During our stay here in Tirana, I had the privilege of meeting one of Genti’s family members whom I had not met in all the time I’d previously been in Albania.  We went for a visit to their home, and I had the opportunity to visit with this young woman who has made a personal decision to take the way of a devout Muslim.  Her choice was certainly her own, and it was not without knowledge.  She is a very intelligent person, and has studied in several countries abroad, completing at least 2 degrees and possibly 2 master degrees as well.  Her studies have taken her to 30 different countries throughout the world.  Most recently, she lived in London teaching as a professor of Islamic Law at the Metropolitan University of London.  Her educational and professional goals are undoubtedly admirable.  Our conversation was truly enjoyable—polite, open, honest, and respectful.  While we talked, we made lunch together.  I was peeling and slicing potatoes, and she was preparing the meat and cutting cheese and pickled vegetables.  She also took the time to teach me how to make a traditional Albanian dish.  What I learned from her during our time together is that she desired people respect her decisions and choice of faith in the same way that she was committed to fully respect the paths that others have chosen.  I did not sense any false motives as we talked together.  Rather, what I sensed was a sincere and honest desire to treat each other with equal respect.  Honestly, I’ve never had such an open conversation with any Muslim before.  I could not help my curiosity, and since she appeared to be fairly open, I decided to ask her about the head covering she was wearing.  She explained that she usually removes it inside her home, but since Genti was present with us (representing someone outside the immediate family) she kept the head covering even inside the home. 

I think my biggest desire coming out of this first conversation is that we can talk or at least stay in communication with each other over the next few years and hopefully our friendship will deepen to other levels.  I know I will learn good things from her.  I know that the Lord can do great things even through simple conversations and friendships.