Progress!

We continue to spend most of our days together with just Genti. (In the beginning, he’d often feel most comfortable having a playmate come along.) We thank God for all the progress we see Genti making, progress that at first we didn’t even realize he’d need to make.  He played an entire game of modified UNO with Teresa and although he knows colors, he tries to say them in English as we play.  On the surface this may seem like no big deal but turn-taking, attending for an extended period of time, looking at the colors, trying to speak, trying to speak in English, … all is wonderful to see.  He is also enjoying taking walks outside the Bethany campus and will even walk part of the time himself.  (Previously he only wanted us to carry him.) We are taking him into a new building on each outing and although still wary of entering new buildings, today he walked through the grocery store with us in Sauk Village!

We have also made progress in the legal process of getting Genti home.  We had our preliminary hearing Wednesday and all went wonderfully!  The judge was very gracious and was excited for the opportunity for Genti.  She even waived the need for a psychological evaluation to save time! She also kindly set the date of our final court appearance for July 4, knowing that our airline tickets home are on July 8.  We are excited that all is proceeding and Genti’s world is expanding already!

 

Teresa stands high above the Adriatic coastline in Durres.

Teresa and Genti are working on a craft.

Some of the beautiful scenery around Sauk (rural Tirana).  Notice the castle way at the top. 

The country and people of Albania are beautiful and as we can see the mountains around us everyday, we are reminded of the awesome God we have, no matter where we live or what language we speak.  “I will lift my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2