Nora and Imelda managed to come from Albania to the PC and gave us very moving and inspiring input on their work there, and the day to day pattern of their lives. Their mission is under the aegis of Caritas.

Early days in Tirana were tough, the accommodation rough, but the friendships they had
already built up were very supportive. Language lessons in Shqip are high on the agenda.
In November they wrote “So much has happened for us over the last month and we have experienced so many, many things which leave us feeling a deep pain as we touch the
pity of it all but also the wonder and awe of being in such a place in such a country which
is struggling for its survival.” There are daily shortages of electricity and water. Imelda was
asked to take on the post of Co-ordinator of the 53 Health Projects run by Caritas and
scattered in the most marginalised villages all over Albania. The role is pastoral/spiritual/developmental,working with a professional clinician. Nora is fronting the
project for women, the first apartment for whom has been set up with funding from Caritas
Spain. A recent letter ends, “A little Roma boy was crossing the road with a big bag filled
with empty cans slung on his back. He was steering across the road, very tenderly, another
little Roma boy, who also had a heavy sack of rubbish on his back. They were both no more
than seven. The expression of care and love between the two little fellows was just remarkable
and very moving. We are learning so much every day.”