EARL FAMILY NEWS

Our December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-23T17:57:00.001+02:00

Newsletter --- December 2011

We recently went through the process of renewing our registration and visa application so that we can reside in Macedonia another year (through the month of September 2012). All the laws had been revised once again since our last registration process in September 2010. We have an attorney (advocat) who worked diligently for five months to insure that we would have the visas by the end of the year. If we had not received the visa stamps by this deadline, we would have had to leave the country in order to register at an embassy outside Macedonia before we could continue the waiting process. This would have been an inconvenience, but we would have obtained the visas eventually. It was good news when Dijana called to tell us that our visas were waiting to be picked up at the Skopje office.

The whole process caused me to wonder what people do when they do not have an advocate. What would it mean for the poor, the homeless, the downtrodden or the victim to have someone to “stand up” for them? What about the African woman who is a victim of rape, war and abuse? What about the mother whose son has been diagnosed with epilepsy, but she has no way to pay for the medication? Who is their advocate?

The Future of the Family Kindergarten has become a place of “advocacy” for over 300 families whose children have attended this small school during the past eight years. These families have been the recipients of “good news” many times, and many of you have provided that “good news” through your contributions to this ministry. You have supplied nutritious meals, a loving environment in which to learn and grow, and a teacher (Habibe Iseni) who nurtures them consistently and caringly. You have gone beyond these basics of a solid education by providing heat for families in the winter, buying clothes and shoes for the children, seeing that the children who needed eyeglasses were able to do their work, and even supplying medication for several children who were in dire need.

So we want to take this opportunity to “thank you”, on their behalf, for all you have done to “stand in” for them. You have been their “advocate”.

May you experience this “Good News” in a very personal way this Christmas Season,

Arville and Shelia

Happy Thanksgiving to All Our Family & Friends

2011-11-24T11:57:00.005+02:00

We want to take this opportunity to wish all of our

family and friends

in the U.S. a very

Happy Thanksgiving today.

It is hard to believe that this is our last

Thanksgiving Day in Macedonia.

Time goes by so fast, and

we didn't want to let this day pass

without saying how much we love and appreciate

all of you.

(This picture was taken by our good friend, Janie Sellers.)

Making Ajvar

2011-10-28T19:06:00.002+02:00

It has been a long time since I spent an entire day working outside. We have had some dreary, gray days lately, but this day was an exception. It was sunny, but cool --

a perfect day in Skopje.

The big occasion for this all-day outing was

"making Ajvar" with Habibe.

Actually, the whole family got involved.

Ajvar (pronounced I-Var) is a declicious, roasted, red-pepper paste

--- a traditional Albanian-Macedonian specialty.

We began with small ovens - heated to perfection.

Agim is very good at knowing just how hot to make the fire.

We roasted 52 kilos of red peppers (that is a little over 100 lbs.)

until they were black on the outside and juicy on the inside.

After they were taken off the fire and cooled a bit, we began the process of peeling the peppers and taking all the seeds out.

We had several large pans full of red pepper skins when we were finished with this part.

The peppers were then processed, along with very hot green peppers. Habibe added garlic, a little salt and a little olive oil.

We had 2 large blue vats of processed peppers to cook on the two small traditional stoves. One vat had just the red peppers and the other had a combination of peppers, roasted eggplant and cooked carrots. The second vat is a specialty of Habibe's.

Cooking the peppers is the longest part of the process.

The vats have to be stirred continuously for over 3 hours on top of the hot ovens.

Everybody took their turn during this part of the cooking.

At times it splatters, so it is a good idea to wear an apron

for this part. Of course the men didn't believe us and got splatter with hot pepper sauce a few times.

Once the sauce reaches that deciding moment when it is ready to be taken off the fire,

(Habibe is an expert at this, too)

the vats are removed and the canning process begins.

Of course, everyone needed to taste-test each vat's contents before this final stage of preserving the ajvar is done.

And it is YUMMY!!!

I told Arville that I would like to try to make ajvar once we get to the states - and he just rolled his eyes at me.

I think I might have to talk someone else into doing this with me if I decide to do it again.

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-16T12:22:00.000+02:00

Arville,

Back when we first met, no one was talking about finding your "soul mate",

but after 42 years of marriage,

I believe I know what that means.

That is definitely what you are to me --

my Soul Mate.

I know that we have unique personalities and different responses to circumstances, but I am grateful that we have the really important things, like - convictions, principles and beliefs in common.

Hopefully we compliment each other by allowing the other to express his/her own personality;

and yet, we make great partners because of the common

goals and desires we share.

Here is to another year of sharing life together !!

Happy Anniversary to my soul mate.

I love you,

Shelia

FBC Abilene Team - Day in Village

2011-08-15T22:36:00.001+02:00

Pictures of our day in Harachina (a village outside Skopje).

FBF Abilene Team Partners

Zoo Trip 2011

2011-08-09T16:41:00.001+02:00

Here are pictures of the annual

Zoo Trip for the kindergarten.

This year, FBC Abilene Team went with us.

Thank you for all that you did for us, the school, and

the folks in Skopje while you were here,

Arville and Shelia

Village of Kamjan with Team from FBC, Abilene

2011-08-02T16:00:00.000+02:00

Monday morning, we drove to Kamjan - a village near

Gostivar - where we used to live.

We visited with Nevzat and Magbule & Family.

Here are pictures from that day's events:

Picture Set #1 of FBC Abilene Team

2011-07-30T16:09:00.000+02:00

Finally -- pictures of FBC, Abilene Team Trip

to Macedonia.

I cannot believe it has taken me so long to do this blog posting.

So much has happened since the beginning of June

that I am just now getting around to writing about it.

We were so thrilled to have this group come - they worked

very hard and learned a lot about the country, the people, the ministry

and what they could do to partner with us here.

Alicia Lee was able to come as a member of the group, but

her visit had special meaning because she and Jeff were

appointed at the CBF General Assembly at the end of June

to become part of the Albanian Balkan Team.

They will be working in Skopje and surrounding locations

to continue the ministry of the kindergarten, work with

families to help better their lives, and become involved

with environmental issues that face Macedonia.

FBC Abilene has just decided to become an integral part

of the continuing ministry here and will be working alongside

the Lees to make a difference in lives of these families.

I am posting the first set of pictures from their time with us.

It was difficult to narrow the photos to just a few each day.

This first set is the evening of their arrival - Sunday, June 5th.

Habibe, Agim, Sara and Jehona Iseni hosted a meal for

all of us in the courtyard of the kindergarten (many of you will recognize the location).

The table is set and Agim welcomes everyone.

Visiting before the delicious meal is served.

It began to rain so we moved inside after the meal to

talk about the week before us and to get to know each other

a little better.

Agim and Habibe told the group about how the kindergarten

came to be, our days of working together during the Kosovo War, and the families that have been helped over the past several years.

Happy Father's Day - Arville

2011-06-19T11:18:00.000+02:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish

Arville a Happy Father's Day.

AND to say thank you for letting me

use you as my model for many of my photography

classes this year.

You are a real trooper.

Happy Father's Day

I love you.

John, Mike and Arville visiting outside the school building.

These two photos were taken last week-

in the village of Harachina when the team

from FBC, Abilene, were here and

at the kindergarten when I made

yearbook photos for the children.

Arville and Agim

2011-06-15T13:53:00.000+02:00

Today is our younger granddaughter's

birthday.

She is 6 years old today.

Happy Birthday, Sophie.

We love you so much.

Here is a collage of previous years.

Sophie is so funny, so witty, and quite the comedian.

She is the delight of her family.

Other pictures of Sophie:

And this is a picture that Sophie drew for me some time ago.

I have it on my refrigerator door in Skopje.

It makes me happy when I see it!!

Thank you, Sophie!

And Happy Birthday from your

Baba and Peepaw

Happy Birthday, Nathan

2011-06-03T02:40:00.001+02:00

Nathan will be 4 years old tomorrow --

June 3rd,

but no one is to tell him because he thinks he will be

SIX !!!

He says that he doesn't like the numbers 3 and 4 anymore

so he is just skipping over 5 too and going right to the age

he wants to be!!

We think it could be because his sister will be six

in just a few more days.

Whatever age you think you are, Nathan,

the important thing is to enjoy your birthday and

have a very Happy Day!!!

Nathan, this poem reminded me so much of you.

------------------------

Micschievous Grins

Author: Unknown

Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,

Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,

With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,

Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while,

Nothing can brighten the world like (Nathan's) smile.

Have a Wonderful Brithday - whatever age you are.

------------------

Nathan likes everything CARS --

but he especially loves to read car magazines.

Look at how much he has grown in the past 2 years:

And here he is with his GIRLS (fan club):

We love you,

Baba and Peepaw

Happy Memorial Day to All in the USA

2011-05-30T11:43:00.003+02:00

Just thought I would post a few pictures of

American Flags and

wish everyone in the US -

a very happy Memorial Day.

Since today is not a holiday in Macedonia,

I thought I would post some pictures of

life as normal here on

May 30, 2011.

Kids are going to School as normal

Flags are Flying in front of government buildings

Animals are being cared for

The Parks are in Bloom

Folks are Enjoying the Parks

People are working

The Markets are Open

Did you notice that the STRAWBERRIES have come in?? They are SO good this year.

And it is finally warm in Macedonia. The snow is melting on the moutaintops

and summer is coming!! (well, at least spring - HA!).

Have a good Memorial Day and enjoy friends and family today.

Arville & Shelia

Spahija & Bardho Funerals

2011-05-26T18:02:00.004+02:00

Today is the funeral service for
Mariana Spahija and Donika Bardho.

Ricki Buesing is giving a eulogy and the service

will be at the Methodist Church.

I found a couple of photos - taken the day

that Mariana was baptized in

Lezhe, Albania.

It reminded me that digital photography has not been

around very long. The pictures - because

they were negatives- did not withstand the test of time.

I put them into black and white so that they would

look a little better.

Burhan, Mariana and Shelia

Burhan and Mariana

The baptism took place in the Adriatic Sea and it was a bit chilly - coming out of the water - even though it was

summer and warm.

Here are a few thoughts that others have expressed -

they fit so well with our feelings. They put into words what we cannot seem to do today.

“Whether two are meeting for the first time or have known each other all their lives, friendship is the foundation of the bridge between their hearts and minds. It does not matter how a friendship begins; once it takes root in the soul, it quickly grows . . . . . ultimately it can blossom into one of the most magnificent treasures the world can hold.” Susan Polis Schutz

“The soul hungers for friendship - someone to associate with, to compare stories with, to go places with, and to call on the phone. We keep the gift and get the blessing of friendship by passing it on to other in this give-and-take world. Thank you for this gift. What a blessing you have been to me!” Donna Fargo

Mariana, you were a very special gift to many people - in your work as Special Education Teacher at Lumpkin County High School, in your church, and to those you met in your everyday activities. You will be SO missed. Burhan, please know that we are thinking of you and the children today. May God's grace be sufficient.

Arville and Shelia

Congratulations, Christopher!!!

2011-05-19T14:19:00.000+02:00

Our son-in-law graduates tomorrow

May 20 from

Eden Seminary in St. Louis

with a Doctorate of Ministry Studies.

We wish that we could be there to see him receive

the degree he has worked so long and hard to earn.

Congratulations to the whole family!!

Here are some photos that show the things that

Christopher is most passionate about:

His Family:

The Environment and Social Justice:

And Climbing Mountains:

Congratulations, Christopher!!

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday, Elijah

2011-04-21T10:32:00.003+02:00

Today is Elijah James Breedlove's

12th Birthday.

Happy Birthday to you, Elijah.

We love you and are so proud of you.

Here are a few collages that show

your interests nowadays.

We hope that you are not too embarrassed

by all of this "photo press."

Have a GREAT day!

TAE KWON DO

SKATEBOARDING

FOOTBALL

Happy Birthday, Mom

2011-04-14T17:52:00.000+02:00

Thursday, April 15, 1920, was relatively quiet in terms of worldwide significance. That date had not yet been designated as the tax return deadline. 1920 was a leap year, but that mattered little.

In Gill, Texas, earlier known as Terrapin Neck, people tended to their farm chores, and some went to work at the local sawmill or cotton gin. Life was normal in the community.

The population of Harrison County was 43,565, the majority of which lived in Marshall. But Gill had its own mix of Harrisons, Hopkins, Allens, Fogles, Grigsbys, Moores, Mayfields, and a few others – making up at least half of that 565. An Earl family was among the others.

To be sure, times were different then. In Gill, radios and refrigerators were not commonplace, and as a matter of fact, neither was electricity. Now and then an automobile or truck could be heard, if not seen, clattering by on its way to somewhere. Who knew when it might return? And $100 would translate into several thousand by today’s standards.

But then there was this event. Annie Ruth Hopkin was born; the second child of Molton and Emma Dee (Harrison) Hopkin. After that, the world kept on turning, but it would never be the same. On that day and because of this event, the world became a better place.

I love you, Mama.

ARVILLE

HAPPY 91ST BIRTHDAY!!!

"Images of Praise"

2011-04-08T14:35:00.001+02:00

Here are some images that I made for a friend,

and then I put them into a book for myself.

I thought they were appropriate for the

Easter season.

"Intense love does not measure; it just gives."

Mother Teresa

Mother's Day at the Kindergarten

2011-03-15T19:57:00.001+02:00

Last Tuesday was Mother's Day

in Macedonia (actually International Women's Day).

I thought that you might like to see

some of the pictures I took of the children

making and wrapping gifts for their mothers.

This was the first time most of the women

knew there WAS such a thing as Mother's Day -

let alone - get a gift.

The next day the mothers who brought their

children to school all had their new scarves

tied around their heads.

The paper flower bouquets that the children made

went in a very special place in the home so

that the mothers could remember their

first ever Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday to Our Sweet Anna

2011-03-04T22:52:00.005+02:00

Today is Anna's 9th birthday!!

We cannot believe how fast these 9 years have gone by.

We are so thankful for every minute that we have been able

to spend with her over the years.

We haven't seen her as often as we would have loved to,

but we have certainly made the most of the times

that we have been together.

She is an amazing girl -

she has learned to play the piano, she absolutely LOVES to read,

she is so smart, and has a heart as big as the world!

She cannot stand to see injustice - especially when

it involves people that are powerless to do anything

about it.

See, I told you she was amaing!

Happy Birthday, Anna.

Hope you had a great time at your school birthday party today -

and have LOTS of fun this weekend.

We love you and wish we could be with you.

Baba and Peepaw

Happy Birthday to Our Daughter-in-law

2011-01-08T17:15:00.000+02:00

Even though her birthday isn't until

tomorrow, January 9th -

we wanted to wish Layla

a Happy Birthday

just in case our

internet has problems

again tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to Our Sweet Daughter!!

2010-12-31T01:58:00.000+02:00

It is past midnight and has just become December 31, 2010

in Skopje.

35 years ago today - my "tiny" baby girl was born.

She was a New Year's Eve baby!!

She was a bit early and weighed only 5 lbs. 2 ozs.

She was born in the middle of a snowstorm and icy roads, but she certainly warmed our hearts --

and continues to do so!!

We love you, Amy, and wish that we could be with you today

on your birthday!!

Have a blast at your "80s Birthday Party Celebration"!!

Happy Birthday Greetings -- all the way from Skopje--

Mom & Dad

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T15:23:00.002+02:00

December 2010

Reflected Light

by Shelia

In several of the photography courses I have taken during the past year, LIGHT and how it behaves has been a major part of the discussion. LIGHT is probably the most important element that determines how a photograph is developed or created.

The lack of natural light leads the photographer to search for an alternative source to correctly illuminate the photograph. Flash or strobe lighting will help to increase the effect of ambient light or act as daylight to supply the sole light source for a well-exposed photograph. Both the natural light and flash/strobe light are forms of LIGHT.

If the natural light or the strobe lighting is too strong and/or direct, the photo will have a very harsh look that is often offensive to the eye. That strong light can be diffused by a thin panel of cloth or other material to make the photo more pleasing and show off the details of the photo in a more productive manner. Or better yet, the light can be reflected. This option can help the photographer when the light is too dim or when the light is too strong. A reflector can be a simple piece of white foam board, a white or light colored building, or a white/gold/silver purchased reflector.

The purpose of the reflector is to bounce what light is available (whether it is natural light that is too weak to expose the photo correctly or so strong as to make the photo unacceptable). The reflector can be placed so that light can be directed from the light source back onto the subject. . The reflector reveals and correctly exposes the parts of the photo that would be hidden without it or redirects the light at an angle so that it is softer and more dispersed than the too bright sunlight.

As applied to our witness of God’s love to the people with whom we live and work, this concept of reflected LIGHT takes on a new meaning for us. In Matthew 5:16 (The Message, Eugene Peterson) these words hold relevance to this concept: “Let me tell you why you are here. You are here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We are going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I am going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I am going to put you on a light stand. Now that I have put you on a hilltop, on a light stand --- SHINE!”

Our hope is that we will SHINE/REFLECT the LIGHT that we know to be truth in such a way that those we come in contact with here in Macedonia (or wherever we might be) will see God’s reflection with their own eyes (experiences). Our desire is that the reflection of our lives will not be too harsh and unpleasing as to cause others to not want to know the truth, but instead, that the reflection will represent God in such a way as to lighten the dark corners and circumstances they face daily.

Shelia: Several years ago, Mary Anne Womack, gave me a copy of her book, “Reflected Light”. I have thought about this little book many times over the years, but most often during these photography courses. This the introductory poem to her book:

Reflected Light

Stars of the universe shine

And

remind me of the Light that shines within

my soul

The Light of one who shines and calls me

to a life of light

A life that draws to Him those

In the dark of night who see the

Light

Of the Star of the Universe

Thank you for all you do for us and our ministry throughout the year.

Through your contributions to the CBF Offering for Global Missions you help to build Christ-centered, collaborative, and holistic ministries around the world and make it possible for us to be in Macedonia.

You may send donations to P.O. Box 101699, Atlanta, Georgia 30392.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Arville and Shelia

The Christingle Candle

2010-12-24T22:55:00.000+02:00

In Germany in 1747, Bishop Johanns de Watteville was searching for a way

that he could illustrate God's love

to the younger members of his congregation.

Taking his lead from the Moravian Church,

the Bishop created the first Christingle service by giving

the children candles wrapped in a red ribbon

with the prayer

"Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these dear children's hearts".

The orange represents the world, the toothpicks are the

four corners of the world and the four seasons,

the red ribbon is the gift of peace from God through Christ,

and the Light represents our witness to

the Love of God.

Closer to the present day, John Pensom

of the Children's Society (a British charity that aids young people

who face danger or discrimination) introduced the

Christingle service to the Anglican Church

in 1968.

The custom spread quickly, and it is now

a valuable fundraising event during

Advent.

The Hustle and Bustle of Skopje: A Journalistic Poem with Pictures

2010-12-24T01:07:00.001+02:00

The hustle and bustle of the ever-increasing traffic in Skopje

has become more the norm than just the sign of a busy season.

The road that goes from our apartment into town is

a four-lane road,

but due to the increase in the number of

cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles,

as well as

the cars parked & the dumpsters lining

the outside lanes,

this four-lane street is, in actuality, two lanes.

At any given time there may be three cars abreast

in each of these two lanes.

A scenario that happens on a daily basis:

A bus gives a signal as it pulls out of the safety of

the designated bus stop and almost collides with

two taxis as they both try to pass the bus;

thus, three vehicles of varying sizes

in one lane.

A car behind the second taxi passes

on the wrong side of the road and barely avoids

running over the pedestrians in the "makeshift" crosswalk -

the actual crosswalk that theoretically protects pedestrians-

is half a block up the street.

This same taxi speeds ahead (there are no speed limits)

to get to the intersection first so that

he can make a left-hand turn from the right lane,

thus beating all the other cars that are waiting

in the left-hand turn lane.

Two motorcycles use the "invisible" white line

that divides the two lanes as an improvised racetrack.

In the midst of this confusion, a Mac truck makes a

U-turn across both lanes to deliver merchandise to a

"dyqan" (store) while a student driver in an

"Auto-Skolla" car looks bewildered as to which way to go.

The student driver decides to make a right turn

in order to park on the sidewalk,

but fails to give a signal.

She goes unnoticed.

Just another driver who is learning to traverse

the streets of Skopje!

Shelia

Happy Holidays from Skopje

2010-12-23T03:23:00.001+02:00

We wish you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year,

We decided to start with the youngest in our family -- so Nathan is first this year. Amy took pictures of her family and sent them to me so that I could make cards for our Christmas greeting this year. Then Layla had sent me several pictures and I used them in a collage card, too. So thank you all for helping to make our Christmas greeting special this year.

Nathan Mussie

Sophia Rose

Anna Grace

Elijah James

Look how much the children have grown from summer until now:

Arville & Shelia

What's For Dinner?

2010-12-14T21:03:00.000+02:00

Is it cold where you are tonight?

It is cold here in Skopje, but we just

bought a new heater and I am making dinner so

our little apartment is beginning to warm up somewhat.

We are having Pumpkin Soup, Green Salad and Cornbread.

My kitchen may be small (6 ft. x 7 ft. including the cabinets), but

I have found that you use all the space you have anyway --

so I just have less to clean up. HA!

The pumpkin soup is prepared in the pumpkin shell so there isn't

a soup pot that has to be cleaned up at least.

This is a recipe that my daughter, Amy, gave me about

a month ago -- our pumpkins have been so good

this year that I have made this soup

several times over the past month.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T21:48:00.000+02:00

Celebrating Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day in 1967, I was completing a year of duty in the US Army in Pyeong Taek, South Korea. The chaplain with whom I worked had developed a relationship with the principal and children at a local elementary school. The chaplain graciously extended the invitation to me, as well.

The special occasion was a recitation performance by the students who were beginning to study English. To our surprise, the recitation selection came from a modernized version of a speech by Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth Colony in 1621. This gathering to hear the speech was considered to be, according to some legends, America’s first Thanksgiving Day.

The principal had been associated with American missionaries and military personnel, and as a result, had learned something about American cultural traditions along with the language. (He also did formal English language study at the university later on.)

Both the principal and students thought it appropriate to do this particular recitation on this day, in respect for their American visitors. Some did exceptionally well with their speeches, while others struggled and were embarrassed. The chaplain and I, of course, were delighted and honored to have been invited to the celebration of our Thanksgiving Day. I remember the happy, smiling faces of the children, teachers and parents as we shared a Korean meal together in the spirit of mutual gratitude.

The Korean people at this program were totally unaware of any historical inaccuracies or myths that had grown into memorialized legends. This was much more about our commonality as human beings and our ability to share in the common experience of true thanksgiving.

Over the years, Shelia and I have had the opportunity of sharing Thanksgivings in many different geographical and cultural settings – various states in the U.S., several cities in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and several countries in Eastern Europe. But regardless of where it happens; if it happens on a different day than the actual Thanksgiving Thursday in America; or if there is no traditional American food such as turkey, sweet potatoes or pumpkin pie, the essential element of our celebration has been this: Sharing her in mutual gratitude.

May we all find a way to do just that when we celebrate Thanksgiving this year,
Arville

Thanks for Giving ---

Contributions to the CBF Offering for Global Missions build Christ-centered, collaborative, and holistic ministries around the world and mke it possible for us to be in Macedonia.

Gifts directed to the Kindergarten Educational Project (CBF Project #880548) provide essential support for this ministry among Albanian & Roma families in Skopje, Macedonia.

Please send donations to P.O. Box 101699, Atlanta, GA 30392.

See: www.thefellowship.info

Arville & Shelia Earl

Metodija Mitevski 12:3/9
1000 Skopje
Republic of Macedonia
E-Mail: sheartistmk@yahoo.com

Websites/Blogs:
http://www.earlfamily.blogspot.com/
http://www.searlphotography.com/
http://www.blog.searlphotography.com/

Happy Birthday to My Wife

2010-11-14T15:43:00.000+02:00

I figured out how to post on our blog -- after numerous tries. So here is my birthday greeting that I sent to Shelia:

Here's a birthday greeting for you. When I think about you and say your name, these are some of your characteristics that come to mind:

S - Sincere
Sensitive
Sensational

H- Honorable
Humble
Humorous
E- Energetic
Expressive
Enchanting
L- Loving
Loyal
Luscious
I - Intelligent
Intensive
Intuitive
A- Adorable
Affectionate
Amazing!!!

Of course, this is only a representative list. There are many more that are evident and others yet to be revealed, I looking forward to the birthdays ahead and the discoveries still to come.

I Love You.
Arville

Elijah's Patriotic Essay Contest Entry

2010-11-11T18:08:00.000+02:00

Our grandson, Elijah James Breedlove, wrote this essay for a Patriotic Essay Contest that he entered recently. We are SO proud of him. He has wisdom beyond his years -- hecares what happens to other people, stands up for those who are abused/misused, and want to make our world a better place to live.

Here is his essay:

Does Patriotism Still Matter?

By: Elijah Breedlove

When people think of patriotism they may think of war or being faithful to your country. However, you can show patriotism in a different way. This other way may be to stand up for the rights of people or animals and the equality of others. People like Martin Luther King Jr. and Eugene Debs of Terre Haute, Indiana stood up for the rights of men and women like us. Eugene Debs was the young leader of the American Railway Union. Eugene Debs was a patriot because he stood up for the rights of his fellow railroad workers, because they were not paid fair wages to support their families. At the time of his death, Martin Luther King Jr., stood up for city workers who were also not being paid a fair living.

Patriotism like the kind that King and Debs practiced is still important today, because if some people did not practice peace and being anti-war we would be in a blood filled world. Being faithful to your country and standing for peace is still patriotism. If we allowed hatred and war to rage, then many of us would not be here today.

Some day I want to become the kind of patriot that strives to understand, to listen, to be peaceful, loving, and joyful. I want to be around, when we only know about war from history books.

Patriotism that works for you and me is important because bad politics and war are still raging. I hope when I am all grown up I’ll look through the eyes of the world and not see war that goes on but see peace and harmony.

I will become a patriot by standing up for people who are in trouble and by becoming a marine-life conservationist. The world you and I live in has a lot of problems, but if we stop one thing at a time and if we save one thing at a time then that is also patriotism. I think the real question is, do we know enough about patriotism?

School Begins Again

2010-09-16T19:21:00.001+03:00

September 1st marked our 6th year of school opening at the "Future of the Family" kindergarten. As usual, the children have cried for the first 2 weeks, eaten more nutritional food than they knew existed, and used bad language -- once and only once -- because Habibe has a rule that they are given ONE chance to switch off the bad language before she goes to get their parents and they have to miss a day of school.

We were laughing the other day and reminding ourselves that this adjustment period only lasts about 2 weeks, and that the next time they cry this much is because school is almost finished!! By that time they would live at the school if they could.

It is always so exciting to see the transformations in their young lives in the short period of 9 months. Life will never be the same again for them. We are so grateful for this little kindergarten and the teachers, students and families that are part of it.

Thanks to all of you who have invested your time, your talents, your monetary gifts, and yourselves in the lives of these children.

Shelia

Happy Birthday, Arville

2010-08-25T12:53:00.000+02:00

Today is my sweet husband's birthday -- I won't tell you how old he is because I don't want him to tell on me when November comes around. HA! I will just say that he is SO loved by family and friends -- and especially his wife. I am so privileged that he came into my life and chose to spend his life with me.

I asked him what he wanted for his birthday - and all he said was Mandarin Orange cake. Well, since there are NO canned mandarin oranges in this country, I knew I would have to improvise. The next thing on the list is Cool Whip - and you guessed it - there wasn't even whipped cream that you whip yourself. The list doesn't end there -- I had to substitute 3 other things in the "Easy to Make" Mandarin Orange cake. BTW this cake is made with a cake mix -- so I had to even figure out how to make a cake mix so that I could use the liquid from the not available canned oranges --- you get the idea.

Well, I started about 8 o'clock last night and finished baking the cake and making the icing by 10:30 pm. Supposedly, it takes 40 minutes to make this cake and icing, too. We will see how it tastes tonight. This past Saturday was Agim's birthday so Habibe, Jehona, Sara and I are taking both the men out to dinner and then we are eating this cake I baked.

What you want to bet that even if it tastes terrible -- Arville will say: "This is SO delicious. Thank you, babe." That's my husband for you -- a heart full of gratitude!

Happy Birthday and I love you more than words can say,

Shelia (or Babe - as the case may be)

The Winner of the CBF Giveaway "Photo Session"

2010-08-21T12:53:00.002+02:00

If you go to my Photography Blog ( http://www.sheliaearlphotography.blogspot.com/ )you will see a few of the photos of the winner of this drawing. Ruby received a DVD with all the pictures and a book with selected ones as the prize.

We had a great time together - which made it even more special.

Shelia

Today is Our 41st Wedding Anniversary

2010-08-16T11:36:00.002+02:00

You know when my parents were married 40 years, I thought that was a LONG time. Funny how it doesn't seem as long now. HA! It seems just a few years ago that we started our life together. What a wonderful 41 years it has been.

I want to share with you a poem that Arville wrote to me today (he gave me permission). I love it that he still writes letters and poems to me -- well, that is just one of the things that I love about him. How can I count the ways??

Happy Anniversary to you too, sweetheart.

I love you,

Shelia

Arville's Poem:

Babe,

I treasure the forty-one years we have shared,

For better, for worse, but love not spared.

My life with yours has been entwined,

And yet there's so much more to find.

Youv'e made of me a better man,

While walking this road hand in hand.

Though winds of sorrow may have blown,

They will not replace the joys we've known.

We still stand strong with each new day,

Facing life together, let come what may.

Our love has grown as time has passed,

And the love we have was made to last.

I love you and Happy Anniversary,

Arville

Mom's 90th Birthday Celebration in Chicago

2010-08-08T23:32:00.001+03:00

Here are a few pictures that I took at Mom's 90th BD celebration. We attended the Taste of Chicago while we were there, too, and took the grandkids to a playground/skateboard park, took pictures of some old homes and churches near where Dwight (Arville's youngest brother) and Joyce live, and went to a Plant Store (that is where I made the fun photos of Mom in the rocking chair). These are only a few of the pictures I took that weekend - maybe I can post some more later.

All but one of her sons was able to be there. That is quite a record - considering how far apart all of us live.

Her favorite food -- and LOOK!! her cake is in the shape of a watermelon, too. Thanks, Tony, for sharing your creativity with all of us.

Happy Birthday and we hope you had a great time. (Thank you, Dwight and Joyce, for hosting us).

We love you, Mom.

Isn't this the best photo ever?? Just so that she won't think that I am picking on her, I am posting mine picture in the chair, too. HA!

Announcing My New Website and Photography Blog

2010-06-06T19:37:00.006+03:00

Just wanted you to know that my new Photography Website: http://www.searlphotography.com/ and my new Photography Blog: http://www.blog.searlphotography.com/ are both up and running.

If you go to the WEBSITE first, you can get to the blogsite under MY BLOG in the top menu, and if you go to the Blogsite first then the website is linked under PORTFOLIO in the top menu.

And here are a few of the class pictures that I made this year for the "Future of the Family" Kindergarten. The new frames come from SP Designs. The families loved them.

REFLECTIONS ON BEING MISSIONAL

2010-05-22T21:15:00.000+03:00

When thinking about what it means to be missional, I become both excited and disquieted. It brings to mind Phillip’s experience when he was called upon by the angel of the Lord to “Go south, down the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza”. With no more information than that, Phillip sets out on the journey. Though not expressed in the text, one can certainly imagine a tension in Phillip’s inner self, between wanting to be true to his calling and a hesitation due to the lack of details about what may lie ahead, around the next bend. Nothing in the passage indicates that Phillip knew from the outset that the Ethiopian would be waiting there in that chariot. The eventual encounter and what we generally interpret as a successful outcome, was a validation of Phillip’s faithful obedience, but it was not a precondition for his response.

My excitement about being missional has its source in the tremendous potential of being involved in a commitment to and an engagement in what God is about in this world. The open horizon is there, calling me to, here-to-fore, unexplored opportunities. I have the freedom of seeing things from a new perspective. Yes! That is really exciting! But, from exactly the same source comes my disquietude. There is a considerable amount of unsettledness in not having things clearly mapped out all the way to a predetermined destination. The landscape is unfamiliar and at some points along the way, there is no GPS signal. Being realistic, I have to admit that such uncertainty produces genuine anxiety.

Assessing my own understanding of missionality (being missional), I am drawn back to the foundational principal of being invited to participate in God’s redemptive and restorative purpose. Having received this invitation I cannot simply ignore it and regard it as being insignificant. On the contrary, this calling has become integral to my life, and now I have to be concerned about how to express my calling.

As I contemplate how to respond to this invitation, I cannot do so without considering other people—these people with whom I interact day by day in the normal course of life. Is this not where God really is at work? Is this not where Jesus invested himself? There is this question which is never far from my mind: “How can I be the presence of Christ among these people, in these particular environmental circumstances, as our normal courses of life intersect and interweave and sometimes collide”? I understand now that the environmental circumstances of people change; sometimes suddenly and dramatically, but sometimes more gradually. I must be willing to make adjustments in response to these changes so that the message of God’s love and grace remains authentic and applicable in the midst of all kinds of circumstances.

Making adjustments, as just mentioned, suggest that I do not have an immediate and prescribed answer for every situation. Learning to be a listener is preferable to insisting that they should always be the listeners, therefore constraining the idea that my insights and experience have more substance than do theirs. I must try to be sensitive to the serendipitous opportunities as they are presented, even though I am not able to predict the final outcome.

During recent years, and more often than in times past, I have ask myself, “How should I interpret and apply the words of Jesus in the parable of the Good Shepherd, about his having come to bring a more abundant life to those neglected, and left to live on the fringes of society. My response must be based on something other than advancing my own position of authority and power. (Remember that I am working on an invitational basis). For me, being missional is about relating as fully as possible to life in their context, rather expecting people to relate to life based on some other contrived religious or cultural standard as a prerequisite to what Jesus has to offer. As I understand it, what Jesus offers is grace and a relationship based on nothing but love. The development of that relationship is, of course, a continuing process and a process into which I have been called, not to direct or dictate, but to assist and facilitate when appropriate opportunities arise.

That’s where I am at the moment, but my missional journey is not yet finished.

Watercolor for CBF General Assembly 2010

2010-05-20T19:40:00.000+03:00

Here is my watercolor that will be in this year's Art Auction at the CBF General Assembly in North Carolina next month. It is the picture that I used for our Christmas cards last year. This one isn't framed yet, but goes to Zlatko (frameshop I use here) next week to be framed in a handmade matt & frame.

Shelia

Happy Birthday, Elijah

2010-04-21T19:07:00.001+02:00

Our oldest grandchild, Elijah James Breedlove, turns 11 today. He is getting so big - and we would be missing it all if it weren't for his mother who makes sure that we know what is going on in his life. Because of the internet phone service, we can talk to him any time he is available (that means when he isn't at school, church or working). HA!

Happy Birthday, Elijah.
We love you,
Baba and Peepaw

Elijah, Sophia, Anna, Peepaw and Nathan

Louisville 2009

2010-04-04T20:08:00.001+02:00

Happy Easter to everyone!

We celebrated Easter here in Macedonia on the same day as Easter in the states. This is the first time we can remember that happening since we have been here - usually we are a week after the states.

Here are a few photos of dyed eggs (Macedonian tradition is to give dyed eggs to guests that visit in your home) so I dyed 2 cartons this year in order to have enough.

Shelia & Arville

Looks Like Spring Is Here

2010-04-04T03:24:00.005+02:00

Just thought that you might want to see some pictures that I took this week when Habibe and I went to the market to get flowers and vegetables. Everything is blooming and it is beautiful in Macedonia today.

I bought some flowers for our balcony. Habibe is going to put them in new soil from the countryside while we are in Kiev at our team meeting. When I get back, we will clean up the balcony and be able to start enjoying being outside again.

I also bought some vegetables while we were at the market, too. I love all the varieties that springtime brings to Skopje. Good Eating!!

Shelia

Mother's Day 2010

2010-03-15T15:34:00.005+02:00

Mother's Day 2010 Photos

Here are a few pictures from the Mother's Day Celebration at the "Future of the Family" kindergarten this year. All of the mothers could not get to the school because of a huge snowstorm (it snowed all night before and all day on the day of the celebration). We had to wait until later on during the week to give gifts to some of the mothers.

Outside our apartment building - on the way to the kindergarten.

The trees were beautiful but the roads were treacherous to walk or drive on.

Mothers Visiting Together

Habibe, Her Mother and Her Daughter - Jehona

Jehona

Lumije - Teacher at the Kindergarten

Advije - Cook and Helper at the Kindergarten

It was a great day even though everyone couldn't come. Those who did had a wonderful time.

Shelia

Happy Birthday to our Wonderful Daughter, Amy

2009-12-31T22:05:00.003+02:00

Today, December 31, New Year's Eve, is our daughter's birthday. We wanted to wish her a very Happy Birthday today. Here are a few pictures of her with her family.

Have a wonderful birthday, Amy!!! We love you. Mom and Dad

Red Hot Peppers

2009-10-20T16:22:00.004+02:00

I discovered that I am never going to get all my stories and pictures posted if I keep waiting to get them all edited and corrected. With our timeline of leaving Macedonia next Sunday for our OFA (Off-Field Assignment until the first part of January) I have been so busy getting everything completed so that all the work will continue while we are gone that I have gotten further behind in my Blog postings.

So I decided to just begin with current happenings and try to insert past stories and pictures as I complete them. I am going to try to make at least a weekly posting to this site. (Call it an early New Year's resolution!)

Box of Peppers Ready For the Fire

-----------------------

Peppers Roasting over the Open Stove Fire

Last week was a busy week for women in Macedonia (Albanians and Macedonians alike). They put up peppers, cauliflower, carrots, etc. and made Ajvar (pepper sauce) to last until next winter. I went over to Habibe's and made photos one of the days she was working. Jehona was helping her mother -- and it was a good thing -- because the next day as she finished and put the oven away for the year, it began to rain. If Habibe had not had help, she would have finished her work in the wet and the cold because the temperature dropped rapidly the next day -- winter has arrived.

Here are more photos from the day's event:

Shelia

A BIG SURPRISE

2009-10-01T22:54:00.006+02:00

This past week I received a big surprise. Each month BetterPhoto.com has a photography contest. I entered during the month of August and the photo was picked as an "Editor's Pick". Then I got a message in September that the photo had made it to the "Finalist" category.
------------

I have been taking photography and creative writing classes on-line as part of my "Continued Learning" that CBF encourages in Field Personnel. This seems to be a very inovative concept - to develop the skills of personnel in a way that will enhance ministry opportunities. I cannot tell you how many people I have met and become friends with in Macedonia because of this one interest. It is amazing!

--------------------

Anyway, I never thought much more about the contest. I look at it as having an opportunity to learn from other photographers - more than anything else. But this past week - this announcement came in my mailbox. So I am showing you what I received:

"Trust" SEarl Photography

Hi Shelia,

Congratulations! You have won Second Place in the Monthly Theme category of this month's BetterPhoto photo contest! Way to go!
-----------------

With over 22200 entries in the contest, it is a big honor to be selected among the winners.To see your winning image - Trust - and the other excellent winning photos, visit:

http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/winners/0908.asp
---------------
News Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/23/2009------------------
-----------------

Photographer Shelia Earl of Skopje, Macedonia has won Second Place for August in the prestigious photography contest sponsored by BetterPhoto.com, the site's founder, Jim Miotke, announced Wednesday.
-----------------

More than 22200 entries were submitted to the online photography contest, which attracted contestants from around the world and featured 10 separate categories.

Earl's stunning image, "Trust", garnered top honors after being submitted in the Monthly Theme category.
-------------------

All of the winning images can be viewed at BetterPhoto.com's contest page: http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/winners/0908.asp

The contest is conducted each month. Categories include Nature and Landscapes, Animals, People, Elements of Design, Digital Darkroom, Travel and Place, Flowers, Details and Macro, Catch-All, and Monthly Theme.

------------------------

Judging is performed by a panel of professional photographers. The contest are sponsored by
http://www.betterphoto.com/

AND SO SCHOOL STARTS !!

2009-09-07T22:46:00.006+02:00

******

Here are photos of the Schoolbag Distribution Day for our children from last year's class at the "Future of the Family" kindergarten - free education to Albanian and Roma children who would not be able to attend school otherwise.

******

We gave out the schoolbags the day before school started, but as you can see in some of the photos, baby brothers and sisters came along so that they could see what
school was going to look like for them this year, too.

He is really not unhappy. It is just that he was telling me about his feelings of uncertainty as to whether he would ever like "regular" school as much as he liked going to the kindergarten. This look is priceless though, because I saw it on his face many times during the past year -- mainly when he was uncertain about something.

Some of the mothers wanted their picture made with their child, too. I love this one. The mothers have been so involved in the school this past year. It is a great thing to see the whole family benefiting from the educational experience of the child.

Habibe couldn't let this little one go away empty-handed, but she didn't want all the other children to see what she gave her either.

What a great student this young man is!

I loved this closeup of him - and that slight grin on his face.

The day these photos were made, lots of children from the past 5 years came by to greet us. Every one of them said the same thing - in different words -- "No other school can ever compare to this one. I love to come back every year to see the graduating students get their schoolbags for first grade." I have to say, "ME, TOO!"

More pictures to follow in the next few weeks.

As Habibe says, "Once the new ones stop crying long enough to make their photos." HA! I

****

It is the same story every year -- it takes about 2 weeks for them to learn what is going on. After all, they have never been out of their own home/neighborhood before. This is a frightening experience at first. But I can also say that they will be crying by December 31 (when the New Year break begins) --at that time it will be because they have to miss school for 2 weeks of holiday!!

Shelia

Back-To-Back Anniversaries

2009-08-12T17:56:00.006+03:00

This Sunday, August 16, is our 40th Wedding Anniversary!!! We were talking this morning (over coffee) about all of our previous anniversaries -- where we were, what we were doing, etc. It took a while, but we remembered some of the details of all of them.

All of our wedding photos are in storage in the States - so this is the only one that I had on the computer. I have included one of Arville at Normandy in 1981 which is the only one I have of him on the computer - closest to our wedding date. One of these days, we are going to be in the same location as all of these photos and I will have the time to put them all on the computer.

--------------------------------------

We both agreed, too, that it doesn't seem like it has been 40 years since we finished that final semester of college, made wedding plans, and walked down the aisle. We may look it - but we don't feel like we have been married 40 years. HA!

---------------------------------------------

And then these photos were taken close to some of our other anniversaries (while we were in the States):

--------------------------

Now --the Back-to-Back Anniversary is that of Christopher and Amy.

Taken at Amy and Christopher's wedding - our 27th Anniversary.

++++++++++++++++++++

Amy and Christopher were married 13 years ago next Monday, August 17. Congratulations, you 2!! Happy Anniversary!

Amy with Her Dad

Amy and Christopher shortly after they married

Happy Anniversary, Arville. I love you & look forward to more wonderful years together.

Shelia

A Bottle of Lotion & A Renewed Friendship

2009-07-26T15:15:00.027+03:00

Arville and Adem Together Again after Ten Years

When Daniel and Earlene Vestal and their then-future son-in-law – Jordan – came to visit with us in 1999, we were in the midst of the Kosovo War coming to a close, and Albanians were preparing to leave the refugee camps. Since we had already begun regular visits to the large refugee camp Cegrane, near Gostivar, we invited the Vestals and Jordan to go with us to get a close-up look at the situation. On that day, we met one particular family and spent most of the day with them – listening to their stories of tragedy, uncertainty and yet irrepressible hope.

Cegrane Camp 1999

The Gashi Family: (left to right) Xhylferije, Shkendije, Adem and Blerim

Adem, Jordan, Blerim talking with Daniel

Arville, Blerim and Jordan inside the tent

Jordan, Daniel, Shkendije, and Earlene inside the Gashi Temporary Home

Visiting One Last Time Before Leaving

----

We were in the states at the CBF General Assembly a few weeks later when most of the families left the camps in Macedonia for home (at least what was left of home). The Gashi family was among those who journeyed back to Kosovo. When we made another visit to the camp we tried to locate them, but no one seemed to know where they had gone.

----

When we returned to Macedonia, we began working in the south of Kosovo -- rebuilding homes, supplying tractors, food and clothing, plus medicines and vitamins for several villages.

This is what Prishtina looked like at that time

Daniel had left a business card with Adem (the father of the family) and the family wrote to him. They used the address of their former home, but since it had been destroyed during the war, they were not actually living there. The last time we were in the states and saw Daniel, he gave us their apartment address (they had moved there after returning and not being able to occupy their former property).

So we were able to talk to them several times on the phone since our meeting with Daniel in January. They wanted us to come to Kosovo and visit with them, but with the school, our other ministries, and harsh weather this winter in Macedonia and Kosovo, too, we were not able to accept the invitation until last week.

Here We Come !!!

We arrive in Prishtina (looks a bit different now, doesn't it?)

Now, ten years later, we made the trip to Kosovo with our friends, Agim and Habibe who worked with us in the camps and in Kosovo, as well. From Prishtina, we thumped along on a new autoroute still under construction. Forty kilometers took us almost 2 hours to travel. We arrived in the village town of Drenas and the apartment of the Gashi family.

We were welcomed with open arms (literally) by Adem and his son. Blerim, who helped us find a parking place and took us up to their apartment. We were treated as if we were family who had been away for these many years. We arrived around noon and visited until about 6pm. What a gratifying experience – all the memories surrounding a one-time meeting a decade ago.

You can tell by the pictures who is Center-Stage in this family now. Eni will be two years old on September 14.

Eni with his grandmother

--and with his father (Blerim)

Blerim and Agim visiting -- first time they had met, but you would have thought that they had been friends forever.

Eni with his Aunt Shkendije (who is expecting a child, too, in a few months).

Blerim's wife, Sadete, and Shkendije Looking at the Photos we brought them from Cegrane Camp

And the proud grandfather, Adem, with Eni

The daughter of the family, Skendije had come to visit with us, too. During the conversations (sometimes everyone was talking, laughing, crying, at the same time), Skendije took a bottle of skin cream from her bag, and she told all of us that it was the one that Shelia had given to her in the camp. She had only used a little of it because she said, “It was a gift from you (speaking to Shelia) and represented all that you had done for us while we were in the camp.” Well, you can imagine that Shelia cried – but so did Habibe, Skendije and her mother & father. Who knew what an enduring gift that would turn out to be for a teenage girl in a refugee camp? We never really know what impact we might have on someone else’s life, do we?

The Women and Eni Telling Us "Bye" One Last Time - from their 3rd floor apartment.

-----------------

We made a short visit to the former home site and farm of the Gashi family. Adem and Blerim work every possible chance they have – slowly rebuilding their lives. The financial resources for the family’s living expenses and the rebuilding of their home come from Blerim’s salary. He is a recent graduate of the newly formed Kosovo National Police Academy and is employed as a police officer in another town near Prishtina.

Here are pictures of the farm and what they have done on the house to be able to move back home:

Then we made a stop at the market so that Habibe could buy a new lid for her traditional pot.

We had planned to return in mid-afternoon to Macedonia so that we would arrive back before dark, but we could not pull ourselves away. After visiting until almost 6pm, we made the trip to the family farm and afterwards, Blerim escorted us to a “Memorial Cemetery” in a nearby village where an entire family of 63 members – father, mother, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and children of less than 7 years old – had been murdered in 1998. This marked the beginning of the massive expulsion and attempted annihilation enacted by the Milosevic regime. We are still trying to assess the impact of that somber experience.

The Sign indicates that this village was where the horrors of the Kosovo War began in late 1998.

We are amazed that with all that they have endured, the amount of loss they have experienced, and their financial situation at the moment, the Gashi family retains a sense of joy and gratitude for life which was confirmed by the smiles and laughter we observed that day. We were privileged to have the opportunity for reunion.

Here are scenes of traveling back to Macedonia:

What the next stage of follow-up will be, we do not know, but we are relatively sure that this one visit will not be our last, the next one will be an overnight so that we can visit longer, and neither visit will be the end of the story – but a new beginning to a deeper relationship. We also plan to share this story with Daniel, Earlene and Jordan – along with pictures of these few hours together.

Arville & Shelia

Happy Anniversary to Alan and Layla

2009-07-23T14:50:00.005+03:00

Wishing Alan and Layla and Happy 15th Anniversary today.

For those of you who are not on Facebook, but follow our Earl Family Blog - here is the story for the day and some recent photos that Layla posted of Alan and her this summer.

Alan and Layla met while he was working as security officer for the hospital complex where Layla worked. They got married in Kansas City on July 23, 1994.

In the following few weeks, we had a big sale & packed up to travel to Texas where we put Amy in college in August, and then we left for Albania.

It is really hard to believe that 15 years have passed since that summer -- and we have changed countries in the meantime.

Happy Anniversary to you both,

Mom & Dad

A Treat For a Special Lady

2009-07-21T19:30:00.004+03:00

Recently I took Habibe to a boutique here in Skopje and treated her to a pedicure. This was such a luxury for her -- she could not believe it.

After getting our toenails done, we met Arville and Agim for dinner (thus, the picture of Habibe standing in front of the restaurant before they arrived).

She couldn't take her eyes off her feet all evening, and she kept saying that she felt like a princess!!

What a special day we had together!! It was so much fun to see her enjoy a very simple pleasure.

Shelia

Galichnik Wedding

2009-07-15T20:02:00.017+03:00

Every year, in the month of July, there is a very special celebration in the village of Galichnik (near Mavrovo - for those of you who have visited us here in Macedonia). In the beginning, this holiday represented the return of the immigrant workers from abroad - a perfect time for the big Macedonian weddings to occur. These festivities attract visitors and citizens, as well, to watch a traditional Macedonian wedding take place.

And so - we start off on our journey to the top of the mountain - arriving at the meadow where we leave our car parked and walk several kilometers to the village of Galichnik. We hope you enjoy the trip.

We pass a sheep pen on the way up to the village.

After parking the car - we begin our walk up the mountain.

As we arrive in the village, the activities are beginning: getting the horses prepared for the drama that will unfold, a market area where Macedonian handcrafts are sold, and people visiting with friends they have not seen for a while.

We leave the village - the sign says, "Have a Good Trip"!

On the way down the mountain, we met a sheperd with his sheep and he was more than happy to let me make pictures.

The End of a fabulous day.

Shelia

Shelia's Artwork for CBF GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2009

2009-07-02T15:30:00.008+03:00

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

*********

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

2009-07-02T12:26:00.009+03:00

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?

2009-06-29T21:20:00.002+03:00

------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------

Pictures of Kruja, Albania

-------------------------

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.

--------------------------

Old Market Area in Kruja

--------------------------------------------------

Our Apartment in Skopje (with the green awning)

----------------------------

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”.

---------------------------------

--------------

Afternoon Kindergarten Class with Habibe on Picture Day

---------------

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.

-----------------------

--------------------------

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.

------------------------

--------------------------------

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.

-----------------------

---------------------------

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

2009-06-22T19:48:00.006+03:00

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

2009-06-20T16:55:00.015+03:00

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
----------------------

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.

-------------------------------

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.

--------------------

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 !!!

---------------
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.

------------------------

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

2009-06-19T18:21:00.014+03:00

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.

-----------------------------

Arriving at the Zoo:

------------------------------------------

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.

-------------------------------------

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???

----------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------

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.

-----------------

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

2009-06-14T21:57:00.002+03:00

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