Shelia's Artwork for CBF GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2009

This year’s CBF General Assembly will be held in Houston, Texas, July 2-3.

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Here are photos of Shelia's watercolor that will be in the CBF Auction this year:

It may be that you don’t see this blog entry until you are at the GA. If so, then go over and bid on the watercolor! The money goes to our Benevolent Fund that supplies food, clothing, heating for the winter, and other basic provisions to families in need.

The beautiful frame was handmade by a Macedonian man (Zlatko) who has done the framing of our artwork and photos for years.

Arville & Shelia

END OF SCHOOL FOR 2009

Thank You for Your Partnership with Us

(Written on Friday, June 12)

On Wednesday, June 10, school officially ended for this year. We are always a little sad to see a class leave us and go on to elementary school, but we are excited, too, just knowing how well these children will do next year. The principals of the 2 elementary schools where our children continue their education wish that more of their students were as well-prepared as these children are.

Thanks to Habibe and her love and care for these children and for your generosity, this year’s class makes 200 children who have completed school with the “Future of the Family” Kindergarten.

Advije and Habibe with Diplomas

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for providing this educational experience, the nutritious food, and the nice clothing (you can see your contributions that the children are wearing in the photos) for children who would otherwise not be able or equipped to start first grade next school year.

Children and Parents Gather to Have Class Photos Made and to Receive Their Diplomas

It is not all JOY - you will notice some sad faces because the children's year at the kindergarten has come to a close.

You will see some tears being shed as well, especially as "good-byes" are said.

Habie, Nexhibe, and Advije with one of the children and his mother.

The parents (especially the mothers) say, "Please tell the people in churches in America who provide this school for our children - that we thank them for it."

So, thank you for your generous support of our ministry through the kindergarten.

Shelia

Where Is Home?

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People often ask us, “Where is home for you?” The question catches us off-guard every time we hear it because we don’t know which home they are asking about. Most often the response they are looking for is “America” or, more specifically, the state from which we come.

Even that question is difficult for us to answer without going into detail because our legal US address is Texas, our children and grandchildren live in Indiana and Missouri, and we own a house in Georgia that we have not lived in yet. Other times they just want to know our address in Skopje.

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Pictures of Kruja, Albania

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For the past 15 years (as of June 2009) that we have worked with CBF, we have made our home in Tirana & Kruja, Albania and in Gostivar & Skopje, Macedonia. All of these places became “home” to us very quickly. Perhaps we have had so many homes because, for us, “home” is more a state of being in relationships than it is a place or a location.

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Old Market Area in Kruja

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Our Apartment in Skopje (with the green awning)

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Jim Smith, Associate Coordinator for Missions with CBF, made a comment some time ago about our having lived in so many places (48 to be precise). His words reminded us that whereas we have had so many homes, there are people to whom we minister who have not had a “home” – in the sense that “home” means security, safety, and hope. But because of your generous support of the “Future of the Family” kindergarten and its ministries, there are many families who have found a sense of “home”.

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Afternoon Kindergarten Class with Habibe on Picture Day

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June 2009 completed the 5th year of this ministry, and the lives of 200 children and their families have been affected in the most positive ways possible. These families have the assurance of a good educational beginning for their children, the security that their children are receiving nutritious food each day (something that many of the families could not provide themselves at the moment), and the safety of an environment that enables their children to develop and learn in an atmosphere of love.

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The “Future of the Family” kindergarten has additional ministries that reach out to these families in times of grief, illness, rejoicing, and need. Since Albanian and Roma children attend the school, the majority of our families are Muslim. So in essence, we are offering pastoral care to a Muslim community, being the presence of Christ to these families. Because of the kindergarten ministry, we are able to visit in homes that otherwise would be difficult to gain access.

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So where is home? We sometimes answer: “America” or “Indiana, Georgia, or Texas” if asked which state. But also home is with Ismire -- rejoicing over their new baby boy, with Razmire -- comforting her dying father, with Endrit -- delivering firewood for winter heating, and with Elmira -- visiting before the wedding of her oldest daughter.

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Home is sharing a cup of tea with a mother who just wanted to thank us in person for the school and all the wonderful people in America who have made her life and her child’s life so much better.

A cup of tea anyone?

Shelia

Happy Birthday, Alan

Arville and Alan - June 2008

Alan, we wanted to wish you a very happy birthday tomorrow (June 23). It is hard to believe that you are going to be 3??? years-old. Okay, so we didn't tell everyone how old you will be because you might not want us to and because everyone could figure out how old we are, too (well approximately anyway). HA! So instead, we are just putting this picture of your cake from last year's birthday celebration on the blogsite!!

Alan and Layla - last year on his birthday

Layla told us that you were going to be making the very most of your birthday by extending it over the week. We really like that idea --- they go by way too fast as it is. And this way, you will have the benefit of seeing more friends and family, visiting with them longer, and eating all that wonderful food that Layla has planned. A little bird told us that you were going to have a great steak and veggie dinner for one of those times. Sounds good!!

It sounds like your party on Saturday night was lots of fun and we hope you will have another good time tomorrow night on your actual birthday. The party (again at Aunt Sharron's this year) over the weekend sounds especially fun. Have a great time and give them our love.

So this year, Alan, we didn't embarrass you with pictures from your childhood - like we did last year. Bet you are glad, huh? That is why we put photos from your birthday party last year with this blog writing.

Seriously, we hope that you have a very Happy Birthday, Alan!

(This was our favorite photo from your last bd party)

We will be celebrating with you - in spirit - anyway.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

TWO FATHER'S DAY MESSAGES

Arville on the park bridge near downtown Skopje

Arville wrote this story about his dad that he wanted me to post on our blog for this weekend. As I was typing the story he wrote, and then the next day looking for a new journal book to write in myself, I ran across another story and another Father's Day gift.

So I have included both Arville's story about his dad and the one I found in a journal from Father's Day 1997 --- that is the reason for the title: Two Father's Day Messages

The Storyteller by Arville

My dad enjoyed telling stories, and he was good at it. Most of the stories he told were factual (with an imaginary tale thrown in now and again just for fun). Even if we did not know all the characters in the stories, those of us who heard them were made to feel that we did. We felt as if we were right there - in the story itself - with all the dramatic and/or traumatic events that happened.

I remember that Dad made a cassette for our children one time while we lived in Africa, and Amy & Alan played the thing until they had it memorized. I guess that it was a good thing that they memorized it because they wore it out listening to it so many times. So his storytelling capabilities stretched all the way around the world.

Generally speaking, all the stories came out of real life experiences (including the stories that were embellished with imagination). The realism was there, and we could all identify with the situation and circumstances. I think this is a necessary quality for a good storyteller.

However, Dad was not one to boast about being especially gifted at weaving a tapestry of words. He never thought in those terms. He just like to tell these real-life stories --- perhaps that was what made him so good at it. Running through all the stories was a thread of character ... his character which expressed itself in a down-to-earth simplicity, a basic honesty and integrity and an aversion to deceit or disrespect for other people.

As I recall those stories from time to time, I hear his voice as if he were telling the stories all over again, and I have to smile. But something else that I remember from times past is that someone would say to me --- when I made a remark or shared one of my own stories --, "That sounds just like something your daddy would say". That always make me very proud.

Thanks, Dad, for all the stories and memories,
Arville
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I (Shelia) found a journal that Amy and Christopher had given Arville on Father's Day in 1997. Just to refresh your memory, we were in the states on a "forced" home assignment because of the evacuation from Albania after an uprising in the country in March of that year. We made the decision to come to Macedonia during those summer months in 1997.

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Background to this poem:

Now growing up, Arville obtained an unusual nickname -- another example of the storytelling that his family was used to. This nickname was that of a cartoon character by the name of Sut Tattersall. One of his uncles thought that if a caricature of Arville was drawn, he would look like this cartoon character.

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The Journal

At the beginning of the journal, Amy wrote this poem for her dad:

This is a story that begins like this...

There was a little boy with his pole and his fish....

This little boy was as cute as could be - despite the fact that he had mud to his knees.

The world was enormous in the eyes of this boy,

The simplest pleasures brought him such joy.

The thrill of a root beer was as good as it got OR

coming home with a raccoon that he just caught.

He has made his family proud time and time again,

in the way he shows love and is a true friend.

His name is Arville Earl in the eyes of the law, but, round these parts, he's called

SUT TATTERSALL !!!

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Arville's comments in the margin of the poem:

Amy will never know (except that now she will because I am printing it in our blog - HA!) quite what the poem represents to me. The meanings and emotions that it touches are at a level that defies verbal or written explanation. It will be one of my dearest treasure.

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So see, Arville, I guess you are an example to your children in some of the same ways that your dad was an example for you. It seems to me that this character thread continues from one generation to the next in your family. I am so grateful that you made me part of that family - almost 40 years ago!!

I love you and wish you a very Happy Father's Day,

Shelia

Annual Zoo Trip at the Kindergarten

As part of our zoo trip tradition, the children had hamburgers and juice before leaving for the field trip to the Skopje Zoo. Here are some pictures of them enjoying their meal together.

















The mothers left (went outside the fence) but some of the children were so excited they had to go say "good-bye" an extra time. Got some cute pictures.

Then our Taxi Buses arrived and we loaded up for our LONG trip (across town) to the Zoo.

Here is a photo of one of our taxi drivers. He goes with us every year.

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Arriving at the Zoo:

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The Animals were fewer in number this year and they were doing some renovations to the park, but the children didn't know the difference since this was the first time they had ever been.

There were lots of kids at the zoo the day we went. Here is another class of older children who were there with their teachers, too.

This is a typical picture of Habibe and Arville talking together.

The lions were hungry and it was time for lunch when we came into the lion house.

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The kids remembered me telling them stories of the buzzards that were in Burkina Faso (Africa). So they were all interested in seeing these exotic specimens because they can be found in Africa, you know. It doesn't matter that they have buzzards in Macedonia, too --- since I told that story -- you won't be convincing these children that they are not exclusively African birds.

Looks like another serious conversation between Agim and Arville this time.

Is this another wild beast???

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Halfway Point in our trek through the Zoo:

Jehona, Advije, Belinda (Advije's daughter) and Arville find a spot in the shade to wait for the children to get through seeing the hippos.

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Then the children played and ate a cupcake and drank a juice. The playground was being remodeled, too - so they just improvized games to play on the little walk-bridge.

Mevlude wouldn't leave Arville's side all day long.

So Belinda joined them.

And you see what our children have learned to do this year --- put their trash away in a proper place!! instead of throwing it on the ground.

Belinda was in one of our beginning classes at the kindergarten and Mevlude was in this year's class. Just love this picture of them together.

Playing games together.

Before it is time to go.

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On the way out of the park-----

Back in the Taxi Buses:

Yes, I know, there are no seat belts for any of us (except for the driver and you will notice that he is NOT wearing his) --- we still need lots of traffic and driving laws in Macedonia.

Back across town and to the kindergarten all in about 4 hours.

Hope you enjoyed our day at the Zoo. See you next year!!

Shelia

The Hot Water Heater Experience

Agim Iseni and I together at the Kindergarten

As I understand it, “being the presence of Christ” means living in such a way that God’s grace and love is reflected in us as we connect with people in their day-to-day circumstances. Through encountering and relating to people in the normal context of life, I have the profound sense of being “invited in” as both participant and witness to God’s unfolding process of drawing people into dialogue. I often characterize our ministry (mine and Shelia’s) in Eugene Peterson’s terminology of “helping to bring people into conversation with God.”

It often happens as I am on my way to somewhere to do something, that there is an interception of some kind: a street is blocked, the shop is closed, or something does not work and that means making a return trip. Recently on such an occasion, I was accompanied by my long-time Albanian friend, Agim. The quest was to find a small electric water heater to replace the one in the kitchen that had seen better days and no longer functioned. This was my third trip back to the same shop to exchange a second new water heater, this one had a faulty thermostat.

As we returned home, I could tell that Agim was in deep thought about something. Over these past years, I have learned to read his facial expressions. When I asked what he was thinking, he astounded me with this question, “Does God make some people with a better character than others?” Having no immediate or definitive response, I said, “Tell me what you think.”

He replied, “I believe that people are people, regardless of nationality, religion, or political affiliation. God makes people pretty much the same in the beginning, but character is something that people develop for themselves.” Just before we arrived at the apartment he said, “If I had a shop like the one we were just in, I would sell only the water heaters that I knew were good quality so that you would not have to come back three times to find one that really works! I think that is part of what it means to have respect for other people. I think, too, that God wants us to have respect for others.”

Perhaps during this decade of relationship, in difficult times, as well as, in times of celebration, I have been instrumental in opening the door to Agim’s developing relationship with God. If he were asked specifically, he might say something to the effect that I have had a significant influence on his life. But the fact is that now his conversational relationship with God has taken on its own viability. Whatever has been set in motion by my being the presence of Christ is not mine to possess or control. The experience is dynamic, not static. It is much more of a process than an event.

Is it possible for us to so incorporate being the presence of Christ into our normal lifestyle that, over time, people like Agim and others cannot observe one without also becoming aware of the other?

Arville

Okay, So A Moment of Bragging Time, Please

My On-Line Bragbook

Some of you have asked how our grandchildren are doing, so I decided to show you some photos that Amy has sent me this past month. The children are playing outside, working on art projects that Amy has taught them to do

(see http://www.breedingcreativity.wordpress.com/),

and just having FUN together.

The youngest (Nathan Mussie) just turned 2 years old, he loves cars and playing outside -- but does NOT like the water slip 'n slide at all -- the swimming pool is another story --- he loves that!

This is his solution to staying out of the slip 'n slide sprinkler.

Sophie turned 4 years old this month and here are some pictures of her.

Sophie with her big sister, Anna.

Anna turned 7 years old in March:

And Elijah is now 10 years old - as of April.

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I love this picture of Elijah - he was looking up at his mom. About the only way that she can get this picture anymore is for him to be seated. HA!

So thanks for letting me do a little bragging. They are great kids and have lots of fun together.

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Shelia (better known as "Baba" to Elijah, Anna, Sophie and Nathan)

Happy Birthday to Nathan (and Sophie, too)

Happy Birthday from Baba and Peepaw

Today is Nathan's 2nd birthday. It is hard to believe that it has been one and one-half years since Amy, Christopher and Elijah brought him home. It seems like yesterday!!

He is learning SO fast and talking incessantly. When I call on the computer phone, he knows it is me and he starts saying, "Hi, Baba!!" as loud as he can.

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He also has a fascination with cars - real ones or ones that you play with - as long as they are cars - he is interested.

And he does NOT like to be very far away from his Mom.

Even though Sophie's birthday isn't until June 15th, I am posting her birthday blog greeting at the same time as Nathan's. Why? Because Sophie has been waiting SO long for June to come and to be four year old!! Everyone in the family has been sworn to secrecy that it actually turned June day before yesterday!!

So I want to wish Sophie a Happy Birthday, too. She and Nathan are going to have their party together (she turns 4 and Nathan turns 2).

The timing worked out better for Nathan and Sophie to have a party together because of activities that everyone will be involved in when June 15 comes along.

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I love it that she can't wait to be four years old. Someday soon (sooner than she can imagine) - she will be wishing those birthdays wouldn't go by quite so FAST!

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***All Photos are courtesy of Amy and "Happy Days" Photography. Thanks, Amy!!

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Happy Birthday to you two!!

Love Baba

Look What's In Season in Macedonia !!!

I am so happy !! The strawberries have come in. I am putting them in the freezer as fast as I can clean them. We are eating strawberries with everything. Just had them in a salad with fresh spinach, walnuts and feta cheese. YUM!

Another Story from the Castle Hill

From near the castle tower, Arville wrote:

Some time ago, last fall to be precise, I found a place of solitude on the "Castle Hill" in Skopje. Here is how it all came about:

October 2008:

I am beginning a new practice. It is experimental to be sure, because I am not at all sure what the results will be. However, with a compelling sense of “oughtness”, I feel as though I would be remiss if I were not to respond to this kindling of the Spirit.

This experience could be compared, at least in my mind, to that of Phillip (Acts 8:26) when the only instruction he had from the angel was to “Go south to the desert road that leads out of Jerusalem toward Gaza”. Surely, Phillip must have been engulfed simultaneously with anticipation and anxiety, as am I.

My calling, however, is not to a desert road, but to a hilltop in the center of Skopje. From that vantage point, the site of an ancient castle, the whole city is in view. That is where I am being led to await further instruction.

Perhaps, it would seem appropriate to be there on that hilltop early in the morning when things are still and quiet, or at dusk, in that interval between the rush of the day and the unwinding of the evening. But, for some reason, my impulse is to be there at midday, in the middle of all the noise, clamor, and “busy-ness” of daily life in the city.

Will there be a chariot waiting? If so, what will it look like and who will be inside? If I could have precise answers to these questions, maybe I could be better prepared. Nevertheless, I will go with my eyes, my heart, and my hands open to this opportunity of discovery and sensitivity to the voice of God.

Call it praying. Call it listening. Call it a learning experience or all three. Does this have any connection to the reconciliation conference from which I recently returned? At the moment, I have no clear vision, no clear definition or description; only a gentle urging from the Holy Spirit to take this step and see what happens next. I think I will go on Tuesday.

March 2009

What is sustainability?

To live a sustainable life is to care about the generations we will never know and to embrace the future for them.

-By planting a tree, even though we may never enjoy the shade it may someday provide.

-By treasuring our air, water, soil and biological communities and preserving them for
generations to come.

-By being a part of something far, far greater, Bernheim Forest explores sustainable ideas.

After reading those words, I, of course, began to think in terms of what appropriate applications could be made to our particular ministry setting. Now, back in Macedonia, I am face-to-face again with the reality that exploring sustainable ideas is not a high priority for people here whose primary concern is getting through to the end of this month.

From the vantage point of the castle hill in Skopje, I see the mix and flow of people engaged in the process of living. It occurs to me that perhaps “being the presence of Christ” is helping people to understand that they are a part of something “far, far greater,” and helping to bring them into what Desmond Tutu describes as, “a God awareness.”

It is this “God-awareness” that redirects our priorities and awakens us to the calling to become God’s partners in this world’s transfiguration. God loves and cares for each one of us and all of us, which includes the generations yet to come.

So from now on, when I talk to people about preserving natural resources and planting trees (which we are doing as a joint project with a Macedonian church here) these conversations will have a whole new meaning.

May 2009

I had found this place where I could go for a few minutes of thoughtful reflection and for a bit of quiet tranquility. That place was the “castle hill”, overlooking and surrounded by the city of Skopje. Inside the castle walls was a well-kept combination of lawn, flowerbeds, and a spontaneous scattering of trees. Attention was given to maintaining the natural beauty of the site. Shelia had been to make some lovely photos of the place back in the fall last year. This locale had become a sanctuary for me.

But all that has changed now – in a matter of a few weeks. This special place is hardly recognizable anymore, and it is very far removed from the place of tranquility that I knew not so long ago.

Rumor has it that buried beneath the centuries-old layer of silt and sediment is a beautifully preserved Byzantine cathedral, adorned with many rich furnishings from the era. Therefore, to verify the existence of the cathedral or to dispel the rumor, whichever the case may be, these massive excavations have consumed huge amounts of time, energy, and financial resources.

My place of serenity has been ravaged. The natural beauty has been replaced by earth-moving equipment. The sound of the gentle breeze and rustling leaves has been overpowered by the noise and clatter of this invasive machinery. As yet, nothing of significance has been found, but the excavations continue. How deep they will dig is anyone’s guess.

Recalling that scene of devastation, I find myself dealing with feelings of interruption and displacement. I need a place for occasional retreat and refuge, but where will it be found?

As I deal with my grief and make plans for a new journey of discovery, it has occurred to me that sanctuary and tranquility are not necessarily determined by geographical limits. Perhaps this “place” is not confined to one particular setting, but rather multiple settings. Where is the place that I can experience God’s presence, and in turn, live out the reality of God’s Presence.

I am reminded now of that passage in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Now, here I am, praying another dangerous prayer, “Lord, show me where your Spirit is.” The probability is that the Spirit of God will show up in quite, unexpected places.

Arville

My Photography

Many of you have sent me an e-mail - saying that you have enjoyed my photos --especially recently. Some have asked me what I have done to make them so much better.





I have even had a few to want some of them so that they could use them in their own publications (especially to support the ministry of the kindergarten in Skopje). I have e-mailed those photos to individuals (without the watermarks) so that they could be used this way.




So what is different?? I have been taking some photography classes with BetterPhoto.com and learning how to make better photos, post-process them, and make them ready for professional printing. It is all a part of my "life-long learning" with CBF.

So if you would like to see more of my photographs -- here are a few sites that you can visit.

http://sheliaearlphotography.blogspot.com/

http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/Default.aspx?id=298552&mp=V1

Enjoy and thank you so much for your encouragement and interest.

Shelia

Habibe's Birthday Celebration at the Kindergarten

Yesterday (May 13) was Habibe's birthday (her 40th - but I will never tell). HA!

Here are some pictures from the day's event. I also took the children's pictures for the Yearbook that we give out at the end of every school year -- it just happened to be Habibe's birthday the same day.

I brought cake for her birthday (enough for all 40 children). Habibe was SO surprised and the children want her to have a birthday every week - because they loved the cake.

Advije (Habibe's sister) brought the cake outside for Habibe to blow out the candles. The children all know "Happy Birthday" in English - and now they know what the words mean -- CAKE!!!

Now, who do you think is enjoying the cake more ---- Habibe (maybe she was thinking about all those calories!!) OR the children??

I loved this photo because of the word "DON'T" above the cake!!

Since yesterday was her birthday, I think I have Habibe fooled into thinking that everyone else just skipped her birthday this year --- NOT TRUE!!

We planned a BIG 40th Birthday party for her tonight. We are going to a great new restaurant we found, I have made another cake and bought her a gift, and her mother, Advije and all of her family, Brane & Margo and their children, Sara and Jehona, and Arville and I are going to the restaurant early.

Agim is going to tell her that he is taking her out to eat for her birthday since he forgot yesterday. Then we will all be there when she comes in!!! SURPRISE !!

I will try to post those pictures tomorrow.

Shelia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR OLDEST GRANDCHILD

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY, ELIJAH!!!

And so in the beginning ----we weren't there. Because you came a little early (not according to your mom however), we were in Macedonia when you were born. But we saw you the first time when you weren't much bigger than this:

Here is your first birthday:

And when you were in Macedonia for a visit:

And again a second time in Macedonia:

This is one of my favorite birthday pictures of you. It was taken at Olive Garden (your favorite restaurant at the time).

And now look at you:

Okay, So you helped Mom make Anna's birthday cake --- will she help make yours???

Now you are growing up a BIT too fast!!! What? A driver's license already???

We hope this birthday is extra special for you. We are very proud of you -- you have a BIG heart!! Hope you like the gift that we got you. We will talk a little later on today after you get home from school.

Love, Baba and Peepaw

Mom's Birthday (A Little Late)

Since we were a little occupied on Mom's Birthday (April 15th) I didn't get a chance to post this. But now I have pictures that Terry (Arville's brother) sent of her first BD celebration. I think she had a few more between Easter Sunday - when these pictures were taken - and her actual birthday on the 15th.

I told her THAT was definitely the way to celebrate a birthday!



Annie Ruth Earl with the birthday cake that Terry made for her.




And the flowers that we sent her for her birthday. Actually the order was wrong - so these are the free ones -- they are sending her a "Yellow Rosebush" which was the correct order.
Great job - ProFlowers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

We love you,
Arville and Shelia

A Photo Shoot for Friends

The Havens Family left Macedonia today for a short stay in the States.

Last week, they asked if I would make pictures of their family (including the new addition - Gracie) before they left.

Here are pictures of a day in the park.

Daddy and Gideon

Mommy and Gracie

In Her Easter Bonnet

Then here are some collages that I did for Janette. She is going to make cards out of them to send to family.

Mommy and Gracie

Shelia

Our Trip to Pompeii, Italy

Prior to the Peace Conference that we attended in Rome, we went with Bob & Janice Newell to the city of Pompeii. I have included pictures of the city, as well as, the ancient ruins at the base of Mount Vesuvius.

It was a beautiful, sunny day -- one of the few that we had while we were in Italy in February. We were so glad to be able to take some good pictures. We had a wonderful guide who added so much information to our walk through ancient Pompeii.

We arrived at the train station on Sunday afternoon, and then we visited the ruins on Monday. So it is possible to see Pompeii in less than a day.

Mount Vesuvius - seen from downtown Pompeii.

Here is our hotel - Hotel Amleto - right in the center of town - just off the main square.

The downtown area:

They were having a "flea market" on the square when we arrived. No! I didn't buy anything - just took pictures. HA!

We did stop at a sidewalk cafe and have a great cappucinno. I can't say that it tasted any different than the cappucinnos we get here in Macedonia --- it just costs a lot more.

This was a beautiful sidewalk all the way around the square.

So on Monday, we headed for the runis.

Excavation of Pompeei

The following photos are from inside the walls of the ancient city. It is amazing how much is preserved because no one was actually buried in the lava -- it was the ashes that fell on the city that killed people. So the ashes acted as a barrier, preserving the ruins.

Even the paintings on the walls are intact. Our guide kept referring to this color of red as "Pompeii Red".

Columns in one of the courtyards.

More columns in the open spaces of the town center.

Another courtyard. I liked the colors in this one.

The local pub.

These are burial sites.

The streets of Pomeii.

This was the local bakery - and pizza ovens - or so our guide told us. I don't know -- Did they eat pizza ??? He seemed to think that if they were Italian -- they ate pizza. HA!

The arena of Pompeii. They were working on this part of the ruins so we were not able to go inside. I was disappointed, but we walked ALL the way around to the other side -- no easy chore-- so that I could at least get a picture.

Mount Vesuvius from inside the ruins.

We kept seeing these unusual trees that looked like umbrellas. Janice and I asked our guide what they were called - and he said, "In English, we call them Umbrella Trees"!!!

Bob & Janice Newell and Arville & I -- February 2009

Pompeii, Italy

Our Team Meeting in Henderson, Texas in January '09

In January this year, our CBF AU (Albanian-Ukrainian) team met in Henderson, Texas. Bob & Janice Newell's daughter-in-law (Nancy - married to Matt) was so gracious as to allow us to use a home that she inherited - the McNee home.

So here are some photos of typical Texas things, the town of Henderson, the McNee home, Henderson friends who had come to work with us in Burkina Faso, and bits of our team meeting for you to enjoy.

What better way to start than with "real" cowboy boots that Janice found in one of the closets. I love the colors in these boots.



And the COWS:

the horses and chickens, too:

On the ranch ----

You will find oil wells (some even pumping) all around Henderson - Kilgore area.

HENDERSON, TEXAS

We lived in Henderson in the '80s and this was a favorite place to eat for my children.

The Fillin' Station

This was the house we lived in while we were there (the mission house of FBC, Henderson).

SCENES OF THE TOWN AND NEIGHBORHOODS

THE MCNEE HOME

Visiting in the main living area:

Bob & Janice Newell, Arville, Tommy & Charlene Moore, & Melba Wilkerson

The den:

The apartment over the garage where Arville & I stayed.

The dining room:

Karen Gilbert and I (Karen was able to join us for most of our team meeting) - a real treat for us.

Most of our team (Gennady was in the Ukraine with the children). Janice & Bob, Becky, Mina, Shelia & Arville.

A Texas Sunset:

Snowed In

We are experiencing severe winter weather in Skopje -- six inches since yesterday. Visibility was so bad that the airport closed which is very unusual here.

I remember another springtime in Macedonia when it snowed late in the season. We had just moved to Gostivar in February 1999, just prior to the Kosovo War. In April we went to an Easter service at the Orthodox Church in Skopje. We were with Deusko and Zojka (our landlords then), Brane and Margo. This was the first time we met Margo. Ours was an instant friendship -- even though it was snowing so hard that we could barely see each other. HA! This was late April. We knew then that Gostivar was going to be a very cold place to live!

Here are some photos taken yesterday afternoon from our banese (apartment) window:

Shelia

Mother's Day in Skopje

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY at the "FUTURE OF THE FAMILY" Kindergarten in SKOPJE

URIME, TETE MARS!! (Happy March 8th)

Pictures of Habibe, Advije and Nexhibe before the party started.

Habibe

Advije and Nexhibe

The cake and juice are all ready to be served.

Habibe shows Advije and Nexhibe the gifts that we have for each mother.

Head scarves that we purchased earlier in the week.

And gloves with hand cream that were sent to each mother from a very, special friend of mine- and my grandchildren's godmother (Ellen Vonderheide) in Jasper, Indiana.

Then the mothers arrive:

There was also a special mother that was able to enjoy the day's festivities with us: Habibe and Advije's mom.



We visited together, ate cake, gave and received presents, and talked about their children for almost 2 hours. There is no such thing as a private parent-teacher conference in the Albanian culture. Everybody talks about their child - discussing openly the areas that need to be improved and areas where they have excelled. So the room was "buzzing" with funny stories of the children's experiences at school, how well they were doing in certain subjects, and where each child needed to improve.

Advije Speaking With the Mothers

Each of the teachers (Habibe, Advije, Nexhibe and I) had an opportunity to talk about ourselves, our families, and how much the school meant to us. When it was my turn, I thought that I might have to have some help with my Albanian because most of the women speak a very heavy dialect. I thought that they might not be able to understand my "Tirana" Albanian, but that was not the case.

They loved the story of how Habibe and I met when I first arrived in Skopje. That was 11 years ago this past January:

It was a very cold day, snow on the ground, and Habibe came to teach us how to make "byrek". The oven didn't work properly so what should have been about 2 hours took almost 5 to accomplish. During that time, we visited and laughed together. The beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Then I told the story of Habibe's dream to start the kindergarten. We talked about Kathy Smith (some of the mothers had older children that had been in the school and knew Kathy well). When I finished with my part, one of the mothers spoke for the others when she said how much the school had meant to her family. She said, "My children love to go to school. They would not miss unless they had to. This is the best gift that anyone has ever given our family. Please tell all the people in America that support this school that we thank them so much."

Habibe Speaking to the Mothers

Habibe, Advije, Nexhibe and I were given flowers by the mothers. Some of the ladies had taken clippings from their own flowerpots to make up these special gifts for each of us. Aren't they lovely?

Time to say good-bye. Since shoes were left at the door when they entered, it took some time for everyone to leave. So we did more visiting while each mother put their shoes back on and thanked each of us at the door.

What a wonderful Mother's Day it was!

Wish you could have been here to celebrate with us.

Shelia

Happy Birthday to Our Anna Grace

Anna Grace Breedlove


Today (March 4, 2009) our older granddaughter, Anna Grace Breedlove, turns 7 years old. My, how time flies!!! It seems like yesterday that these beginning pictures were made. What joy she has brought into our lives these past 7 years!!



Baby Anna



Baba and Anna



Gostivar, Macedonia 2002 Amy, Elijah and Anna

In San Antonio Bluebonnets

This picture (below) reminds me so much of Amy. I have a picture of Amy when she was about this age and they look SO much alike -- they act alike, too.

Photo Gallery of Anna in Various Costumes & Poses Over the Years:

This was Amy's dollhouse that my (Shelia's) Dad made for her years ago. Anna LOVES to play with it -- as does Sophie now.

Anyone for a new hair-do?

Halloween 2006

Cheetah Girls Concert

ANNA AND HER FAMILY

She loves her Peepaw ---- and Peepaw thinks the world of her and loves her bunches, too!!

She loves me, too -- I just don't get in the photos very often.

No wonder she has always loved reading, huh?

And Then Came Her Little Brother Nathan:

The first time she held him -- instant connection!!

She is a beautiful child -- Inside and Out!!

She recently received this award (Principal's Award). She loves school and most of all she loves reading!!!

Anna likes to play the piano, too. She started lessons last year and is doing so well.

So with these memories -- we wish you a VERY Happy Birthday today, Anna. We love you very much,

Baba & Peepaw

Can't Believe It Has Been A Month

I cannot believe that it has been a month since my last post---And that it will be another 2 weeks before I can post again.

We made a whirlwind trip to the US for our team meeting and speaking engagements, etc. and when we returned we were both ill with the flu!!! We have recovered just in enough time to go on another trip --- this time to Italy for a Peace Conference.

Just didn't want you to think we had fallen off the face of the earth. I promise to write a LOT when we return and I will include pictures of all of our travels since the second week of January.

Shelia

Reminiscence and Progression

I guess it is because we are into a new year that I have been remembering past times a lot lately. Some of those milestones this coming year are:

- Being married 40 years this coming August

- Living overseas for close to 30 years

-Being with CBF 3 years longer than we served with FMB

- Both of my children being in their "thirty-somethings" now

- Having four grandchildren that won't stay little much longer

Then my sister, Sharon, wrote (in a thank you for remembering their anniversary) that it was kind of bittersweet to be married that long. You are thankful for all the years past, but

on the other hand -- ALL those years are past!!

That is so true. But she and I, too, are grateful for all those years, and neither of us would ever consider letting the number of past years that have gone by keep us from living the present to the fullest.

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I cannot let the past paralyze me. Afterall, those definitely were not WASTED years.

Remembering is valuable, too. It gives a foundation to the future and helps me remember from "whince" I came. I have learned some beneficial lessons in the process, too.

(at least I hope that I have)

But there comes a point where I need to accept things that cannot be changed and move forward. For example:

When we first came to Macedonia, some things seemed so backward to me (not "backward" in the sense of inferior or wrong, but just a change from the "known"). Things seemed reversed.

The Macedonian alphabet gave me problems:

The letter "P" is "R"

The letter "S" is "C"
The letter "N" is "H"
The letter "V" is "B"
(I could go on --- but you get the idea)

Another example is that in Macedonia we celebrate New Year's before Christmas

(January 7). It is not necessarily wrong -- just different from what I have always known.

So my point is that there are some things that just aren't going to change - like the Macedonian alphabet and the date of Christmas here, so I need to accept them and move forward.

There are things, situations, circumstances that NEED to change though.

We need to confront the mistrust, bigotry, hatred, selfishness, greed,

oppression, poverty, despair, and inhumanity that we see all around us - and to the ends of the earth.

And we need to replace it with love, humility, compassion and hope that we have within us to give. We need to be "light" - as Arville said in his Christmas Message - where we are.

So whether I celebrate Christmas before or after the New Year is not the important thing, but that I celebrate the "light" within me does matter.

It makes all the difference!

Shelia

New Year's Eve "FEST" at the Kindergarten

What a wonderful day New Year's Eve was at the "Future of the Family" kindergarten.

We had 2 special, added events at this year's celebration:

We read stories from some of the BOOKS that were sent to us by the

Fifth Street Elementary School (Heather Goodhue) in Jasper, Indiana

AND

The biggest part of the children's gifts this year was

HATS AND MITTENS

sent to us by a very special Knitting Group in Jasper:

"Tuesday Knitters".

Members of this group are - Ellen Vonderheide (godparents to our grandchildren), Mary Ann Schroeder (Ellen's mother), Sally Klem,Doris Oeding, Charlotte Schneider, Carol Becher, and Sandra Aronoff.

Thank you so much ladies for these beautiful gifts!

Here are photos of the "storytime" and the caps and mittens:

I know the children wonder about me sometimes. They probably go home and tell their parents "stories" about what the crazy American teacher did every day. Yesterday, one of the books that we read was "Baby Penguins" and I finally got some of them to mimic me - walking like a penguin. What FUN!!!

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Here are some photos of the children in their hats/mittens (aren't they beautiful? - the caps & mittens AND the children!!):

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I know that I say every year --"These are the most beautiful children!!" Well, it is true again this year. Just look at these adorable faces!!

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After we read stories, there was music, of course. Is there ever an Albanian party where there isn't music???!!! The children danced, recited poems about the new year, ate cake, drank juice, and posed for pictures.

New Year's Poems

Yumm -- delicious cake!!

Are we bored yet? When is the dancing going to start?

How about NOW?!?!

Habibe Joins In

Some of the boys quickly got tired of the dancing.

Here are a few pictures of the special guests that visited us during the party.

Belinda is Advije's daughter & One of the First children to attend the kindergarten. She loves school so much that she came to the kindergarten on her first day off from 3rd grade.

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And then we had another special guest: Endrit - Agim's nephew. You will notice, Ellen, that he has one of the hats!! Isn't he adorable?

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So we say, "Good-bye" to 2008 with these last few photos.

When I was reading a story to the children at the beginning of the party, I mentioned that when they came back from their January vacation, we would be reading more of the books that the Jasper school sent us.

One of the children started to cry. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "We HAVE to go on vacation? Can't we come to school for our vacation?" My, how they love school!!!

Habibe made me promise to put a big THANK YOU note on my blogpage. She wanted me to tell you how very much she appreciates all that you do for "her" children - she has 240 children now.

She wishes that she could tell each of you in person, but promises to make you something special to eat if you ever get our way.

I join Habibe and saying, "Thank you for making such a difference in these young lives." I think you can tell how very happy they are by the looks on their faces.

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(Everyone tells me that I need to include my photo ocassionally so that folks will know who is behind the camera. I am always too busy taking pictures to remember to get in any of them, so here is the "token" photo for this blog entry.)

Shelia

REFLECTION

Over the past few months, I have taken some on-line photography courses to help improve my publication skills for ministry. One course, in particular, dealt with the use of reflectors in natural light so as not to need a flash unit to increase light quality.

Sine the completion of that course, I have been thinking about the use and need for reflectors of God's light in the world today---reflectors that will make it possible for the neglected, hidden corners of the world to shine brightly, reflectors that will redirect the light so that it will be enhanced (not having to use something artificial in the process) with a genuine quality.

Okay, so you are wondering where all of this "philosophizing" is going??

This year especially, I have seen my daughter, Amy, exemplify the spirit of being a "reflector" in all that she does -----




----Helping others to see the great needs of the underprivileged, poor, hungry and marginalized people from Jasper (where she lives) around the world, literally.






----Being a reflector of love to her family, church and community.







----Finding ways to make an impact on the environment.




----Doing her part to stand for justice and equality wherever she is.





----Being passionate and compassionate about changing the world for the better.




So now, you know where I am going with this writing:

Tomorrow is Amy's birthday. It was a cold and snowy New Year's Eve in Columbia, Missouri, the day Amy was born. That was 33 years ago --- SO very hard to believe. She was a survivor from the first moment. She was premature and barely 5 pounds, had to stay in an incubator for 4 days, and was jaundiced, but after those 4 days, she began to flourish.

There is a bit of me in Amy -- because once she makes up her mind to do something -- there is hardly any stopping her. HA! And she does everything in "high gear". But she also has her father's personality because she is very patient, slow to anger and very compassionate for other people -- always trying to find a way to make life better for others. Maybe she just got the best of both of us--and not the other stuff. HA!

We wish you a very Happy Birthday (on this New Year's Eve), Amy!!
We love you and are so very proud to call you our daughter,

Mom & Dad

What Does Gratitude Look Like?

So if ever I have wondered what "gratitude" looks like, I won't again. I KNOW NOW!! It is the look on the face of someone who did not know how in the world they would provide warmth and food for their family this winter --- unexpectedly receiving a truckload of wood!!!

This is the only means of warming their homes, cooking their food, and surviving a winter that these families have. And here are pictures of one of the best days I have spent this year~~~

Arville and Agim made all the arrangements and found a very benevolent man that gave us such a good price (when he found out why we wanted so many loads of wood) that we were able to supply 12 families, instead of the ten we had the money for, with enough wood to last this winter.

Arville and Agim Paying for the Last Load of Wood

Cutting the wood and loading it on the truck

And then we take off-----

The Neigborhood Where Most of the Families Live

On the days of the deliveries, I (not having done the work beforehand) came along and visited with the families while Arville and Agim unloaded the wood. I used the excuse that I had to take pictures --- well, it worked!



The children were at the kindergarten when we delivered the wood so as not to have any discussions at school about which families got wood delivered and which didn't. We did not have the money to provide wood for all 40 families (not all of them were as in great a need - without any other recourse either), and we did not want the families who received wood to feel ashamed about it. Here is a photo of one of the older children who had come home from school while we were there.




At one point, we got on the wrong street (more like alleyway) and so we stopped to ask where the family lived.





As it turned out, Agim had to call Habibe to find out which way to go. He says that he has had to do that alot in his lifetime (ask her which way to go, that is). HA!





I was invited into every home we went to --- and treated royally. What a humbling experience! But what a joyous experience, as well. In every home, I was offered tea, coffee, or juice. I learned (from Habibe) a long time ago, not to refuse -- even though I knew it might be a sacrifice for them to offer.


The drink was made even more delicious by the conversation about their children and what the "Future of the Family" kindergarten had meant to them this year, how excited their children were about learning, and about how they wanted to go to school NO MATTER WHAT!!




In most homes, several generations live together. Four of the women in this picture live and work together (2 of them were cousins who were visiting). These women share all the responsibilities for the cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. This was the room where they eat, visit, and one family (of the 4) sleeps. There were 2 other small rooms - divided out by curtains - where the rest of the families sleep. So this truckload of wood actually supplied 4 families for the winter.



In two of the homes (probably the 2 poorest, in fact), I was given a gift (a crocheted doily in one and a towel that had handmade lace added to the bottom of it). Now you are talking about humbling!! I wish that each of you could have seen the joy on their faces when they gave these gifts to me.

I was invited back to visit longer after the holidays are over. I assured each of them that Habibe and I would be happy to come back when we had more time to visit.

These families know where the money comes from for the kindergarten and the wood -- and so they all told me to say, "thank you" to all the churches in America who have helped them this year. So here is your "thanks" from them, as well as, from us.





THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE THIS MINISTRY SO MEANINGFUL TO SO MANY FAMILIES!!!

Shelia and Arville

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM ARVILLE

Reflection from the Castle Hill
December 2, 2008
Arville

“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood---
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
The Word became flesh and came to live alongside us,
Filled with God’s truth and grace.”
(John 1: 5, 9, 14) Translation is mine.

Shine, light of God,

With truth,
In a world darkened by ignorance and mistrust.

********

Shine, light of God,

With love,
In a world blinded by bigotry and hatred.

********

Shine, light of God,

With humility,
In a world engulfed by selfishness and greed.

********


Shine, light of God,

With compassion,
In a world enshrouded by oppression and inhumanity.

*******

Shine, light of God,

With hope,
In a world dimmed by poverty and despair.

********

Shine, light of God,

With gentle radiance,

In the lives of those called to be witnesses to
The Light.

Our Grandchildren in 2008

2008 began with a wonderful addition to our family:

Nathan Mussie Breedlove

Here are a few photos of Nathan before we got to hug him in person:

Here is the family together (throughout the year):

There was snow on the ground when Amy, Christopher and Elijah brought Nathan home.

And Nathan joined in the fun. He loved the snow!!

Summertime Photos

Nathan

Sophie

Anna

Anna is a Peepaw's girl for sure. That is why I have so many photos of the two of them together.


Elijah

Elijah loves sports - and played football on his school team this year!!

Fall and Winter Pictures

This photo was taken at a once-in-a-lifetime event & one the children will never forget: President O'Bama's Rally in St. Louis

Anna recently bravely lost a tooth BUT Nathan found LOTS (even his back molars have come in already)!!

Amy and I found another mutual creative activity that we can enjoy together: photography!! We might even make it a family business someday.

The children call me Baba (which is Macedonian for Grandmother) - and easy to say. So you will have to excuse this Baba for showing off her family -- but surely it is written somewhere that grandmothers have earned the right to do that.

Merry Christmas, Elijah, Anna, Sophie and Nathan

With Love from your Baba

-----------------GOD WITH US------------------

“God With Us”

The Enduring Christmas Legacy

“God With Us” — Fulfilling the Promises
“God With Us” — Revealing God’s Redemptive Purpose
“God With Us” — Restoring Hope to Our Despair
“God With Us” — Bringing New Light Into a Darkened World
“God With Us” — Incarnating God’s Truth and Grace

This is the message of the Gospels. This is the enduring
legacy of Christmas—from former generations to the
successive generations—each being called to live
the presence of Christ in their own time and place.

May you know and Be that Presence
this Christmas season and throughout
the New Year.

Arville and Shelia

This last photograph was taken by our daughter,

Amy Earl Breedlove

(with her new Nikon camera and Lensbaby)

Thanks for sharing with us, Amy.

Just a Fun Thing To Do - Phohohotobooth.com

My daughter posted photos of her family with this FUN little experiment. We have spent almost an hour - laughing at her photos and making our own. I know -- I must not have much to do -- not true!! This is just such a great diversion.

Okay, now it is your turn to laugh.

Arville



And me ---


Shelia

Scenes of the Season in Skopje

I thought you might like to see some scenes of Skopje, like----



Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire---



And that is just about as far as the Christmas song goes in Skopje this year. We have not had much snow - just a few inches that didn't stay long. So Jack Frost isn't nipping at our noses yet.

But there are Christmas trees in shop windows ---




And a few umbrellas left over from summer --used to stay out of the rain that we have had for the past 4 days.



Here are a few photos of the downtown square.

There are even live Christmas trees in the Bit Pasare (Albanian Market) this year. Seems strange to see Albanian women shopping for Christmas trees ??



Shelia

Just Like a Kid But With Memories of a Lifetime

It doesn't matter that it is just Arville and I this year -- no kids in the house anymore -- except for me. I love putting up the tree, the smell of pine in the house, lights and candles, and something with cinnamon baking in the oven!! Do you really ever get too old for those things? I hope not.


This year, my tree decorations are very special to me. They are all handmade (and many by friends). Some are made of wool that was spun by hand, some were crocheted by the ladies in my sewing group, some I have had for years now - and from all over the world, and some I made myself. Maybe remembering the people who have influenced my life when I place each ornament on the tree makes this tree decorating so special to me.




















Habibe made these snowflakes for me last year.



A Macedonian friend of mine who does stained glass made this ornament for me.



And here are some photos of our little apartment -- all decorated for the holidays.



A friend gave these to me for Christmas about 10 years ago.



And Dot Laux (member of Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas - and one of our first volunteers in Macedonia) made these angels for me.



A friend in Missouri gave me this angel




Traditional Macedonian cloth and Greek Horns are part of the table decorations.



These ceramic houses were given by friends over the years.





And Kathy Smith gave me this beautiful Santa last year for Christmas.



I bought this Nativity set here and watercolored their faces to look more authentic. Handmade wool sheep are grazing on the coffeetable.

A young lady in Texas made this handpainted glass -- it hangs in the window in our dining room.

This holiday season, I hope you have the occasion to remember friends and family that have made a difference in your life, too.

Shelia