for a speed limit sign. There was a 50kph sign at the beginning of a long mountain drive with steep hills and winding roads. The last speed sign was about 10km away from where I got the ticket. Where I got the ticket was a straight stretch of road, completely out of the mountains. I have been told that a good rule of thumb is when driving through villages, 50kph, on straight roads/highways 70-80kph, unless there is a posted sign. I now know what the speed limit is along that stretch of road...I am teachable!

I don't mind driving the speed limit...it is just hard to figure it out sometimes...

Strategies...

2011-12-04T08:50:00.003+01:00

The last 3 years I have developed strategies for dealing with the frequent and unpredictable power outages. At first it was just a matter of buying a little propane burner to heat water for tea or hot chocolate. Then when I moved to Malishevë the strategy was to have a gas stove/oven, and to have a heater that stayed warm when there was no power. Being on the second floor with no place to store wood for a wood burning stove, I obtained a heater that has heat retaining bricks...does the job nicely, even when there is no power.

Other strategies included watching the clock to see if it close to the top of the hour, since the power usually goes out on the hour or shortly after. So if it is 6:50am...quick go make toast, use the curling iron for taming bed head, and then if there is time a quick touch up to iron the clothes you plan to wear.

On the other end of this strategy...when the power will come back on...usually at the top of the hour. So when it comes back on...quick put a load of clothes in the washer so it can finish before the power goes out again. Also...quick get into the shower (if there is water), because there will be light and warm water, and time to get your hair dry before the power goes out again.

The only thing that really frustrated me was the loss of the internet connection...and recently many disconnected skype calls with friends and family in the US. I have a good computer battery, so I had that...but otherwise I was in the dark, with only candle light or a oil lantern. Not enough to read or do anything else. Recently the power has been going out around 5pm...just as it was getting dark, and staying off for 2-3 hours. For the last few weeks, the power has been off during some time every evening...

But...I have a new strategy!

I purchased a voltage inverter and battery system, that seamlessly switches on when the power goes out. I continue to have a good light and a connection for my modem for the internet, for 3+ hours. So...I can continue my skype conversations, or work on the internet for school, even when the power is off. There is one small glitch...my modem turns off after 2 hours, or when the power comes back on...oh well...it is still better than before. This new strategy does not include the termo heater, blow dryer, or light anywhere else but in my living room. It is much better than how it was before, I am happy to have good light so that I can read or crochet...or not have to sit in the dark wondering what I can do (besides going to bed at 6pm).

Always an adventure...

PS...I finished this blog post with no power...

Slow down...!

2011-11-11T16:07:00.009+01:00

Last week I was driving to Malishevë from another city after picking up my friend Lirak. Richard Kottenstette, a friend from Albuquerque, was also with us and there was a lot of talking going on. I was distracted and not watching my speed, and I got pulled over by the police...speeding 15kph over the limit. (about 9mph over the limit)

Ok...so I didn't know what to say, and was in a little panic about my Albanian. I told the officer I was sorry, that I was an American and I had a meeting with the mayor of Malisheve...which was true. He asked me if it was Isni Kilaj, I said yes. He said ok, drive slower and let me go.

Wow...!

On the road to Prishtina I saw this police car parked...look a little closer. I have seen a real police car behind this sign.

Slow down...

The clinic is open...

2011-11-09T16:59:00.005+01:00

The clinic is finally open...

I really opened on the 2nd of November...I sat for 2 hours...no patients. I did have a former patient's father bring me a box of chocolate for celebrating the opening.

On Friday the 4th of November...the power went out just as I opened the door...which meant no heat. I waited for 1 1/2 hours until my feet were too cold sitting and waiting. No patients came.

On Monday the 7th of November...it was the second day of Kurban Bajram, which is the equivalent to the day after Thanksgiving, I didn't even plan to go to the clinic.

Today...November 9th, I had 2 patients come for treatment. One was a previous patient, the other was a new patient. One gentleman came and asked what was going on in this room. He works on the 3rd floor and saw the clinic from the outside and was curious. I have 3 patients scheduled for Friday, the first patient will bring her sister-in-law on Friday, her back hurts at the end of the day.

So...it has begun. Word of mouth is working in Malishevë. I will also go and meet with the doctors at the health center and they will allow me to put up some signs letting patients know where I am working now.

Thank you to everyone who helped prayerfully, and financially in supporting this adventure...

Running, jumping, and laughing...

2011-11-01T19:00:00.008+01:00

Today I got a phone call about my little guy, Çlirim. He left this earth today; no longer unable to speak, see, or move. I have not been able to treat him for a year now...he had numerous episodes/battles with stomach viruses and pulmonary infections. When I last saw him in June he was no long able to eat, only on intravenous fluids and if it was possible thinner and even more fragile.

Now, I see him with the Lord, running and jumping, exploring things he has never seen before...and laughing...!

Please pray for his family, his mother, aunts and siblings. I am sure they are feeling a great loss...caring for Çlirim the last 12 years has been the focus of their lives.

slippers...

2011-10-30T03:08:00.000+01:00

What an adventure it was to go to one of the small stores and purchase 9 pairs of slippers, and they are all a different pattern. There are 2 extra large for men, 2 extra small for children, and the rest for the women. The store owner finally asked me why I needed all of these slippers. I told him I was a physical therapist with a new clinic and I needed slippers for my patients to wear inside...he completely understood after that.

When have you ever gone to a doctor's office...taken your shoes off outside...and put on slippers (that someone else had their feet in)? Yes, I do have plans to periodically wash the slippers.

I have been sweeping up a lot of dirt each time I go to the clinic...and I am the only one in there. Yes, I have my shoes on, but I am careful about not walking through the mud on my way to the clinic.

So...my patients will take their shoes off outside the clinic, on a carpet, and put slippers on to come into the clinic. That is culture here, and it will help to keep the clinic clean, well...cleaner.

Almost ready...

2011-10-29T17:42:00.003+02:00

Each day I am getting a little closer to opening the clinic...I am ready to start treating patients again. This is how the clinic will look from the outside. I like how the curtains provide some privacy, but still allow the light into the room. The furniture is all in the clinic, still waiting for the privacy screen, the frame for one table, and an exam stool. The privacy screen is really needed...although privacy in Malishevë is nothing compared to what privacy means in the US. There is definitely no HIPAA here.

I have two portable heaters in the clinic...it takes them about 30 minutes to nicely warm the room, when I have electricity. Don't know what I will do when I don't have electricity...I may have to close for that day.

It has been the little things that have taken the longest, like remeasuring the curtains, and the rugs, and continually sweeping dirt up. Where does all the dirt come from when nobody is in the clinic?

I am hoping for a Wednesday Nov 2nd opening...

Still moving forward...

2011-10-23T15:12:00.002+02:00

Here are just a few quick updates about the progress on opening the clinic.

How many bottles of "lime dissolver chemical" does it take to remove 2+years of rust and mineral build up from the toilet and bathroom floor...? answer 12 (what exactly is in those bottles...?)
You know your car is small when the rods for the curtains won't fit inside of your car, but have to hang out the side window, the rods were 2.5 meters long.
If you are measuring the windows for the curtains...do it 2 or 3 times to be sure. I gave the clerk the wrong measurements...switching the length and the width on the two large front windows. They were about 8" too short...and need to be reordered. A lesson learned...!
A book case and a wooden storage closet with doors have been ordered, to be delivered on Thursday. I hope I did better with the measurements than I did with the curtains.
I need to find a way to get the tri-fold privacy screen to Malishevë...I know it won't fit inside my car, and securing it to the top of my car would be an adventure, and a spectacle while on the highway.

The curtain rods are up, the furniture is in, both tables are in the clinic. Now for all the odds and ends...like trash cans, towels, an area rug, and slippers for patients to put on when they come in the clinic.

I am hopeful for an October 31st ribbon cutting. I will invite the Mayor and the doctors/staff from the health center.

It is coming together...

The clean team from Vajta Hungary...

2011-10-17T18:01:00.002+02:00

An amazing group of young people are currently in Malishevë spending 10 days away from CC Bible College in Vajta, Hungary. Today they scrubbed bathrooms, windows, floors, and chairs in both the church and the clinic.

What a blessing to get the cleaning done.

What a blessing to get to work with this group of young people.

Now, the next step is to get the curtains installed across the front windows and across the smaller back wall windows...

The wait is over...

2011-10-17T17:48:00.006+02:00

I have a new sink and a new hot water heater...!

Last Friday I went to the clinic to meet 2 workers that transported my treatment table from Prishtina to Malishevë. When I got to the clinic door, there was Shaip working on installing the sink. He was the plumber that we had originally asked to do the work. He had already completed the water heater installation and repaired the leaking faucet and leaking toilet.
Here it is all finished...there needs to be a little touch up work done on the wall behind. Also, maybe in the future I will put a tile splash board behind the sink, for ease of cleaning.

One more step towards getting the clinic open.

Still waiting....

2011-10-14T10:15:00.002+02:00

A week ago Wednesday, the 5th, someone was to come to the clinic to begin the work installing the sink and the water heater and to repair the leaks in the bathroom. He still hasn't come, or even called. Last night, someone different was to go to the clinic at 5pm to begin the plumbing work. It didn't happen.

There are no yellow pages here to look up and call a plumber...it is all word of mouth. Someone has an uncle with a cousin that knows someone that can do plumbing.

In God's timing it will all come together, according to His plans.

Painting all finished...

2011-10-09T21:47:00.005+02:00

The painting is all finished at the new clinic. Labi is the young man I hired from our fellowship, and he did a great job. It is amazing what a fresh coat of white paint did for the room. So the first step is completed.

Now...waiting for someone to install the sink and water heater that I have purchased. Pastor Randy spoke with a local shop owner who also does plumbing. He was to meet Pastor Randy at 2pm on Wednesday...last Wednesday...still waiting.

The landlord needs to come and repair the leak on the water valves to the toilet and the sink in the bathroom. Maybe the plumber can do all the work and just bill the landlord for his portion of the work...?

I will check on the window coverings and an area rug later this week.

"little by little"...it is coming together...stay tuned...

The Adventure Begins....

2011-10-02T17:27:00.012+02:00

October 1, I paid the first month's rent on the new clinic area . This is going to be quite an adventure for me...I have never been in a position to have a clinic or manage a clinic before in my career as a physical therapist.

The room is located on the 2nd floor in a building that is mostly vacant. The KEK office is on the first floor, which is the electric company. There is a post office for mail and telephone service, and there is also a coffee bar at the other end of the hallway on the 2nd floor. The health center is visible from the front door of the building as is my apartment...so it is close to where I was previously treating patients and where I live.

Pastor Randy will be helping to manage the work that needs to be done before I can begin treating patients. A new sink will be installed so that I don't have to go into the bathroom to wash my hands after each patient. There is no hot water in the bathroom so I will need to install an "on demand" 10 liter water heater...so I won't be heating water when I am not in the clinic. That will save on the electric bill...! I also need to install curtains across the entire front wall, which you can see is glass. Most curtains here are a type of sheer fabric, some designs in the fabric are common. I don't mind the sheer fabric, it will allow sunlight to come in but offer some privacy to what is going on in the clinic. Paint...I know nothing about the paint here. In the US, I would ask the guy in the paint aisle what to buy. I have no clue...but I am planning on painting the walls white. You can see the frames of the windows/doors are bright blue, and my waiting area chairs are bright red. Enough said...

I have found a place to purchase an exam stool, no wheels, but it will work. I also located a tri-fold privacy screen, as well as some furniture from an English school. The father of a former patient, will take a truck to Prishtina to pick up the other treatment table that has been in storage for 2 years, and bring it to the clinic in Malishevë for me.

So this next week is about getting started. I hope to be treating patients by the 17th, sometimes things go really slowly here...timing is always an unknown. I am sure I will learn many things in this process...it is always an adventure...

Two more things...

2011-09-13T15:02:00.004+02:00

While driving back to Kosova today...on the "autostrade", the new super highway in Albania...where did the 3 cows come from, how did they get on the highway with guardrails everywhere and no villages in site...? They seemed to be happy just standing there, traffic was very light. Where were the "humans"...?

What is "discount pizza"???

Montenegro tidbits...

2011-09-12T11:36:00.009+02:00

Having spent the last week in Montenegro, I want to share things that really made me smile or wonder...huh...?

Ulcinj and most of Montenegro is coastal, with beautiful beaches. Fashion here includes a visible swimsuit under your clothing...men don't wear shirts in restaurants...men are often in speedo swimsuits, not so much the younger generation, and everyone has sandals on. No stiletto high heels here. Younger children, 4 years and younger...well, most of them wear nothing on the beach.

Bacon and pork chops in the stores. Eggs in cartons in the stores.

There is a rooster in a yard across from my hotel...he starts crowing everyday at noon, not when the sun comes up, but in the afternoon...

Most buildings and homes are white brick with red roofs, rarely were there red brick buildings so common in Kosova.

Mosquitoes are especially fond of American blood, I think my "OFF" repellent was a sweet nectar to the little critters that partied in my room last night.

I saw lots of Toyota Yaris cars...bigger brothers though, they all had 4 doors. I was very pleased to get 65mpg on this trip, driving 731km on 27 liters of diesel.

There is a more open display of affection. Older couples walking holding hands, younger couples also. Albanian and English are spoken in Ulcinj...but as you drive further north, there is very little Albanian and almost no English. It was fun to watch families playing in the ocean, grand fathers, parents, siblings...they were all having a great time together. I know this is a tourist community, but the kindness that was shown me was genuine...not because I was an American, but because I think the people of Montenegro are very nice.

Tomorrow...returning to Kosova, the holiday is over...

Montenegro...

2011-09-08T19:54:00.010+02:00

I am currently in Ulcinj, Montenegro...for a time of rest and restoration.

Yesterday I drove along the entire coast of Montenegro, from Ulcinj to Herceg Novi. The Adriatic Sea is between Italy and Montenegro. I was able to take my time, I would turn off of the main road to stop and take pictures, or to just enjoy the beauty. Ok, I confess...I got lost a few times turning down a road that I thought would give me a great view...to discover it was a one way road that twisted and turned into a small residential area. At one point I took a ferry across a bay to Herceg Novi. I took the long way around the on the return trip...it took me about 45 minutes, but it was beautiful. There was one place, Kotor, that I would have loved to stop and explore more. There were steep mountains on one side, the ocean on the other...but on the side of those mountains were remnants of the old city fortress walls. It was getting late in the day, and I wanted to be back in Ulcinj before dark.

There were areas that were so colorful with oleanders of every color...white, pink, red. There were also bougainvillea mostly bright pink and purples. There were also palm trees, pine trees, rose of sharon, and magnolia trees...in some areas, all of this was a canopy along the drive.

The one thing I have to remember...I am no longer driving a Jeep...and I need to be careful turning down dirt roads to take pictures. My little car just is not made for those kinds of adventures. I was really happy when several times when I found myself on a very narrow one way stone street, and I had room to spare getting through. A Jeep would have never made it through those narrow streets.

The server at my hotel is too slow to download any photos at this time...

Mr. Scott...Grandfather...

2011-08-20T07:26:00.005+02:00

I want to say goodbye to my former father-in-law, and my daughter's grandfather. He celebrated his 97th birthday on August 5th. He was an amazing man, he had a mind for business, I guess that is why he was an accountant for Exxon. Of course there were times of conflict...and he could frustrate beyond words. He loved his grand daughters very much...that I know for sure. In the past 5 years, Mr. Scott and I had resolved many issues and had become friends. Even though I was no longer a part of the family, officially, he always considered me part of his family.

Mr. Scott is with the Lord...I know this for fact. He made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. So it is really not good bye...

Wedding season...

2011-08-10T12:01:00.007+02:00

Summer is the main season for weddings in Kosova, especially
during the month of August when Europe takes a holiday. It is a time of constant parades of cars, with typical Albanian music, often being played from the back of a "pick up" type vehicle. Of course, there are often 20-30 vehicles also playing music and honking their horns.

I have not attended a wedding yet, but here is what I understand that happens. There is a celebration at the bride's home, men in one area and the women in another. Lots of music, food, and dancing. There is a similar celebration at the groom's home, again the men and women in separate areas. The groom's family decides when to make the procession to the bride's home to pick her up. Once the bride arrives at the groom's home, there may still be more dancing, but basically the wedding is over. The bride now lives with the groom's family.

There is not a time of "official" marriage vows, etc.
A certificate of marriage is obtained from the municipality, and the wedding is held when the groom's family decides.
Weddings are a time of celebration and dancing. Lots of dancing...

I have a new Son-in-Law...

2011-08-02T09:07:00.003+02:00

Sam and Elissa were married on July 7, and my heart rejoices for them. They had been dating for a year now, and now have begun a new chapter in both of their lives. During my trips back to the US, I had time to visit with Sam and his family. I also had time to see Sam and Elissa together, and I am sure that the love they have for each other is precious and genuine.

Please join me in praying for Sam and Elissa, that their love for each other and the Lord will grow stronger every day. Congratulations! Urime!

It's hot...

2011-07-16T10:59:00.002+02:00

3 weeks ago, we were having quite cool weather in Malishevë with highs in the mid 60's and lows into the 50's at night. Then...summer arrived! Now we are having mid to upper 90's during the day...cooling to mid to upper 60's at night, with 30-50% humidity. This morning it was 88 degrees in my apartment at 7:30 in the morning. I needed a creative way to keep my apartment cooler.

Power has been pretty reliable and I have 2 oscillating room fans that move the air around and it helps some. My friend, Lycia, suggested covering my windows with the shiny silver stuff you put in the windshield of your car to keep it cooler. I have not ever seen anything like that in Kosova. I went to the store this morning where car tires, motor oil, and etc are sold. The owner looked in a back room and found 3 shiny sun shades...they cost me $10. 3 shades cover 4 windows, with some creative use of tape and shoestrings.

From the outside of my apartment I am sure that the locals are wondering what I am doing now...? You know those TV shows with really weird people that cover their windows with aluminum foil to keep the aliens and the government from doing "mind probes"...? Well, now at least in 2 rooms I am safe from aliens, mind probes, and hopefully some of the heat. (sorry there are no photos...that would be too incriminating ;-))

Life here is always an adventure...

Driving in Kosova...

2011-07-03T09:15:00.004+02:00

Now that I have a vehicle I am in the "driving school" of Kosova. I was told that learning to drive here is about understanding the rhythm. Part of the rhythm is in dealing with all the various vehicles on the road, at the same time! Semi tractor, horse drawn cart loaded with hay, bicycle...and the rest of the cars trying to pass. For the most part, drivers are courteous and let you in when a car approaches going the other direction. Speed limits are slow compared to the US..this road was 60kph, which is about 35mph. The fastest speed limit is 80kph, about 50mph. Of course, there are those who drive much faster than the speed limits, and as in the US, there are police along the side of the road with speed guns and tickets to slow them down.

Before and After....

2011-06-26T11:00:00.007+02:00

My apartment building got a face lift. Actually it was more than a face lift...it was insulated. Most buildings are made of red brick and there is no insulation inside. The walls are finished with a rough texture and paint. But there is no insulation...only brick and concrete walls. When a building is insulated, thick styrofoam-like sheets are applied to the outside of the building over the red brick, and then a stucco-like coating is applied. So...this winter I will be warmer in my apartment. I also think
I have been cooler
this summer during the day. What a
blessing! I am also glad that my landlord didn't use the "bright orange" color scheme I have seen on other buildings around Kosova.

PS...that is my new car in front of my apartment building...

The Box...

2011-05-21T20:47:00.003+02:00

The missing mystery box has found it's way back to Albuquerque! It left New Mexico on January 31, 2011 the destination was Malishevë, Kosovo. It was delivered back to Jane's house in Albuquerque on May 18, 2011. All of the items were inside and the box was not opened during this adventure. This morning at a women's brunch we opened the box. Inside were the 2 text books, that I can not return even though they are new and undamaged. There was also hot cereal, almonds, Reese's cups, Splenda sweetener, green chile, tea, a Christmas card, and some stickers.

On the outside of the box there was a stamp from the Serbian postal office: " Due to unexpected situation in the region of Kosovo, mail traffic is interrupted and return to original sender".

It was clear that Jane marked "via Albania" on every side of the box...it seems that someone in the US postal service does not read, or does not know the difference between Serbia and Albania. Someone paid an additional $46.15 to have the box returned to NM.

If only this box could speak and share it's traveling adventure of the last 3 1/2 months...

I have a College Graduate...!

2011-05-19T00:33:00.011+02:00

My daughter Elissa, graduated from the University of New Mexico on May 14th, 2011. She has worked very hard the last 5 years to earn 2 degrees: A Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Philosophy. She was also a member of the Honors program. Nicole traveled from California to be a part of this special celebration. I am very proud of Elissa, and I am very thankful for all of the people that came alongside of her and encouraged her during this season in her life.

What will Elissa do next...? (after she gets tired of sleeping in...?) Stay tuned...

Elissa with her Grandfather. Elissa with her man, Sam.

My Big Backyard in Malishevë...

2011-04-01T16:26:00.002+02:00

Last summer I had grazing cows in my backyard...the area directly behind my apartment. This spring...I have a carnival. As you watch the video...observe how the kids are holding on to other chairs, some going backwards, some have the chains all twisted. Also, there is a yellow and white metal tower that has a stuffed monkey hanging from it. The goal is to be the first one to knock it down...

The only time it isn't running...when it is raining.
I love the rain, especially when I am trying to study...

And the answer is...

2011-03-09T10:04:00.005+01:00

I have discovered where to take my trash now. I know that was a pressing concern for each of you. All of the dumpsters have been removed from Malishevë, and now we have daily curbside trash pick up. Now I just put my trash in a bag on the sidewalk and sometime after 5:30 each day, a truck with workers comes by to pick it up. I don't understand the reason for the change, but that is what makes living here such an adventure...

Where have all the dumpsters gone...

2011-02-24T09:37:00.000+01:00

Life in Kosova, and Malishevë, includes dealing with the abundance of trash, everywhere. My first experience with the trash dumpsters was during my second trip to Kosova when I took the trash out at night. I carried the bag down 4 flights of stairs, to a dark area behind the apartment building where the dumpsters were. I tossed the bag into the dumpster and out came several cats...it scared me to death.

In Malishevë there has been a dumpster about 100 yards from my apartment, parked right on the street. Yesterday, I went to throw out my trash and the dumpster is not there. I looked at other places where I have seen them parked before, I can't find a dumpster anywhere on the streets of Malishevë. I am sure the locals were wondering why I was walking the streets with a bag of trash...looking confused. Who do I ask to find out where the dumpsters are now...?

I carried my bag of trash back to my apartment. At least it is cold and it doesn't smell right now.

In the US, now, there are all these different recycling trash bins...one for paper, one for glass/metal, one for non-recyclable stuff. I just want one dumpster within walking distance for my weekly bag of trash. The locals would have just tossed their trash out behind the building in an empty field...I will wait until I can find out where to take my trash.

Stay tuned...

Back to school...again

2011-02-05T07:31:00.000+01:00

It is official, I am back in school. I am enrolled in a transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy program through Hardin-Simmons University. The school has made it possible for me to take the entire 2 year program while living in Kosova. The faculty will record the class sessions each semester, somehow they will post the class videos online, and I will be sent the exams. Pastor Randy will serve as my "proctor" for exams, we just need to find someplace that is heated and quiet. I am still not sure how it will all work, but everyone is helping in this process.

On Tuesday, I decided I needed to download all of the assignments and research articles onto my computer. Then, if the power was out or my internet was not working, I would still be able to access the articles and study. KEK, our power company, would not cooperate and stay on long enough for me to get online and save the articles. It took me two days of work to get everything saved.

Now, I am facing the challenge of studying while reading articles on my computer. Most are in .pdf format and I can't figure out how to highlight key points as I am reading. It is too expensive to have the files printed out at a local shop, .10€ per page, which is about .14 cents per page. Anyone have a suggestion...for this semester the exams are open book, and it would be really nice to be able to highlight the articles for future reference.

Last night I decided to start reading one of the text books for class. Of course, KEK had other plans. So...I lit my oil lantern and propped up my rechargeable light on the back of the couch. The lantern ran out of oil...reminder to self to buy more oil. The rechargeable light only worked for about an hour. But...I did get about 15 pages read. I guess I need to plan more study time during the day.

So...not only am I adjusting to being back in school, but I am trying to do it in an unfamiliar way. Life here is such an adventure...

A Breakthrough....!

2011-01-26T08:05:00.000+01:00

I was able to communicate with my landlord, Jetfir. That means I was able to carry on a conversation with him, understand what he was saying, and be able to explain what I needed.

Jetfir speaks very fast. Even Labi, who has helped me with translation in the past, says Jetfir speaks very fast. And when I didn't understand what he was trying to say...Jetfir would speak even louder, and faster.

On Monday, I called him because of a water problem with my toilet. When he came to my apartment he told me that Labi has told him to speak slowly to me. He started explaining something to me, and I wasn't confident that I understood. I started to call Labi to help me, and Jetfir stopped me. He explained what he was trying to tell me in a different way...and I got it...! I understood him. And Jetfir did not get louder or faster...

After the issue with the water leak in the toilet was resolved, I was also able to share with him about my ministry here in Malishevë. He asked me if I was still going to get a car, and why I needed a car. I explained that I need to go to homes in the villages to treat patients that are not able to come to the clinic. He was surprised to learn that I do not charge for my physical therapy work.

I was so excited and happy...this is a huge step for me. I never thought I would be able to communicate with my landlord.

But...the downside to this breakthrough is that I have to pay to replace the leaking tank on the toilet. Oh well...

Useless facts about Kosova...

2011-01-13T09:02:00.000+01:00

Following are some useless facts about life in Kosova.

I borrowed Pastor Randy's car again this last week, another trip to Prishtina for my residency ID card. All of my paperwork has been approved, it only took 5 trips from Malishevë to Prishtina to get this far in the process. I still have one more trip to make in 10 days...to actually pick up the new ID card. Of course, I had to put gas in the car for the trip and I wondered how much a gallon of gas actually cost. So I did some math. Here goes. One liter of gas is 1.11€, there are 3.78 liters per gallon so it is about 4.19€ per gallon. With today's exchange rate, that makes it about $5.50/per gallon of gas.

Bus fare to and from Prishtina costs 4€. Hmmm....

I saw a billboard in Prishtina announcing a new television show taking place here in Kosova. "Who wants to be a Millionaire". Is that even on in the US any more? No Regis Philbin is not the host. I don't have a television so I won't be able to give any further updates.

Life in Kosova still makes me smile...

Driving in Kosova...

2010-12-29T12:26:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to drive in Kosova...my first time driving in Kosova, or anywhere else outside of the US.

To start with...it was easier than I expected. I was nervous though. I borrowed my pastor's car, for a trip to Prishtina so I could take care of some immigration ID business. I got a quick tutorial about traffic laws: no right turns on red, headlights on, must have tire chains, and what the international traffic signs mean, especially the speed limits.

Speed limits for the most part are 60kph (about 40-45mph), but just like in the US...people were passing me like I was not even moving, even though I was going the speed limit. There has been a large amount of road construction, and I think some of the lower speed limit signs were still up, even though the construction is complete. There were only 2-3 stretches of road where the road was really bad, the rest was new highway and very nice.

There was one area where I thought the oncoming traffic was a little close to my side of the road, especially the big trucks hauling sand. The roads seem narrower than those in the US.

So...I have finally driven in Kosova. Now I am ready to be able to start traveling to the smaller villages to see patients that are not able to travel to the clinic in Malishevë. Currently I have 3 patients that I need to go see: Blerta, a 17yr old girl with paralysis, Elona, an 11yr old girl with Cerebral Palsy, and Aferdita, a 27 yr old woman with Multiple Sclerosis. I am still raising funds for a ministry vehicle, up to ~1500€. Still have a ways to go, but I am confident that the Lord will provide in His timing. Stay tuned!

I am still moving forward each day...

Christmas thoughts...

2010-12-26T14:19:00.000+01:00

This is my 3rd Christmas season in a Muslim country, and this year was a very special time. It was a time when I was mostly alone, but not lonely. (Well, maybe a little lonely at times...) I am away from my daughters, Nicole and Elissa, and my kinship family and friends in New Mexico. Due to the timing of events in our fellowship in Malishevë there were no Christmas Day gatherings. Also, I have been fighting a bad cold for over a week, so a day spent in my "jammies" with no visitors was just what I needed. Just me and the Lord...

This year the Lord showed me several things about the Celebration of the Birth of Jesus. Being removed from all of the "buzy-ness" of Christmas, the day became very special because of the one thing that is most important...The GIFT! It has been a wonderful time of reflection for me...

Christmas Eve, our fellowship in Malishevë all gathered together to worship. Familiar carols sung in Albanian, a little different, but still a precious time to join our voices in celebration. The teaching was about the gifts the magi brought to give to the Christ Child, and how those gifts were of great value, and the men traveled a great distance to present them.

Christmas is about the "Gift" of God's Son to the world, I am sure that most everyone is aware of that. But for me...this year it was about the need for each of us to receive that "Gift" and to allow that "Gift" to change our lives. Most importantly, it is a gift that is to be shared with all of man kind. Once we have received the "gift of salvation through Jesus Christ"...we are called to give the gift away, sharing openly with all the world. Christmas is not about what we get, but what we give. For those of us that have already accepted God's Gift of Jesus, we have something so valuable to share with people around us that have not heard the gospel.

Also, since today is the day after Christmas, each of us has to decide what we are going to do now. Is the celebration just until the 25th and then it is over? Or is it a time when each of us need to get busy and share the gospel with the people we meet each day? The gift of salvation is not something that we keep to ourselves, tucked away and safe. It is a gift that cost God His only begotten Son. It is a gift we are to give away.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believes, will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

What are you going to do with your "Gift" today...?

Sidewalk skating...

2010-12-16T08:47:00.001+01:00

We have our first major winter storm right now with really cold temperatures and lots of ice and snow. When I first moved here I was amazed at the "technique" the Kosovars used while walking in the snow and ice. It is a kind of shuffle step and slide motion. I haven't tried this technique yet, as I am pretty sure I will be on some body part other than my feet. Even with my hiking boots.

When the snow and ice first came on Wednesday, it was about an hour before the students got out of classes. In Malishevë, the high school students commute by bus and they go past my apartment to get to the bus station. I watched from my window as they were slipping and sliding, and having too much fun. Most of the guys would run and then slide on the sidewalks about 10-15feet, which only made the sidewalks icier for the other students. I saw several students who had umbrellas, since it was still snowing, and they would try some creative style techniques on the icy streets. Hmmm...maybe a new Olympic sport?

I used to think that this shuffle/slide step was an acquired skill just for fun. Someone shared with me that it is a survival skill for ice and snow in Kosova. Come to think of it...I didn't see anyone falling.

I was in Prishtina yesterday...and did not like negotiating the ice/snow covered steps. Handrails are often not included. I am so careful because I do not want to fall. (I have fallen in the past, and it provided entertainment for those around me...not a pretty sight!)

The Kosovars...well they just keep shuffling and sliding.

I did it...

2010-12-10T17:02:00.000+01:00

Today was my first day in the clinic without a translator. My regular translator, Besnik, was busy helping a couple from England. All of the patients that were scheduled to come I had treated previously so I thought I would be able to treat them on my own without too much difficulty.

It was a great day, I was able to communicate with the staff and explain where Besnik was. I was able to treat 7 patients, ask questions, teach new exercises, and just "chat" with them. I also had a new patient with Bell's palsy, (facial paralysis), that I was able to easily understand and treat. The dictionary did come out a few times, but my patients didn't mind.

After 5 hours, my brain hurt and I was exhausted, but also very excited at this big step in my Albanian language skills. I wrote down phrases that I couldn't come up with in the clinic, and have already figured out how to say what I couldn't think of earlier.

It has been so frustrating for me in learning Albanian, but GOD...! He was with me today, and He continues to provide opportunities for me to grow in my language skills. I am so excited and encouraged...there will be a time when I won't need a translator in the clinic.

Now, if I could just get to the place where I can understand my landlord...

a lot of coleslaw...

2010-11-30T12:45:00.001+01:00

Cabbage is a key part of meals here in Kosova. I am always amazed when I see several of these trucks parked in a row...selling huge bags of cabbage. 5 euros will purchase 15 kilo of cabbage, which is what one of those bags in the photo weighs. ($7.50 for 33#) I personally don't buy cabbage, because just one single head of cabbage is huge and it would take me forever to eat by myself. I do enjoy cabbage though when it is served, often with a vinegar sauce, along with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and white cheese.

Time for lunch...

Life back in Malishevë...

2010-11-16T12:40:00.000+01:00

I left the US on the 9th of November to return home to Malishevë, and arrived at my apartment 3 days later. It was raining, and of course there was a lot of mud. The highway was still under construction, some parts were very nice, other areas had horrible potholes due to the rain. Other than the rain the first day, the weather has been quite mild with the lows at night only about 7C, (45F). So I have been able to adjust slowly to a slight chill in my apartment.

The first morning I woke up to the sound of generators, which meant the power was out. Each day the power has gone off for about 2 hours, which is the norm. I am quite sure it won't be off at all today because today is Bajram, a big holiday for Muslims. Bajram, Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. (Of course the Bible states it was Isaac and not Ishmael...) There is no bus service, all the stores are closed, the streets are very quite. Yesterday, the streets and the market were comparable to the day before Thanksgiving or the day before Christmas. So many people, it was intense.

I am sleeping well. I plan to return to the clinic next Monday and Friday. I also want to check on the special ed. students at the school as well as visit my little Çlirim and his family.

Life seems pretty familiar being back in Malishevë, and there is some comfort in that. I know that the Lord goes before me each day, He is faithful in directing my steps and providing exactly what I need.

It feels so good to be a part of this community once again...

Political Tsunami sweeps America, 5.3 earthquake in Serbia...

2010-11-03T16:20:00.001+01:00

It has been interesting for me to be in the US during this political season. I didn't have a television so I was spared all the political commercials, that was a blessing. I did keep up with the campaign issues, I did vote.

I voted from Kosova during the election 2 years ago, and although I was saddened by the changes I have seen in our nation since that time, I still know and believe that God is in control.

There was a 5.3 earthquake in Serbia last night, the epicenter about 80 miles northwest of Prishtina. I have friends in Prishtina that were awakened by the shaking of their beds, no injuries or damage has been reported.

I think that yesterday was a time of "shaking" for all of us! I think the time is short, and there is much work to be done. God has called each of us to share His gospel to the world, to love our neighbors, to stand boldly and declare the truth of Jesus Christ and His completed work of salvation.

The election is over...now is the time for each of us "to get to work"...be obedient to what God has called you to do. Be bold in sharing who God is, be bold in standing strong in His Truth. Our nation and world is in a season of change...

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." I Corinthians 15:58

Going back to school...

2010-10-30T17:36:00.000+02:00

Yes...! I am going back to school to complete my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, DPT, degree.

God provided this opportunity for me through Hardin-Simmons University Department of Physical Therapy. Hardin-Simmons is a Christian university.

I was able to meet with a group of physical therapy students and faculty during my trip to Abilene, Texas at the end of September. It was an opportunity for me to share with them the life and ministry of a physical therapist on the mission field in Kosova. One of the faculty asked me afterwards if I had ever considered completing my transitional doctorate degree in physical therapy. My response...no, that I didn't see a benefit to the time involved or the expense. She proceeded to share with me the doors that a DPT could open for me in ministry. Then she suggested that there may be an opportunity for me to complete this degree while serving in Kosova, through Hardin-Simmons. I never saw this coming, you could have knocked me over with a feather!

After prayer and counsel, I decided to "get my feet wet" and see how this whole thing would work and find out more information. The short version is that God has opened the doors, and taken care of all the details. Hardin-Simmons will allow for a significant tuition discount, will record class sessions and send me the video, and will allow me to complete the 2 year program completely from Kosova.

So...I have requested my college transcripts, completed the applications and they are in the mail, and the first semester text books are on the way to NM for me to take back to Kosova. I am trusting God to provide the tuition and technology fees for each semester. He is faithful, He will provide where He has called me to go...!

I never ever considered returning to school...especially for a doctorate degree. Yesterday it occurred to me that I was going back to school, for the next 2 years, while on the mission field. I am excited and nervous as well...there will be tests, papers to write, and lots of studying!

But God...has shown me the opportunities a DPT will provide for me in Kosova. I will be able to teach at the PT school in Prishtina, a door that has been closed to me because I currently have a Bachelor's Degree. Also Hardin-Simmons has asked me if I would consider taking PT students for a clinical study rotation in Kosova...students that have a heart for mission work in the area of physical therapy.

At the bottom of my emails I have a quote from Dr. Bob Cook..."If you can explain what's going on...God didn't do it!"

It makes me laugh and smile at how amazing and BIG our God is...how He directs our paths, how He goes before us, how He prepares us for the work He has called us to do.

What an adventure...!

Falemnderit Shumë...(thank you very much....)

2010-10-11T19:04:00.000+02:00

I want to let everyone know how grateful I am for your friendship and the outpouring of love and support I have felt. I have been greatly blessed to have the opportunities to share about the life and ministry in Kosova. I am thankful that the Lord allows me to be a part of His work in Kosova, and Malishevë. Often I wonder what He was thinking in sending me...

I do know that the Lord has put an amazing group of saints in my life...to pray for me, to encourage me, to hold me accountable, to be a part of the work in Kosova.

Words alone can not express what I feel in my heart.

I am blessed beyond measure by your friendship...

Falemnderit Shumë !

Mornings...

2010-10-07T17:54:00.000+02:00

I love the early mornings, I guess I always have. It is a time of quietness before the rest of the world wakes up and gets noisy. I have greatly enjoyed the early mornings here in New Mexico, especially in the fall. The air is crisp and you need a jacket when you first start out, then the sun warms you and the jacket gets tied around your waist. When there is a thunderstorm during the night...the air smells of freshness, sage, and other desert plants just freshly washed.

Last week while I was in Abilene, my morning walk was around the perimeter of Abilene Christian University. The air was cooler and moist, but the blessing was in what was under my feet. As I was walking and praying...just meeting the Lord and saying "good morning", I discovered scripture engraved on the sidewalks. When I saw the first one I thought, "wow, I really needed to hear that right now." So I continued walking and praying, and came upon more scriptures in the sidewalk. I believe that each of those verses were put there just for me. My heart was so greatly encouraged when I returned to the apartment.

But maybe the best part about mornings is that the Lord's mercies are new everyday.

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" Lamentations 3:22-24

So, each new day brings a special blessing for my heart. It is a fresh start to a new day...

My Kinship Family...

2010-09-11T16:31:00.000+02:00

I have been greatly blessed by a very special group of people...my kinship family in Albuquerque. They listen to my heart, they support me in prayer when I am struggling, and they rejoice with me as God works among the people of Malishevë. Last night it was such a blessing to see each of them, to worship and pray with them. God in His faithfulness knew that I would need such a special "family" in my life and ministry in Kosova.

I am thankful for His provision.

And they give the best hugs...!

small victory....great blessing...!

2010-08-29T07:13:00.000+02:00

I went to treat my little guy, Çlirim, (his name means liberation, he was born in the mountains during the war) this last Thursday and it was a very special day for me. I have been traveling to a small village about 18 km from Malishevë, to treat Çlirim each week for the last 2 months. It has been such an amazing adventure and challenge for me each week. I do not have a translator, there is no one in the family that speaks English...so I am forced to find a way to communicate in Albanian. Each day I pray for God's provision, that my mind might find the words and be able to understand...to effectively communicate. Everyone in the family has always been so patient with me as I struggled to speak in Albanian. Sometimes, I have struggled greatly and have been so discouraged that I even questioned whether I would ever be able to treat patients without an translator.

But God...blessed me so richly last Thursday. The entire family was sitting outside, including Çlirim, when I arrived at their home. It was a time of visiting..and guess what? I was able to speak with them and share about my family, my life and work in Malishevë, and my upcoming trip back to the US. I was also able to understand what they were saying to me...and there were times when we were all laughing during the conversation. I was communicating in Albanian! I understood Albanian humor!

Then the family blessed me greatly with a traditional meal of spinach and cheese pita, a kind of flaky filo dough pizza with spinach and cheese inside. There were also fresh tomatoes, spicy peppers, and cucumbers from their garden. Pita with spinach is my favorite, and this was amazing food.

It was so special to be able to just "visit" with this family, to learn more about them and to just laugh with them. My physical therapy opened the door for me to meet this family, but God blessed me richly with the opportunity to be their friend.

On the drive back to Malishevë, I realized that my Albanian is getting better, and that maybe I will be able to treat patients on my own. I also realized that my heart has been greatly blessed by the opportunity the Lord provided for me to come into this home. When Çlirim's mother, Ajnishja, gave me a hug to say goodbye it was very special. When little Çlirim smiles during therapy...it is priceless!

How can that be...?

2010-08-27T01:55:00.000+02:00

The weather forecast from the BBC news is below:

Fri Day weather

Sunny

95°F

64°F

SSW
6mph

18% 1009mb Good

Sat Day weather

Sunny

97°F

66°F

WSW
11mph

19% 1003mb Very good

Sun Day weather

Sunny Intervals

66°F

52°F

N
11mph

53% 1009mb Very good

How can the temperature change from a high of 97 degrees on Saturday to a high of 66 degrees on Sunday? Cooler temperatures are most certainly welcome. This may be interesting.

Stay tuned...

It is most definitely hot....

2010-08-18T09:52:00.000+02:00

The last few weeks I have been struggling with the heat...trying to find ways to stay hydrated and cool. Yesterday I noticed the candles on my refrigerator...

Today the forecast calls for cooler weather, in the mid 80's. :-)

30 days of Prayer...

2010-08-11T09:04:00.000+02:00

Today is the first day of Ramadan in the Muslim world...including here in Kosova where the population is 97% Muslim. Although the majority of Muslims here in Kosova are nominal in their practice of Islam, Ramadan is a time when there is an increased awareness of their faith. It is a time when we as followers of Jesus Christ need to get on our knees and pray for the chains of bondage to be broken, that the lost may hear the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and receive His gift of salvation. We are in a battle, for the souls of the lost in this world.

"We have been given the weapons we need to free those who are in bondage. It is our privilege and our right to stand in the gap for those who are lost, to lift them up in prayer, and to demand back the territory Satan has stolen inch by inch. Through the power God has given us, we can and should use prayer to set our loved ones free. And God help us if we don't" (from Prayer Our Glorious Privilege, Chuck Smith, p105)

We need to reach out to Muslims in our communities with the love of God...the same love He has shown us. We must have an attitude of genuine love...

Here is a link to a great resource for prayer during the month of Ramadan. I encourage you to download the manual and make a commitment to pray for the Muslim world the next 30 days...
http://www.30-days.net/resources/download/

My heart is saddened...

2010-08-10T12:15:00.000+02:00

Bajram- I have just learned that a gentleman that I met when I first moved to Kosova, has passed away.

I first met Bajram when I received a call from my friend Sharon, that he was injured severely during a physical therapy session in Prishtina. I went to his home to see what I could figure out on his behalf. He was in severe pain in his left hip, unable to walk. It was later determined that his hip was fractured during the therapy session. I could not believe this.

The rest of the story....

Bajram had stage 4 colon cancer, and the fracture was pathological. It was my first real exposure to health care here in the Balkans...Kosova. Bajram received a total hip replacement in Macedonia...still unaware that he had cancer. The only person in his family that knew of the cancer was his sister, but at the same time there was a large group of Americans that all had knowledge of his medical status. No HIPPA here...! It is not uncommon for the patient and or the family to be told about the prognosis of a patient...especially with cancer. It is just not discussed. Even though Bajram went through some type of chemotherapy, it was not discussed. I believe he was finally told about his condition, I do not know if the rest of the family was ever told.

I helped Bajram with exercises and mobility in his home following his surgery. He greatly blessed me, both of my daughters when they were here, and my friend Sharon to a traditional Albanian dinner...complete with "cultural traditions." So much food, and it was amazing.

Bajram was the mechanic for the fleet of World Vision vehicles in Prishtina, many times he has heard the gospel. Sharon and I shared the gospel with him in the hospital in Macedonia...he knew the truth. Many were praying fervently for this man and his family. But...he never made a profession of faith.

Please pray for the family that Bajram left behind...a wife, 2 daughters and a son. Please pray for the bondage of Islam to be broken in Kosova, that people may hear and receive the truth of Jesus Christ.

The Adventure continues...

2010-08-04T09:00:00.000+02:00

It is so hard to believe that I have been in Kosova for 2 years now, and that it was 4 years ago when I first came to this country I now consider my home. When I first decided to accept the call to Kosova, a very good friend told me to "hold on tight...!" What an understatement, but I would not change any of it for the world.

I have learned so much about the Lord during this time...and He has shown me so much about who I am, and who He wants me to be. I have learned what it means to say, "He is my all in all!" I have learned about the power of fervent prayer, and I have felt the love and prayers of each of my faithful friends and supporters.

God in His faithfulness goes before me each day. Sometimes I have to be reminded to let Him go first, and to do things according to His plans and timing, not mine. He provides exactly what I need for each day...patience when the power and water aren't working, divine appointments when I need to be reminded of why I am here, encouraging words from friends, and situations where I am forced to use my Albanian and gain some confidence in speaking with people who cross my path each day.

"Lord, thank you for who You are and Your faithfulness when my faith is weak and wavering. Help me to keep my eyes firmly focused on You, and my heart tuned to hear only Your words. Use me Lord, for Your purpose. I want to be bold in sharing Your truth, but most importantly I want to be bold in reaching out and loving the people of Kosova, of Malishevë, with the same love You have shown to me. Help me to not be fearful or discouraged. Let all that I do and say be for Your glory Lord. There is much work to be done..."

Amen

Everything has it's time...

2010-08-03T11:52:00.000+02:00

I have been treating Nazmi in his home since last November. He had a serious head injury 2 years ago, which left him partially paralyzed in the right arm and leg, as well as unable to speak. He however, has very good understanding and is able to communicate his needs. We were able to make some huge gains in his ability to move and sit up for meals...but Nazmi had started being resistant to therapy last February before I became ill. The family asked me to come back one more time and work with Nazmi on range of motion and seated activities, so today Besnik, my translator, and I went to the village to see him.

It was very clear that Nazmi has no intention or desire to participate, at one point he was crying and very upset. Besnik and I visited some with the family, and I got to have Bleona, the youngest daughter sit on my lap one more time. When we were saying our "goodbyes"...Nazmi pulled me close and gave me a hug, and squeezed my hand. His eyes spoke volumes to my heart. Thank you Lord for the time you gave me with this family...

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:17

It just makes me smile....

2010-07-29T11:54:00.000+02:00

Lately there have been several things that just make me smile about life here in Malishevë.

Today while traveling to a small village to treat my little patient, Çlerim, I saw a young boy, maybe 12 years old herding cattle along the side of the road with a stick. This is a normal sight, often the cattle have no human with them at all. But today...this boy had an i-pod and ear buds obviously listening to something while taking care of his cattle. I am pretty sure it wasn't "country" that he was listening to, more likely "rap".

Also today, while traveling in the car, I noticed a song that sounded familiar...not the typical Albanian music. When I payed closer attention, I realized it was the Beatles, and the song "Let it Be". I haven't' heard that song in a very long time...and I never expected to hear it here in Kosova.

Last Tuesday, the lock broke on my apartment door. The key just kept turning around and around without unlocking the door. I was on the inside, locked in. It took a while but I finally got a hold of someone to come help...and 3 men showed up. I threw the keys out the window to them so they could try to open the door from the outside. After about 30 minutes they got the door open. The funny part was when the 3 men were inside my apartment and almost shut the door with the broken lock still in place. That would have meant that I made coffee for these 3 men until they found someone else to get the door open from the outside.

God reveals to me these little pieces of life in Kosova...to make me smile and it relieves some of the fatigue from daily life. He always shows me something that makes me smile to myself, just when I really need it. He is faithful and meets me where I am each day. Thank you Lord! :-)

S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g....

2010-07-09T19:13:00.000+02:00

I have been having a very hard time with my Albanian since I returned to Malishevë 3 weeks ago. I struggle with understanding what is being said as well as finding the words to communicate clearly.

God in His faithfulness continues to go before me each day, providing opportunities that force me out of my comfort zone and make me use my Albanian.

To start with, a family in our fellowship has agreed to only speak to me in Albanian. I went to Prishtina on Tuesday and took the oldest daughter with me. We spent about 5 hours talking about all kinds of things. There was one time when she started laughing...and I couldn't figure out why. It was because I understood a question someone asked her, and she couldn't figure out what the girl was saying.

Earlier this week I went to my favorite restaurant for a late lunch. I like to sit outside and watch people and just let my mind wander and think about things. Well...God had other plans. Kujtim, a man that comes to our fellowship sometimes, sat down and started speaking to me in Albanian. As I would struggle to find the words or say really strange grammar combinations, he would help me, and teach me the correct way to say what I was trying to say. It turned out to be a verbal Albanian lesson while I ate lunch and later we shared coffee.

I have a new patient, Çlerim, that I am treating in his home. The first session was yesterday, and the person who was to serve as my translator, could not make it to Malishevë to pick me up. So someone from the family came to get me. Guess what? Not one person in this family spoke English. I had to smile and say to myself..."OK Lord, I can't do this without You". There were some rough spots, and I had to use my little pocket dictionary a few times...but it worked out. I was actually able to teach the mom a few things to do with her son each day.

Next, Tuesday, I am starting a discipleship class for two young ladies in our fellowship, Besora and Albana. Albana is a new believer, only 2 months, and is hungry for the Word. I have a discipleship program to use that is already written in Albanian, but I have to study to understand the questions, and to be able to lead discussion at the end of the lesson. I am going to memorize the scriptures in Albanian...right along with the girls. Stay tuned...

God's word tells us to not be afraid, to not be dismayed as He is the One who goes before us. He is providing opportunities where I have to communicate in Albanian. I am becoming more confident in using what I have learned. He has given me the desire to be a part of this community in Kosova...and I have to be able to understand what they are saying to me, and to be able to communicate with them. There is a saying in Albanian..."pak nga pak"...which means "step by step". I think that is what the Lord is asking of me as well...obedience, one step at time.

S'ka rrymë...S'ka ujë

2010-07-04T18:37:00.001+02:00

No power...no water...

Thursday afternoon at 3pm, the power went out in Malishevë. This was not such an unusual thing, just an annoyance to work around for 2 or 3 hours and then it will be back on. Not this time, it came back on at 5 pm on Saturday afternoon. All of my electronic "stuff": computer, i-pod, cell phone, flashlights, and refrigerator were no longer working. Along with the power going out, the water stopped as well. For this, I was not prepared for a 3 day period of time without water. I had a 60 liter barrel that was only about 1/3 full. I had been slowly emptying it out so I could clean out the unknown stuff settled in the bottom. If I was careful, it might be enough to flush the toilet. But I had no drinking water. The market across the street sells cases of 6-2liter bottles of water for 1.5€. I figured out how to wash my hair with 6 liters of water...and use the soapy remnants to flush the toilet.

By Friday, I was into reading...as there was nothing else I could find to do. When it was dark...well, I went to bed, since I could no longer read by candlelight. The constant sound of the generators can really get on your nerves, but unlike Prishtina, there was no odor of the fuel used in the generators.

I didn't know if this was a "something is broken" or "this is how it is in Malishevë during the summer" thing. I later learned it was "something was broken".

God showed me several things in these last 3 days. First, I am a part of this community...not just when there is power and water, because all the other people living here also did not have power and water. They also were trying to find ways to charge their cell phones, our life line in Kosova.

Another thing the Lord showed my heart...the people who live in this community have not had the luxuries that I consider normal. Last night one family shared that they put food in a bucket and lowered it into the well to keep it cold...just like they did during the war. I had to throw my food away. This family has only had a refrigerator for 7 years. For water...well they returned to the well, and hauled water to the house. I had a young man from the market carry my water to my apartment.

That is one of the things I love about this community...they just keep moving and do the best they can with what they have. There is work to still be done each day. They are not afraid of hard work. Life is hard here. There is an Albanian saying, "C'ka të bëjmë", which means "what to do?"

The next time the power goes out, or there is no water, I will be better prepared, but my heart attitude will be different. C'ka të bëjmë?

Readjusting...

2010-06-19T18:15:00.000+02:00

I am finally back in Malishevë. So many things feel familiar, but at the same time different. My apartment was mostly how I left it...add a lot of additional dust on everything and water scale in the sinks. Walking the street to buy food or go to the bank...just the same. The friendly clerk at Behari, the market across the street, was very happy to see me, asking many questions about how I was feeling, and welcoming me back. He had a young worker carry my 2 bags of groceries to my apartment. On my way to the bank I met the director of the health center and he invited me to have coffee with him. It was a little awkward as the Albanian part of my brain was somewhere else. But...we had coffee and he was genuinely glad to see me. I also met a gentleman, Isuf, who is close friends with Pastor Randy and a previous patient. On my way back to my apartment, I met my favorite waiter from the restaurant where I eat once or twice a week...great chicken breast and veggies for only 1.5€. He also invited me to coffee, but I had to decline since I had just had coffee 10 minutes earlier.

It is hot, and I am trying to adjust. My apartment has been closed up, so with the windows open and cooler temperatures when the sun goes down I think it will get better. There is a huge thunderstorm going on right now...it has cooled things off at the same time increasing the humidity.

There has not been one power outage since I have been here, and there has been water as well.

I am sleeping at night, but very tired during the day still and the jet lag headache is persistent.

I will have a working cell phone on Monday. I hope to be able to go to the airport in Prishtina on Monday to retrieve my missing bag.

So, I am getting settled back into my life in Malishevë. I am trying to go slowly...seeking the Lord as He directs my steps.

I am so happy to be back here...

Morro Bay, California

2010-06-04T20:38:00.000+02:00

I am currently spending some time at Jeff and Mary Sproul's home in Morro Bay, California. I have never really spent time near the ocean before, so this is quite an adventure for me. Each morning, this is what I see and hear as I take my "power walk"...I know watching a video is not the same as being here, but maybe you can imagine and enjoy....

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse," Romans 1:20

No snakes, No bees, No falls....

2010-05-28T19:58:00.001+02:00

I am currently staying at David and Susie Herrera's house, for a 4 day retreat in the Jemez, about an hour drive north of Albuquerque. Today I decided to go for a walk, Susie pointed out an area where I could follow a road for a good hike. After 10 minutes, I came upon a gate across the road...decided to not find a way to open it and turned around to go back to the house. Then I had a "spontaneous" thought to climb the hill that was along side of the road. (For those of you that know me, spontaneity is often planned)

My prayer was..."no snakes Lord, no bees Lord, and don't let me fall..."

It took me 40 minutes to get to the top, the view was amazing. (next time I will take my camera with me) I wasn't sure I was strong enough to make it all the way. My feet kept slipping, until I would find a large solid rock to keep my footing. My hamstrings and gluts were screaming at me on the way up...my quads on the way back down, but I felt so good. I am not sure if going up or coming back down was harder...

I couldn't help but think that climbing this "mountain" today was a lesson for me, maybe more of a reminder. God directs my path, gives me solid rocks to step on to keep from falling, He blesses me at the top with a spectacular view and reminds me of His power in creation, and at the bottom of the mountain is a path that is more level. It isn't always about "going up or coming down"...sometimes it is about just "going"...

PS...no snakes, no bees, and no falls. Thank you Lord!

Day in the Jemez...

2010-05-18T17:49:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I was able to spend the day with my daughters, Nicole and Elissa, in the Jemez mountains. It was their gift to me for Mother's Day. We packed a lunch of roast beef sandwhiches, veggies/dip, homemade cookies and left Albuquerque with an adventure before us. We stopped first to get our traditional "on-the-road" breakfast of Einstein bagels and Starbucks. Our first stop was at the Gilman Tunnels, and then we continued on to an area in the Jemez Mountains where the hiking was not too difficult. We hiked for about a mile, found a great place to have our lunch, then we hiked back to the car. With Elissa driving, we took the scenic route to Las Alamos, Santa Fe and finally back to Albuquerque.

It was a special time for me to be able to spend the day with Nicole and Elissa. We remembered other "adventures" of camping or other day trips to the mountains. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and I will hold the memories of this "Mother's Day" in my heart.

Therapy...

2010-05-14T03:08:00.000+02:00

It has been 4 weeks now since my surgery. I am doing very well, and today I was able to do something that has always been so therapeutic for me...getting my hands in some dirt and planting something. At Jane's house, she has this most amazing backyard, lots of clay pots with plants, grass, trees...it is just a place that invites you to sit down and just enjoy. I saw an idea for a stack of clay pots that would fit right into Jane's backyard. Jane agreed to let me take on this project as a gift for her.

I had so much fun buying the pots, going to the plant greenhouse to plan and purchase the plants that would work for this creation. It was a little tricky getting the pots to stay "tipped over" while I planted them, but Elissa stopped by to offer an extra set of hands.

I am sure that there are those of you that know the joy of having your hands in soil and watching as your labor grows and blooms.

Love Traveling...

2010-04-22T20:42:00.000+02:00

Each night as I prepare to go to sleep, I have been reading a few of Amy Carmichael's poems. This is something new for me, but I read one last night that really spoke to my heart and I want to share it.

Love, traveling in the greatness of His strength,
Found me alone,
Wearied a little by the journey's length,
Though I had known,
All the long way, many a kindly air,
And flowers had blossomed for me everywhere.

And yet Love found me fearful, and He stayed;
Love stayed by me.
"Let not thy heart be troubled or dismayed,
My child," said He.
Slipped from me then all troubles, all alarms;
For Love had gathered me into His arms.

Amy Carmichael, Gold by Moonlight, 1935

Tomorrow...

2010-04-14T18:36:00.000+02:00

It has been a very long process for me in this "health issue" season of my life. Since the beginning of February I have been dealing with severe abdominal pain. Since I returned to New Mexico the first of March, there have been so many doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy, tests, and more tests...

Tomorrow...! I will have surgery to remove the fibroid and the right ovarian cyst. I am ready for this next step, and I have a peace, the peace that can only come from God...being confident in who He is and that He has a hold of my right hand each step of the way.

There are some verses from the Bible that I want to share with you...they greatly encouraged my heart when I wondered if I would ever get relief from the pain.

"Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Throughout this entire process I have been greatly encouraged through God's word, and through the people He has allowed to be a part of my life and ministry in Kosova. I have felt His love wrap around me and give me the strength I needed to make it through one more day. I have also felt great love through each of my brothers and sisters in the Lord. He has richly blessed me. I am grateful for your prayers, calls, cards and visits.

The Lord continues to go before me each moment of each day. I will have some tough days ahead of me...but I look forward to being able to say "I am doing a little better each day". I am also looking forward to returning to Kosova in mid-June, to get back to work.

Blessings in "familiar things"...

2010-03-27T18:35:00.000+01:00

As I have been negotiating doctor's appointments, tests, picking up medicine, and brief shopping outings there have been several things that are very familiar to me and have not changed during the last year and a half I have been in Kosova. Somehow I was expecting everything to be so different. So, as I experience people or events that are familiar and comfortable it really makes me smile.

The first week I attended church service at Calvary ABQ, everything seemed the same. I was able to see some familiar faces...sitting in their regular places where I remember. It did seem a little strange that there was no translation of Pastor Skip's message into Albanian, I kept expecting Alban or Lirak to come out and get to work. Hearing the teaching in one language was different, but only because I had changed, not Calvary ABQ. Last week I saw a few more familiar faces...the lady that always wears a hat, the little old man with balding white hair, that always wears a vest and bow tie, and Aaron, that always sat at the end of the row where I usually sat.

This last week since the official start of Spring, there has been snow twice in Albuquerque, clear blue skies with cool air...and yesterday...the spring winds! Of all of the seasons of NM...I dislike the spring winds the most...they really wear on your nerves. The weather in NM has not changed...it is still unpredictable, changes often during the same day...and yet familiar.

Last night, my home Bible study had their monthly potluck...complete with lots of green and red chile, meat loaf, spicy chicken wings...all foods that I had missed since moving to Kosova. But the best part was the warmth of their fellowship and times of prayer...that was very familiar and blessed my heart greatly.

One Week in New Mexico

2010-03-12T20:41:00.000+01:00

This post is a little overdue, but I arrived safely in Albuquerque a week ago. The flights were not too difficult, I always had an empty seat next to me which allowed me to move around and get comfortable. I used a wheelchair in the 2 larger airports, that was such a blessing. I was very tired when I got to Albuquerque, the jet lag recovery was not too difficult.

It was so good to give each of my daughters a hug, and to just visit with them over this last week.

God clearly is directing my steps...I was able to start the process of doctors appointments etc last Friday. I really like the resident who is directing my care...he is very compassionate, listens to what I am telling him, and I have confidence in the care he is providing. I am on 3 different antibiotics, and also have been given pain medicine that is helping. The downside is that I find it difficult to concentrate while on the pain medicine, and now the antibiotics are causing some stomach upset as well. I still have some testing ahead of me.

My care team and home Bible study family are taking very good care of me...driving me to appointments, to pick up medicine, or a quick run to the store. Jane...well for those you who do not know her...she is amazing and has the 'gift of hospitality" down to an art form. I am truly blessed by my "family" in Albuquerque. So many friends have offered help and I am very thankful. I am resting, a lot. I am ready to start feeling better.

I thank each of you for your prayers and support. The phone calls are such a blessing and it has been very special to re-connect with my friends and family here. I am greatly missing my "family" in Kosova as well. I was reminded this morning that this is a season, and God has a purpose for me in this.

He has a hold of my hand, and He is ever present with me. I feel His presence with me during this time in my life.
blessings...

Saying good bye...Saying hello

2010-03-01T19:21:00.000+01:00

Saying good bye is never easy, but these last few days have been especially difficult for me. I am in the process of returning to the US for medical care, with an uncertain diagnosis. The plan is for me to return to Kosova June 3, but we all know that "our plans" are not necessarily the "Lord's plans".
Today, I spoke with the Mayor of Malishevë, who I met for the first time a year ago. He provided the opportunity for me to treat patients in the health center. This past year I have treated over 350 patients...I have the best job in the world! I also spoke with the Director of the health center and explained my need to return to the US. He only wants me to be healthy and when I am ready, there will always be a place for me to treat patients. They consider me a part of their family. I am known as "doktoresh"...which is a female doctor. (It is a title of respect, and they don't know what else to call me...Physical Therapist is just not well understood here in Malishevë)
My translator, Besnik, spoke with the teacher of the special needs class as well as the family of Nazmi, that I have been treating in his home since November. I did not feel well enough to make those visits personally.
But...the hardest good byes are those of the family of Rruga e Perëndisë. Even though I have only been a part of this fellowship for 4 months...there is a special friendship in that body of believers. They have all been such an encouragement to me during these last few difficult weeks.
God has given me a special love in my heart for His work here in Malishevë and Kosova. I feel that I belong here...it is where "my bones are going to be buried" someday. My desire is to return to continue the work the Lord has provided as soon as my health allows...in His timing.
Now...I will very soon be saying hello to my family and dearest friends in Albuquerque...

Happy Birthday Kosova, 2010

2010-02-17T14:28:00.001+01:00

Today is the second anniversary of the Independence of Kosova. There are flags everywhere, Albanian, Kosovar, American and British...on cars, being worn as capes, and hanging from all the buildings. The people of Kosova are very proud of their heritage. Later on tonight there will be huge fireworks displays, lots of firecrackers and celebratory gun fire. I received a warning from the US Embassy regarding the dangers of celebratory gun fire. I am not able to tell the difference between the firecrackers and the gun fire. The streets of Malishevë are packed with people...just out walking the streets and being a part of the celebration.

Kathy in Kosova

Police stop...twice in 30 minutes....?

Still stuck in the field...

Winter wonderland...

Camping showers...brrrrr

Never put off till tomorrow...

In the news...

Slow down....! (part 2)

Strategies...

Slow down...!

The clinic is open...

Running, jumping, and laughing...

slippers...

Almost ready...

Still moving forward...

The clean team from Vajta Hungary...

The wait is over...

Still waiting....

Painting all finished...

The Adventure Begins....

Two more things...

Montenegro tidbits...

Montenegro...

Mr. Scott...Grandfather...

Wedding season...

I have a new Son-in-Law...

It's hot...

Driving in Kosova...

Before and After....

The Box...

I have a College Graduate...!

My Big Backyard in Malishevë...

And the answer is...

Where have all the dumpsters gone...

Back to school...again

A Breakthrough....!

Useless facts about Kosova...

Driving in Kosova...

Christmas thoughts...

Sidewalk skating...

I did it...

a lot of coleslaw...

Life back in Malishevë...

Political Tsunami sweeps America, 5.3 earthquake in Serbia...

Going back to school...

Falemnderit Shumë...(thank you very much....)

Mornings...

My Kinship Family...

small victory....great blessing...!

How can that be...?

It is most definitely hot....

30 days of Prayer...

My heart is saddened...

The Adventure continues...

Everything has it's time...

It just makes me smile....

S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g....

S'ka rrymë...S'ka ujë

Readjusting...

Morro Bay, California

No snakes, No bees, No falls....

Day in the Jemez...

Therapy...

Love Traveling...

Tomorrow...

Blessings in "familiar things"...

One Week in New Mexico

Saying good bye...Saying hello

Happy Birthday Kosova, 2010

S'ka rrymë...S'ka ujë