life in Lipjan

some of our language helpers at a concert.
see all photos »

well, i made it. i'm sitting in Jeff and Deb's living room using their wireless internet (never would have expected that).

the flight was eventless (a good thing) except they bumped me to first class from omaha to huston.

the showers have hot water - hot dog!

Jeff and Deb picked us up at the airport and drove us to lipjan, where i asked a million questions about the culture. i found out a few interesting things from this, like how people here are culturally muslim, so they assume i'm culturally christian. soap is optional when washing dishes, because soap is often thought of as an extra cost. they run out of power here like they run of doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. i haven't experienced this yet, but i was assured it's inevatable.

if you don't have a car...
see all photos »

the appartment where we're staying is posh, to say the least. wood floors in the bedroom (i sure don't have that at home) and there's three balconys, and there's so much space. the view is beautiful - i can see the mountains off in the distance beckoning me.

this morning they took us right into the heart of the culture by taking us to a celebreation dance at the albanian school. they like their music, and they like it loud. fortunately i had my earplugs in my backpack. the traditional dancing was beautifully done by the elementary girls.

they only cook with...oil! this is hollie.
see all photos »

for now i'm trying to get over jet-lag and understand how to greet people properly and whom to speak what language with.

ok, i babbled enough living it up with my temporarily free internet.

p.s. shout out to McNugget/Ashy and Youth Group!