Meribane (75)Enjoys Attending Women's Meetings
The Young Team in Albania Reaches People of All Ages.
There is always a cheerful atmosphere at Hope Center’s women’s meetings, and this time was no exception. We chatted and made crafts and jewelry. One of the elderly women, Meribane, was particularly happy as she made a white pearl necklace. I went to talk with her.
Meribane said that this was the first time she made a craft for herself and that she simply had fun!
Her life has not been easy. At one of our past meetings I asked the women to think of a happy moment in their lives. I was saddened when Meribane – unlike the others – could not remember a single happy time.
Her duty in life has been to serve others: first as a young daughter to her family, then as a 16-year-old wife to her husband (whom she did not know well and rather feared), a mother to her children, and a caregiver for her in-laws and relatives. The births and growth of her children was overshadowed by the loss of many family members at the same time.
The 75-year-old grandmother laments that her children and grandchildren live far away and she rarely sees them.
Meribane faithfully attends our women's meetings and listens intently as we share about God's love and Christ. She says she is grateful to God for each new day and for His care.
“Meribane’s smile is very precious to us. We are grateful she has made friends and enjoys the activities at our women’s meetings. But most of all we are thankful that, even at an advanced age, she has come to know the love of God.” – Marinela Como
Marinela Como, the author of this story and an Albanian team member, speaking at the women’s gathering at Hope Center
