Another week in Albania
💖🙏🇦🇱🙏💖
Hello world,
We are currently going through some crazy and dark times. My love goes out to everyone everywhere as we continue to fight this coronavirus. I have got to this place a week ago and it is very nice. I paid for one month. I will probably look for another place after this though something cheaper would be better for me. All my bills back home are coming due now. So I am working on figuring those all out. I am remaining positive as best as I can. I had a few emotional days but got past those. So happy I brought my reusable pads those have certainly come in handy. I am sitting outside as I write this. It is almost 18:00 the days are getting longer slowly here. It smells so good and it relaxes me. I love the smell of burning wood.
On Saturday March 21, 2020 I celebrated 19 years from my car accident that occurred in 2001. This is always a day I celebrate the beautiful life that I have been given the opportunity to live. I could have been taken that day 19 years ago but the lord needed me around and I am beyond grateful to be here. When my car accident happened they didn't know if I was going to live or die, they didn't know if I would ever walk again, unsure if I would be able to remember my family and freinds. Unsure if I would ever be able to live a normal life. I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that I will struggle with for the rest of my life. But it has made me who I am today even more. I beat the odds and I am here with many blessings. At the time of my accident my adopted mother had been on a mission trip headed to Africa but was in Spain and was able to make it back home. I was told if she had gone to Africa she would not have been able to come home. So being here in Albania 19 years later I am unable to fully express in words the love and gratitude that I have, even through these difficult times.
Today on March 21st I also got to go with my Airbnb host to take groceries to a family living in extreme poverty. I donated some money so we got some groceries and then gave them the rest of the money for anything they may need. The family has 4 boys between 11 and 2. I was able to give the books that I brought from America as a gift to them. A very rewarding opportunity. The family was beyond thankful. They live in a one bedroom studio. The home is not theirs as it is my understanding they are watching it and some sort of agency placed them there for the time being as they are currently homeless. I am thankful to have been able to help a family.
The curfew here in Albania is currently from 13:00 until 5:00. So we can leave from 5:00 am untill 13:00 to get essential things. If stopped by the police there is the possiblity of gettng a fine of up to 5000 Euros. Of course not everyone follows the rules. Many people are still seen in groups and having beer and coffee at a shop or two.
Many of the people are very hard working. They tend to their gardens, hang their laundry on the lines to dry outdoors. They keep themselves busy especially the woman from what I have I seen. I have seen so much poverty here, yet smiles remain on so many faces. I have seen some of the damage that the earthquake that occurred on November 26, 2019 has done. I have now been here for 2 weeks and I have remained in Durres, due to the current situation. I have seen so much of this city. Just like in America many people here have lost thier jobs here. Many are struggling to put food on the table for thier families. I read one article that bread was given to families and everyone lined up not worrying about soical distancing. One person had commented "we dig in the garbarge all day long". They were in line to get bread. One of the cheapest foods that will still feed people.
Last night 3-25-20 I participated in my first TBI support group. There were over 80 people that had participated and we were in a zoom video chat so.i look forward to participating in more of those.
Kosova's Government fell last night. 🇽🇰During these difficult and dark times. My heart goes out to them. It was not voted by the people as many news outles are reporting.
Until next time. Stay safe, stay home, and love strong. 💖🙏💖
Much love always
Teela Love
Dashuri💖
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