As many of you know in March, 2020 my teaching in Albania was cut short by Covid. I then returned to teach first grade special education at Dudley School in Fairport, New York. Although I only needed to teach in Fairport for two months in order to retire, I ended up teaching for two more years. It was hard to think about leaving a teaching position that was challenging but gave me great satisfaction. When I turned 40 and then 50 and then 60 years old it never caused me any angst. But then I turned 65 which meant I was required to sign up for Medicare. That got my attention and forced me to start seriously thinking about retirement. When reflecting about whether or not to retire from Fairport, someone suggested that I start making a list of what I wanted to do after retiring. On that list was to teach again in an international setting. The first person I asked about it was my husband, Randy. Because he is a super supportive husband, when I asked him if he would consider moving abroad with me again, he said, “Sure, let’s do it.” Since I had previously taught in Albania I have friends that now live and teach in many parts of the world. Some of them encouraged me to come teach at their current schools. After much thought, Randy and I decided to go back to Albania. The cost of living in Albania is very reasonable. The location and climate are good. Plus, we still have friends in Albania. Finally, the ease of moving back into a setting that we were familiar with was enticing. For all those reasons we decided Albania was again a good choice.
When I reached out to Albanian College last fall about the possibility of teaching grade one there again, they said they did not have a grade one opening but they did have a grade two opening. So starting on August 29th, I will be teaching grade two in Tirana (the capitol of Albania) at Albanian College. Even though I have taught at the school before I will be participating in the new teacher training which starts on August 17th. We fly out of Rochester on the morning of August 12th. We fly through JFK to Istanbul and then onto Tirana arriving there on the 13th. We have rented an apartment that is close to the apartment we had previously and is a five minute walk to the school.
We have a few reservations about moving abroad. How will Covid be? Will the war in Ukraine impact our stay in Albania? Obviously, we have given this much thought and talked to friends that are living there and feel confident in our decision to go. If it is not working out or we feel unsafe at any time, we will simply come home.
Thanks for joining me on this second adventure to Albania. It is wonderful to be able to stay in touch with our family and friends through this blog. I will be back in touch after we start to get settled in Tirana.
Teaching in Albania 
Sarah,
As always, we are looking forward to filling along with your adventures! Safe travels to you and Randy. We cannot wait to hear what things are like in Tirana since you were last there. xo Sarah K
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Good luck. You are really an active and brave woman.
We also enjoy Balkan area a lot, but still it is difficult to leave home, family and friends.
Rasmus has now a 6 months Old daughter. His is complete crazy about her and take a 3 months father leave from October.
Best regards from Niels and Else
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Congratulations on a new grandchild! I love it that Rasmus took 3 months off to be with his daughter! 🙂
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Wishing you and Randy the best on your trip back to Albania. Looking forward to hearing about all your new adventures and travels. Love, Therese
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Jim and I are looking forward to following you on your new adventure..
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Sending best wishes. The children of Albania are so fortunate to have you. I am looking forward to hearing about your experiences and adventures.♥️
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I am so happy you are able to fulfill your retirement dreams, with the support of your loving family! Looking forward to reading about your upcoming adventures in international teaching and traveling…Season 2!
♥️Ann P.
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Congratulations, Sarah! I am looking forward to reading about all of your new adventures! Have the BEST time!
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I thought you said this was a short post?!
😉
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Oh, David, you always make me smile! xo
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I’m just so excited for you! Another wonderful experience is sure to unfold ! Thanks for continuing to share your adventures through these emails. Safe travels next week!
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I am so happy to see this update! I was afraid I had missed a deadline to sign up again! Wishing you a stress-free trip and a happy transition into life in Albania! Best wishes!
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Good luck on this next adventure! It is lovely to read your updates !
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So happy for you that you are able to realize your retirement dreams, with the support of your loving family. Looking forward to following your adventures in international teaching and traveling…Chapter 2!
♥️Ann P.
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Sarah, this all sounds wonderful and so perfect for you! I look forward to hearing all about this second transition in your life. Best wishes and stay safe. ❤️
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So excited to follow this second adventure!!
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Sarah, I can’t wait for the new blog. I also Am starting Medicare next month and I’m finishing up my last year of teaching public school in Colorado. You are a role model for me and what I’m going to do with the next part of my career. I am so excited for you and Randy.
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Congratulations on finishing up your last year of teaching! It really is bittersweet, don’t you think?? Please keep me updated on what you want to do next with your career. Being a teacher offers so many opportunites! If you ever want to have phone conversation we can connect through WhatsApp. 🙂
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Best wishes to you and Randy in your new/not as new adventure! We will watch over Dudley for you, and look forward to hearing about teaching and living in Albania!
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