Dear Friends,

Has it really been almost three weeks since I arrived in Tirana Albania? It seems that months have passed as so much has transpired. Due in large part to the dynamic situation here, my role with the CARE Albania staff has changed on a daily basis. Rather than writing proposals and donor reports, I have been deeply engaged with the logistics and delivery of programs — especially the Way Station project. It is an incredible study on how to quickly mobilize teams and supplies to meet the fluctating needs of the refugees.

Yesterday, after weeks of hot weather, the country was besieged with torrential downpours and thunderstorms — we even saw hail the size of golf balls! Camp Hope was flooded and we immediately went into emergency mode. The US Government, US Embassy and others were a huge help in determining how to rectify the situation and ensure the refugees were comfortable. Fortunately, the Army engineers who designed the camp built extensive drainage systems and they worked! Tents did not float away and 3,500 refugees remain in the camp.

The number of refugees departing Albania for Kosovo increases every day, despite warnings that the land is heavily mined and homes potentially booby-trapped. With today’s sunshine, I expect that the roads will be congested! After driving the route two days ago, I am worried that the rain will have increased the number of potholes and road wash-outs. It will not be an easy road trip.

The attached documents report on my two-day excursion to Kukes. I have also included a short slide show of photos from the Kukes area. I hope that they will provide you with a clearer understanding of the work CARE is doing as well as the people who we are working with and for in this humanitarian crisis. My experiences have given me a greater understanding of the Kosovar people as well as an appreciation for their resilience and optimism. I can only hope and pray that refugees will return to Kosovo safely and have the chance to rebuild their lives and communities in a peaceful in environment.

"PEACE!"

I look forward to my personal return to the states next week. How I yearn for the comforts of home!

Warmest regards,

Mary