Although she lacks self-confidence and often says, “I’m sorry,” even when she has done nothing wrong, I have seen glimpses of the real Tilda. She is funny, caring and loyal. She has an inner strength that comes from surviving hardship. She is a genuine diamond in the rough who thinks she is just a plain old rock of little worth. She has been through some heartbreaking life experiences. I feel honored that she has trusted me enough to open up and share parts of her story that she hasn’t shared with anyone outside of her family.
When we met, Tilda and her husband and two sons had just returned to Albania after nearly a decade in the United States. They wanted their sons to know their grandparents. Their 12-year old, Tod, was just a little boy when they moved to the States, and their younger son, age five, was born there.

Because of visa problems, Tilda and her family are now stuck in Albania. They all had to deal with culture shock, but Tilda and Tod were hit the hardest. Tilda felt like a foreigner trapped in a country she didn’t like. She had become so used to American freedom that she couldn’t bear the narrow restrictions and expectations placed on Albanian women.

Tod had been a star student in the States and an outgoing and popular kid. But in the Albanian school, he was afraid he might be slapped in the face if he made a mistake. After only a few days, he refused to go back to school. Although he won science awards at his school in the States and dreamed of becoming a doctor, he now had lost all hope for his future.

Tilda’s motherly heart was crushed by the dimming prospect of her son’s future that had looked so bright. She slid deeper and deeper into a pit of depression. Her husband worried about her but felt helpless to change the situation. Tilda began to shut herself up inside her little apartment more and more until she came to dread going out.

Recently, things have begun to brighten up for Tilda and her family. We were able to help Tod enroll in an Adventist distance-learning school that awards real U.S. report cards and high-school diplomas. Megan and I tutor him, and he is enjoying school again. His family is overjoyed. Also, Tilda and I are starting a walking and exercise program together. I hope to put previous training to use by helping her make good lifestyle choices to improve her physical and emotional health.

Tilda and her family have gone overboard expressing their thanks and care for us. They’ve cooked us many meals, done us many favors and given us many gifts. They drove all the way to the capital, a 2½-hour trip, just to welcome us and help us with luggage as we returned from furlough. Then they brought over a large meal. When we thanked them, Tilda said, “You don’t need to thank us. You are our brother and sister.” We’ve prayed together and had many Spirit-led conversations. Soon, we will begin a complete Bible study. Tilda and her husband believe in God but have no knowledge of Him. They do know God cares about them, because only He could have equipped an American family to help them and then arranged for us to meet in Albania just when they needed us. I want so much for my friend—my sister—to discover her immense value to the King of Kings who died for her. I want her to know that she is beautiful and she is loved. Will you pray for her?

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