Albania Winter 2000

March 2

    Today's news is the introduction of the new Benz jeep. Well, it's not exactly new -- just to us. It is an 88 model with 56,000 kilometers (for us that would be close to 40,000 miles). It has its origin in Germany where it carried around television cameras and crew members. The inside and outside is very durable, or should I say practical, and almost spotless. It is a cream color with a brown and gold interior. The model number is a 460. It has a gasoline engine, most of the cars in Albania are diesel. The transmission is an automatic. When we get the two short benches for the back, we will be able to seat 7 people. Right now we can travel with 5 passengers.
    As most of you already know, this procedure has been a complicated one.  As it worked out, David and I feel we were a part of history. One year ago we watched as a large building was being erected near the Autostrata. This fall cars started to fill the lot around a huge showroom (which only has had one car inside that we have seen). This is a new 4-million dollar Mercedes dealership. It is state-of-the-art for this neck of the woods.  The salesman even told us the grass seed came from America! We were treated like royalty compared to the way many car dealers operate in the States and they even gave us a hat, t-shirt, calendar, and pocket organizer. As all of us were seated in the first-class decorated office drinking our coffee and apple juice winding up the final particulars, the owner turned to us and said, "We will have to wait to complete the typing of the contract when the electricity comes on again." Reality quickly surfaced. Yes, we were still in Albania. 
    Seriously, David and I felt so gratified to finally be able to find something so suitable at a dealership. We now have a contract in our hands, a bill of sale that has been notarized, a warranty (that has a special story), and a reliable place of service (something that doesn't come by easily). More importantly, we know that it isn't a stolen vehicle. The jeep even came with license plates. Getting plates can be a two-day ordeal, or longer, standing in long lines and getting the run around. We just had to get the jeep inspected and insurance purchased. Of course, that is another story too! 
    So, we are all ready to go and have each had a turn at driving on the streets in Tirana. Oh, what a thrill! Now David and I are becoming students of the street signs (which change daily).
    We are praising God for His goodness through it all and thank so many of you for your prayers. We can see many ways the Lord can use this vehicle for His purpose and glory. 

    Winter 2000 Index