Blessings in "familiar things"...

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

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

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...