3rd. September 2010 TRAFFICKING ON THE AGENDA.
A brief work update of the week as I leave for Orhid a day early! On Wednesday I met with three members of the Peace Corps. They were most interested in the CEDAW report and discussed the possibility of having a meeting with volunteers who work with health issues out in the rural areas. This was followed up with a further meeting today. We hope to have the Trafficking get-together - a report on the CEDAW process - as close as possible to the end of the month. We can then inform the group that there will be a public event arranged to take place in Tirana for the Annual Anti-trafficking Day in October. So, things are beginning to happen that will hopefully lead to concrete improvements for Albanian women.
Au revoir till next time!
Friday, 3 September 2010
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
BOBOSHTICE, CONCERT, RETREAT IN ORHID
1ST. SEPTEMBER 2010 BOBOSHTICE, CONCERT, RETREAT IN ORHID.
This week has had a 'school' dimension, as our Shqip sessions continue. There was a touch of holiday around as the youth group planned a four day trip to Macedonia that began today.
On Friday we went to Boboshtice - a little village near Korce, famous for 'manna' - large balackberries that grow on trees more than two metres tall. With the help of two of our youth group we filled two small pots. These were given to our teacher and friend, Nadia, to make jam or liqueur. We await the outcome!
Sunday was quiet and in the evening I went to a concert, courtesy of the Tourist Board! We had three locals who work internationally - a pianist, a tenor and a soprano. They sang from "My Fair Lady" and the other items were familiar classics. We
heard no English but Italian, German and Spanish. The audience was thrilled by the high standard of it all and especially with the few Shqip songs with local flavour, that completed a great evening.
On Sunday, please God, I plan to travel to Macedonia in the minibus that goes to bring the youth group, and Lalini, back. I will stay some days to complete my retreat begun in upstate New York! I'll add a prayer for our Netherlands Good Shepherd. I am aware there will be a number of familiar faces to rejoice in the 150 years of presence and to celebrate!
This week has had a 'school' dimension, as our Shqip sessions continue. There was a touch of holiday around as the youth group planned a four day trip to Macedonia that began today.
On Friday we went to Boboshtice - a little village near Korce, famous for 'manna' - large balackberries that grow on trees more than two metres tall. With the help of two of our youth group we filled two small pots. These were given to our teacher and friend, Nadia, to make jam or liqueur. We await the outcome!
Sunday was quiet and in the evening I went to a concert, courtesy of the Tourist Board! We had three locals who work internationally - a pianist, a tenor and a soprano. They sang from "My Fair Lady" and the other items were familiar classics. We
heard no English but Italian, German and Spanish. The audience was thrilled by the high standard of it all and especially with the few Shqip songs with local flavour, that completed a great evening.
On Sunday, please God, I plan to travel to Macedonia in the minibus that goes to bring the youth group, and Lalini, back. I will stay some days to complete my retreat begun in upstate New York! I'll add a prayer for our Netherlands Good Shepherd. I am aware there will be a number of familiar faces to rejoice in the 150 years of presence and to celebrate!
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
MIRJAM, MORAVA CLIMB AND ESTA!
25TH. AUGUST 2010 MIRJAM, MORAVA CLIMB AND ESTA!
Mirjam travelled via SLOVENIA,where she changed planes and was due in Frankfurt at 7.00p.m. Much later, she telephoned to say her plane could not land, due to very heavy rain, and they were diverted to another airport. We spoke with Sr. Gudula and we were relieved to get another call, well after midnight, to say Mirjam was then in a taxi en route to Frankfurt convent.
Yesterday, Lalini and a group of young people climbed Morava mountain to our landmark Cross. I went with them at 7.00a.m. for a mile or so, but had to return as I had an appointment at 9.00a.m. and, anyway, I had completed the climb in January.
In the afternoon I was in a shop downtown. A little girl I had often met on the road was there with her mother. They approached me and the mother requested I take Esta for English. She has had six years study in school but cannot speak yet! Today, Esta arrived punctually, with a friend. Both are 11 years and we had a nice session. I was doing the verb 'to be' and one phrase was 'I am happy'. When Esta spoke she said - " I am happy because now I can talk to you"! I think they will progress very quickly.
It is very hot here now - it must be 28 or 30 degrees at the very least. Sister Armelle has arrived in Ireland and I hope there is sunshine to greet her. Sister Monica, Argentina, emailed toady and it is very cold there. She sent photographs of our days at UN CEDAW.
Enjoy the holidays!
Mirjam travelled via SLOVENIA,where she changed planes and was due in Frankfurt at 7.00p.m. Much later, she telephoned to say her plane could not land, due to very heavy rain, and they were diverted to another airport. We spoke with Sr. Gudula and we were relieved to get another call, well after midnight, to say Mirjam was then in a taxi en route to Frankfurt convent.
Yesterday, Lalini and a group of young people climbed Morava mountain to our landmark Cross. I went with them at 7.00a.m. for a mile or so, but had to return as I had an appointment at 9.00a.m. and, anyway, I had completed the climb in January.
In the afternoon I was in a shop downtown. A little girl I had often met on the road was there with her mother. They approached me and the mother requested I take Esta for English. She has had six years study in school but cannot speak yet! Today, Esta arrived punctually, with a friend. Both are 11 years and we had a nice session. I was doing the verb 'to be' and one phrase was 'I am happy'. When Esta spoke she said - " I am happy because now I can talk to you"! I think they will progress very quickly.
It is very hot here now - it must be 28 or 30 degrees at the very least. Sister Armelle has arrived in Ireland and I hope there is sunshine to greet her. Sister Monica, Argentina, emailed toady and it is very cold there. She sent photographs of our days at UN CEDAW.
Enjoy the holidays!
Sunday, 22 August 2010
MALTESE MASS AND ORTHODOX WEDDING
22ND AUGUST 2010 MALTESE MASS AND ORTHODOX WEDDING
The past few days have brought a round of visiting and generally settling in - plus answering endless enquiries for "krahu tua" - my arm! Many are amazed its back to normal, thank God.
Ola was first on the list as I had attended the Gyne.Clinic and the Echo Test Centre with her each month. Now her baby boy is a month old and in great health.
We were invited to a wedding today. This meant we visited the family on Thursday evening. The groom's father is a Greek Orthodox priest, Prifti, and their house is very close to ours. It was full on Thursday evening, with lots of dancing. When we visited, luckily, a girl I had met when en route to Tirana, arrived at the same time. She was great and interpreted for us, explaining the customs. The wedding today was very beautiful - their Bishop did the ceremony assisted by more than eight priests. It took more than an hour. Both bride and groom are from here but live in the USA. We were happy to be included with the neighbours.
Last evening we had a surprise invitation to the Maltese house - a priest visiting in Tirana had arrived unexpectedly and would say Mass. We set off quickly! Then today, in our Church, he had no Italian Missal so he used English, with Albanian translation - to the surprise of the people and my delight!
Mirjam is all set now for an early start in the morning and I am ready to take up Albanian classes also tomorrow so life will be on an even keel again.
Have a good week!
The past few days have brought a round of visiting and generally settling in - plus answering endless enquiries for "krahu tua" - my arm! Many are amazed its back to normal, thank God.
Ola was first on the list as I had attended the Gyne.Clinic and the Echo Test Centre with her each month. Now her baby boy is a month old and in great health.
We were invited to a wedding today. This meant we visited the family on Thursday evening. The groom's father is a Greek Orthodox priest, Prifti, and their house is very close to ours. It was full on Thursday evening, with lots of dancing. When we visited, luckily, a girl I had met when en route to Tirana, arrived at the same time. She was great and interpreted for us, explaining the customs. The wedding today was very beautiful - their Bishop did the ceremony assisted by more than eight priests. It took more than an hour. Both bride and groom are from here but live in the USA. We were happy to be included with the neighbours.
Last evening we had a surprise invitation to the Maltese house - a priest visiting in Tirana had arrived unexpectedly and would say Mass. We set off quickly! Then today, in our Church, he had no Italian Missal so he used English, with Albanian translation - to the surprise of the people and my delight!
Mirjam is all set now for an early start in the morning and I am ready to take up Albanian classes also tomorrow so life will be on an even keel again.
Have a good week!
Thursday, 19 August 2010
BELFAST, KORCE AND MACEDONIA!
19TH AUGUST 2010 FEAST OF ST.JOHN EUDES. BELFAST, KORCE AND MACEDONIA!
All is well, thank God, since I left Belfast. In Tirana, two messages awaited me from the Albanians that were in New York. I did not accept the invitation to take coffee as I was anxious to get on the road early. I postponed the coffee until a time I'll be in Tirana for a meeting. As a result, I got here by 1.00p.m. Lalini and Mirjam had a great welcome for me and seemed especially pleased about my arm being back to normal. We had a great sharing at our evening meal of the highlights while I was in Ireland and New York. I was also glad to hear of developments in the ministry here and of plans to bring the young people to Orhid next month.
Today, we went to Macedonia for a planned commnity session with Fr. S. Kusan,S.J. As we were on the road this morning, Bishop Hil Kabashi telephoned to wish us a happy day for St. John Eudes. Much later in the day, we were really disappointed to hear that Fr. Kusan is changed and he will leave Orhid on the 1 October. Father will do similar work to Orhid, but in Sarijevo! That is a very long way from here! He will retain some ministry work in Bulgaria and so may be able to connect with us, but only rarely. We regret his change very much as he was doing trojan work in Orhid.
Amira has already left for Lebanon and Mirjam will leave for Germany on Monday next. Lalini and I will be here. I hope to take up the Shqip classes again on Monday next and get the CEDAW report completed before life gets too busy!
Have a great weekend!
All is well, thank God, since I left Belfast. In Tirana, two messages awaited me from the Albanians that were in New York. I did not accept the invitation to take coffee as I was anxious to get on the road early. I postponed the coffee until a time I'll be in Tirana for a meeting. As a result, I got here by 1.00p.m. Lalini and Mirjam had a great welcome for me and seemed especially pleased about my arm being back to normal. We had a great sharing at our evening meal of the highlights while I was in Ireland and New York. I was also glad to hear of developments in the ministry here and of plans to bring the young people to Orhid next month.
Today, we went to Macedonia for a planned commnity session with Fr. S. Kusan,S.J. As we were on the road this morning, Bishop Hil Kabashi telephoned to wish us a happy day for St. John Eudes. Much later in the day, we were really disappointed to hear that Fr. Kusan is changed and he will leave Orhid on the 1 October. Father will do similar work to Orhid, but in Sarijevo! That is a very long way from here! He will retain some ministry work in Bulgaria and so may be able to connect with us, but only rarely. We regret his change very much as he was doing trojan work in Orhid.
Amira has already left for Lebanon and Mirjam will leave for Germany on Monday next. Lalini and I will be here. I hope to take up the Shqip classes again on Monday next and get the CEDAW report completed before life gets too busy!
Have a great weekend!
Sunday, 15 August 2010
PHYSIOTHERAPY AND A GOLDEN JUBILEE!
15th AUGUST 2010 PHYSIOTHERAPY AND A GOLDEN JUBILEE!
A week of physiotherapy has sped by and my arm has responded well to the treatment. I am so glad it's back to normal, thank God.
During the week there was much preparation for Sr. Anne O'Byrne's Golden Day. In fact, we enjoyed 'Calefornian' weather for her celebration yesterday - acording to her brother, John! As well as Anne's family, we had a good number of visiting Sisters for the weekend. Today, we went to the Benedictine Monastery at Rostrevor for their Eucharistic Liturgy. Afterwards, having shared a meal, a few of our visitors began their return journey home. We now have six visitors here - I was delighted to meet so many from the other houses. I had hoped to visit but had not got time to do so.
Tomorrow, following my visit to the Fracture Clinic, I'll prepare for an early departure on Tuesday morning. As I have to take three planes I'll not reach Tirana till 11.30p.m. so it will be a long day. I am looking forward to seeing Lalini and Mirjam on Wednesday.
A week of physiotherapy has sped by and my arm has responded well to the treatment. I am so glad it's back to normal, thank God.
During the week there was much preparation for Sr. Anne O'Byrne's Golden Day. In fact, we enjoyed 'Calefornian' weather for her celebration yesterday - acording to her brother, John! As well as Anne's family, we had a good number of visiting Sisters for the weekend. Today, we went to the Benedictine Monastery at Rostrevor for their Eucharistic Liturgy. Afterwards, having shared a meal, a few of our visitors began their return journey home. We now have six visitors here - I was delighted to meet so many from the other houses. I had hoped to visit but had not got time to do so.
Tomorrow, following my visit to the Fracture Clinic, I'll prepare for an early departure on Tuesday morning. As I have to take three planes I'll not reach Tirana till 11.30p.m. so it will be a long day. I am looking forward to seeing Lalini and Mirjam on Wednesday.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
SINGAPORE WEDDING, DUBLIN HORSE SHOW!
7TH. AUGUST 2010 SINGAPORE WEDDING, DUBLIN HORSE SHOW!
This is a little Dublin-flavoured entry! Bernie and I returned yesterday from a super holiday, with excellent weather, in Inchydoney. As we met members of the family there, conversation mostly revolved around Tony's engagement, with exciting plans for his wedding! Long haul trips to Singapore are already being booked - there will be quite an exodus - with six members of Kevin's family already on the list for Tony's Big Day in November! Elma hopes to travel with Joe and also, Clare and Paul. Colette and Jim will travel out a week earlier. I had already declined the invitation to make the journey and said I will be happy, please God, with a video and photos!
Just now we have enjoyed the Dublin Horse Show Puissance with Venzuelan and Irish horses competing right down to the exciting Finale. There was a tie and joint-First place was shared, with both National Anthems being played before the prizegiving.
Tomorrow, I return to Belfast to begin a week of physiotherapy. Thank God my arm has been trouble-free and is back to normal for the past few weeks.
Have a great weekend - lots of Good Shepherds on the move as the Angers 'Journey' is also completed!
This is a little Dublin-flavoured entry! Bernie and I returned yesterday from a super holiday, with excellent weather, in Inchydoney. As we met members of the family there, conversation mostly revolved around Tony's engagement, with exciting plans for his wedding! Long haul trips to Singapore are already being booked - there will be quite an exodus - with six members of Kevin's family already on the list for Tony's Big Day in November! Elma hopes to travel with Joe and also, Clare and Paul. Colette and Jim will travel out a week earlier. I had already declined the invitation to make the journey and said I will be happy, please God, with a video and photos!
Just now we have enjoyed the Dublin Horse Show Puissance with Venzuelan and Irish horses competing right down to the exciting Finale. There was a tie and joint-First place was shared, with both National Anthems being played before the prizegiving.
Tomorrow, I return to Belfast to begin a week of physiotherapy. Thank God my arm has been trouble-free and is back to normal for the past few weeks.
Have a great weekend - lots of Good Shepherds on the move as the Angers 'Journey' is also completed!
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