For some A.O.M. members, a works project in Albania, whilst always exciting, is not unique, because we have been there before, and know what to expect. But someone who has heard stories of our work, but has never experienced Albania first hand, can capture so many things that many of us take for granted. We asked Sally Poucher, who now writes our Newsletters, to keep a journal of what was her first visit to Tirana. If you’ve never been to Albania before, then her report will give you a glimpse of what happens on an A.O.M. project. If on the other hand, you have been there before, read on. It will bring back so many memories of your first visit…………….
Report by Sally Poucher.
This was to be my first trip out with AOM and I was full of nerves and excitement. A team of 11 volunteers ready to set off from Poole at 6pm on the Friday evening, straight from work. The Echo Photographer was there to take some pictures for a covering article in the paper. Everything had already been loaded onto the truck, and all that was now needed was to load us and our cases. All loaded and ready for the off, we left just after 6.15pm…. The journey had begun.
We arrived in Dover later on Friday night. A mixture of situations made our stay in Dover last about 5 hours - the Channel Tunnel was closed due to a broken down train mid way between Dover and Calaise. All the usual tunnel traffic was now in a three mile traffic jam heading for the port to joint the usual ferry traffic. Arriving at the docks, we found that the Customs Unit had moved, so back in the vehicles, and drive out of the docks, past that queue to West Dock to have the truck custom bonded which meant loads of paper work and all this took time. Finally back into the traffic jam and head back to the ferry terminal. The wait was rather annoying but spirits were high and we either slept or talked the time away. Finally, in just over an hour and we arrive in France.
To ensure no one got too tired, we always had a driver and a navigator in both the bus and the truck. Three hours driving periods were taken by each driver/navigator pair to tie in with fuel stops. These very short breaks gave everyone a chance to freshen up and get food/drinks if needed. The weather was rather cloudy and misty but not to bad. Hit the Alps later in the day - spectacular!!!
From the start the team seems to be getting on well - sharing food and making every effort to help each other. Driving throughout the night everyone tries and get some sleep - Which I found rather hard at times - not really getting comfy but once your off your off.
To avoid having to pay road tolls, A.O.M. had contacted each Toll Company through France and Italy to get authorisation to waive the Road Tolls. We hit a lot of tolls in France. Fortunately, we did not have to pay, but each stop involved paperwork, which added to our schedule.
Still travelling. Hit Italy in the early hours - not much to say really as it was still dark.
Come 7.30am stopped for a drink and trouble. Flat tyre on Truck, Double trouble - spare also flat!! We called the RAC and had to wait almost 4 hours. At least the weather was on our side and the sun shone. So out came the shorts and tee shirts. It was time to rest or bird watch - what ever tickles your fancy!! Maybe this was a blessing in disguise as I found this was a good time for prayer and reflection - and to get to know the team a bit more.
We didn’t leave the services until about 11am with 2 new tyres. Back on route to Bari for our Ferry to Albania.
Disaster strikes again. We're in the mini bus and we hear a loud bang. Thinking something might have dropped off, we slow down and then look ahead to see the truck has had a puncture - thank goodness it was on the back axle with two wheels on each side, and we had the new spare.
Now having to change the tyre on the Italian Motorway we crawl at 10mph to find a suitable place to stop. Once found, triangle out and Jenny, back up the road waving a towel to give as much warning as possible to very fast on coming traffic, the men set about changing the wheel.
With only one ferry crossing a day, we are now getting behind schedule - we must get the Ferry at Bari by 9:00 PM
We start off about 45 minutes later and have our usual fuel stop, check the air on the truck and we could not believe it - the tyre value jammed--- open!!!! Another flat tyre??. Looking around, faces were starting to looked tired and rather strained. Could anything else go wrong I was thinking - not a good start to our adventure but I was still as keen. Finally, the valve was fixed with the skilful use of a pen knife ----- on we went on.
We arrive at Bari at 7.30pm. Hopefully paperwork will not be too long and we will make the 11:00PM Ferry. The paperwork took just 20mins – apparently, the fastest time ever. Which was great and we now we could join the long queue for the boat.
Slight incident while in the queue for the ferry. I have never seen people so eager to get on a Ferry - it is like a human queue but larger - the huge trucks just try to push you out of their way. But Jenny was having none of it. We kept our place, well done Jenny. But one car driver was just too eager and bumped into the back of us - no damage to us just to their car.
Ferry left at 12:30am not 11:00pm. We had a meal – is pasta meant to be cold?? Best of all, we had cabins
for the 8 hour crossing which was great.
Got to Albania at around 8am. We had to wait a couple of hours until Adam and Marian arrived as they
were going to help with the paperwork, but were prevented from entering the docks by an over zealous guard. As expected the paper work took some time and we finally left for Tirana at 12:30pm. The truck was to be impounded at the Customs office in Tirana until tomorrow.
First impressions of Albania, very dusty and dry, drivers had a law of there own - they just headed for you really!! Green fields scattered with what are known as mushrooms or Hoxha Huts – the remains of military Pill Boxes, a reminder of the dictatorship lead by Enva Hoxha. Loads, mountains of rubbish left lying around not just every day rubbish, but wrecks of cars and vans rusting away everywhere.
On arrival in Tirana it is a lot larger than I expected - very busy – very noisy. Adam is putting us up for the two weeks. It is a lovely old house with so much character and a lovely garden.
After a meal it was straight to the orphanage. The building is larger than I thought. There were a few kids about, they were not shy at all so smiley and polite - one girl came running up and gave me a huge. It took me back a bit but it was very warming.
Went to the infirmary - the job seems very large - and it all begins tomorrow.
Left the house at 8.15am for work!!
The drive there was fun the roads are in an awful condition and you get battered and bruised travelling on them. Looking around me at all times taking in the scenery, so many things that are so different to home.
At the orphanage it is sort out, dump and tidy the rooms before we can even start work. All the rubbish in each room must be carried to the dump area. A lot of carrying up and down stairs - great for the legs.
Neil, Ian and Marian left to get the truck. We were starting to need it as we would soon be running out of things to do. A few hours later - bad new - the Albania Government will not release our truck unless we pay a ridiculous amount of in taxes, We say no so no truck!
All rooms cleared by late in the day so we start to lay wall tiles which Adam had fortunately bought along with the floor tiles and tile cement. At least we still had work we could do. I have never laid tiles before - my first attempt wasn't too bad.
The team seems to be pulling well together and once we have the truck even more can be achieved.
Humour is kept up at all times. Especially by the topic of Ian's underpants!! Some of us had our suitcases in the truck, the impounded truck. Ian being one. All his clothes, including underwear – Remember - it is now day five. As you can image the jokes were coming fast and furious.
Still no van - so Ian still has no underpants. I can't joke- my suitcase is on the truck as well.
Dot and I have been assigned the Treatment Room - this room needs to be tiled floor to ceiling. One wall almost done and Shaun is now starting another wall. Neil and Frankie start to lay the first lot of floor tiles in the Pharmacy/Store room.
Pete Woodams not at work as he is under the weather -something he ate I expect.
Adam and Marian are starting to feel frustrated over the truck. I can understand as they and A.O.M. have done so much paper work to get us and the equipment in and even though it is for humanitarian aid we are still expected to pay this extra tax - very unfair.
The older lads at the orphanage have been helping with the digging of a new trench to take the sewer pipes from the new Shower room/Loo. All these youngsters want to do is help. You only have to go to the water tap to wash out something and they are there to help. Pick up a shovel and it is taken from you by a gang of children just wanting to be part of the team. It is lovely and I could spend hours with them but the job must be done - but I will find time to spend with them!!
Once we had eaten we had a prayer and praise time which was great - to be as one and give time to the Lord. Later, Ian had us all in stitches - he can really be the life and soul - it was great to go to bed tired but having a stitch from all the laughter.
Back at the orphanage it is back to the tiles. It is hard work on the back and knees after a while but I am enjoying it - the company is great. It can get rather painstaking at times as walls are not straight, tiles are seconds and the odd one is too bumpy none of us have ever worked this type of cement - but the tiles got up and are staying up that's the main thing.
The plumbing has been started as Pete was back at work.
Hurrah I hear Ian call - we have the truck back - clean underpants!! Seriously though we do have it back but we have had to pay for the taxes in exchange for the return of our truck. There have been mixed feeling over whether we should have paid but we are here for the children and to get them a clean and usable infirmary so after a lot of thought and guidance from the Lord we came to the decision to pay. It does seem very unfair and wrong but that is Albanian law.
Got a chance to see some of the kids today. Went round the back of the Orphanage and watched them play
football. They have a new ball and the game seem even more special as they have a new ball. Joanna one of the younger girls cannot speak very good English but she seems to have latched onto me by mimicking
my laugh - she just runs up and laughs at me. She is a lovely girl. Watching the Lads play is a great way to unwind after the hard day’s work.
Went out to eat tonight - it was great- Marian has been such a good hostess to us. Her cooking is great, but we all felt that she deserved a night off. Marian has asked me to help with the cooking class she runs for some of the children on Friday then go to the children’s Saturday club at the church on Saturday - can't wait.
Early start today - 8am - this is even earlier than when I am at home!! I only did tiling until about 1:00pm as I went and did the cooking class with Marian and five of the children. More to follow on this in later Newsletters. One thing I will say is that how something so simple as cooking brought so much pleasure and smiles to these kids faces. They prepared this meal for the team and were very excited about it - it was so lovely to see.
Went back to work and just did a bit of tiling then finished for the day. Shaun got his bagpipes out. (Yes bagpipes, in Albania) You should have seen the kids faces. They didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Most of them just stood there mouths wide open and listened carefully. It was fun to watch the kids reactions.
After spending a couple of hours with Marian and seeing Adam around the orphanage I have seen that the relationship Marian and Adam have with the kids is one in a million. They both ooze love and compassion - they are both exceptional people and the kids are very lucky.
Started work at 8.30am today. Straight to the Treatment Room but we are doing some grouting today - for a change. My arms are starting to ache to day - I usually work in an office so this is a real change of career for a fortnight. The plumbing in the shower room is coming on - quite a large job - even larger as we lost the first few days due to the truck being impounded.
At 10:00am went to the Saturday Club with Marian. There were half a dozen kids there and after a few games we went to work on banners for decorating the church for the Easter Service - again I will give a more in-depth report on the activities I had with the kids in future newsletters.
Back to work about 12ish. I think everyone is starting to feel the aches and pains. Especially from the bending when grouting the floor. A few of us have plasters and a lot of bruises. But the work seems to be coming on. The Pharmacy/Store room is now finished - painted and tiled. The dentistry has the sink plumbed in, hot water, and tiles laid on most of the floor. The Treatment Room is coming on . We are told that we are doing well but I do feel that sometimes I have not done enough - but there is only so much one can put in before you completely fade out.
Day off today. Had a small lie in got up at 9:00am for church. It was a strange experience. They spoke and sung in Albanian. But they were good enough to translate the main service for us, which made it a lot easier. The atmosphere was great though - we were made to feel very welcome and it was good to go and celebrate Easter with other Christians.
After lunch went up in the mountains for a few hours to a village called Kruja. Was shown around the museum there it was very interesting and the weather was great. Bought a couple of small rugs for mum and sister it was a nice relaxing day.
Back to the house and an early night for me.
Started work at 8:30am and carried on with the Treatment Room. Finished the actual tiling of the walls and was now laying the floor tiles. These are larger so the area seems to be filled quicker but it is hard work on your knees and back. Hopefully we can grout first thing tomorrow and them this room is finished.
Dentistry done apart from the last few tiles on the floor at the doorway and the last corner of the wall. Recovery room also done apart from the cleaning of the wall and floor tiles after grouting - cleaning is pretty nasty. The dust flies everywhere and you never seem to get them clean enough.
As well as taking the supplies for our project we also took clothes and food for the baby orphanage in Vlorë. Mark Nyberg the Director came to collect them all today and have a look at our work. They are crying out for food and clothes down thriving absolutely no aid of any description since last August, and being such a help to so many refugees from Kosova. The number of children at his orphanage has now dwindled to about 35 thanks the hard work on the adoption side to try and get the kids out of the orphanage life. It has been going very well. This is a good sign for the future but there are still projects and supplies needed for the children and staff that remain there. The needs are great and we will have to be sensible in the type of aid we take in to be of greatest benefit to those who are in need. The day went well and tomorrow we need to get
all the floor tiles laid because they will then need to be left to set over night that night.
Finished work at around 7:30pm and took 11 of the kids to the Stephen Centre for something to eat.
The Stephen Centre is a Christian run restaurant that serves great food and you can have the ice cubes as they make them from bottled water!!
5 of the kids were the ones that cooked us a meal and we took them for a treat to say thanks for all their efforts. The others were kids who had birthdays. Marian tries to make sure that each child has a party on their birthday. If they do not know when this is then they will pick a date and celebrate then. This is a huge task for Marian with over 100 kids at the orphanage, but it is well worth all the effort to see the enjoyment they get out of being made special and being spoilt too.
It was a long day some of us had been up as early as 5:00am and we all worked until 10.00pm. We must get the tiling done if we have any chance of getting it all grouting and cleaned. So the whole day was tiling to get the shower room and toilet done, the Hallway and last few bits in the Dentistry and Office.
We had a tour of the orphanage today. Before we started we went into the Office of Petrit, the Director for a chat. He does not speak English so Adam comes along to translate. He thanked us for all our work and gave us a drink and banana, what a treat. He also spoke of the respect he as for Adam and Marian - taking on the government and paperwork, getting to know how Albania ticks to give 100% to all the kids.
Showed us the sleeping rooms - bunk beds with a max of 4 kids sharing per room. The rooms are very empty apart from the odd teddy on the bed. All their clothes are kept in their classroom. The children do not actually have their clothes they share all the clothes that are sent to them. But the orphanage is hoping to start putting up shelves and cupboards in the near future to make the rooms more homely for them.
The orphanage has its own bakery so they also have fresh bread. This is another of Marian's job – as a professional baker, she works in the bakery first thing in the morning every morning. The kitchen and dining room just like any school really. Rows of tables and chairs - just not so smart and plush - very cold feeling and not too bright.
Popped into one classroom where they are doing their homework. The children go to School in shifts. An am session 9 - 11 and a pm session 12 - 2. All homework is done before tea 3 pm - 5pm. The class was quite small with only 12/14 kids in it and they looked like they were working hard with one teacher sitting in on them.
Went down to the shower rooms which were not too great but they are being re-done at the moment by another Charity.
Overall impression was that everything seemed clean but very cold looking and almost hospital like - but the kids seem very happy and with on going improvements all the time, things can only get better.
After the tour it was back to work and the tiling.
To give you an idea of what the kids at the orphanage have never experienced, Ilir was one of the older lads, (he is slightly backward) who helped us throughout our project. So Shaun decided to take him out for a pizza tonight as a thank you. We later found out Ilir who is 27 years old, had never been taken out for a meal before, or even been served like that in such a way. He was so overwhelmed that he was almost crying with joy and was speaking of nothing but this meal. Imagine, being served food, and not having to clean up, wash up sweep the floor!! It was quite upsetting in a strange way but made us all feel very humble in what we have and take so much for granted.
Another long day. 8am until 11pm. Most of the day spent laying the final tiles in the Office and cleaning off all the tiles in the Treatment Room and Recovery Room.
Not everyone stayed late as we needed to try and get the last of the hall floor tiles laid, so the fewer people around the less people to tread on laid tiles. 6 of us stayed me being one of them as I wanted to finish the floor I had stated. I was not that tired I seemed to have a sudden spurt of energy. We did not quite get all the tiles laid as cement was too thick, water getting low from supply and tiredness was setting in so the last few in the Hall and the wall tiles in the bathroom will have to be done tomorrow.
We decided to walk home saving Adam having to drive us there and then bring the mini bus back. There are no street lights so it was rather dark and I found it quite frightening as the pavements are very hazardous and we sort of played follow my leader so if the leader went down we all did. (Often, no manhole covers, great holes where the road or pavement has subsided)
Straight to bed when I got in - was rather tired after the walk.
Last working day we were only going to work until 2:00pm today as we leave at around 6:00pm and some of us wanted to spend a little time with the kids.
I went out at 7:45am to go to the market with Marian to get the food for our last meal. This was an experience. The fruit and veg. look lovely and fresh. I just stood back and watched Marian bartering. The
people just sped around. Like we stop to cross the road they don't in Albania. I found this very scary especially as Marian walked a lot faster than me and I was out of breathe keeping up and I dare not
take a foot out of place in case it got run over!! The fruit market is also open to small villagers in the morning before the normal stall holders come in.
The meat market was pretty yuk. The best way to describe it is that it is like being in a drained swimming pool white and tiled but the tiles are not as white as they should be. There are a lot of people standing around in white coats smeared with blood etc. The meat is just left out, not refrigerated at all. The smell was not too bad now but image what it would be like come 3:00pm in the afternoon. Fresh cheeses are also for sale again imagine the smell after the heat of the day - um nice!!
It was back to work for 8:30am. I was assigned the bathroom, cleaning the tiles and getting ready for the floor tiles. Neil finished off the floor tiles in the Hall but we could not quite get the bathroom finished. Adam and Marian are just left with a few tiles to lay and grout and clean up a bit. Looking at the finished rooms I think we did well - it was very hard work especially for an office worker like me. It was a shame that we did not quite get the project finished, perhaps just one more day, but we did loose the two days at the start. It was job well done and I enjoyed every minute of it.
During the day I visited the Voc School with Frankie and Neil. This is the home that the kids from the orphanage go to once they are too old to stay. It is about a 45minute walk from the orphanage. This I did find very upsetting. The condition the teenagers lived is was not good at all - it made me cry. But the amazing thing is that they all seem pretty happy - as one girl said - this is better than nothing. Their rooms are fine it is the condition of the other rooms, the kitchen is pretty bad, the boys have no proper sewage system so they have to use the girls loo’s as and when they can. There is no washing machine between all of them and all the washing is done by hand in the bowl. They do need help as much if not more than the little ones it is just harder to find a way to help them without breaking the law and ensuring the money goes to the them and not the government.
Left Adam's at 6pm for Duress Port for the start of the journey home. Adam is also accompanying us as he is picking up a new minibus from Holland for AOM's use in Albania.
These three days just sort of muddled in together. I found it hard to keep a track of the days when you are snoozing at strange times during the day - I often woke up not really knowing where I was, what country, what time - who am I? sort of feeling.
Ferry crossing to Italy left around 11:00pm got to Italy at 8:00am. Had cabins again so we got some sleep. Saw some dolphins in the morning which was really great.
Once in Italy had to wait around 3 hours for the trucks to be checked at customs again, paperwork again. Working in the three hours shifts as before we start through Italy in the rain. Just before the tunnel to France the truck suddenly starts to slow down and comes to a halt. We try to rectify it ourselves and get a small spurt out of the truck and then it just dies again. We think we have a blocked fuel pipe from some dirty fuel. The RAC are called yet again and we have a wait in store yet again. In the Alps, in the rain - it was rather chilly to say the least - sleeping bags are out and we try to sleep. I couldn't at all I was far too cold. At around 3:00am - three hour later the breakdown man arrives. A new fuel filter is fitted and we are on our way.
Hitting the Frejus tunnel we are soon in France around 4:00am Saturday. It is now snowing and rather windy. We now have all day to get through France and catch our ferry to Dover. First stop a hot drink and something to eat.
We arrive in Calaise at around 8:00pm. The next ferry is at 9:30pm. A wait again - but we get the tickets and paperwork done nice and quick and join the queue. Another queue - but I am finding the nearer you get to home the longer any wait seems.
On the ferry at about 9:15pm time for some hot food and duty free. 10:30pm we hit land - it's England. (It's not that we are dying to get home, just the journey is just so long - it has had its highlights but I did personally find it hard going - on the way out it was not so bad as I was so excited about seeing the kids)
Straight out of Dover and on our way home. We arrive home at 2:15am Sunday morning - very tired and cold.
The whole experience was great and I will never forget it. It was hard leaving the kids and hard on my knees but every ache and pain was well worth it. I would do it all over again.
God’s love to you all. Sally Poucher.
Aid Requests
Apart from our usual support to the teenagers in Tirana, which includes Pasta, Tomato Paste, Tuna fish, Tooth Paste, Toilet Rolls, Sanitary Towels and Personal Hygiene items, we have a real need in Tirana for tooth brushes, Washing Machine Soap and general household cleaning items like floor mops, scouring pads, brushes etc.
Meanwhile, Mark Nyberg who runs the Vlorë Baby Orphanage spoke to me at length about the difficulties he and his staff are experiencing right now. He is desperate for Tuna Fish, Baby Foods, Porridge Oats, all baby hygiene items like baby cream, Zinc & Castor oil cream, Nappisan or similar nappy cleaning powder, and small peoples shoes.. Can you help ?????? if so please telephone 01202 383787
Sponsorship News
Having spent two weeks in Tirana, and seeing all the children who depend on us for their wellbeing, the news that we have this month received new sponsorships for as many as ten children this month alone.
Each child costs us £30.00 each month to pay for the additional benefits that they enjoy through A.O.M. Benefits that go beyond the 40 odd pence per child per day that the Albanian authorities call their subsistence benefit. Adam and Marian are funded by us for all their extra activities with the children on top of the support we give to HFTW which contributes to the children’s education, medical and dental wellbeing, their clothes, protection and their social needs.
A week does not go by, with 140 children, when Marian does not host birthday parties and other events for the children. In fact anything that attempts to bring some sort of normality and dignity to these children. For this reason, we try to get sponsors for every child. Normally we try to get two sponsors per child and in return for their support, the children will regularly write to their sponsors and keep in touch as they grow up through the years.
Many of us are still in contact with children who are now in their early twenties. Too old to be sponsored??? well, they do only get that 40p per day from the state. Not much for young people who have to struggle with the prejudice of being orphans in that country.
If you would like to sponsor an orphan child in Albania, it need not cost that much. As little as a couple of pounds each month will help us to help them. Our Sponsorship Coordinator can give you many more details and send you the necessary form to fill in. Even if you are simply seeking information, why not contact Heather on 01202 697728 for more details. You can e mail her at pallenhm@aol.com
Sponsored Walk 2000.
Saturday June 3rd 2000
Every year now, the Albanian Orphans Mission holds its Annual Sponsored Walk to raise funds for specific needs. Last year, we raised funds to carry out the restoration of the infirmary in the Tirana Orphanage, but owing to a number of factors we postpone that work. Remember back, with the Kosova crisis in full swing, it was deemed too dangerous to send a working team out during such national upheaval. Remember the water crisis to what is home for 140 children, we diverted funds to give a reliable water supply to that home as well as linking storage tanks to the kitchens, shower rooms, laundry, toilets etc. That, not to mention water pumps to get the water up to all six floors in the building.
Then the heating to the home for our teenaged children, the list of benefits to the children continues, all due in part to the hard work that everyone put in during the fund raising event last year.
What's next?
We have identified a real need that all our supporters could help us with. At present, any transport needs have been met by the good will of our friends HFTW from America, who do so much work in not just Tirana, but Duress and Skodera However, the time has come when A.O.M. really does need its own transport. Let me explain why:
Throughout the year, visiting teams come to Tirana to help Adam and others working with the children. For their safety, transport is needed. Adam’s home is some distance from the town centre, and walking is not the safest method of transport, especially at night. The collection of aid to and from the aid depot needs transport. A.O.M. wants to be involved with other homes and orphanages throughout Albania, a typical example being Mark Nyberg in Vlorë. To be effective, we need independent transport.
Then there is the safety of Adam and Marian often working late into the night. Not just a few times has one of them been called to take children to doctors or hospital. Then of course, children stuck in the confines of a city orphanage need to be able to get away from the dirt, dust and pollution. With the summer now on them, regular visits to the beach, the mountains etc. would certainly brighten their lives.
A.O.M. has been offered a very good condition 15 seat minibus by a group in Holland. We have stepped out in faith, and purchased this vehicle in the hope that once again our supporters will help us , this time to fund the minibus plus a year’s running costs.
If you are interested in walking or helping us, please read the attached details, then telephone Ian Smith on 01258 454978 or fill in the enclosed reply form. We hope to see you on what should be a great day out.
8th Annual A.O.M. Sponsored Walk
Saturday June 3rd 2000
Starting from Pimperne Village Church
Details:
Date 3rd June 2000
Start Time Between 9:30am and 10:30am
Distance 15 Miles maximum
Finish Time From 2.00 PM
Start From: Pimperne Village Church off A354 2 miles NE of Blandford Forum
Grid reference ST 904095
How to get there From Blandford Ring road, take the A354. Turn left at Pimperne Village, and follow the road round to the church.
Parking Ample parking available
Marshals The route is well marked, and a choice of 3, 5, 10 and 15 miles can be walked. There will be a number of marshals to help you
Although not essential, it would help us to cater for numbers if you telephone Ian Smith on 01258 454978 for details
New A.O.M. Video Available Soon.
If you are involved with any group, be they church, youth club, or simply a group of friends, and you would like us to give a presentation of the work of A.O.M. please feel free to contact Neil on 01202 383787.
We have what is becoming a very good slide library, and very soon now, there will be a short video of our work in Albania, available for you to borrow for home use, or for us to use as a backdrop to a presentation of the work of or charity. A.O.M. centres its home front on the collection of aid from all over the south of England, sorting it then transporting it to Albania where it is distributed to those in real need. Our Albania work focusses first on the activities of our permanent volunteers, Adam Ridout and Marian Kloosterman and their work with the children in Shtepia e Femijes Orphanage in Tirana. Second on the distribution of aid collected in England to whichever Orphanage requests help, and third, on practical projects in the buildings to bring improvement to the lives of the children who have no choice but to live there. If you feel you would like to get involved, watch the video to get an insight into our work, then join us at our regular meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month starting ar 8:00pm at Waterloo Christian Fellowship, Milne Road, Waterloo, Poole.
Chris Blake Finally Ends A.A.A. After Almost A Decade Helping Others.
It was with great surprise and sadness to discover that Chris Blake has decided to close down the charity Albania Aid Appeal. Chris has fought serious illness and severe difficulties in the past, but despite that, has continued for years now to take in Humanitarian aid to schools, hospitals, churches and orphanages throughout Albania. During the Kosova Crisis, he continued to do his very best for those in such desperate need. Now, as the country just seems to be getting things right, Chris feels that his work there has been done.
Chris, you will be very sadly missed by so many. Thank you for your help to us all in the past, and may God’s blessing be upon you for whatever He calls you to.
Latest news on the Infirmary Project
Adam is now back in Albania having collected the minibus from the Netherlands and driven it back to Tirana. The day after we left Albania, the Dutch Charity, Hope for Albania offered to clean the suite of rooms for us. A very big thank you to all. While Adam was away, Marian spent many hours completing all the bits we failed to do because time ran out for us. Now, with the help of Adam and her sister and friend from Holland, they will replace the furniture and bedding. We have been assured that the finished job looks great, and will be a tremendous benefit not just to the Tirana children, but to the Doctor and Dentist who will use the facility.
Thank you to everyone who helped, the team, the tradespeople who donated so much, the walkers who helped raise the funds, the husbands and wives who allowed the team to give so much of their time, and all the churches and groups who gave so generously of cash and aid.
If you would like to help the Albanian Orphans Mission in a special way please consider making a special donation towards our work.