ST.NICHOLAS, BEAR, BISHOP, CHRISTMAS AIR!

15 DECEMBER 2011 ST.NICHOLAS, BEAR, BISHOP, CHRISTMAS AIR!
More than ten days since I opened the blog. I have been busy! On the 6 December, two of our friends celebrated their feasts. Here in Albania, we visit for a feast - in this case it was two householders. Usually the visit is short and we are invited to take light refreshments.

Then on the 8th, it was a school and statutory offices holiday. Celebration of democracy was mentioned but it is hoped it will become a Youth Day. I went along to a Photographic Exhibition of local scenes, well worth seeing. While there I met a teacher who lives near her school that I visited last week. She told me she was in her kitchen one evening, looking out the window. Her garden gate was open and in walked a BEAR, picked some quince fruit from the tree and then walked out again! She was amazed and was told by neighbours there are bears higher up in the mountains.

On Sunday, we had an unexpected visit from our Bishop. I was preparing dinner and Lalini had a few girls preparing for the Roma Christmas celebration. He came with our friend, Charlie, who translated for him. He told us that there is a Day of Prayer in Fier tomorrow. Fier is more than four hours drive each way and the day begins at 9.00a.m. We said we would not travel as also, the talks there are usually in Italian!.

There is a great air of Christmas here these days and post has actually arrived beginning with a hamper from Bernie and family. This was followed by goodies from Belfast and just today from Dublin, with a new book - "A Road Less Travelled" or Tales of the Irish Missionaries. It looks interesting and has contributions from Sisters Catherine Veale and Teresia Byrne.

Every blessing on this last busy week of preparation for Christmas!