Nikki and Roger PearcePrayer letter, March 2017

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Dear Friends,

So many of you are aware that our initial journey to Albania started 21 years ago and was only intended to be for a 4-year period. We have been so fortunate to be able to serve in Tirana with BMS World Mission and now, as the finishing line is in sight, we are experiencing the roller-coaster of emotions as we seek to prepare for leaving our jobs, friends, church and home, and transition to a new situation!

We find ourselves reminiscing, sorting, valuing, celebrating, regretting, loving and grieving at different times. We are committed to finishing our current assignment in the strongest possible terms, so in many ways it is business as usual but we are also actively planning and preparing for our departure on Friday 30th June.

Christmas was a special time for us as James and my parents joined us to celebrate our last Christmas in Albania. It was lovely to explore new and old haunts and make more lasting memories. New Year is always memorable in Tirana for the amazing spontaneous firework show that happens at Midnight. We watched from the safe distance of our friends’ 7th floor apartment.

The new school term after New Year started and abruptly stopped as Albania was struck by an epidemic flu virus resulting in the government ordering the closure of all schools for 10 days! This also coincided with the coldest temperatures we had known in Tirana

during our time here. We appreciated the beauty of a snow-covered Tirana but also the frustration of not having running water for 6 days as all the pipes froze! It was a throwback to our early years here when we had long power cuts which affected our water supply. The amazing staff of GDQ showed their flexibility in continuing to send lessons and assignments online so that the kids could continue studying at home.

After our departure from GDQ, Lori Neuman will become the Director of the school for a one-year period. Lori has served at the school in various capacities for over 10 years and is an excellent replacement. Please pray for Roger and Lori as they work closely together to ensure that the transition is smooth. Encouragingly, we have several applicants for positions for the next academic year and we are looking forward to interviewing various applicants in coming weeks. Please keep praying for the people involved in this process. If you would like more information check www.gdqschool.org/opportunities/staff-openings

Our plans for our future career direction are still uncertain. Consequently, we are not able to offer to visit churches at this point. On our return to the UK we are committed to BMS for a 3-week period after which we will have a 2-week holiday. Please join us in praying as we apply for jobs in the UK.

Last week as a school we encouraged our students to raise funds for clean water and so heighten their

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awareness of the many needs of others. Each class were encouraged to collect loose change, participate in constructing our own pipe line made from cardboard kitchen and toilet rolls, a bake sale and create a marble run with all the money raised going to charity.

Living in Albania we are aware of how precious and vital a supply of water is to daily existence. Most areas only have water coming in to homes 3 times a day. Consequently, many of us have water tanks to allow us to collect water when it is available. Most of these tanks are situated on roof tops so that the water can then run into the house using gravity. Alternatively, if your tank is on ground level you need to pump it in to your home. During the recent cold spell, many homes had no running water for a week as not only did our tanks freeze but also the mains froze! During the hot summer months when water is rationed, it frequently only comes into homes once a day and at times stops altogether! Sadly, the poor in Albania are affected the most as they can’t afford water tanks.

We are grateful that both Beth and James are working hard. Beth for her AP exams (A-Level equivalent) and James on his dissertation. Both thoroughly enjoy

playing team sports; Beth in basketball and James in Volleyball. They are hoping to find work this summer utilising their skills.

Fun Albania Fact: One of our friends has recently got engaged and to celebrate this event she shares Turkish delight with her friends. As this treat is served, each person congratulates the couple saying, “May you have an inheritance” (literally meaning…”May you have kids!”) Their response of “thank-you” is not enough for anyone who is currently still single. They must respond to them, “On your head!” (meaning, “Your turn next!!”)

And if that isn’t enough…they also need to grab that person’s nose and pull it…indicating that they should follow in their footsteps.

We can’t thank you enough for your support and we are so grateful to you all.

With love,

Nikki and Roger

If you would like to support BMS by prayer and committed regular giving, visit bmsworldmission.org/partners or call 01235 517617 for a 24:7 Partners leaflet.

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