Turkeys and Church bells...

Recently I have noticed new sounds in the mornings as I wake up....bells from the Orthodox church...and turkeys.  In the past I could hear roosters and ducks...but now...it is turkeys.  Consider living in the middle of New York..high rise apartments and office buildings...and hearing turkeys "gobbling" each morning...?!  

You have to live here to appreciate how unique this culture is....

Always an adventure...!  I love it here...!

Ezekiel James...my new grandson....!

My new little grandson, Ezekiel James came into this world on January 13, 2015 at 11:54pm.  He weighed in at 6#6oz, and 20" long.  Elissa is doing well, tired after a long labor...and Sam is doing well also.

There are tears of joy...for this new little precious life...and some tears of sadness that I am so very far away and not able to hold him.  I believe he will have so many people wanting to hold him...and just pinch his cheeks.

Father...watch over this little life you have blessed Sam and Elissa with...watch over him as he grows each day. Give Sam and Elissa wisdom in caring for their son...help Hannah to love her new brother. Thank you for Your blessings and care...! amen

Gezuar Vitin e Ri ~~~

 Happy New Year from Tirana...!

Each year on New Year's Eve...I am amazed at the fireworks display put on the by the people of Tirana.  These are not "corporate" displays...they are individual people that buy these fireworks in the street        markets and launch them from the streets, or  their yards.  I wanted to stop and see what some of these "aerial" fireworks cost...there was such a large intense group of men around the vendors...I changed my mind. They have to be expensive...considering that the average monthly salary is about $300USD.  

New Year's is a very important celebration in Albania.  It is like combining Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and Christmas into one holiday.  Family is the central focus...everyone goes home to celebrate with their family...that is not optional. 

Last night the display was spectacular, and loud...there was a lot of fireworks set off just below my bedroom window.

It is always an adventure...