Kasalle is really more of a settlement than a "village."  The ground on which it sets is gently rolling, grassy hills, nestled between beautiful mountain ranges.  The beauty of the mountains stand in stark contrast to the living conditions of the families that call this place home.   These hills were formerly  occupied by beautiful orchards grown for the benefit of the Communist party.  For their protection, bunkers were built and dotted the countryside all around.  Today, only the bunkers remain and in the place of the orchards, wooden shanties or shacks stand.  An occasional typical-Albanian, block home may be found now, but those are still rare.  About two miles away, a small river flows providing water for this primitive community. 

The residents of this staunchly Catholic village moved here from even rougher living conditions in the mountainous  regions of northern Albania.  Under communism, many of Kasalle's current residents were employed in the mining industry. However, when the Communist government fell, their employment ceased.  On the condition that the Socialist party would win elections (in the early 1990s), these hopeless folks were promised land closer to the capital city and closer to potential employment.  The Socialists won and these Northerners moved south to claim this land that was to be theirs.  

What they found on their "promised land" was an undeveloped area without access by road and lacking the most basic of necessities: wells (for water), convenient public schools for their children, or electricity.

This was the condition in which Planters found the village of Kasalle in 1996. Until recently, one could only drive so far, park the automobile, and then hike up to 30 minutes through pastures  to reach its residents.  Today, under optimal conditions, the PSF van can drive on a dirt lane up to the home which hosts the Bright Star meetings.

PSF currently relies upon the graciousness of a kind family to host the Friday morning children's meetings in their backyard.  (Due to the young age of this village, there is no real estate available for purchase.)  Nevertheless, more than 100 (and sometimes as many 180) different children from Kasalle (and a nearby village) turn out each week to see what the Bright Star team has in store.  As a result of the large numbers, the team actually hosts two, back-to-back programs to accommodate the large crowd.  

If you think of Planters or the Bright Star team on a Thursday, pray for good weather so that the group will be able to meet as planned.  Understandably, rain and cold make for an  uncomfortable environment during the winter months.  Meeting in the great outdoors does have some benefits though: game time in this village literally has no boundaries!

Kasalle's Pages