21 BIRTHDAY, ST. GEORGE PRECA, "VIENNA".

24 July 2012 21 BIRTHDAY, ST.GEORGE PRECA, "VIENNA". Since my last entry, life here has been very full and busy! Classes with students are due to end on Friday, except for one student. Laurie, Peace Corps. Volunteer, visited during the week. She now lives in a village so her visits are rare. Sister Amira and I have managed a few conversations during the week. On Friday, Amira left for "camp" in the North. Sister accompanied two minibuses of children! The group will spend time camping in the mountains and they are due back in Tirana on 31 July. On Saturday, we had a 21 Birthday Celebration here. I invited Emmanuel, who plays the mandolin in Church and his mother, Veronica. Ana, who teaches Emmanuel English and Bea were also invited for the meal. All enjoyed the time very much, especially the cake, with its aparklers and candles!! Veronica was really grateful as she was not in a position to host a celebration. Mons. Hil Kabashi was here on Sunday. I had a chat with him before Mass as he left quickly for Bilisht afterwards. We stayed for a Powerpoint on St. George Preca, - he died 50 years ago on the 26 July. On Monday, David and their three candidates left for Malta for further celebrations. Yesterday, with Ana, I visited one of the Braille group families. Two other members of the group came along so that we could meet. They hope that we can plan further events later in the year. Today, I took the opportunity to visit the Vienna Hotel. which is not very far from here. Our 16 Italian visitors, due here in mid-August, are booked for accommodation there. All is well so far and I am confident that we will manage to host the group in traditional Korce-style. Enjoy the remainder of the week and "Happy Feast" for Saint Anne on Thursday!!