Worship Conference

This weekend, our church hosted its first Worship Conference.  It was designed to help worship leaders and members of their worship teams build healthy ministry in their churches across Albania and equip them with skills and tools.  I was asked to lead a session on Vocal Technique. I was a little unsure how I could communicate the wealth of information there is to cover in an hour and 15 minute session (about 40 minutes of material with translation) but I was willing to give it a shot.

There were over 20 women and 1 man who attended my session.  Most of the men who are singers are also guitar players and attended the session for guitarists… go figure.  But we had a fun time learning some of the basics and a few exercises that can help singers develops good habits and technique.

You know you’ve had a good session when…. you have requests for private lessons and seminars with churches in other cities.  Not that I can take any of that on just yet.  But I will be praying for the right time and opportunity to use the gifts God gave me in music here in Albania!  Who knew?

Only God.

Chinese New Year in Albania

Yesterday was Chinese New Year. 2009 is now the Year of the Ox.  All over the world, people celebrated this important Chinese holiday, even in Albania.  I took Jadyn to the mall yesterday.  The main store is the largest grocery store in Albania (think miniature Super WalMart) so I was getting some shopping done.  I saw more Chinese men yesterday at the mall, than I have ever seen in ALL of Albania!  I guess as a part of celebrating, they were making their New Year purchases at the mall.  One thing that was interesting to me was that I saw NO women.  I guess they were at home make food and feast preparations.

Since I had Jadyn with me, I drew an extra number of stares.  I am quite used to the staring by now since in Albania is not considered rude to stare.  So I made a few head nods by way of greeting and drew a few smiles.  Later as I was walking by a group of men I had seen earlier I attempted to strike up a conversation.

Do you speak English?

Flisni shqip? (Do you speak Albanian?)

They spoke only Chinese!  So we smiled and said “Ni Hao” (hello in Chinese) and went on our merry way.  I’ll admit I was a little surprised that they didn’t speak at least a little Albanian.  I have so many questions!  How long have you lived here?  Where in China did you come from?  Did you come here with your whole family?  How did you learn about Albania?  Can you teach me some Chinese?!

I wonder what they were thinking or wanting to ask me!!!!

Side note: NO, this picture was not taken in Albania….

Scripture Memory

Many years ago (this could have been”Once Upon a Time”), Robert and I memorized scripture.  We used the Topical Scripture Memory System.

Of all the things we have both done over the years, this is the one things that has changed our spiritual lives more than anything else.  There is a connection that happens with the Lord when you hide his Word in your heart.

This year, the boys are memorizing scripture at school.  They have one verse a week to memorize.  In order to make it easier for them, I added a topic to each verse.  The topic adds a “mental tag” to each verse that helps your brain categorize the verses.  Then when you are needing a verse to grab on to in a specific situation you will be able to think of each verse with its associated tag.   When it came time for their test at the end of the year, they were able to easily say all nine of the verses, tags and references with no problems!!

But recently, I read this post from a link I found somewhere….in the month of December this family read Luke Chapter 2 to their 3 year old every night.  At the end of the month, he had it memorized.  WOW. We are inspired to see what Jadyn might be able to accomplish!! Check it out!

I am thankful for…

“Buying things in lek.  Becuase if we were using American money we would have to know what a nickel and a dime is and it is just confusing.  In lek, 50 lek is 50 lek and 20 lek is 20 lek.  It’s just easier.”

~ Tyler

Merry Christmas!

I am way behind on posting… but for now I will put everything off to until the new year…. so watch for the following posts in the new year

Things I love about Christmas
Playing Tag
My brain made me do it
Like a lamb to the slaughter
Stuffed animal or stuffed chicken

Are you interested?

In the meantime enjoy a little Straight No Chaser. There is nothing like a little a capella for Christmas … and with attitude. I love it!

Civics Test

My dad sent me this Civics Test yesterday.  In the spirit of “Are you smarter than a 5th grader” how is your knowledge about some basics of American History?   Take the test and post your score in the comments (if you aren’t too embarrassed). Tomorrow I will tell you how my dad and I scored!

Chinese food delivers in Albania

One of the hardest things about living here has been not having as many options for eating out OR for eating in. Cooking has more steps since there are less prepared items available and sometimes you just long for take out. Our wish came true….

Now really take out Chinese may always have been available but having a delivery made to your home takes much more than an address here in Albania. Many roads remain unnamed and finding a location is done more by…. “you know where the yellow apartment building is near the center of town? Okay, take the first small road on your left, follow it to the yellow house and turn left, etc…”

Our Albanian is finally good enough to order Chinese take out and have it delivered to our door. God is good.

Yummy.

Hot Potato

Well, I have not blogged much in recent weeks.  It has been a really busy fall… but here is to getting back into the swing of things…. our version of the Wiggles Hot Potato.  I have FINALLY learned to post my videos online.

Technology is an amazing thing

Sorry to be so silent everyone…. we have had an upgrade in our internet speed over the last week.  So now we can watch YouTube videos without waiting 10 minutes for a 3 minute video to download.  AND…we can also watch Sooner Football without yelling “WHERE’S THE BALL??” every play.

We’re a little busy, y’all.

Shout Out for Homeschool

I have a handful of blogs I love to read.  My newest favorite I learned about through Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.  Head on over to visit Ree at Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. You won’t be disappointed with her story; a city girl raising four kids on a cattle ranch.  It’s about as adventuresome as living in a foreign country.  It might even BE a foreign country.  She is homeschooling her kids and in her “spare time” she has made up some t-shirts for all you home school heroes.  I admire you!   Check out other t-shirt editions here.