Albania Day 6 : Kruje

We took the day to do some sight seeing and learn more of Albania's history. We drove to the mountain city of Kruje, which was an amazing ride of switch backs going up into the city. The Waggoners brought us to an Ottoman style house at the top of the mountain. It was a "living history" type museum. This was especialy perfect for our kids.  They love exploring "olden day" houses.

Located next to the Ottoman house was the Skenderbeg museum and the ruins of his   watchtower fortress. We were told that Skenderbeg would pray with his generals in the cathedral here before going into battle.

We finished our time in Kruje souvenir shopping in the centuries old bazaar.  There was a gentleman in one of the shops who makes wool slippers by felting.  He was willing to demonstrate this for us in his shop.  It is a fascinating process that takes a lot of time and skill.

There was a woman in another shop who took the time to show our girls how to make a rug.  She weaves these beautiful rugs on this giant loom and creates such beautiful patterns.  Of course we had to buy a small one made in traditional color and design!

Albania is a beautiful country. We were in awe every turn we went around. They have a rich culture and are very hospitable people.

We made it back in time for the village boys to have some playtime in the courtyard.

Later Jen went for a walk with some of the village kids, and with her usual charm, spent the time asking lots of questions about their lives and the traditions in Vlashaj.

Meanwhile Aaron joined Nathan for the men's bible study. He was able to share his testimony of how God had set him free from unforgiveness.

We closed the day keeping our hosts up too late.  There was lots of silly laughter before turning in for the night.

Albania Day 5 : Home visits and a girls' night

In the morning, we visited the homes of  two families that have both recently lost their grandfathers. As is the custom in the culture, we came with gifts for the families, and they offered us juice and candy.

The first woman we met with was a believer. She told us how when they sang "In your arms of love" she could literally feel the arms of Jesus around her. She shared how much it meant to her that her granddaughter too had received Christ. We were able to share with her how Andrew was healed from hydrocephaly. She gave us an Albanian soccer ball as a gift.

The 2nd visit was full of laughter. We shared stories from our lives and how we met our spouses. The women were particularly impressed with Jen for having birthed 4 kids naturally and especially for having Tobin at home. We had the opportunity to pray a blessing over both families. 

After lunch, the girls began
preparing for the young ladies night at the center. Our family brought treasure boxes, as well as plenty of gems and sequins for each of the young ladies to decorate. Inside each box we had printed off the lost coin scripture in the Albanian language. 

Our daughters prepared a devotional, and between the three Rachel was nominated to share on the parable of the lost coin. She spoke on how precious we are to God, and how He searched us out as well. We didn't realize until that evening, but some adult women in the village decided to come as well. Rachel didn't flinch, and shared with confidence all that God laid on their hearts.  

Two women from the village are hairdressers, so the young women put on makeup and had their hair done as well. Afterwards Cydil gave each one their own photo shoot. The young ladies in the village loved their special evening and even lingered for quite some time after.

During all the preparations, Nathan, Aaron and the boys opened the center for volleyball and 4-square with the village boys.  Before we closed the center for dinner, we gave them a new soccer ball that we had brought.   The boys thanked us so much for the it and played until dark.

Albania Day 4 : Cape Rodonit

Day 4 was a day of rest and a chance for us to see ome of the country and learn more of its history.

We hiked out to Cape Rodonit, waking along a ridge with the Adriatic Sea on either side of us.  The trail brought us to the remains of a castle believed to hide Albania's national hero, George Castrioti Scanderbeg, before escaping to Italy.  At the same location there is a chapel called St. Anthony's church.

The hike brought us through the remains of a communist- era military base. We were able to explore some of the bunkers which were connected in a maze of underground tunnels.  There were also some larger bunkers that evidently housed some type of artillery. Operating instructions were still on the wall!

Inside the chapel, the walls had been covered with frescoes.  However, in the cultural revolution of 1967, looters destroyed most of them.  It is thought that those of them that were left were done so in part because of the Scanderbeg crest found on the wall behind the altar.

After the hike we enjoyed lunch at a beautiful restaurant right by the sea.

Our driver and friend Armandi