Well, something that has been in the works for a while has finally been worked out. Starting in October, I will be co-administrator of the AEP (Albanian Encouragement Project) with another missionary named Austin McCaskill. Together we will work to lead the AEP over the next couple of years. The AEP is an umbrella organization that serves the entire evangelical missions community here in Albania. I will be working in the area of improving relationships between the AEP and member missionaries, as well as just generally “being there” for folks when they come into the office in Tirana. Austin will handle most of the heavier stuff including dealing with government agencies – at least that is the way we think it will go down. I am excited about this opportunity because it will give me a chance to really see the full extent of missions work here in Albania and will give me a chance to build some new relationships around the country.

I have also become the co-leader of the church’s youth group, along with a wonderful lady named Gretchen Kaup. She is here as a teacher and is half of the teaching staff at a “high school” for MKs and has a great heart for the students. It will be fun working with her and the Albanians that we have on our team. We also have a new family on the field – the Wheelis family – that has come specifically to develop a great youth ministry here in Tirana. As they move along in the language and culture they will move more into the leadership role, but for now they are gong to be helping us out As the team develops I will introduce you all more – maybe even put a few photos up!

Language continues to be an encouragement to me. I keep getting great compliments from even my Albanian co-workers, but I am painfully aware of how far I still have to go. It is much easier these days to carry on a conversation with people I meet on the street though. I have to say that it is contributing to a great feeling these days!

Because of the AEP position becoming a reality, we will definitely be going to Corfu for the AEP annual conference in mid-October. This will be fun, I think, but will also be an added expense. We’ll have to see how God provides.