[Editor's Note: Due to technical difficulties with the internet at the guesthouse and since I was too lazy to walk down to the nearest internet cafe late at night, this blog is being posted now. Sorry for any inconvenience.]
OK. So today wan't the best day of this trip. It started out well enough, but as we neared the building we were to do the reading glasses for a second day, I knew this would crash and burn. For starters, we only had 90 pair of glasses for the 200-plus people that showed up [where's that five-loaves-and-two-fish miracle when you need it?!?]. Secondly, it was like fighting through a Black Friday crowd at Walmart just to get through the door. Shortly thereafter, things got really out of hand, and soon, we had nearly 80 people packed into a standard room. Regarding crowd control, there wasn't any, and most everyone was expecting to leave with a pair of readers in hand. The perplexing thing is that people wearing prescription glasses wanted readers. Again, no gatekeeper. On a couple occasions, Banush said something, then packed everything away until there was some semblance of order. Then, those truly needing help were singled out somehow, and the rest had to leave. I don't know if it was actual need [and going without for so long] or greed. Nonetheless, I was glad when we finally ran out of readers and could close shop. There are a few logistical issues to work out, and unless there is a better system in place beforehand, I am not sure I want to repeat this scenario again. Enough said.
During all this, who should appear but Selijme! For those of you who don't know, Selijme and her son, Driljon, stayed with us for several weeks while Driljon underwent eye surgery at Mayo 8 years ago. She hasn't changed a bit. She said Driljon didn't come because he was sick. We met up with her and her husband, Hikim, later for a short visit. Selijme thinks Driljon would do better at a special school out of the country. Enough said.
OK. So today wan't the best day of this trip. It started out well enough, but as we neared the building we were to do the reading glasses for a second day, I knew this would crash and burn. For starters, we only had 90 pair of glasses for the 200-plus people that showed up [where's that five-loaves-and-two-fish miracle when you need it?!?]. Secondly, it was like fighting through a Black Friday crowd at Walmart just to get through the door. Shortly thereafter, things got really out of hand, and soon, we had nearly 80 people packed into a standard room. Regarding crowd control, there wasn't any, and most everyone was expecting to leave with a pair of readers in hand. The perplexing thing is that people wearing prescription glasses wanted readers. Again, no gatekeeper. On a couple occasions, Banush said something, then packed everything away until there was some semblance of order. Then, those truly needing help were singled out somehow, and the rest had to leave. I don't know if it was actual need [and going without for so long] or greed. Nonetheless, I was glad when we finally ran out of readers and could close shop. There are a few logistical issues to work out, and unless there is a better system in place beforehand, I am not sure I want to repeat this scenario again. Enough said.
During all this, who should appear but Selijme! For those of you who don't know, Selijme and her son, Driljon, stayed with us for several weeks while Driljon underwent eye surgery at Mayo 8 years ago. She hasn't changed a bit. She said Driljon didn't come because he was sick. We met up with her and her husband, Hikim, later for a short visit. Selijme thinks Driljon would do better at a special school out of the country. Enough said.
Isak, the HandiKOS director, arranged for us to meet with the Mayor of the Municipality, who actually has a lot of power in the region. He wanted to meet us and thank us for our past participation with HandiKOS and for the humanitarian work being done in the region. Banush explained to him that I was part of a Protestant church in America that has been involved with several humanitarian projects in Vushtrri and the surrounding region for the past several years. He explained our purpose, why we were doing this, and that we only came after being invited. We mentioned our willingness to partner with the local hospital and provide teaching seminars, but this had been met with some resistance before. After one phone call, the director for medical services suddenly appeard in his office, and we had an hour meeting with him afterwards to discuss the possibility of training sessions at the local hospital in the future. We also met with the director of IT, as they are interested in further training in IT for the municipality. I was reminded again how important relationship-building is in this part of the world, after they trust you.
Our entire interview was being videotaped, and afterwards, the mayor and I were interviewed individually about this meeting and our purpose. I was also presented with a certificate of appreciation from the municipality for our humanitarian work in Vushtrri--something all of us at ARC can be proud of.
We returned to Prishtina after that, and I had a couple hours to myself as Banush had a real estate deal to work on [he is working for a company to sell real estate--houses, apartments or other buildings. He gets a commission for each home he sells, which he is applying to the balance of his own apartment]. It was another leisurely walk along Mother Teresa Boulevard, which is currently all dug up and they are making the entire street into a walking plaza. No more taxis, no more dodging traffic in front of stores. Unfortunately, until it is finished, you are walking through construction sites and gravel trails to get from one end to the other. I was surprised to see a couple large, new hotels along the adjacent roadway, and they are building a large one right beside the National Theatre.
Later, we went to Banush's oldest brother's home and had a nice visit with his family. I think I have met all five of his brothers now. This day ended on a much brighter note than how it began, for which I am thankful.
Enough said...
Les
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