The Joy of Giving - A Peace Corps Christmas

Seasons greetings from Albania (or Gëzuar Festat (Geh-zoo-ahr Feh-staht) as we say here).

Her smile was the best present ever.

December is holiday time in Albania. Even though many Albanians are Muslim, there is still a lot of celebration around this time. People in my town put up trees, decorate them, put up strings of lights, hang images of Santa Claus in front of their shops, and even wear Santa hats. They say that it is for the New Year's celebration, not (necessarily) to celebrate Christmas. It is a happy marriage of tradition and festivity. I must say, I appreciate the added lighting. The sun is down by 4:15 pm and it gets dark usually around 4:45 pm. The days are short, and the nights are long and cold. 

Me with the Youth of Librazhd as Santa's Helpers

My Albanian home of Librazhd is not the wealthiest place. In fact, it is home to some of the poorest villages in Albania, and Europe by extension. Many children here are used to living on so very little. Still, I never hear them complain. I never see them upset about it. Quite the opposite. I see them laughing and playing, being kids. I see them making friendships and growing taller every day. It is an amazing thing to see. My life back in the US did not lend itself much to this amazing type of interaction. With three brothers all of similar ages, I never had a young sibling in the house. Being around kids is a new experience for me and one that I will cherish.

For the holidays, the local church organized a toy drive for the kids here (many of whom are also part of the Kampi Pa Emer). After a lovely Christmas celebration, we passed out snacks and boxes made specially for various age groups donated by a global Samaritan organization. I got to play Santa (or at least one of his helpers) along with several other young community members. The kids were so excited to get their presents. Smiles everywhere - including mine. What a holiday!

Kampi kids being uber adorable with their presents. They grow up so fast!

Last year, as part of our Kampi Pa Emer summer camp, we offered many of these kids oral health screenings, basic dental care and even some dental procedures! Free of charge of course. All this is free for the kids. This year we are looking to expand the dental services offered to the kids and even extend services to their parents, if possible. What we saw last year was quite heartbreaking - Kids as young as 4 and 5 with irreversible tooth decay. Black holes in the teeth with exposed nerves. Still, I see these kids smile as though nothing was wrong. It is hard to imagine having to go through life like that. Being in so much pain, yet being so used to it, that they never say anything. I admire them for their bravery. It is amazing what a little money can do. This year we want to do more for these kids! .

Giving to others feels so good. Giving to these kids feel AMAZING. Love my JOB!

This year Kampi Pa Emer provided dental screenings for over 60 kids, and further dental treatment and dental procures for more than 25 kids' teeth! I get excited just thinking how this was all possible thanks for a group of dedicated individual donors.

For more information on Kampi Pa Emer summer camp or to help support free dental services in our town, please visit: www.campnoname.org (or check us out on facebook!) We are currently trying to raise $5,000 to help these kids and their families in community. If you can do anything to help, please contact me. You can do such much good out here, I promise.

Celebrating New Year's Eve with my Albanian Family - Eating and making cheers, laughing, watching TV and taking some epic selfies!

Cuteness Overload! - #CampNoName VIDEO

We insist on having fun! :-)

Catch a glimpse of the camp HERE -->  http://vimeo.com/100037511

We all love summer camp, right? I know I do - Making new friends, exploring nature, trying new things, and being wild and zany (not to mention tie-dyed t-shirts, and singing random campfire songs) Ahhh... it's usually the highlight of my year!

Alba and Joey!

Kampi Pa Emer (aka "Camp no name") was started 6 years ago in Librazhd, Albania by a couple (Alba and Joey). Alba is a native Albanian now living in the USA, and Joey is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Every summer, they prepare a fun week of activities for the kids here in town. There are about 50 kids, ages 6 - 14, and some of whom are part of the Roma community living in Librazhd. For those of you who are not familiar with the Roma people, here is a very brief description (Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_people)

The Romani, or Roma, are a diasporic ethnicity of Indian origin, living mostly in Europe and the Americas. Romani are widely known among Anglophonic people by the exonym "Gypsies" (or Gipsies). Roma communities have resided in the Balkans for numerous centuries.

The idea is to have these children play, learn, and make friends with non-Roma kids in the community. The camp is about togetherness and unity, but also about having FUN! Locals Albanians and Peace Corps Volunteers support the camp as the counselors, help organize the camp, and help produce activities like - futbol (that's soccer for all us Americanz), arts/crafts, singing games, health lessons, exercise, team-building sessions, other games, and more. 

Although I have been to camp for many years before, this was my first camp as a counselor. It is quite a different experience being on the facilitator side of things... but the magic was still there. The songs, the energy, the friendships, and craziness were all things I remember (and cherish) from my summers of youth.

Can't wait 'til next year!


Catch a glimpse of the 2014 camp HERE -->  http://vimeo.com/100037511
 

The coolest kid in town!