"They're Here!!"

This quote is taken from an impression that our dear friend Julie Collins had for us before our departure.  She states that as she prayed, she saw us jumping out of a plane.  Our landing together on the land caused a tremor that shook the power and principalities.  She said that simultaneously, she heard, "they're here!"

After 30 hours of travel, we are HERE!  We slept this morning until 11am local time, awaking to the sound of women arriving for the conference.  You can feel their enthusiasm and although we cannot understand a word of their greetings, they offer generous hugs and kisses on both cheeks.  

Gail, in her usual energetic way, was awaiting our 3am arrival.  It was evident she could hardly contain her excitement.  As we stumbled and bumbled around our new "home" trying to find the bed, she bubbled over with stories and explanations.  Unfortunately, she will have to repeat most of them today because we were too delirious to take it in...  We can't wait to see their children and share the gifts we brought.

We stepped out of room our and into a ministry opportunity!  A young woman, after a 6 hour, bumpy ride to the bible school was feeling weak and needed to lay down.  We felt impressed to pray for her healing.  She spoke no english but we just prayed and sang over her.  Later, her companion shared with us that she comes from a muslim background and has not totally converted to a follower of Jesus!

We are praising God that upon our arrival we had full power and hot water!  Thank you for praying.  God is continuing to expressing his generosity and favor to us!  The expectation is that the power will continue throughout the conference.

We are awaiting our time to meet the local conference leadership team.  We have met Blerta, Beta (and her sweet baby Reya) and Ruthie.  Their heart to serve us is evident.  They are bustling around, making sure every detail is taken care of as women arrive.  We look forward to more intimate time with each of them.

Praise the Lord for safe, simple travels!  Praise the Lord for beautiful weather and generous accomodations.  Praise the Lord for few potty breaks throughout our travels and for bags arriving in tact!  Most of all praise the Lord for His steadfast love, kindness and mercy in sending us and caring for us.  We tangibly feel His presence and at times it overwhelms us.

 Our departure from Charlotte.  See all the bags!  They all arrived in tact!

All four of us on the first leg of our journey.  Can you see the excitement and anticipation on our faces? We all paid for the "ear buds" to watch movies and such, but our discussions (and sleeping) filled the full 9.5 hours.  (Ah the gift of being a woman...)

 Our last leg of the trip.  A bumpy 5 hour drive between Tirana and Erseke.  We might not look as fresh, but the enthusiasm is still present.

Culture Shock of the Day: Potty stops!!  And no, you cannot put paper down the drain.  No paper - no matter what the constitution...  Trash needs to be taken out regularly.  (Hee Hee)