3RD. JUNE 2011 VISITORS LEAVE AND IRELAND BECKONS!
Late this evening, we said "Goodbye" to our visitors - Sisters Susan and Daniela! The
few days since they arrived have passed so quickly! We were glad they managed to visit Pogradec and see our work there. Here, they also managed to meet some of the locals. In Albania, people tend to just arrive at the door, sometimes at most unsuitable times!!! They want to ensure that visitors know they are really welcome!
Earlier, it seemed a very good idea that I would travel on the same day as our visitors. Now, I am not so sure, especially as my plane leaves first! Anyway, it will all work out, please God. I have a long day Our travel agent has brought me into Dublin, rather than Belfast, in spite of my protests!! That means a long bus run late in the evening.
So, I will be in touch again from the Emerald Isle. Our 'Sacred Space' book had a nice thought a day or two ago. "We need to visit each other often, to offer each other a safe space to celebrate our freedom and our gifts." It seems to me I will make many visits over the coming weeks! I was glad to hear this evening that the summer weather continues!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, 3 June 2011
Monday, 30 May 2011
SPECIAL SURPRISE VISITOR TO OUR HOME!!
30th. MAY 2011 SPECIAL SURPRISE VISITOR TO OUR HOME!!
A telephone call on Friday afternoon, informed us that our Papal Nuncio, Mons. Ramiro Moliner Ingles, would be in Korce on Saturday and would visit us. We felt really privileged as this was his first visit to Korce. He was meeting with the Orthodox Bishop.
In the late afternoon, Mons. arrived here and was shortly joined by two companions. There were three of us, as Amira had been working in Pogradec and got back just in nice time to meet the visitors. The Papal Nuncio is Spanish. He very simply entered our reality and we had a very encouraging discussion. Previously, he had been Nuncio in Ethiopia, Venzuela and Papua New Guinea. He seemed to know our Sisters and our work focus from the first two countries.
As they were leaving, we walked with them to the site of the old Catholic Church, now home to four families. The visitors had asked to see it and hear a little of its history.
Yesterday, we were a little surprised that we had no Mass for a second Sunday in a row. This was unusual so early in the Summer.
Mirjam has just been in touch from Rome. She even managed a few photos too!
Enjoy the week!
A telephone call on Friday afternoon, informed us that our Papal Nuncio, Mons. Ramiro Moliner Ingles, would be in Korce on Saturday and would visit us. We felt really privileged as this was his first visit to Korce. He was meeting with the Orthodox Bishop.
In the late afternoon, Mons. arrived here and was shortly joined by two companions. There were three of us, as Amira had been working in Pogradec and got back just in nice time to meet the visitors. The Papal Nuncio is Spanish. He very simply entered our reality and we had a very encouraging discussion. Previously, he had been Nuncio in Ethiopia, Venzuela and Papua New Guinea. He seemed to know our Sisters and our work focus from the first two countries.
As they were leaving, we walked with them to the site of the old Catholic Church, now home to four families. The visitors had asked to see it and hear a little of its history.
Yesterday, we were a little surprised that we had no Mass for a second Sunday in a row. This was unusual so early in the Summer.
Mirjam has just been in touch from Rome. She even managed a few photos too!
Enjoy the week!
Friday, 27 May 2011
LAKROR, 'S'KA PROBLEM', TWO TRAVELLERS!
27th. MAY 2011 LAKROR,S'KA PROBLEM,TWO TRAVELLERS!
Last Saturday, Bea, our landlady, came here to make Lakror - a traditional dish in Korce. It is a savoury tart, with leeks, eggs and yoghurt. I had been asked to supply a local recipe for a booklet and wanted to see my choice made traditionally. It was a great success, more complicated than I had anticipated, and was enjoyed by all.
I went to Tirana on Monday and was surprised to see police everywhere, standing shoulder-to shoulder, with people gathered behind them. The elections of a few weeks ago are not fully finished yet! I asked a policeman what was the problem? He was amazed and said at once - "S'ka problem" or "No problem" which is a daily expression here.
On Tuesday, I was returning from the Post Office, when a thief pulled hard at my little bag. It has a shoulder strap so I was pulled to the ground. A trip to the hospital followed and great care, so I got sorted. A second example of "S'ka problem"!
Mirjam left on Wednesday for her session with young women in Tirana. Then, she was due to lead our URAT meeting on Thursday. Later, she left for a two day conference in Rome. Lalini is due to return this evening. She will be glad to get back as her task in Brussels took far longer than she had expected.
And now, it is almost time to welcome Sisters Susan and Daniela!
Every joy and blessing to each one for the weekend.
Last Saturday, Bea, our landlady, came here to make Lakror - a traditional dish in Korce. It is a savoury tart, with leeks, eggs and yoghurt. I had been asked to supply a local recipe for a booklet and wanted to see my choice made traditionally. It was a great success, more complicated than I had anticipated, and was enjoyed by all.
I went to Tirana on Monday and was surprised to see police everywhere, standing shoulder-to shoulder, with people gathered behind them. The elections of a few weeks ago are not fully finished yet! I asked a policeman what was the problem? He was amazed and said at once - "S'ka problem" or "No problem" which is a daily expression here.
On Tuesday, I was returning from the Post Office, when a thief pulled hard at my little bag. It has a shoulder strap so I was pulled to the ground. A trip to the hospital followed and great care, so I got sorted. A second example of "S'ka problem"!
Mirjam left on Wednesday for her session with young women in Tirana. Then, she was due to lead our URAT meeting on Thursday. Later, she left for a two day conference in Rome. Lalini is due to return this evening. She will be glad to get back as her task in Brussels took far longer than she had expected.
And now, it is almost time to welcome Sisters Susan and Daniela!
Every joy and blessing to each one for the weekend.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
GOD OF SURPRISES WAS BUSY!!
19TH. MAY 2011 GOD OF SURPRISES WAS BUSY!!
We have had a few days of surprises!!
On Monday evening, a visiting Maltese priest celebrated Mass at our Church Service time. Afterwards, Charlie said we could expect a visit from a Vincentian priest on Tuesday. HE WAS COMING WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP A NEW FOUNDATION. We could not
"believe our ears"! Fr.Giovanni duly arrived. He is a fine priest, who has spent 25 years in Madagascar. He is now Regional Superior of the Vincentian/Lazarist house in north Albania. After Mass, he came to our house for an hour. Then we joined our Maltese brothers as all were invited to evening meal with the Sisters at Bilisht. We talked out the possibilities. Yesterday, Mirjam showed Father our ministry in Pogradec. He is most interested. They have six seminarians; and one priest ready for mission. Dialogue and decisions will now follow; the final decision will be taken by their three regions in Italy. Father has not yet met our Bishop. His visit was as a result of discussion with our Papal Nuncio.
Then, a telephone call last evening brought news that two priests would come today from Lezje, which is north of Tirana. They said they would confirm. No call came and we concluded it would not happen. At 1.45p.m. today, a call told us they would arrive at 2.00p.m. Two priests, one, Peruvian and the other, Italian. Both are priests of the Institute of the Incarnate Word. We had Mass and after, celebrated the Birthday of one with tea and fresh scones!! Later, Mirjam and I went with them to our mountain, Morava. We climbed to the Cross and then went to the little icon chapel. They left really happy with their visit.
We are just amazed at the surprises of the week. We are very hopeful that Fr. Giovanni's visit is the beginning of a new development in this area. We were so surprised to hear him say -"My congregation has already spent 6 years in Korce! That was way back from 1936 to 1942. So, this area is already part of their history!
As I wrote the last sentence, Lalini telephoned. No sign yet of her return to Korce. We plan to attend the Preca College end-of-year Prizegiving tomorrow. We are looking forward to the event.
Have a great weekend. By the way, when I opened the computer to complete the blog,I enjoyed a Slide Show of Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland. It seems to be going very well, thank God.
We have had a few days of surprises!!
On Monday evening, a visiting Maltese priest celebrated Mass at our Church Service time. Afterwards, Charlie said we could expect a visit from a Vincentian priest on Tuesday. HE WAS COMING WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP A NEW FOUNDATION. We could not
"believe our ears"! Fr.Giovanni duly arrived. He is a fine priest, who has spent 25 years in Madagascar. He is now Regional Superior of the Vincentian/Lazarist house in north Albania. After Mass, he came to our house for an hour. Then we joined our Maltese brothers as all were invited to evening meal with the Sisters at Bilisht. We talked out the possibilities. Yesterday, Mirjam showed Father our ministry in Pogradec. He is most interested. They have six seminarians; and one priest ready for mission. Dialogue and decisions will now follow; the final decision will be taken by their three regions in Italy. Father has not yet met our Bishop. His visit was as a result of discussion with our Papal Nuncio.
Then, a telephone call last evening brought news that two priests would come today from Lezje, which is north of Tirana. They said they would confirm. No call came and we concluded it would not happen. At 1.45p.m. today, a call told us they would arrive at 2.00p.m. Two priests, one, Peruvian and the other, Italian. Both are priests of the Institute of the Incarnate Word. We had Mass and after, celebrated the Birthday of one with tea and fresh scones!! Later, Mirjam and I went with them to our mountain, Morava. We climbed to the Cross and then went to the little icon chapel. They left really happy with their visit.
We are just amazed at the surprises of the week. We are very hopeful that Fr. Giovanni's visit is the beginning of a new development in this area. We were so surprised to hear him say -"My congregation has already spent 6 years in Korce! That was way back from 1936 to 1942. So, this area is already part of their history!
As I wrote the last sentence, Lalini telephoned. No sign yet of her return to Korce. We plan to attend the Preca College end-of-year Prizegiving tomorrow. We are looking forward to the event.
Have a great weekend. By the way, when I opened the computer to complete the blog,I enjoyed a Slide Show of Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland. It seems to be going very well, thank God.
Monday, 16 May 2011
FLORINA, PRESPA, BISHOP AND PEACE CORPS.
16TH. MAY 2011 FLORINA, PRESPA, BISHOP AND PEACE CORPS.
On Thursday, we had a very good day. We spent the morning in Florina, our nearest city, in Greece. It's a tourist area in the mountains, hosting mainly, Germans. All speak a little English. In the afternoon, we returned by Prespa, a lake of beauty and great scenery. It is shared by three countries - Greece, Macedonia and Albania. As we went by the Greek road, we had to return the same way - no round trip!
A telephone call on Friday evening told us that our Bishop would come to Pogradec on Saturday and here for Mass yesterday. We invited him to eat with us. He was very pleased with Mirjam and Amira's grasp of Shqip, when he visited them while they worked with the children, 10.00a.m.-5.00p.m. on Saturday.
Today, I was at the Polyclinic twice, with Ola, our neighbour and her 10 month old son, Thanassi. Our second visit was for an injection. Ola disappeared and I was left with the baby to "face the music"! Thank God, all went well.
As I write, there was a telephone call from the Peace Corp. who are visiting Korce. They brought clothing that Lalini may use for the Roma families.
I now go to view an apartment for a woman who is out of house because of domestic violence.
This is a day that hopefully will finish in time for Church at 5.30p.m. All the very best for the week!
On Thursday, we had a very good day. We spent the morning in Florina, our nearest city, in Greece. It's a tourist area in the mountains, hosting mainly, Germans. All speak a little English. In the afternoon, we returned by Prespa, a lake of beauty and great scenery. It is shared by three countries - Greece, Macedonia and Albania. As we went by the Greek road, we had to return the same way - no round trip!
A telephone call on Friday evening told us that our Bishop would come to Pogradec on Saturday and here for Mass yesterday. We invited him to eat with us. He was very pleased with Mirjam and Amira's grasp of Shqip, when he visited them while they worked with the children, 10.00a.m.-5.00p.m. on Saturday.
Today, I was at the Polyclinic twice, with Ola, our neighbour and her 10 month old son, Thanassi. Our second visit was for an injection. Ola disappeared and I was left with the baby to "face the music"! Thank God, all went well.
As I write, there was a telephone call from the Peace Corp. who are visiting Korce. They brought clothing that Lalini may use for the Roma families.
I now go to view an apartment for a woman who is out of house because of domestic violence.
This is a day that hopefully will finish in time for Church at 5.30p.m. All the very best for the week!
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
FIREWORKS, KORCE AND HAPPY FEAST!
11TH. MAY 2011. FIREWORKS, KORCE AND HAPPY FEAST!
Last night we had two power cuts between 9.00 and 10.00p.m. Then, well after midnight, a very noisy fireworks display heralded the election count was over. The present incumbent will continue in office! Nationally, I have not yet caught up on the results.
Yesterday, an 'emailer' from Cork said she was particularly reminded of us this week since the Angers focus is on Germany-Albania. Thank God, all is well here and each day is full. Mirjam has had a busy week in Tirana. She was working on an art project, for UN Geneva, with the young women's group there. She will return this evening. Amira is happy as she has got her Visa; this means no travel worries up to the end of October. And I also collected my residency papers!
As we approach Good Shepherd Sunday, we have planned a Community Day for tomorrow. All good wishes to each one for the feast and have a great weekend.
Last night we had two power cuts between 9.00 and 10.00p.m. Then, well after midnight, a very noisy fireworks display heralded the election count was over. The present incumbent will continue in office! Nationally, I have not yet caught up on the results.
Yesterday, an 'emailer' from Cork said she was particularly reminded of us this week since the Angers focus is on Germany-Albania. Thank God, all is well here and each day is full. Mirjam has had a busy week in Tirana. She was working on an art project, for UN Geneva, with the young women's group there. She will return this evening. Amira is happy as she has got her Visa; this means no travel worries up to the end of October. And I also collected my residency papers!
As we approach Good Shepherd Sunday, we have planned a Community Day for tomorrow. All good wishes to each one for the feast and have a great weekend.
Friday, 6 May 2011
TRENI, CONCERT, WOMEN'S GROUP, ELECTION
6TH.MAY 2011 TRENI, CONCERT, WOMEN'S GROUP, ELECTION
Ana, our Albanian teacher, surprised us last weekend! She goes to relatives in Greece for a month, leaving on Monday next. She had invited us to her home in Treni village, many times, to meet her parents. Somehow, we could not find a day when the four of us were free. So, on Sunday last, Lalini and I went with her, met her parents and had lunch in her home. Her village is only half an hour away, with mountains on three sides! Her parents were very happy that we came. We had planned an afternoon visit to a cave but a thunderstorm cancelled that and we returned early.
On Sunday evening, our little neighbour, Xhoana, was dancing in a concert so Bea and I went along to support her delighted mother, Ola. I also went with them to the Women's Group on Wednesday and of course we brought the baby, Thanassi, too!! I really loved the meeting held for the women who come to church and it was led by Maltese Laurence.
Yesterday, I was at Fan Noli University for a two-hour session on Dialects! A South African, Afrikaans Minister, in one of the smaller evangelical churches, Maltese Lawrence and I shared a little about our countries. This was mainly for the students to hear our different 'foeign' accents! We were open to questions. The lecturer was very pleased , even though I felt I could have been better prepared!
Election fever is reaching its height here, - voting is on Sunday. Open-air concerts, fireworks, and even more roads dug up! All the work is begun but the outcome of Sunday will determine if the work will be finished! I was to go to Immigration today but postponed it to Tuesday next as my day is full. Tomi was glad as the election work is keeping the police busy too.
I am sure a number of Good Shepherds will travel to Ireland this evening with Sr. Lucina RIP. Three of us here knew her as she had been involved in Sharing Fair over the years. Also, with Lys Marie at the time Sr. Evelyn came. I am sure Sister Catherine Hughes and others will be in Dunleer too.
Have a nice weekend - every blessing!
Ana, our Albanian teacher, surprised us last weekend! She goes to relatives in Greece for a month, leaving on Monday next. She had invited us to her home in Treni village, many times, to meet her parents. Somehow, we could not find a day when the four of us were free. So, on Sunday last, Lalini and I went with her, met her parents and had lunch in her home. Her village is only half an hour away, with mountains on three sides! Her parents were very happy that we came. We had planned an afternoon visit to a cave but a thunderstorm cancelled that and we returned early.
On Sunday evening, our little neighbour, Xhoana, was dancing in a concert so Bea and I went along to support her delighted mother, Ola. I also went with them to the Women's Group on Wednesday and of course we brought the baby, Thanassi, too!! I really loved the meeting held for the women who come to church and it was led by Maltese Laurence.
Yesterday, I was at Fan Noli University for a two-hour session on Dialects! A South African, Afrikaans Minister, in one of the smaller evangelical churches, Maltese Lawrence and I shared a little about our countries. This was mainly for the students to hear our different 'foeign' accents! We were open to questions. The lecturer was very pleased , even though I felt I could have been better prepared!
Election fever is reaching its height here, - voting is on Sunday. Open-air concerts, fireworks, and even more roads dug up! All the work is begun but the outcome of Sunday will determine if the work will be finished! I was to go to Immigration today but postponed it to Tuesday next as my day is full. Tomi was glad as the election work is keeping the police busy too.
I am sure a number of Good Shepherds will travel to Ireland this evening with Sr. Lucina RIP. Three of us here knew her as she had been involved in Sharing Fair over the years. Also, with Lys Marie at the time Sr. Evelyn came. I am sure Sister Catherine Hughes and others will be in Dunleer too.
Have a nice weekend - every blessing!
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