Thursday, June 11, 2009

from Albania with love


A few weeks ago, I came home and found a notice from the post office in my mailbox, indicating that I had to head there to pick up a package. I thought this was interesting, because my mailman is rather cool and usually leaves packages at my door for me, saving the trip down there. I figured maybe my regular guy was out and there was a sub, hence the note. I waited a few days, because I thought maybe when the regular mailman was back, he'd redeliver, but then a week went by and no package came, so off I went to the main post office. 

When I got there, and handed the slip to the lady behind the counter, she said "looks like registered mail from Albania." First of all, I don't think I've ever received registered mail from anywhere, much less Albania! She came back a few minutes later with a big box, though it was quite lightweight. At first I panicked, thinking that it was the birthday gift that I sent to Majlinda in April, as maybe it couldn't get through customs or there were tariffs or something. As soon as I was finished signing for it, I ran to one of the stands they have in there and tore the box open. At the bottom of the box, I found a white business-sized envelope that was a bit bulky. When I opened it up, I nearly cried. Look what was inside---







I know you can't read the letter (mainly because it's in Albanian!) but I wanted you to see how Majlinda decorated the page. Here is part of the translated page---


We hope this letter finds you and your family well. We wish you a very long life and a very wonderful day with your friends and family. I would like to send you for your birthday an embroidery, which I have made myself with much love for my sister's best friend. I hope you like it and I send you the best wishes from my heart. 

I couldn't believe it! In a letter, Majlinda had asked when my birthday was (this was sometime around March), so I told her that I had celebrated my birthday in January. Of course my letter saying this arrived maybe in April or so. I never knew that they could send me "things," but I thought it was just so sweet. It's not embroidery- it's a beaded thing. It is probably about 18" long and 12" wide and just so, so lovely. I was so touched by it, I think it is by far, one of the nicest gifts I've ever received. 

Majlinda had asked for a picture of me, so I had printed out a few to send her. She told me that she loved the pictures and showed them to all of her friends and teachers and family. Her family also hopes that I will continue to send more pictures "from other important moments in my life." I guess I'll need to send wedding pictures one day?  :)

As I've said before, I really love and am so grateful for this friendship that I've formed with both Majlinda and Inaete. It makes me so, so happy to know that I am making a difference for them and their families. Really, what is better than knowing how happy you can make someone, just by something as small as a note in the mail?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is stunning! You should definitely send a gushing thank you letter :)

KLC said...

my boyfriend's parents have a house in Ossipee, about 10 minutes from Ossipee Lake! It's so nice and peaceful up there :)

Jess said...

What a sweet and lovely thing to do!

Mel said...

I'm a bad WV sponsor :(.

jlc said...

Thanks for the lovely comment!!

Ahh unfortunately the earliest he'll come home is July 2nd. Ohhh how i WISH it were tomorrow though!!

:)

Christy said...

Wow that is so neat. Love the colors too!

Anonymous said...

Reading this gave me chills. You are so fortunate to have made this connection.

Jill said...

Oh my goodness, that is SO sweet. What a priceless gift, I know it made your day. Do you have photos of them that you can post on your blog?

Guess what? You won my little question game last week. Send me your mailing address and I'll get the little surprise in the mail.

peeptoepumpsandpearls@gmail.com

Chef Liz said...

That is so amazing and heartwarming. And that beaded piece is absolutely stunning.

Carolyn said...

That is so thoughtfull and amazing!!

PS - I just gave you an award!

Barefoot in the Park said...

how amazing!