Hello Albania
May 4, 2026
Now that we’ve been in Albania for a couple of days and are finally settling in, I feel like I can actually pause for a moment and reflect on the journey that brought us here.
As my husband and I packed our bags for Albania (the night before because that’s how we roll), I felt a mix of emotions, excitement, nerves, gratitude, curiosity… and honestly, a little disbelief that we’re actually going. While many of the Sewing Seeds team members are seasoned pros at these trips and have experienced this kind of travel before, this is our very first time joining a mission like this. And that makes it feel even more meaningful.
For many weeks, and many many hours ahead of time, Sylvia and the Sewing Team have been prepping the projects, gathering the supplies, packing and repacking the suitcases. As Brett and I packed we’d get texts like “do you have room for 10 more pound in either of your bags?” Everything is detailed and accounted for. Each suitcased weighed.
The nice part, for us newbies to the area, is that Brett worked and lived in Albania for seven years so he’s not new to the actual journey, just the experience with this team. So we are all a little relieved to have someone with us who knows what to expect.
We were especially grateful for that expertise in the Frankfurt airport. What a crazy place! For a place that handles approximately 154,00 to 168,000 passengers daily, you’d think it would be a little more organized! With a 2 hour lay-over we almost missed the flight! Gratitude for Brett for getting us ahead in line.
One of my favourite parts so far has been watching the team dynamic. There’s so much heart within this group, and you can feel the shared purpose that brought everyone here. Watching Tammy, Candice and Adriana set up all the supplies was such a highlight. I didn’t expect it as it seems pretty simple, but listening to the excitement in their voices as they unpacked everything from the suitcases and got it all lined up. I had to grab the camera to try and capture it because it was so awesome. It allowed me to fully witness the passion behind the mission.
Even through the travel exhaustion, adjustments, learning the lay of the land, I can feel the gratitude settling in.
Grateful to be here.
Grateful to experience this alongside such an incredible team.
And grateful that my husband and I said yes to this adventure together.
This is only the beginning.
I already know Albania is going to leave a mark on us in ways we probably can’t fully understand yet. But that’s the beauty of stepping into something unexperienced, sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin before you even realize how much they’re about to change you.
May 5, 2026
We had a lovely celebration as a team following the first full day of class with our new students. It’s interesting to see who catches on to the skills right away and who takes a little longer to learn. Eliona, our translator says everyone was happy following class and looking forward to learning more.
As we welcomed them back this morning, the excitement in the air returned to our space. It’s so fun as we begin to learn a little of their language to welcome them and say Good Morning in Albania, “Mirëmëngjes.”
Day two the students start to relax a little more into the learning and feel a little more comfortable behind the machines. And they are working on projects that start to take a little shape, unlike day one where they are learning more machine basics.
Here in Albania, men hold the more dominant roles socially and financially, while women often have more limited opportunities compared to what we may be used to back home. It’s giving us a deeper appreciation for the importance of empowerment, education, and support for women here. It feels so good to see them stepping into the power of their skills.
May 6, 2026
At the end of day two the team is already seeing amazing progress in the students, and the teachers spent a part of the evening grading their projects.
They have a full report card to go through from stitching, tension, seam allowance, overall appearance, threads, pinking, and more! It is very thourough so they know who will need extra practice in certain areas. Many of the students are already A & A- level!
It was interesting for me (Jody) to learn this process as it’s truly harder than it looks! Lol….I mean these are fairly advanced my humble opinion…so I guess it may be time for me to learn to sew too!
May 7, 2026
Sewing on Day 3 went really well. The students are learning how to create a patchwork of squares as they begin making their pillows—and they’re also getting introduced to one of the most helpful tools in sewing: the iron. It’s been beautiful to watch their focus and care as they bring each piece together.
This morning (Day 4), we’re continuing to build on that, finishing up their pillow projects before moving on to the next step. There’s a quiet excitement in the room as their work starts to take shape.
As I sat and reflected on the journey so far this morning, something really stood out to me about our greatest challenge here. It’s not the students’ ability to learn, they are incredibly capable. It’s not the travel or getting here. And we already know we’re working with a strong, thoughtful curriculum.
The greatest challenge is language.
We rely heavily on our translators, and here in Albania we have four incredible women helping bridge that gap. Each brings her own style and way of communicating, so there’s a constant flow of adapting, adjusting, and trusting the process. At times, they’re even learning sewing terminology alongside the students.
And yet, despite the challenges, we feel so supported.
We have truly been blessed with a group of translators who not only help us communicate, but who clearly carry these students in their hearts as well. There’s a shared care in the room that goes beyond words, and in many ways, that’s what makes this all work.
May 8, 2026
Day 5 is here, and as a team we were chatting this morning that we can’t believe we have almost been here for one week already. Today in class, the students will be finishing up their zipper training. I love looking at all the notes and samples the students are putting into their notebooks. They are so proud of all the information they are collecting.
The next project they will move onto is learning to make a pair of shorts.
May 11, 2026
Week two has officially begun! But before we get to that we want to share a little about our experience on the weekend.
To share a little background for those who are new to following our journey, David and Valbona Pennoyer are the leaders of Global Christian Centres Ministries, our partner organization here in Albania. Their daughter, Kimberly, recently celebrated her Albanian engagement/wedding celebration, and we were incredibly honoured to be invited to take part in such a special occasion.
And what a celebration it was! Albanians truly know how to celebrate. The evening was filled with incredible hospitality, a table overflowing with appetizers, a beautiful four-course meal, dessert, and so much dancing in between each course. It was joyful, vibrant, and full of love. And finished with fireworks!
One of the most touching moments of the evening was watching David and Kimberly share their father-daughter dance, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was such a meaningful experience to witness and a beautiful glimpse into the warmth, family, and culture here in Albania.
Okay, onto what happens as we begin the second week of the program.
This week, we build on the skills learned during the first week of training and begin advancing them a little further. For today’s project (Monday), the students are creating a simple shorts and shirt set, but with a few added details that introduce more intermediate techniques.
Things like a heart-shaped pocket, lace accents, and finishing details may seem small, but they help students continue growing in both skill and confidence. It’s exciting to watch them take what they’ve already learned and begin adding creativity and personality into their work.
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been getting to know the women beyond the classroom. As we spend time together each day, we are hearing pieces of their stories, learning about their families, and understanding more about the realities of their lives here in Albania.
Their stories are speaking deeply to our hearts.
With every conversation, shared laugh, and quiet moment together, we feel increasingly connected to both the women and the work we are doing here. These relationships are reminding us that true impact is built through connection, trust, and simply showing up for one another.
May 12, 2026
Greeting the ladies each morning and doing my best to speak Albanian has honestly become one of my favourite parts of the day. I’m pretty sure they find our “butchered Albanian” quite entertaining, but I think they also appreciate how much we’re trying.
(Blog secret #1: listening to Tammy attempt Albanian has become entertainment for the rest of us too 😂😉)
Last night after school wrapped up, we were invited to visit the beautiful beaches along the Adriatic Sea. While the beaches may not have the polished, tourist-destination feel that some people are used to, there’s still something incredibly beautiful and authentic about them, especially during the quieter off-season.
Brett and I ended up being the only ones brave enough to fully go into the sea, but all of us enjoyed the chance to slow down, breathe, and take in the beauty around us. We stayed for dinner by the water and watched the sunset together, and honestly, it felt like such a needed recharge for the team.
These little moments in between the work are becoming just as meaningful as the work itself. Here’s a pic of the sunset for you to enjoy with us.
Today the ladies will be finishing the short and top combo and then moving onto the next project, the favourite bag. The one the ladies have been waiting for.
May 13, 2026
The big beach bag project is well underway as we head into Wednesday’s session. At first glance, it might seem like an easier sew, but in reality, the material and construction of the bag require a much higher level of skill. Add in all the details, including an inside zipper pocket, and it definitely brings its own set of challenges.
Adriana has stepped into the driver’s seat as lead teacher for this project, and she’s doing an amazing job guiding the students through it all.
(Blog Secret #2: Jody does special “encouragement dances” to hype Adriana up before teaching… because being front and centre isn’t exactly her comfort zone)
Tuesday evening, our team discovered a little local restaurant serving authentic Albanian food. No menu. No English. You simply eat whatever has been prepared for the evening.
To be honest, at first we were all slightly nervous about what might arrive at the table… but it ended up becoming our favourite meal so far.
The dinner included a rich tasqebapi (goulash), pilaf, beans, fresh bread, and some of the best simple comfort food we’ve had since arriving. And collectively, we’ve all become slightly obsessed with the lemon sodas here.
Moments like these, sharing meals, laughing together, trying new things, and stepping outside our comfort zones, are quickly becoming some of the most memorable parts of the journey.
Oh and we have to share with you a pic from our lunch yesterday, as it was so fun to see that when you order a burger and fries in Albania, it often comes all as one. The fries are IN the burger. (and it tasted better than this picture makes it look, lol)
May 14, 2026
Happy Thursday!
Yesterday, the class officially finished their large beach bags taught by Adriana, and to celebrate, we held a fun little fashion show so everyone could show off their creations. There was so much laughter, pride, and excitement in the room as the students modeled the bags they worked so hard on.
After wrapping up that project, the students moved on to sewing baby bibs, and by this morning’s session, they had already completed them. Watching how quickly their skills and confidence are growing has been incredible.
Meanwhile, Tammy and Brett headed out on a mission to source local fabrics for the students to continue practicing with between Sewing Seeds visits and skill levels. Shopping in Albania is truly an adventure all on its own, every store, conversation, and discovery feels like part of the experience here.
Thursday afternoon brings yet another new project: makeup bags taught by Candice!
The students will also learn how to cut patterns directly from material, which is such an important skill in sewing. Sylvia has been absolutely exceptional at teaching how to maximize fabric and minimize waste, a talent that is both practical and incredibly valuable. We call it making a marker.
Every day here continues to build not only sewing skills, but confidence, creativity, and a growing sense of possibility.
May 15, 2026
Can you believe today is the last day of school already??!!
This morning, the students are completing one final project along with their final exam before we move into a Graduation Celebration this afternoon.
Each student will receive a certificate of completion along with their final grade for the course. After speaking with many of the women throughout the week, it’s become clear just how meaningful these certificates are to them. They represent so much more than finishing a sewing class, they represent accomplishment, growth, confidence, and opportunity.
Watching the students reach this moment after all their hard work this week feels incredibly special, and we’re so excited to celebrate each of them today.