July 18

Hello All,
On Tuesday evening I studied with Myfit and Alexander. From my conversations with Myfit he has told me he works for Canon in Durres. Here he repairs equipment. Yesterday he actually made collection runs to towns around Durres. On Monday evening I was shown Myfit's workplace while on my excursion with Igli and Myfit . He works in the downtown area of Durres in one of three small shops owned by the company. (Also on this trip Igli pulled into a Kastrioti gas station -- named after the country's hero Gjorg Kastrioti (otherwise known by his title, Skenderbeu). Igli handed the attendant 700 Lek, the attendant pumped the gas, and we were on our way in less than a minute. I think Albanian gas station attendants also serve on NASCAR pit crews.) Myfit has also told me that most Muslims in Albania don't practice their religion. There are no mosques in our area of Durres. Durres city has a mosque. The only Muslim call to prayer I have heard during my time in Albania was in Tirana when we were by the old mosque on the town square around noon. Before I came to Albania I thought I'd be hearing this Muslim's call to prayer everyday. I think I've seen less than 5 Muslim women wearing head coverings.
During our study on Tuesday, Myfit and I read about the birth of Jesus. One of the questions following the lesson dealt with Jesus being God in the flesh. Myfit made the point to mention that in his religion Jesus is seen as a prophet. I already knew this Islamic viewpoint and was not surprised that Myfit brought it up. Hopefully as time progresses he will begin to question what the truth really is.
Alexander and I began a study using World Bible School material. We have begun a workbook for new Christians. He was baptized in May. It is basically a study of Ephesians and how Christians should live. Alexander again impressed me with his Bible knowledge and understanding. I have to remind myself that he is still a teenager and a babe in Christ. He told me he watched Ice Age II before coming to our lesson. We were supposed to go to the beach today around 10:00 today but somehow missed each other. We'll have to reschedule our outing.
Jill, Quinton, Quin, and Hallie and I left the church building on Tuesday night around 7:15. Jill, Hallie, and I went to eat supper and then got some ice cream to bring home. Later that night we found out that all three of our kids are running fever now. Oh boy! Besides finding out this news, we also managed to spill a can of grape juice in our refrigerator. I guess we're learning patience .
We all managed to sleep pretty well last night in spite of the heat and fevers. The kids have not been out today but are doing pretty well -- more cartoons and ibuprofen. The OC students brought over some cookies, candy, and juice for the kids this afternoon. Hopefully all will feel better soon so we can get out of the apartment a bit more.
As I type workers are installing a 50,000 btu air conditioner in the church building! One of the grocery stores near our apartment houses a 50,000 btu air conditioner and it does a nice job. Lord willing our lessons this evening and the Wednesday night Bible study will be much more comfortable. We may end up freezing out the Albanians; remember, they don't sweat.
Earlier this morning Jill was asking Adriana (Alfred's wife) about helping her cut out some things for VBS. Adriana informed Jill that her help was not required and that she should go home and "protect her children". Alfred and Adriana are careful not to over burden their American workers while at they same time they take on too much burden taking care of us! Apparently there is a phrase here in Albania -- "You can't tell an Albanian, no." This holds true for the Zikes. They are hard workers who love to serve. We will do well to follow their example!
Thanks,
Darin