In my host community!

Im officially in the house of my host family! They're wonderful people and have been nothing but kind since I've arrived. They have a great house overlooking a lake with orange trees, olive trees and grape vines growing in the front yard. Their house is like something you would see out of a travel catalogue.

The house itself is very nice with a kitchen, bathroom with a washer, four bedrooms, a living room and a family room.

The mother is a sweet retired woman. When we first met she insisted on a hug. She also made it clear that she was going to take care of me like a mom right from the start. The father is also retired and has a huge heart as well. First thing he did when we met was shake my hand and invite me into his home.

We had a traditional Albanian lunch and dinner that afternoon. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted very good. One thing that threw me off guard is that they eat the lemon whole with the skin on it too. It actually wasnt that bad at all but it was one of my first culture shocks in a while.

Although nobody in the house besides me speaks english much, we were able to communicate alright at a basic level. I have a lot to learn so I can speak better but I will work hard at my comphresion of Albanian. Im in a good position here. Life is good.