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Join me as I travel and blog my way in Albania June 27 to July 18. I'll be part of Alongside Ministries International's Crossroads Christian Camp in Erseke. The camp introduces children to Christ in a country that has a 70% Muslim background. Communism collapsed in 1991 and Albania found its borders open after 40 years as the most isolated and closed country in the world. My hope is that this blog will allow you to experience Albania, its people,and their culture.
Travel with me to Albania
Where is Albania you ask? Officially known as The Republic of Albania, the nation is located in South Eastern Europe. The country sits across the Adriatic Sea from the heel of Italy with Greece as its south and southeastern neighbor. Albania is about the size of the state of Maryland with a population of 3.1 million people. Its per capita income is approximately $2,580 and more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty level, making Albania one of the poorest countries in Europe. Often family members will work in neighboring Greece and send money home to provide for their families.
In 1967 the communist government created the world's first officially atheistic country when it outlawed all religions. It was ruled by the most repressive and isolated regime in Europe until 1991, when it became the last country to emerge from the communist regime. Since then the nation has struggled through years of political instability and ecomonic collapse. An outbreak of civil disorder erupted in 1997, followed by an influx of 460,000 Kosovar refugees in 1998. This increased the burden on the already deteriorating political, ecomonic, and social infrastructures. Today Albanians enjoy full religous freedom. and while the government is an "emerging democracy" maintaining infrastructure is extremely difficult, especially in rural areas.
Alongside Ministries International hosts the Crossroads Christian Camp in Erseke in southern Albania. The children and youth are introduced to Jesus Christ and loved on by Christians in a one-week camp enviroment that includes crafts, games, bible lessons, and a ropes course (don't we all love camp!). I feel very priviledged to be part of bringing Christ into the lives of these young people.
Excerpts borrowed from World Vision http://www.worldvision.org/
In 1967 the communist government created the world's first officially atheistic country when it outlawed all religions. It was ruled by the most repressive and isolated regime in Europe until 1991, when it became the last country to emerge from the communist regime. Since then the nation has struggled through years of political instability and ecomonic collapse. An outbreak of civil disorder erupted in 1997, followed by an influx of 460,000 Kosovar refugees in 1998. This increased the burden on the already deteriorating political, ecomonic, and social infrastructures. Today Albanians enjoy full religous freedom. and while the government is an "emerging democracy" maintaining infrastructure is extremely difficult, especially in rural areas.
Alongside Ministries International hosts the Crossroads Christian Camp in Erseke in southern Albania. The children and youth are introduced to Jesus Christ and loved on by Christians in a one-week camp enviroment that includes crafts, games, bible lessons, and a ropes course (don't we all love camp!). I feel very priviledged to be part of bringing Christ into the lives of these young people.
Excerpts borrowed from World Vision http://www.worldvision.org/
About Me
Country Statistics
Population: 3.1 million
Land Mass: 10,579 sq. miles
Life Expectancy: 77 years
Infant Mortality Rate: 16 / 1,000
Literacy Rate: 99%
School Enrollment: 52%
Access to Safe Water: 96%
Average Annual Income: US $2,580
Land Mass: 10,579 sq. miles
Life Expectancy: 77 years
Infant Mortality Rate: 16 / 1,000
Literacy Rate: 99%
School Enrollment: 52%
Access to Safe Water: 96%
Average Annual Income: US $2,580
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cathys albania blog
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Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with the way you are living the courage of your convictions. Blessings on you.
Paul Ferris
Cathy - You are so open and this is so bold. I am impressed! I promise to pray for you and support you. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteSheryl Pomerenk
Can't go wrong between Italia, Greece and Yugo. We will follow every step and kind deed to the people of Albania.
ReplyDeleteRandy
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteNow it says my post was removed!!!
ReplyDeleteWe'll look forward to following your mission. You are a great planner so I'm sure your packing will be complete! Jean Baker
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you. To attempt such a venture, to give of yourself, as you always do. We are blessed to have you as a vital part of our family.
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetie
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a great adventure. We are exited to share it with you. Glad you sound so full of energy.
I found a site on line that has a vidio of Albany. I was really surprised to see how beautiful it is.
If anyone wants to see it.
http://english.albania-hotel.al/?fq=video&gj=gj1&kid=54
PaPa and I are following your every step.
We love you very much, Juney