Bujar(Bull-yaw) Spaho
lives in Tirana. We live about two baseball throws from each other; about one
good throw to his business. My closest neighbor in Illinois has always been a
cornfield away. It’s no wonder living so close to people has been one of our
biggest adjustments to life in Albania. Bujar’s friendship has made the
adjustment easier.
Sometimes I walk by his store for a quick
language lesson, picture-taking opportunity or a commodity. We have in common:
faded jeans, small change in old boxes, and commerce. He’s a huge fan of the
American NBA (he played in Albania’s 1970s championship team). In our
neighborhood, his civic pride and community spirit are hard to equal. (He is one
of very few businesses that extend credit). Bujar serves as a vital link in our
neighborhood for eggs, bread, potatoes and even bottled water.
But
his best asset by far is his character and heart. Our small community believes,
trusts, and places faith in his abundant integrity. These are the greatest
testimonies for any man in any neighborhood.
Bujar
(Bull-yaw) Spaho
lives in Tirana. We live about two baseball throws from each other; about one
good throw to his business. My closest neighbor in Illinois has always been a
cornfield away. It’s no wonder living so close to people has been one of our
biggest adjustments to life in Albania. Bujar’s friendship has made the
adjustment easier.
But
his best asset by far is his character and heart. Our small community believes,
trusts, and places faith in his abundant integrity. These are the greatest
testimonies for any man in any neighborhood.