Some impressions of Albania

Dan Bramley was one of the footballer who travelled to Albania in June 2004

Arriving at the airport the first culture shock hits you with homeless children begging for money and trying to help you with your bags. Ignoring them is difficult but it has to be done. Once piled into a minibus, we travelled through lush countryside only spoiled by partly built houses.

Arriving in Tirana the mass of Mercedes hits you, and cars driving all over the road, dodging anything in their way. We were all amazed to see only one small accident while we were out there.
Tirana city itself was made up of partly-built structures, old buildings that were falling apart or new modern high-rise towers. Some were painted with a mass of colour, others looked plain, but it was a nice blend of buildings.

Arriving at the Stephen Centre we found our way to our rooms – a pleasant surprise with en suite showers and good furnishings. Some rooms were small, but then others were larger (NICK!).
On Tuesday morning our work began with us teaching football to the children. It was so enjoyable and fulfilling. To see their faces looking so happy, you really felt like you were doing something worthwhile.

Wednesday was an early start with the prison match looming. We had to be up for 6:30, but for me it was nothing. We got ready and travelled to the prison up a dirt track, past some farms and round the corner to some big metal gates. We went in and got a great welcome from the staff – the two teams we played were harmless. Just a shame the goals were so small. But the whole experience was one I'm glad I didn't miss.

Overall the mission trip has completed our aims to start the ball rolling for the Way of Hope and the opportunities have now been set up for Mat and his church to expand their outreach into the community – whilst letting us have a good time as well. Couldn't have gone with a better group – thanks boys!'