26 NOVEMBER 2011 THANKSGIVING DAY AND ADVENT ARRIVES!
Focus on Thanksgiving Day was greater, it seemed to me, this year than previously. For me, personally, there were three good reasons to take the day literally! First, the morning post - a rarity in itself, brought a letter that had been forwarded from Belfast. It was from Mary McAleese! A collection of significant photographs, 18 in all, beginning with her inaugration as President, and going through her 14 years in office, was indeed a delightful souvenir. Its front page with "Mile Buiochas - Thank you"fitted in very nicely with Thanksgiving Day. Inside, she thanked graciously for "the many ways in which" we had supported her and for the generosity of our friendship over those years.
Secondly, I was surprised to receive a response to a greeting I had sent earlier that morning. Sister Brigid Lawlor, our Superior General, replied so promptly, telling that she was celebrating in America - while en route to Japan!
Then, thirdly, I had accepted a "mysterious invitation" to "drink Raki" in the evening. I had wondered however, how a non-alcohol drinker would cope when faced with this strong "poteen-like" potion! In fact, the invitation turned out to be a delightful invitation to dinner. This was at a newly-opened reataurant in a nearby beautiful old building. The lovely meal was served close to a fine log fire and, there was not a sign of the dreaded Raki!!! It was a special moment of Thanksgiving!
So, with so much thanksgiving around, I feel ready for Advent. Mirjam already has the Advent wreath and flowers in place. It has come so early this year. It is also a good hint to me to gather myself to think about making a start on Christmas mail. I had already posted by this date last year. I console myself saying they arrived a little too early!!
Enjoy the weekend - there are two school holidays on Monday and Tuesday. We expect a visitor from Germany mid-week, so it is never a dull moment here!
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
VOW RENEWAL, LIFE GALLERY, THANKSGIVING!!
24 NOVEMBER 2011 VOW RENEWAL, LIFE GALLERY, THANKSGIVING!
On Wednesday lasr, our monthly meeting for the women was led by Charlie and it was well attended. At the weekend, a few of us made a quiet day and had our Renewal of Vows during Sunday Evening Prayer as three Sisters were away on Monday.
Ana continues to come for Albanian class. Beginning this week, she is employed in the afternoons and evenings at a new Five Star Hotel that has opened in the city centre. They need someone with English. She is very happy about this. She awaits results about two posts for which she has applied. Employment is very slow all over the country.
Yesterday, we had a visit from Pattie and Laurie, two Peace Corps. volunteers. Pattie had been referred by our friend of last year, Mike, as she is interested in the issue of Anti-Trafficking. Laurie is involved in tourism. We were very happy to welcome them to lunch with us and we hope to have ongoing contct.
Here, the weather has turned quite cold and people say - "The snow is near!" There is no trace of it these days and, on the whole, it is cold and dry, good for this time of the year!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I would like to wish all Americans a great day, especially those away from home! This includes Sisters Brigid and Yvette and maybe others at the Generalate whom I have not met! Also, Catherine and Mike, probably back in Idaho, and those who have gone to America to celebrate with family. I can include here the five Brice Corkonians who went out at the weekend! A joyful and blessed day to each and all.
On Wednesday lasr, our monthly meeting for the women was led by Charlie and it was well attended. At the weekend, a few of us made a quiet day and had our Renewal of Vows during Sunday Evening Prayer as three Sisters were away on Monday.
Ana continues to come for Albanian class. Beginning this week, she is employed in the afternoons and evenings at a new Five Star Hotel that has opened in the city centre. They need someone with English. She is very happy about this. She awaits results about two posts for which she has applied. Employment is very slow all over the country.
Yesterday, we had a visit from Pattie and Laurie, two Peace Corps. volunteers. Pattie had been referred by our friend of last year, Mike, as she is interested in the issue of Anti-Trafficking. Laurie is involved in tourism. We were very happy to welcome them to lunch with us and we hope to have ongoing contct.
Here, the weather has turned quite cold and people say - "The snow is near!" There is no trace of it these days and, on the whole, it is cold and dry, good for this time of the year!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I would like to wish all Americans a great day, especially those away from home! This includes Sisters Brigid and Yvette and maybe others at the Generalate whom I have not met! Also, Catherine and Mike, probably back in Idaho, and those who have gone to America to celebrate with family. I can include here the five Brice Corkonians who went out at the weekend! A joyful and blessed day to each and all.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
ELBASON, COURT PROCESS AND BREGLUMAS!
17 NOVEMEBR 2011 ELBASON, COURT PROCESS AND BREGLUMAS!
Lalini and I went to Elbason on Monday. Lalini went to work with the women at the shelter house for the day. I met with the Manager of the home for young people. We discussed future plans for the boy in care. In addition, Skerdi, home Manager, will send me details of the professional at Social Services, here in Korce, who has contact with the family. They live quite a distance outside the city boundary. The journey was most worthwhile. Tomorrow, I will meet with the advocate - she wants to share details of the Court Process of this case as it was only completed yesterday.
On Tuesday, three of us left early for Tirana. Lalini went to a meeting concerning young adults at the University. The Nuncio spoke and all was in Italian! Mirjam and I attended the URAT meeting and we had a more local flavour. I was Chair of our meeting and our group included Sisters from Albania, Spain, Italy, England, Germany, Brazil and Ireland!! With the help of a young Albanian Sister, we managed the meeting smoothly, using Spanish, Italian, English and Shqip!! Great variety. Our meeting was held at the Dominican convent in a suburb of Tirana. Breglumas has a population of about 6,000 and the convent had a glorious view of the mountains. I did not see any river - "lumas" means river - even though I watched out for water!
Next Monday is the 21. We have a plan to renew our Vows on Sunday evening at a special Evening Prayer. We will not be together on Monday.
Have a great weekend and every blessing on the coming week!
Lalini and I went to Elbason on Monday. Lalini went to work with the women at the shelter house for the day. I met with the Manager of the home for young people. We discussed future plans for the boy in care. In addition, Skerdi, home Manager, will send me details of the professional at Social Services, here in Korce, who has contact with the family. They live quite a distance outside the city boundary. The journey was most worthwhile. Tomorrow, I will meet with the advocate - she wants to share details of the Court Process of this case as it was only completed yesterday.
On Tuesday, three of us left early for Tirana. Lalini went to a meeting concerning young adults at the University. The Nuncio spoke and all was in Italian! Mirjam and I attended the URAT meeting and we had a more local flavour. I was Chair of our meeting and our group included Sisters from Albania, Spain, Italy, England, Germany, Brazil and Ireland!! With the help of a young Albanian Sister, we managed the meeting smoothly, using Spanish, Italian, English and Shqip!! Great variety. Our meeting was held at the Dominican convent in a suburb of Tirana. Breglumas has a population of about 6,000 and the convent had a glorious view of the mountains. I did not see any river - "lumas" means river - even though I watched out for water!
Next Monday is the 21. We have a plan to renew our Vows on Sunday evening at a special Evening Prayer. We will not be together on Monday.
Have a great weekend and every blessing on the coming week!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
RECIPE BOOK, HONORARY CITIZEN, CULTURE!
10 NOVEMBER 2011 RECIPE BOOK, HONORARY CITIZEN, CULTURE!
Two items from last week! Renate sent a copy of the Cookery Book completed as a souvenir of the Krakow Conference. It is really a novel idea. Each participant - and lecturers too - gave local recipes. Then, each person had a page with their photo and contact details, plus the recipe and often, a photo of the completed dish that they had chosen as well! I thougth for a moment of inserting a picture of Lakror/Byrek, which was my choice, after this entry. However, I have reconsidered the idea for the moment!
The other item I omitted was of quite major importance! On the day after the visit of the Maltese group here, Charlie got a surprise! The City Council had a ceremony naming him as an "Honorable Citizen". This is quite a rare event and it brought great honour to the delighted staff of Preca College, to the Society Provincial Superior who happened to be here for his first visit, and to the other Society members here.
On Tuesday I went to Preca College to meet with David. I needed his help with the material I had prepared for a session on Irish Culture! We worked for more than an hour and David completed a powerpoint and three video snippets! These were an invaluable support to the session. I should rather say sessions! I discovered that there are three sets of First Year students so I gave the 40 minute session three times, beginning at 8.00a.m. The three video snippets of music were wonderful and I finished with the Irish blessing - "May the road rise to meet you".
There is nothing else strange from here. While completing this entry we had a total powercut for 5-10 minutes. Thank God, all is well again!
Enjoy the weekend. I am sure Ireland will be en fete tomorrow for the installation of its new President. Let us hope and pray his term will be marked with Christian values that will enhance the country.
Two items from last week! Renate sent a copy of the Cookery Book completed as a souvenir of the Krakow Conference. It is really a novel idea. Each participant - and lecturers too - gave local recipes. Then, each person had a page with their photo and contact details, plus the recipe and often, a photo of the completed dish that they had chosen as well! I thougth for a moment of inserting a picture of Lakror/Byrek, which was my choice, after this entry. However, I have reconsidered the idea for the moment!
The other item I omitted was of quite major importance! On the day after the visit of the Maltese group here, Charlie got a surprise! The City Council had a ceremony naming him as an "Honorable Citizen". This is quite a rare event and it brought great honour to the delighted staff of Preca College, to the Society Provincial Superior who happened to be here for his first visit, and to the other Society members here.
On Tuesday I went to Preca College to meet with David. I needed his help with the material I had prepared for a session on Irish Culture! We worked for more than an hour and David completed a powerpoint and three video snippets! These were an invaluable support to the session. I should rather say sessions! I discovered that there are three sets of First Year students so I gave the 40 minute session three times, beginning at 8.00a.m. The three video snippets of music were wonderful and I finished with the Irish blessing - "May the road rise to meet you".
There is nothing else strange from here. While completing this entry we had a total powercut for 5-10 minutes. Thank God, all is well again!
Enjoy the weekend. I am sure Ireland will be en fete tomorrow for the installation of its new President. Let us hope and pray his term will be marked with Christian values that will enhance the country.
Monday, 7 November 2011
MALTESE VISITORS, CONCERT, M.P SEMINAR!
7 NOVEMBER 2011 MALTESE VISITORS, CONCERT, M.P. SEMINAR.
On Wednesday last, our four Maltese friends with their Provincial, came to dinner. We all enjoyed a very relaxed evening together.
My English students continue, and on Friday evening a student session was followed by a concert. This was at our nearby Palais Kulture. The singer was a German soprano, Caroline Merz. She was accompanied by an Albanian pianist. We really enjoyed it all. I was surprised, when told after Church on Sunday, that my friend and I had been on local television. We looked as though we understood everything, - even though all was in German!
On Saturday, Lalini and I attended the Annual Seminar organised by the Mary Potter Hospice. About 180-200 persons attended. The input of only about 10 minutes was followed by about 40 minutes of questions. It was given by a well-known Oncologist Professor from Tirana. The Hospice Director, Irena, was delighted to welcome us. I again promised to go along for voluntary work as soon as I can free myself a little.
Sisters Mirjam and Amira arrived back very tired on Saturday. They welcomed news that we would have Mass on Sunday afternoon. I was cook, and so informed all that Sunday was Feast of the Irish Saints! I accompanied the information with some festive Irish touches!!
Lalini made plans today in Elbason for her work with the women. I plan to travel down on Monday next to sort out my own involvement with the young person with whom I will work.
All the best for the week - and every blessing on Ireland's new President on Friday next!
On Wednesday last, our four Maltese friends with their Provincial, came to dinner. We all enjoyed a very relaxed evening together.
My English students continue, and on Friday evening a student session was followed by a concert. This was at our nearby Palais Kulture. The singer was a German soprano, Caroline Merz. She was accompanied by an Albanian pianist. We really enjoyed it all. I was surprised, when told after Church on Sunday, that my friend and I had been on local television. We looked as though we understood everything, - even though all was in German!
On Saturday, Lalini and I attended the Annual Seminar organised by the Mary Potter Hospice. About 180-200 persons attended. The input of only about 10 minutes was followed by about 40 minutes of questions. It was given by a well-known Oncologist Professor from Tirana. The Hospice Director, Irena, was delighted to welcome us. I again promised to go along for voluntary work as soon as I can free myself a little.
Sisters Mirjam and Amira arrived back very tired on Saturday. They welcomed news that we would have Mass on Sunday afternoon. I was cook, and so informed all that Sunday was Feast of the Irish Saints! I accompanied the information with some festive Irish touches!!
Lalini made plans today in Elbason for her work with the women. I plan to travel down on Monday next to sort out my own involvement with the young person with whom I will work.
All the best for the week - and every blessing on Ireland's new President on Friday next!
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
PRECA, ART, ELDA, ELSBASON AND ALL SAINTS
1 NOVEMBER 2011 PRECA, ART, ELDA, ELBASON AND ALL SAINTS.
Since Wednesday, I have been busy, catching up with computer work following meetings, attending an evening at Preca College, then an Art Exhibition, going out to tea and, not least, having an amazing research day yesterday!
At Preca, on Thursday afternoon, Rainer presented the outcome of a survey he had carried out in co-operation with statutory groups - the City Council and Education. This work was on "Teenage use of the Internet". Judging by the attendance - at 5.00p.m.,teachers consider it of importance. Of course it was in Albanian, presented in a very clear powerpoint. I was glad to see how interested all were in the findings and there was high praise for Rainer for completing the survey.
On Friday evening, I was invited to an Art Exhibition in the nearby Cultural Centre. This was special as the paintings had all been completed here in the City Park during a two week period in the Summer. I was glad to see it as I had missed seeing the actual work being done. About 30 well-known artists take part in this annual event. On Friday evening they were all on hand, with their paintings. I was introduced to a number of them, by Marieta, who knew them all! Their work was quite excellent.
Yesterday, Lalini and I went to Elbason. Our visit was arranged over the past few weeks and now, it related very much to a decision made with Sr. Daniela, to research ministry possibilities. The organisation we went to see has an amazing range of services. In addition the Director and staff were open, welcoming and very happy to have our support. They have a house similar to the one where Mirjam did a placement in Tirana, a Day Centre for Women, a Children's Home for damaged and abused children, an After Schools Club and a marvelous Youth Centre, complete with computer suite, cinema and even a recording studio that is very popular with the teenagers! I hope to work with the Case Manager of a very traumatized young person with whose case I am familiar through an advocate. Further involvement I will have to leave for some weeks until I can rearrange some commitments here. Lalini may make plans for some work much sooner. The work and ethos is very close to our charism.
This morning Mirjam and Amira left - they are going further afield for a few days and they too will look at ministry opportunities. We expect them to return on Friday, please God.
As I came down the road later in the morning, I met an Orthodox priest, wearing an elaborate stole and armed with Holy Water and palm. So, over he came, and gave me a special Blessing which was for All Saints/All Souls.
Looking back over the title, I realize I did not mention going out to tea!! Lalini and I were invited by the local pharmacist who is a friend of my 'student' Marieta. It was very enjoyable - Elda lived in Canada, with her husband for five years, but was too lonely for Korce and had to return!!
Enjoy the rest of All Saints Day and the week!
Since Wednesday, I have been busy, catching up with computer work following meetings, attending an evening at Preca College, then an Art Exhibition, going out to tea and, not least, having an amazing research day yesterday!
At Preca, on Thursday afternoon, Rainer presented the outcome of a survey he had carried out in co-operation with statutory groups - the City Council and Education. This work was on "Teenage use of the Internet". Judging by the attendance - at 5.00p.m.,teachers consider it of importance. Of course it was in Albanian, presented in a very clear powerpoint. I was glad to see how interested all were in the findings and there was high praise for Rainer for completing the survey.
On Friday evening, I was invited to an Art Exhibition in the nearby Cultural Centre. This was special as the paintings had all been completed here in the City Park during a two week period in the Summer. I was glad to see it as I had missed seeing the actual work being done. About 30 well-known artists take part in this annual event. On Friday evening they were all on hand, with their paintings. I was introduced to a number of them, by Marieta, who knew them all! Their work was quite excellent.
Yesterday, Lalini and I went to Elbason. Our visit was arranged over the past few weeks and now, it related very much to a decision made with Sr. Daniela, to research ministry possibilities. The organisation we went to see has an amazing range of services. In addition the Director and staff were open, welcoming and very happy to have our support. They have a house similar to the one where Mirjam did a placement in Tirana, a Day Centre for Women, a Children's Home for damaged and abused children, an After Schools Club and a marvelous Youth Centre, complete with computer suite, cinema and even a recording studio that is very popular with the teenagers! I hope to work with the Case Manager of a very traumatized young person with whose case I am familiar through an advocate. Further involvement I will have to leave for some weeks until I can rearrange some commitments here. Lalini may make plans for some work much sooner. The work and ethos is very close to our charism.
This morning Mirjam and Amira left - they are going further afield for a few days and they too will look at ministry opportunities. We expect them to return on Friday, please God.
As I came down the road later in the morning, I met an Orthodox priest, wearing an elaborate stole and armed with Holy Water and palm. So, over he came, and gave me a special Blessing which was for All Saints/All Souls.
Looking back over the title, I realize I did not mention going out to tea!! Lalini and I were invited by the local pharmacist who is a friend of my 'student' Marieta. It was very enjoyable - Elda lived in Canada, with her husband for five years, but was too lonely for Korce and had to return!!
Enjoy the rest of All Saints Day and the week!
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
DANIELA, BOBOSTITCHE, BIRTHDAY, BILISHT!
25 OCTOBER 2011 DANIELA, BOBOSTITCHE, BIRTHDAY, BILISHT1
Sister Daniela arrived on time from Germany on Thursday last, and came by furgon to Korce. Her visit of five nights seemed very short. It was a great joy for us to have her visit. We really were glad to catch up on Province news and especially, to see many photos of our new Novice, Andrea, now completing her Novitiate, with two other Novices, in Angers. On Sunday, after Mass, we enjoyed a festive meal at a nearby tourist area in the country. This was at Bobostitche, and was just a few miles from Korce.
That evening, Father Marek, a Slovakian Franciscan who had celebrated our Mass, came here and told us he would be at Bilisht for the week, making his annual retreat. There would be Mass available to us each evening. Yesterday evening, we accepted his invitation and went to Bilisht. Sister Daniela had not been there previously. This morning, Mirjam left with Sister Daniela quite early, for Tirana initially. Daniela will then go to Rinas for her flight back to Germany.
Today is Sister Lalini's Birthday! As it was a crisp, sunny, autumn day, we decided to go to a nearby lakeside village - Prespa. It is actually made of of nine small villages hidden along the coast and in the hills. It is very picturesque. Today was beautiful there and we returned here in the early afternoon. Amira and I went to Bilisht later. On our way back we visited a neighbour, Janetta, who leaves for Philadelphia at 2.00a.m. I asked her where she is changing planes and she had no idea. Its amazing how so many Albanians travel, without a word of English!
Over these few days, I have heard of severe flooding in Thailand, Turkey and now in Ireland. I hope and pray that people are safe when living near the affected areas.We actually have had brief power cuts and water cuts here, due to our everlasting road re-construction! Today I spoke to the engineer and he told me that the Director of the group assigned to complete our road, has been changed to Tirana! Another group has now been assigned but they are due to begin their work elsewhere!!! So, we will continue to live in hope!
Enjoy the remainder of the week and every blessing for the weekend.
Sister Daniela arrived on time from Germany on Thursday last, and came by furgon to Korce. Her visit of five nights seemed very short. It was a great joy for us to have her visit. We really were glad to catch up on Province news and especially, to see many photos of our new Novice, Andrea, now completing her Novitiate, with two other Novices, in Angers. On Sunday, after Mass, we enjoyed a festive meal at a nearby tourist area in the country. This was at Bobostitche, and was just a few miles from Korce.
That evening, Father Marek, a Slovakian Franciscan who had celebrated our Mass, came here and told us he would be at Bilisht for the week, making his annual retreat. There would be Mass available to us each evening. Yesterday evening, we accepted his invitation and went to Bilisht. Sister Daniela had not been there previously. This morning, Mirjam left with Sister Daniela quite early, for Tirana initially. Daniela will then go to Rinas for her flight back to Germany.
Today is Sister Lalini's Birthday! As it was a crisp, sunny, autumn day, we decided to go to a nearby lakeside village - Prespa. It is actually made of of nine small villages hidden along the coast and in the hills. It is very picturesque. Today was beautiful there and we returned here in the early afternoon. Amira and I went to Bilisht later. On our way back we visited a neighbour, Janetta, who leaves for Philadelphia at 2.00a.m. I asked her where she is changing planes and she had no idea. Its amazing how so many Albanians travel, without a word of English!
Over these few days, I have heard of severe flooding in Thailand, Turkey and now in Ireland. I hope and pray that people are safe when living near the affected areas.We actually have had brief power cuts and water cuts here, due to our everlasting road re-construction! Today I spoke to the engineer and he told me that the Director of the group assigned to complete our road, has been changed to Tirana! Another group has now been assigned but they are due to begin their work elsewhere!!! So, we will continue to live in hope!
Enjoy the remainder of the week and every blessing for the weekend.
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