Hello from Tirana, Albania!

We praise the Lord for a safe and "un-eventful" arrival here in Tirana! The last few weeks have been really sweet as we've spent such quality time fellowshiping and saying good-bye. It has also been emotionally exhausting having gone through a whole range of emotions as we anticipated our departure. But God's grace was and is sufficient for us, and we are delighted to finally be here on the ground. Our flights were smooth with no glitches, except that the flight from Washington DC to Vienna was two hours delayed so our checked luggage didn't make it on the Vienna - Tirana leg. The airline will hopefully deliver our luggage after the midnight arrival of another flight from Vienna tonight. Meanwhile we'll have to do with the clothes we're wearing.

We are staying with our new team members here in Tirana until we can find an apartment in the city. That search begins tomorrow, which is very exciting!

Here is our home for the next couple weeks.


Some photos from last weekend in Philadelphia with Gretchen's extended family:
Gretchen & Sibba:

This is what happens when you get really bored in the car and you're sitting next to an 8-year old :) Love you, Marina!



We'll post some more pictures as soon as we can...we know that it's kind of boring to just read our blog - you probably just skip to the pictures :)

Here are some things that you can pray in the next few days:
- for our luggage to arrive tomorrow (wednesday)
- for sweet reunions with friends here
- for a humble entry into the culture, language, church, etc.
- that we would be faithful in praying for each of you, our friends, family & supporters

Thank you and God bless!