Worship Conference

So, the house is now almost filled--we've got people staying in just about every bed: two couples, one guy, and three girls have joined us in our little apartment, how we're going to make everyone fit well, I'm not really sure. But, the first day of the conference was very good. Lots of song-type worship, lecture/discussion on what worship is, and prayer. Basically, what the idea comes down to is this: we have to worship God in the way he would want us to worship him, not in the way that we would want to be worshiped. That way is obedience. So, the theme of the day was "Worship is the key to a successful life," with worship being defined as obedience. Today, that specifically also was talked about in the area of the church, work, and family life. While this resulted in all sorts of different things to change, I'm hoping people in this church especially heard the part about practicing and spending time together as a worship team--they're the people that are most likely to be around outside of regular church, and I'd like to get to know them better, but it's hard if we don't spend time together. So, we'll see. Prayer was good, and I got prayed for for a few different things, which was good. It was great to see the English people again, and I got to talk a little more with some of the Bulgarians, so all in all it's been a good day.

And did I mention I wasn't teaching today? Not that we really needed a break, but we had the day off from that part of work anyway. Speaking of teaching though, Kimberley took her first test and did well, so I guess things are going ok. Talk to you all later--probably not until after the second day of conference is over.

Seminar/Speaker Guy

Went to Tirana tonight for a speaker who'd come from South America--Canada--Albania. He was very good: lots of love for scripture. Felt like I could finally get rid of Florida, so that was good. First day of school went well and we got through all I'd planned but Kimberley fell asleep on her desk--apparently they'd had cold meds in their systems and were both very tired because of it. Kimberley was especially tired though, so we're making her time in school a half an hour less than Christopher's. It looks like Christopher hasn't been reading quite as much as I'd hoped, but he hasn't forgotten everything, so I think we'll be fine. Pray for Kimberley and her ability to hear the sounds, though.

Love to all.

Here and Well

Well, I'm here. We've had a Sunday (went to all 3 services), started school, went to a conference, and went to the new grocery store. The conference was all on the Alpha course, which is sort of like an IV GIG since it's designed for non-believers, but it's not a Bible study per se. The conference was good, and it'd be interesting to see how an Alpha course would do in America at my own church (we'll see when I get back). Services were good, and I wasn't as tired after all of them as I expected to be. After services we moved school into a bigger room, but it's the room that usually gets used for Sunday services, so we will see how that works. All for now.

I'm here

For those of you who haven't gotten an email yet, I've arrived safely in Albania. I'll be going to a conference this weekend, so if you don't hear from me, that's why, but hopefully it will be translated into English and will be good. Everything seems good here and I'm glad I brought what I brought (I should've brought a little more). (Note to Mom: Carol was excited about the oven thermometer). Just wanted you to all know! If I don't have your email, please let me know somehow so I can put you on my list.

:)