We arrived in Tirana on 11 September, the day of the awful, horrific news of the American tragedy. It was a strange feeling to have flown on that day and like the rest of the world Albania as a nation was in shock. We all joined in with the rest of Europe with a moment of silence and for those first few days, conversations, churches and communities were occupied with the events and future outcome of this world-changing event.

Our home for the first week was at David and Yvonne Wheelers. They are with the BMS World Mission and have been in Albania for eight years. It was good to be with them as they introduced us to life in Tirana.

Our first real task was to look for a home. Many of you have prayed that we would find a suitable place and I am pleased to let you know that the process of house hunting took only four days. We have found a great place to live. It is a two bedroom bungalow, with a living room, kitchen, bathroom & a small garden. After all our travelling during the past year or so it is brilliant to finally be settled somewhere (famous last words I know). Ben seems to be happy and content and he now enjoys his own room.

We have begun our language study. Until now we have been picking up words here and there but now the real work begins as we attempt to sound even vaguely coherent. We have tuition every day for the next twelve months. Although many people in Tirana know a small amount of English, Hannah and I are dedicated to learning Albanian. It is a difficult language but we trust God will equip and know that he will help us.

We are very excited to be in Albania and the opportunity to be involved in the church is a wonderful challenge. As some of you may now the church needs strengthening, as it is there are a lack of leader. Many of the Christians are young in the faith but they have a tremendous enthusiasm to grow and love the Lord. It is a privilege for us to be here and we will undoubtedly learn a great deal from the people of Albania.