Welcome, Mr. President George W. Bush

That’s how a huuuuuge banner reads outside the American Embassy here in Tirana right now. On Sunday, June 10th President Bush will be coming to Tirana, Albania. He will be the first American President in history to come to Albania, so as you can imagine the city is getting pumped up to have him here.

All week there have been signs going up all over the city and American and Albanian flags flying high together. It quite a site to see.

Rumor has it:
Rumors are flying – and most of them have been confirmed now – that for George W. Bush to come to Tirana the Albanian government had to sign a special law for the day to de-arm the Albanian Military in the city and allow American troops (2000 of them) to take control of all security for GWB in the city. No country has ever signed such a thing for an American President.

Because GWB is coming on a Sunday, our church services will be in a different part of town, because the church is in an area called the Blok, which will be completely closed to motorists and tourists.








The irony in this photo is that where this sign now stands once stood the statue of the ruthless dictator Evner Hoxha.


Ok…back to the real reason we’re here:
Ministry among the youth is going well. We are very busy in preparation for summer events and ministries. Summer is so exciting here! Bible studies, coffee dates with students, hiking, hanging out, wandering the city together…Summer is our favorite time of year because of all the time we get with them.

The interns are doing great, and have been a blessing to us already. It has been wonderful for Gretchen’s sister to be here as well, helping out with the baby, volunteering at an orphanage, and teaching a conversational English class every night.




Yesterday was Samuels first doctors appointment here in Albania.


The Mosque in the square gets ready for mid-day prayer on Friday, it will be an overflow crowd.