This woman worked every single day for the two years I lived in Albania. She sold fruits and vegetables to me religiously and always did so with a kind smile and an encouraging word. These words I often did not understand, but one word she repeated over and over again; Mashallah, Mashallah. Originally a Turkish word, meaning “God has willed” or “as God willing”. It expressed appreciation, joy and thankfulness for a person.

Living in Albania taught me a million lessons, but the biggest one is that in every country, religion and culture there are good, loving, joyful people.

Mashallah to you!