2025 in Review

by Mark S Mirza | Dec 31, 2025 | 2025, Moving, Retirement

A Completely Unique World

The Old is Gone

“Out with the old and in with the new, huh?”

We had no idea what that meant.

Ask yourself, WITH THIS KIND OF A VIEW . . . how do we focus on our Italian, “Tutti i giorni” (everyday)?

È imposibile!

Our Website Posts

Italy???

Read our 2025 Christmas letter, a move to Italy WAS NOT ON OUR RADAR until March 2024!

2025 Christmas Letter

A Christmas Letter Can Explain a Lot

We decided to write it in both English and Italian. Enjoy whichever one you prefer, just by clicking on the image.

Our YouTube Channel

100 Days in Albania

Our time in Albania was part of the “Schengen Shuffle” that non-Europeans play, until they recieve their “Long-Stay-Visa” which arrived in November.

We used the time in Albania, however, to work very, very hard on our Italian learning. Fortunately we had a very, very nice BnB in Tirana where we stayed.

And we are now very, very glad to have our new visa.

143 Days in the USA

We took two trips to the USA in 2025. The first one we drove all around the USA which was a great reminder of the beauty. We love the USA and are proud to say we are from there.

At the end of the year we added another month to our stay in the USA and spent some sweet, sweet time with Naida’s family.

122 Days in Italy

This, is what it’s all about!

I cannot tell you how friestrating it was to arrive in Italy and already be thinking, “okay, when do we have to leave?”

But now, we are here permanently!

YIPPEE (whoops, sorry).

NEW YEARS EVE 2025

We finished 2025 up on our piazza at a very special restaurant with some very special friends. We have truly been blessed to see this transition get to this point.

Back in Albania

As stated above, we spent 100 days in Albania, off and on from January through late April.

It was not easy because Albania is a challenging place to live, even for the locals who were under brutal communist rule until the mid 90’s.

>>However, we were able to enjoy some “wild” and “creative” architecture
>>We were also able to reaquaint ourselves with very special missionariy friends who took us of Kruya, the one and only day we chose to see the sights.
>>Every day we would walk around the old central part of Tirana, and it wasn’t long before we realized they had some very special cultural things we could attend, namely the theater, brilliant restaurants, and the church where our missionary friends attend.

All in all, it was difficult, but rewarding.

SliceOfAlbania-2

While in the USA

We were in the USA for 2 visits, totaling 143 days.

Visiting my family in California on our first trip was super special, and then Naida’s on the second trip was, “Icing on the cake.” Mingled into all of this though, are friends we could not have made this transition without.

We recognize there are family and friends we may never see again, this side of heaven. So, enjoy our little gallery.

And then there’s Italy

We were only able to be in our new hoe country for a total of 122 days.

We were in Italy in

>>March for Mark’s birthday,
>>End of April and most of May during fabulous weather,
>>Middle of June to mid-August to experience summer in Capestrano
>>And then Christmas for the first time in our new village.

Please enjoy our little gallery.

The decision to retire, to sell Jumper, even to move to Italy came completely unexpectedly

– Chapter One

The actual move came at a price. It was more difficult than we expected.

– Chapter Two

We are much more comfortable in our new skin.

– Chapter Three

But we have a request: We covet your prayers

– Next

Leaving Albania

by Mark S Mirza | Apr 21, 2025 | 2025, Moving

Perhaps for the Last Time

We Are Leaving Albania

So, what are our “Take-Aways” from our time here?

After all, we have been here for nearly 4 months!

And the people. How do I explain them?

I hope in the bullet points below to share some of our “Treasures Garnered” by being here in Albania.

The People, they are the The Memory that we Take Away from our sojourn here.

Albania Grows on You (Our Jan 2025 Post)

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One Question Stands Out

Everyone we talk to, at some point asks, “Did you enjoy your time here in Albania?”

And it’s very clear, they are VERY, VERY proud of their nation! THEY WANT you to have had a good time, no, a GREAT time here. If you have read my post from January 2025 you’ll see that these people are a resilient people. We have found it fascinating.

I hope, with the bullet points below, you can experience these people alongside us.

Take-Aways

The various impressions below, relate to our experiences here, both as a couple and as observers.

Please, enjoy and pray for these folks, and us!

Any Idiot Can Get Into An Argument

Naida and I are together now, 24/7.

Just let that sink in!

My take-away thus far, relative to our time together is my paraphrase of Proverbs 20:3b, “. . . Any idiot can get into an argument.” I cannot tell you how many times, thinking those words has caused me to swallow what I was going to say to my bride.

Grazie Mille a Dio

Te Ute is Our Friendly Printer

We met her right after we started being tutored 3 times per week. Naida and I were out for a walk, exploring the area around us and found a small school supply store near our home, and she prints documents, which is important since our tutor likes to give us homework.

She is a sweet little lady who always has a smile on her face. She doesn’t speak any English and my Italian is still quite rough, but we smile a lot to each other, and she is always so happy to help.

This last weekend I wished her a Happy Easter, “Buona Pasqua” but she said, “I’m Muslim, we don’t have Easter.”

Pray for her. I don’t know enough Italian to communicate to her she needs, as we all do, an Easter experience in our lives. I plan to give her the book, “More Than A Carpenter.”

Vanna and Our Pasticceria

Vanna is always working at this bakery shop. I wish I had found her earlier! They make these Cinnamon Cookies that melt in your mouth, and these little “Pigs-In-A-Blanket” that ruin my lunch EVERYTIME I go to the printer . . . by myself.

Since the two businesses are so close to each other I have to stop, right?

Vanna is this sweet young woman who speaks great English, something we have been so grateful for. Amazingly, many of the folks here speak a good amount of English and some Italian. As I give her an Albanian Tract, pray that it is well received. They haven’t all been received well here.

Thank you.

Ida and NUR Restaurant

Very early on we met Ida, the owner of the restaurant we frequent. We eventually met her husband and daughter, who plans to attend a Southeastern Archictural school, starting this June.

What we have enjoyed so much, is Ida’s big heart. Everytime we walk in the door, it is on display, towards us.

We’re there a lot! She doesn’t treat others the way she treats us. When I stop and think about it I’m so humbled. This sweet, charming woman is just what my wife needed, as we have manuevered through these months.

Simon, the Waiter

The first time we met Simon he gave us the cold shoulder. It was pretty obvious he wasn’t interested in Americans, at least not us. But over time, he has become our “Go-To” waiter. He lights up with a HUGE smile every time he sees us, whether we go into his restaurant or not.

This last weekend (Easter Weekend) I said to him, “Simon, Naida and I are going to pray for our food, how can we pray for you?”

And immediately he said, “I need luck!” Eventually he said, I need change in my life. What a sweet opening to tell him of the importance of Easter. The end of the conversation was, “Simon, luck isn’t the answer, trusting in the One who is the reason for this Easter season, IS THE ANSWER.”

Pray for him.

Aldemo, Bicycle Repairman

When I said, not all of the tracts I’ve handed out have been received well, this is who I am thinking about.

This man has a bicycle shop, just a little hole in that wall, with no electricity, and he ekes out a living.

For the last couple months he’s been ignoring me, but recently, he looks at me and smiles, not a big smile, not like before, but it is returning.

When you think of me, pray for him.

7 Days/Week, This Grocery Store is Open

Okay, it’s not exactly a grocery store, more like a corner market, a little corner market. Okay, a VERY LITTLE corner market. It is 2 doors down from the big supermarket, but he is there 7 days a week, selling his goods.

Everytime we walk by he gives us a big smile with a bigger, “Buongiorno.”

He too will be getting a tract from me. And, like all the tracts, on the back is the name and number of Pellumb & Elli, our Albanian missionary friends who live here in Tirana.

Pray that this hard working man accepts my tract gratefully.

Mario is Another Waiter, and He Knows the Truth

We have really enjoyed our time with him in this high-end restaurant, which we only go to, when we go to the Opera.

But Mario knows the TRUTH. We see the wheels in his head turning when we introduce Scriptural Truths to him.

We have prayed for his father’s health on more than one occasion.

Pray for this young man.

Two Beggars Who Sit on the Sidewalk

Over the last few months these two women have become a very real part of our daily walks. I think they might be sisters. And they usually sit across the street from one another.

Everytime I walk by them I put my hand into my pocket and pull out whatever change is in there.

What has been fascinating to me, is to watch their faces during the times when I have had nothing to give them. Their faces still light up in gratitude.

Amazing.

Pray for me, I am hoping to see them one more time to give them a tract.

Holding Naida's Hand

I can’t finish this without talking about holding one another’s hands when we walk.

It’s like we’re school kids. It’s really sweet.

Pray for me. My job is to gently lead my bride.

Thank you.

Our US Friends

We can’t do any of this without you!

Your prayers are SOOOO coveted by us.

We have a number of friends who are going above and beyond, Diane, Ron, Bruce, Julie, Greg & Marie, Anthony & Francesca.

Please pray for them, and when you pray for us, let the Lord lead you.

Thank you.

Pellumb & Elli Collaku

Praying for Our Missionary Friends

We have had the opportunity to worship a couple times with this wonderful couple.

Naida and I have been lazer-focused on learning Italian so we haven’t really played tourist while here. But Pellumb and Elli drug us out of the house one day and we went to Kruja to get a little history of Albania and get to know why Skanderbeg is considered the Albanian hero, from 700 years ago.

Naida and I often pray, “Lord, bless so-and-so for the blessing they have been to us.”

In like manner, would you consider blessing Pellumb and Elli for the blessing they have been to us? I cannot tell you what a comfort it has been to now that if ANYTHING occurred, where we needed help, they were only a phone call away.

We may or may not ever see them again, this side of heaven.

Sobering thought.

Mark & Naida

Consider Blessing the Collaku's

Albania Grows On You

by Mark S Mirza | Jan 13, 2025 | 2025, Missionary, Moving

Initialy Fearfully but Ultimately Painfully

Albania Has Surprised Us

We are in Tirana, Albania’s capitol.

The people have surprised us. I’m not sure what we expected, but I can tell you WHAT WE DID NOT expect.

We Did Not Expect to Engage Recently Oppressed People

It has been fascinating, and, I know this sounds trite, but engaging with the people here, actually causes great pain in our heart.

Until 30 years ago, Albania was ruled by an oppressive communist government.

AND ITS IMPACT IS STILL ON THE PEOPLE HERE

Read About Albania's Religious Oppression

How Do I Describe the People we are Seeing and Meeting here in Tirana, Albania?

We all know people, especially in our churches who have . . .

Lived incredibly difficult lives.
Been abused their entire life.
Have lived with no hope.

Right? In fact, I may have just descibed you.

BUT WAIT . . .

This, that Naida and I are seeing and experiencing, is different. In this short post I will try to put into words our experience.

But then I want you to also hear from my friend, an Albanian missionary, Pellumb Collaku.

Here are he and his family:

https://collaku.weebly.com/

Moved By the Albanian People

I SEE THE SAME FACES EVERYWHERE I TURN

I think it is best explained by these book sellers.

Books are being sold on street corners. Older men sit down and read. They are engrossed in their reading, and their focus is unmoved.

And I ask myself, “Why?”

Why are these temporary book-stands everywhere?

Why are there so many used bookstores in this town?

What have they been thru that has caused them to hunger so much for the written word?

My sweet friend and his bride, Albanian Missionary for CRU, (Pellumb & Eli Collaku) have asked Naida and I to lunch next week.

Unfortunately, he has also asked me, TWICE, and I quote, “How do you like Tirana?” I feel bad, because the first time I just said something about being in a big city, yada, yada, yada. And then today (9, Jan. 2025), I didn’t answer his question at all. . .

. . . WE’RE HAVING LUNCH, SO I HAVE TO RESPOND

I’ve been perplexed about how to answer him and now that we’re having lunch together next week, I think I owe him, and his wife, Eli, a thoughtful answer.

Before today’s question from him, I was already contemplating a post about the fact that Albania is growing on us, albeit slowly.

So, let me begin . . .

How Do I Describe the People we are Seeing and Meeting here in Tirana, Albania?

They struggle to smile, and are seemingly very hard-shelled. They are protective, and frankly, it hurts to see folks like this.
I know there are hurting folks like this in every nation, and indeed in every church.
But in Albania, they are on every street corner, and on every sidewalk.
They are in the parks, and they are the wait staff in restaurants.
They are in their little businesses, often nothing more than a hole in the wall, eking out a living (although I don’t know how).
They are everywhere here!

Naida and I have worked hard to make friends here, so let me tell you, in 10 words what we have found:

Inside, when they trust us, they are open and friendly.

Okay, 3 more words. “AND THEY SMILE.”

Join Me in Praying for the Albanian People. Use this 2022 "Prayer for Iran" as a Guide

Let Me Jump to Construction

I know some of you will think that I am changing gears, but I’m not . . .

As I look at the construction here in Tirana, I get the sense of a modern people who are trying to put their past behind them.

After the communist regime fell, the populace was encouraged and the government led by example, painting their buildings.

And believe me, there are some VERY CREATIVELY painted buildings.

But the creativity hasn’t stopped at the colors of the buildings.

Look at the Building Shapes, the Architecture, the FUN . . .

Pellumb Shared His Story With Me

I’d Like You To Hear it Too

When I was born in 1976, communism in Albania was firmly entrenched. My parents’ generation had lived through the transition from a time when religion was openly practiced to an era of state-imposed atheism. They carried vivid memories of what life was like before the ban on religion, but fear kept them silent. The Albanian Constitution of 1976 declared the state atheist, and even mentioning God to us—their children—was dangerous. Teaching us about faith or the ways of God was utterly unthinkable.

As Generation X, we grew up knowing no freedom of religion. Communism fed us its ideology as the sole worldview, while others were distorted, misrepresented, and vilified by relentless propaganda from the ruling Communist Party. Albania’s strict isolation meant we were cut off from alternative ideas and unable to compare or contrast worldviews. . .

. . . Indoctrination went hand in hand with fear,

reinforced by the omnipresent “love” of the Mother Party. We were raised to believe that we were the happiest people on Earth—living in a worker’s paradise.

But all of that began to crumble when the winds of change swept across Eastern Europe in the final decade of the 20th century. Communism collapsed as a system, and Albania—its last fortress—finally fell. This was a moment of awakening for a nation that had been in darkness for decades.

When the first missionaries arrived in Albania, they were astonished by the spiritual hunger they encountered—a longing for God unlike anything they had seen elsewhere.

The words of Isaiah 9:2 resonate deeply with that moment in our history:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

For generations, Albanians had walked in the darkness of suppression and isolation, but with the fall of communism, a great light shone into our lives, bringing hope, freedom, and the chance to seek spiritual truth for the first time in decades.

Would You Join Naida & Me in Giving to the Collakus' Ministry?

Previous Posts from Mark & Naida

May Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | June 1, 2026 | 2026 | 0 Comments

May Gets us Closer to the End of Construction . . . This is what we are looking at. And soon it'll be better . . .Our "Futuro" ParcheggioVISITING US FOR AN EVENING?Naida's Fav's-1Naida's Photos (early in May) The beginning of May some special friends visited us one...

April Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | May 1, 2026 | 2026 | 0 Comments

April was warmer weather, yardwork, and Easter . . . On Easter morning I had an overwhelming thought, "What must that 1st Pasqua morning have looked like?" And so I took a short video of what I think that 1st Easter morning might have looked like. Here in Capestrano...

March Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | March 31, 2026 | 2026 | 0 Comments

And the Art is Up On the WallsThis is Sterling, the first horse Naida and I purchased when she got back into riding in 2008. This piece was painted by a fellow rider and she perfectly showed the entire world Sterling's true character. He now sits above our dining...

February Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | February 28, 2026 | 2026, Italy | 0 Comments

Our YouTube ChannelThe New RoofIt was a longtime coming, but once they started they were done in 3½ weeks! 1st major project behind us. Whew!MOVIES MOVIES MOVIES Step right up for your next movie! Uhm, well, actually its going to be a few short videos from Febbraio...

January Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | January 31, 2026 | 2026, Italy | 0 Comments

January 2026Remember that Naida and I have a YouTube channel you might find interestingJanuary Brought . . . Friends, new friends & renewed friendships. Food, oh my, food. Naida says she's never eaten more cheese or pasta (not to mention her favorite pizza, made...

2025 in Review

by Mark S Mirza | December 31, 2025 | 2025, Moving, Retirement | 0 Comments

"Out with the old and in with the new, huh?" We had no idea what that meant. Ask yourself, WITH THIS KIND OF A VIEW . . . how do we focus on our Italian, "Tutti i giorni" (everyday)? È imposibile!We decided to write it in both English and Italian. Enjoy whichever one...

Leaving Albania

by Mark S Mirza | April 21, 2025 | 2025, Moving | 0 Comments

So, what are our "Take-Aways" from our time here? After all, we have been here for nearly 4 months! And the people. How do I explain them? I hope in the bullet points below to share some of our "Treasures Garnered" by being here in Albania. The People, they are the...

First US Return

by Mark S Mirza | February 3, 2025 | 2025, Retirement | 0 Comments

Join us as we travel across the USA. If you want us to, we will do our best to connect with you. Below, discover our schedule and be part of the adventure! Remember to use the contact information at the top of our home page: (MarkMirza.com)Remember, this is tentative,...

Man-Up

by Mark S Mirza | January 27, 2025 | 2025, Retirement | 0 Comments

Two Caveats: 1] This isn't political, so don't go there in your comments. 2] For these men's privacy, I won't use their real names, merely initials, okay? Leonard Ravenhill always encouraged the men he mentored, to read biographies of great Christian men. One of my...

Albania Grows On You

by Mark S Mirza | January 13, 2025 | 2025, Missionary, Moving | 0 Comments

We are in Tirana, Albania's capitol. The people have surprised us. I'm not sure what we expected, but I can tell you WHAT WE DID NOT expect. We Did Not Expect to Engage Recently Oppressed People It has been fascinating, and, I know this sounds trite, but engaging with...

April Review 2026

March Review 2026

February Review 2026

January Review 2026

2025 in Review

Leaving Albania

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Share Your Story Below

Join us in shedding light on the resilience and strength of the Albanian people. Your stories can inspire and support a community that has endured so much.

Use the comments section of this post.

2024 Review

by Mark S Mirza | Dec 30, 2024 | 2024, Italy, Moving, Retirement

Embracing Our 2024 Journey

This journey has required us to trust the Lord, and WAIT UPON HIM for everything.

Not so easy when everything is new.

The photo below I took from our bus, the first day in Italy. Little did I know Naida and I would live this “Mark-ism” through many trials.

Discover Our Story

Our Path to Italy

The “Mark-n-Naida” Radar DID NOT SEE THIS ONE COMING

In January & February when we planned our Christmas Holiday, little did we know a new life was on its way!

2024 began with Mark seriously considering expanding Common Thread Ministries with Daniel Prayer Garden. While Naida wanted a different Christmas Holiday experience, away from the beach.

Learn More About Us

2024: A Year of Transformation

As we embarked on this transformative year, we couldn’t anticipate the significance of the changes that would redefine our lives. From relocating to a new country to embracing a spiritual intimacy, each step was filled with excitement and anticipation and, in all honesty, challenges.

Read our story, as we have told it to so many people this year . . .

Explore Our Journey

February '24

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

In early 2024, Naida made a good argument she’d like to try something, “away from the sun,” this year for Christmas.

Being a good husband, Mark agreed (AFTER HE ARGUED).

So they chose Italy.

March '24

ENTICEMENTS

As Naida started to prepare their tours and look at things to do, during Christmas she started finding surprises in Italy, which she did not expect.

Cost of living incentives.
The rich beauty of the people.
The healthiness of the foods.
And the help, IE: AHomeInItaly.com

When she came to Mark with the thought of moving to Italy, he agreed it was interesting, but his ministry opportunities were too great for him to consider Italy seriously.

They both agree, that, “surprisingly” Naida backed off until one day Mark said, “Naida, I have to give up the idea of expanding Common Thread Ministries into the Daniel Prayer Garden.”

“Why?” She asked, knowing that Mark was resolved to this decision. She knew it wasn’t about the money. So what was it?

“Because, at 66 years old, God did not call me to be an administrator, He called me to bring people into prayer.”

March '24

SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

IMMEDIATELY afterwards, the Lord started “melding-the-hearts” of Mark & Naida unto the idea (her idea, by the way) of moving to Italy.

Which was sure to be a few years down the road. (YEAH, RIGHT)

Little did they know the Lord had other ideas.

April '24

A TRUSTWORTHY CONSULTANT

Mark admits he is ALWAYS SKEPTICAL of salespeople on public forums. So when Naida showed him a video from www.AHomeInItaly.com and he turned to her and said, we need to follow this guy, she was surprised, and grateful, but surprised.

Greatly surprised!

April '24

BUT, THERE WAS ONE CONDITION

They both agreed, no matter how much they liked a home, they would NEVER buy it sight unseen.

Absolutely not, no way.

April 4 '24

BOOKING CONFIRMED

Mark & Naida purchased their tickets, for their “Italian Home Purchase Tour,” to go to Italy “JUST TO SEE” if they really wanted to move to Italy.

Don’t miss the date (Thursday, April 4)

April 8 '24

FINANCIAL ADVISOR MEETING

Mark & Naida met with their financial advisor who said, “Naida, you could retire today.”

Don’t miss the date & time (Thursday, April 4; 11:00am)

April 8 '24

EMPLOYER MEETING

Naida met with the president of her firm, and they worked out the final day of her employment, September 30.

Just 4 days before, they had purchased tickets to go on their Italian Home Purchase Tour, set for October 20th.

Don’t miss the date & time (Thursday, April 4; 1:00pm)

April 10 '24

HOME FOR SALE

2 days later they put their home up for sale.

Don’t miss the date (Wedesday, April 10)

April 12 '24

HORSE FOR SALE

2 days later they put their horse up for sale.

Don’t miss the date (Friday, April 12)

May & June '24

ITALIAN FAMILIARIZATION

Mark & Naida spent the next few months familiarizing themselves with everything Italian, from the religious focus, to the language nuances to the great food.

They continued to be amazed at the cost of living, the beautiful views, and all they read about the people, especially the people in the small villages in the Abruzzo region.

June '24

THE MINISTRIES

Mark was thinking he could take Common Thread Ministries and his novel-writing to Italy. But when they realized the visa they would be qualifying for did not allow retirees to make money while living in Italy, he had to abandon his plans.

And while it was “hard to swallow” he would later realize that serving Naida would be his new ministry.

So, finding Kevin to take over CTM & Joe to take over Mark’s praying in DC, www.CommonThreadMinistries.org is in GREAT hands.

Even Mark’s book publishing, which went to Bruce is excelling: www.CommonThreadPublishing.com

July '24

THE ITALIAN HOUSE

Independent of one another, Mark & Naida kept going back to the same home, and so, after agreeing TO NEVER BUY SIGHT UNSEEN, they pulled the trigger on a home outside the city walls of an ancient village. You can see the original sale video here: www.MarkMirza.com/House/

August '24

THE US HOUSE

As it would happen, Mark & Naida needed their US home to sell by a certain date, to keep the process moving. Upon advice from their realtor, they repainted, and the home sold in a week. I memorialized the story here: https://markmirza.com/home-sold/

September '24

HOMELESS & JOBLESS

It turned out that their US home closing date and Naida’s last day on the job was September 27th.

They like to say, “On September 27th we became jobless and homeless. AND WE ARE SO EXCITED.”

Thank goodness, Greg & Marie put us up in their home for 3 weeks.

October '24

A NEW WORLD

They left the USA on October 20th, and arrived in Italy on October 21st. After a beautiful drive by bus to Pescara, they saw their new home the next day and then met with like-minded folks who also desire to move to Italy.

“The first thing I noticed,” Naida says, “Is that we could walk around at night and have no fears.”

She continues, “The people are friendly and inviting, the medieval towns are beautiful, and the food is incredible.”

But the challenges would come over the next few weeks.

November '24

NEW CHALLENGES

We told you Mark learned his new ministry was his wife. What we did not tell you is that he did not learn that fact until they arrived into Capestrano.

The new residence and, “details of the unknown” are a strain on one who has been at the helm of project management for nearly 40 years.

But together, Naida & Mark are enjoying their new adventure and “THEIR NEW DIGS.”

They opened up about the fears in this post: https://markmirza.com/adventure-and-fear/

December '24

AN ITALIAN CHRISTMAS

What a Christmas! Mark has praised Naida’s choices even admitting that Italy was better than the beach. Okay, in all honesty, he did struggle saying that, a bit. But look at Mark’s Musings on their YouTube channel. You will see how much he loved this Christmas Holiday. Here’s his PLAYLIST.

December '24

THE TAKE AWAY IS SIMPLE

The photograph above, Mark took and wrote on their first day in Italy. Little did they know they would go back to it often. And probably for the rest of their lives.

You see, while God has clearly spoken in their lives about moving to Italy, they have had to wait on Him for TONS OF OTHER ISSUES.

Mark has often said, “If God is sovereign, He will overcome your doubts. So, if you still have doubts, you haven’t heard from the Lord.”

Go back and read his photo:

Until I know I’ve heard from You, Lord . . .

I know I haven’t heard from You, Lord.

Retirement Journey Insights

May Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | June 1, 2026 | 2026 | 0 Comments

April Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | May 1, 2026 | 2026 | 0 Comments

March Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | March 31, 2026 | 2026 | 0 Comments

February Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | February 28, 2026 | 2026, Italy | 0 Comments

January Review 2026

by Mark S Mirza | January 31, 2026 | 2026, Italy | 0 Comments

2025 in Review

by Mark S Mirza | December 31, 2025 | 2025, Moving, Retirement | 0 Comments

Leaving Albania

by Mark S Mirza | April 21, 2025 | 2025, Moving | 0 Comments

First US Return

by Mark S Mirza | February 3, 2025 | 2025, Retirement | 0 Comments

Man-Up

by Mark S Mirza | January 27, 2025 | 2025, Retirement | 0 Comments

Albania Grows On You

by Mark S Mirza | January 13, 2025 | 2025, Missionary, Moving | 0 Comments

Join Us on Our Journey

Share Your Story

Here Here

by Mark S Mirza | Dec 9, 2024 | 2024, Moving

We're Finally Here!

ACTUALLY . . .

We Were Here,

Then We Were Not Here,

But We Returned Here,

Then We Were Not.

Our Italian Journey Thru Weekly Posts

First Night In vs. Next Night Out

First Night

By accudent, we got to stay in Capestrano (because our car broke-down).

SURE, MARK, SURE . . .

Our Weekly Posts

Locked Out

Long answer, I ACTUALLY had the right keys, ask me later, I might tell you.

SURE, MARK, SURE . . .

Our Weekly Posts

We're Not in Kansas

Actually, We're Not In Atlanta, Either

Naida and I have had a great deal of activity since mid-October. But we have had a lot of challenges too . . .

You see, leaving EVERYTHING, and having control of NOTHING, has required us to trust God with ANYTHING He brings/allows in our path.

We covet your prayers and ask you to remember us daily. The Lord knows the specifics, and they change daily.

Grazie Mille.

We’re learning a lot of Italian, how about this one:

Confida nel Signore, con tutto il cuore.
Trust in the Lord, with all your heart

Whew! That and the remainder of verse 5 and 6 have always been her favorites, now they are her lifeline.

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A Short Naida Video

We both have a “Play-List” on our YouTube Channel and we’d love for you to Subscribe.

In this brief post Naida describes what we are seeing, really, everyday.

Enjoy her short reflections.

Our YouTube Channel

Kitty-Cats In Capestrano

Amazing, the things we’ve learned here.

And cats are an integral part, which means that mice, are not!

Well, also, climbing stairs, breathlessly, I might add.

Our YouTube Channel

Signing

by Mark S Mirza | Nov 18, 2024 | 2024, Moving

The Timeless Charm of Italy Versus Modern Atlanta

THIS THURSDAY WE SIGN PAPERS FOR OUR NEW HOME

This Thursday, November 21st, we are scheduled to close on our home.

We are “antsy” to get into our home, but are grateful to A LOT OF FOLKS:

Chance Gaither, for the sale of our Atlanta home
David Benton, for the purchase of our new home
Domenico, for finding our home
Steve and Gina for their friendship in Raiano
Sandro and Maria for their smiling faces at El Encanto
Assunda, Natalie and Jessica from Pancaffe
Martia, in her little bakery on the piazza
Franco and his help in Raiano
Ademio and his brief friendship, in Raiano
Louis who graciously rented to us for a month in Raiano
Alfredo and Liliana, our neighbors in Capestrano

I’m sure I’m missing folks, but our stay here has been BEYOND pleasant.

Hopefully THIS FRIDAY WE MOVE IN to Capestrano.

Our Italian Journey Thru Weekly Posts

Modern City vs. Medieval Towns

Atlanta's Skyline

I don’t wish to “dis” Atlanta’s urban landscape and contemporary lifestyle, with its panoramic city views.

WE ARE LEAVING . . .



Innovative Architecture



Cultural Diversity



Urban Convenience



Sustainability Features

What We Left

Historic Italian Towns

Naida & I have chosen to step back in time to cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings and cultural heritage.

BUT WE’VE ENTERED . . .

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Timeless Beauty

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Historical Significance

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Community Living

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Artisanal Craftsmanship

What We Get

New Condo in Atlanta vs. Ancient Italian Home

Compare the modern amenities of a new Atlanta condo with the rustic charm of an ancient Italian home.

Again, my aim IS NOT TO DIS Atlanta.

Atlanta Condo

A sleek, modern living space with cutting-edge technology and amenities.

Smart Home Technology 70% 70%

Energy Efficiency 85% 85%

Proximity to Urban Centers 92% 92%

Modern Design 75% 75%

Community Amenities 80% 80%

Italian Home

A historic dwelling offering a unique blend of tradition and character.

Historical Architecture 95% 95%

Modern Conveniences 40% 40%

Rural Tranquility 65% 65%

Cultural Significance 80% 80%

Artisan Craftsmanship 85% 85%

A Tale of Two Worlds

Modern Heights vs. Timeless Charm

In the HEART OF ATLANTA, the skyline is a testament to the modern, where sleek high-rise condos offer panoramic views and a pulse that beats with the rhythm of a bustling city. Life here is fast-paced and filled with the hum of both innovation and the allure of contemporary luxury.

In contrast, the HISTORIC HOMES OF ITALY whisper stories of centuries past, where cobblestone streets lead to quaint piazzas and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Each stone and archway tells a tale of tradition, inviting you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life.

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A Journey Through Time

Naida captures a simple truth to this part of Italy, namely, “Stunning Abruzzo,” as our friend Italy David (AHomeInItaly.com) would say. There are no skyscrapers. The energy of the city is gone. And what is left is the tranquil embrace of Italy’s historic towns, where time seems to stand still amidst ancient architecture and rolling vineyards. This video beautifully captures the serene ambiance of Italy’s timeless charm.

When Retirement Beckons

The Joy of Retiring in Italy

As we embrace a new chapter filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a slower pace of life, we also want to be an encouragement to others.

We have BEEN SO BLESSED by people being a blessing to us. Our new home will be called, Oasi delle Benedizione. (Oasis of Blessings)

Pray for us as we dive into the enchanting world of Italy and uncover how retiring here can transform our lives.

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