Visiting the Library Boat

On Friday, the 18th, it was "Women's Night" on the Ship Logos II. This ship is the second largest mobile library in the world. It is now docked at the port in Durres, Albania. Shpresa, Genti and Mandi took 18 women and 11 children to see this library. That specific evening there was a coordinated effort with the christian churches in Albania to put together a special evening of activities on the boat. Included in these activities was a service of worship. Genti emailed and mentioned how much the ladies of Vlashi enjoyed this time and even now want to come to Genti's church to sing those songs again.

Visiting the Library Boat

On the Homefront

During these days of spring our activities on the "homefront" involve our tentmaking occupation of farming but there is not a day goes by that the activities in Albania are not in our mind and hearts. It is during these times that much of our planning, praying, and practical "behind the scenes" mission's work gets down for Planters. Sarah does most of the daily emailing and bookkeeping for Planters and David plans and creates ideas for projects while keeping the planter straight going through the fields on the prairie. We couldn't resist getting a planter picture on the blog named Straight Rows.

There hardly is a day that goes by where the gate is not opened to some group or activity for the Vlashi villagers. Most of the time it involves either a meeting or an instructional class that is in session. But other times the gate is open just for pure social events such as what is pictured here-a good old fashion game of dominos or a good round of volleyball. Planters counts it as a goal accomplished to have a constant stream of visitors. To us, that means the villagers feel welcomed and comfortable to come through the gate and they feel right at home participating in the ongoing activity.

Saying Goodbye

In most types of work or ministry, there are always times of saying goodbye to colleagues, friends, and graduates. And in our case, saying goodbye to a brother and sister that have been attending our program's weekly meetings for nearly six years, was a bittersweet event. Margreta and Mateo have been living in Vlashi for the last four years with their Grandmother. Their father has been living and working in Italy and their mother passed away four years ago. It was only recently that their father was able to obtain the paperwork that would allow Margreta and Mateo to now live with him in Italy. We will really miss them but yet it is great to know they will now get to be with their father. It will be such a change in life for them but we pray they will continue to live the faith they have learned these past few years. "Goodbye, Margareta and Mateo and you are in our prayers." (pictured are Genti, Mateo, & Mateo's father)

Movie Time

It was movie time in the village last Friday evening. The outdoor screen was set up,chairs placed in the front court of the ministry center and everyone was invited to watch "The Chronicles of Narnia" in Albanian. It was a good crowd and there was great weather for all to enjoy themselves.

Getting Together

This past week there was a "football" competition between the village guys and the city guys. There is nothing better an Albanian boy enjoys more than a football match. So you can imagine that no one had to twist the arms of these players into getting together. Genti has been telling us how warm the weather has been this past month and therefore evenings of playing around would be great. For the record, the city boys beat the village boys by just a point or two. I don't think this will be the last time they have a match. Just as a note: for those of you who have never been to Albania, playing fields like the one in the picture are very popular. They are privately operated and teams rent them to play their games.