A Breakthrough....!

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...

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...