I Can Do It!

I needed to get a key copied, and I remembered seeing a place to do them in the city not too far away from the mission center. The "HAPUR" (open) sign showed through the window, but alas, the door was locked with no one inside. I checked the hours which indicated that the shop should have been open 15 minutes before. Oh, how typically Albanian! I thought. It seemed like a waste to go back home without my key copied, since it's a bit of a walk to get to the city.




Then I noticed a phone number handwritten under the hours open. The only people I have spoken with on the phone in Albanian are two of the women I lived with, always very basic calls to let them know I was coming home late. You can do this, Jess. Call the number and get this done. 

I dialed, the phone rang a couple of times, and then the man on the other end picked up. I let him know in Albanian that I was at the storefront and wanted to get a key copied. He said something about his vehicle not working, not exactly sure, but I did at least understand, "If you can stay, I will be there in ten minutes!"

A few minutes before he arrived, a woman approached the store, and I told her the man was supposed to be coming soon. We chatted a bit. I have noticed that it is quite satisfying to talk in Albanian with strangers in the city, because they are always surprised that I can say much of anything and are very complementary. She asked me about my work and was very friendly. Finally the shop owner arrived. We walked in, the woman made it first to the counter, and she gave him her key to be copied. Only slightly annoyed after having waited longer than she did, I just reminded myself that it wasn't personal; it was cultural. I am still quite out-of-place in shops if there is anyone else being waited on. I am quite American in that it feels absolutely WRONG to step in front of people. But there aren't really lines here in most stores. You just sort of crowd the clerk, and whoever has their goods closest to the clerk gets waited on next. But that's a bit of a tangent.

When my turn came, the store owner (Ali) and I had a wonderful conversation, which was great language practice for me. He knew a little English from working overseas for a few years. He asked me about my work with the church and told me he is Muslim but doesn't ever go to mosque. He only observes the Muslim holidays, just like most Muslim Albanians. He believes everyone should be free to observe whatever religion they wish and that it's important for all faiths to respect one another. It was very fun to talk with him. Talking with other people who have tried to learn a second language are usually very patient and helpful with my language practice, because they know what it's like.

I would have loved to talk with him more. When my key was finished, I pulled out my wallet and asked, "How much does it cost?" "This one's free," he told me. Wow! I thanked him profusely and assured him that I would be back whenever I needed more keys copied. I walked all the way home smiling and so proud of myself for calling that phone number instead of just leaving when it was locked. Those days are extra-fulfilling when I am able to communicate well enough to get my business taken care of myself. Mund ta bej vet - I can do it on my own!