My Story

Hello! My name is Safetije Menkshi. I am 78 yeas old and my birthday is on May 24^th. I am living as widow since my husband dies, 27 years before. We have two sons and four daughters. I live with my son who has a mental illness. I have always lived near him so I can care for his special needs. He is not very ill mentally and can do some easy types of jobs. When we used to live in the village, he could care for animals and feed them. He also was able to help us while we were working on our land. My son got married and he has two children, a boy and a girl. They have always lived with me and under my care. Their mother, my daughter in law, left the family and she divorced from my son. From that time and on, I have been carrying for my son as well as for my two grandchildren. My grandchildren are 13 years old and 9 years old. Since I have other children, they have all helped me to care for my son and his two children. My son receives an invalid pension which is very small. I also have a retirement pension, from the job I used to do in farming, which is also very little. My oldest son has bought a house in the town of Pogradec and because he lives in Greece, we live in his house. The house is his, but we are happy that we can live in this house for free and be in the town, where schools and hospitals are near. The apartment has a bedroom and a living room, which includes the kitchen, and it is in good condition. My son who lives in Greece and  my daughters come to visit us two times during the year and they are bringing help to us. I have in total 12 grandchildren and am a happy grandmother. It is lovely to talk to them over the phone from time to time. My day goes simple and from time to time, it gets very busy and filled with things to do. After I clean, I cook for us and go out to buy groceries and vegetables. I like to sit and rest for a while and during this time, I follow the news on television. Very rare, I go out for a walk together with my son and his children. Walks in the town are traditional during the summer. I have a complex of illnesses, starting with theroid, blood pressure, stone in gallbladder and during this past two months, I had a surgery in my breast. I pray that God will give me strength and good health, so I can continue to care for my son and see his children grow up and do well in life. I bring in the program both my grandson and granddaughter and because I have been so faithful coming to the church of the Living Water in Pogradec, they have added me in the sponsorship program. I am thankful to the program from my heart for all the food packages I get, as well as for the Bible lessons of the children who go to their Bible classes. While they are there, I follow the church service and I am happy to learn about the love of God for us, through the preachings. Thank you from my heart for all and God bless you in return.

Translated by Martin Rucolli

LW/Adopt a Child Albania