Albanian Widow Passes on Cow

URUCAJ, Albania— In 2007, Heifer International brought cows to this village in the Ishmi River valley. Twenty cows were given to 20 families. Before this, many villagers were forced to emigrate to find work.

Today, the Heifer project in Uracaj is celebrating its success and sharing offspring with other families. Ten families brought their young cows to pass on, and despite rain, 60 people gathered for a Passing on the Gift ceremony. “Heifer has assisted many families, has changed their lives, and it is also spreading its effect to our whole community,” said Luan Zylyfi, a local official.

Reshit Uruci and his wife Naze received a heifer from Diell Hoxha’s family. The Urucis live in an old house, and their only income is from their small patch of land. “The gift from Diell [diell means “sun” in Albanian] will now brighten our home,” they said.

Margarita, another project member, is the mother of three young boys. “This cow brought to our home food for my children and a new hope for me. My husband died three years ago, and it was impossible for me to feed my three kids. But now we see that people care for us. Heifer is here to help us, and my children can go to school.”

After passing on her cow to another family, Margarita said, “Now I feel what this means to help others just as Heifer came to my home.”