SATURDAY, 3 AUGUST 2013 PRESPA, PORTIUNCULA INVITATION WITH SIGNIFICANT VISITORS. An early start on Thursday, saw 22 of us on the road to lakeside Prespa at 8.30a.m. Ten of the group were blind and thank God, we had a glorious time of sunshine, plus a delightful cool breeze. We relaxed, and later enjoyed chatting with the many family couples. Later we walked and then the group enjoyed a delicious meal of local fish that is special to Prespa lake. All were really happy with the day of meeting other blind people. Also one was a musician and had brought his accordion, so there was much singing! We returned to Korca in the early afternoon. That same evening, I traveled with our Maltese friends to the Franciscan Sisters at Bilisht. A priest was visiting from Sicily and the Director of Missions from there was visiting too. A great sharing ensued , as two of the Sisters had been in Bilisht almost twenty years ago. The many dark moments in Albanian history were recalled and the heedless violence of those days. I find it helpful to hear of these things, as it explains how much the people have come through in the recent past. Yesterday morning, we were invited again to Bilisht for a festive Mass as they celebrated Portiuncula - a feast special to the Franciscans. In the afternoon a mother and daughter came for English class. They seemed a little disappointed when I gave a week's holiday for next week! August is already well in and will probably include holidays as well as this Bank Holiday weekend. Every blessing on your travels and leisure as well as everyday demands!