Slow down...!

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...

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...

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.