It seems the time goes by faster than I remember. It has been five weeks since we last sent out a blog. I will try and repent and make them more often. We have been up and down about our Center. Last week, it was a for sure, then the next day the wheels came off again. It seems we started at the top getting permission, instead of going through the ranks. That didn't set well with the ranks and they have put us through a week of torture. When the Area Presidency says yes, then sends it to the Presiding Bishopric for there stamp of approval, then they send it to someone else, then the FM Department gets hold of it and wants to know why they were not in the loop. Anyway we have learned quite a lot about the bureaucracy of the Church, and hope we don't have to experience this again. We haven't heard from Pres. Ford yet, but the contract was supposed to be signed today. Anyway, I hope I don't need to retract all this information. Glen and I are wore out with all the red tape. But it will be wonderful when (not if) it happens.
We had a wonderful investigator named Fati. He has been coming to church for months. He pays his tithing faithfully (with special permission), and is always smiling. He asked me to speak at his baptism in Shqip, which the Elders were going to translate for me. Anyway last week in a meeting with the Elders his true character came out. It seems he had a 13 year live in affair with our R.S. President (before she was R.S. Pres.), she broke it off, he began to stalk her, even coming to church to keep an eye on her. When the missionaries started giving him the lessons, he became very interested in the gospel. The problem is, he is still stalking her and it has gotten out of hand. So he has been forbidden to come to our branch, which he ignored. Pres. Ford met with him which went way bad, and Pres. Belishi (our branch pres.) has tried to talk to him, but he won't listen. Tonight Glen has an appointment with him, and we will see what happens. It breaks our heart because we really like Fati, but his actions go against everything we believe in. Have I ever told you about the Albanian temper! Fati was so mad, his nose started to bleed.
I have been baking cookies for Christmas. Since there are no chocolate chips, I cut up candy bars. Since the shortening is in short supply, I use a lot of butter. One cup (1/2lb) of butter, is $2.25. These are very expensive cookies. Of course, you can't get good brown sugar in the market, you have to go to the American store, so these cookies are like buying gold. When I am baking for the Center, I use the dark brown sugar which you can buy in some stores here. This is just a whole new cooking experience for me. The missionaries don't care, they just like homemade items. The Y.A. don't care, they just like my homemade cookies. Pres. Ford has a new rule that more than one companionship cannot be in a home at a time, which makes Sunday dinner a day long affair. He is afraid they will stop acting like missionaries, which does have a lot of merit. But Elder Warburton made the comment that he didn't know Sister Stacey very well, because she makes us act like missionaries. I think that was a compliment.
Now that Glen is in the Branch Presidency, we see good changes taking place. He is able to teach and train. Callings are being issued and Pres. Beleshi is anxious to have things done right. Bro. Topi is the 1st counselor and he speaks very good English, so he translates for Glen and Pres. Beleshi. Christmas will be very different for us, but we will be more focused on the Savior which is good. We have a little tree all decorated, and I love to sit and enjoy Christmas music while enjoying the tree. It calms my soul and helps me feel peace. We love the gospel and are grateful to be able to serve. There is much to learn when you are in a foreign country, and everyday we try to be more accepting of their ways. But one thing we aren't accepting of is the lack of respect for the gospel. Members need to learn and understand the teachings of the gospel, to strengthen their testimonies, and to help build His kingdom. The Church will not grow if the members are not strong. We see great potential, and just hope and pray someday they will understand the purpose of life.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Life is Good, the Gospel is true
We have just returned from almost finalizing arrangements for our center. YES, WE HAVE FOUND A CENTER!!! We are so excited and happy. Of course, Germany has yet to stamp their endorsement, but according to Pres. Ford, all the stars are aligned in our favor. So by the end of this week, all news should be good - we hope. You can tell there is still a little uncertainty, but we feel very good about it.
It has been quite some time since I have written in the blog. This past month has just sailed by, and now we are in the throws of planning our Thanksgiving feast. Pres. Ford has asked me to organize it, but if they had their way, they would go to a restaurant. Can you imagine taking 50 people to an Albanian restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner, when all but three are Americans. That would be sinful. Yesterday at dinner, I asked the missionaries if they thought 75 lbs. of turkey would be enough for them and 50 lbs. of potatoes. You can't believe how much they can eat. I made two large lasagnas, three loaves of garlic bread, peas and carrots, Greek salad and for dessert, banana and coconut cream pies. They cleaned the lot. Two ate so much they could hardly breathe. But it was fun. We feed four elders and two sisters every Fast Sunday.
The YA's had a Halloween party which was very successful. We had between 60 - 70 people there. There were prizes for the best costumes, they did karaoke , made a pinata and filled it with candy, and, of course, ate all the food prepared. Then danced afterward. They really get into Halloween. We even carved pumpkins and used them for some of the decorations. We also had District Conference that weekend so it was a very busy weekend. Elder Wright, an Area Seventy, came and gave some great talks. He is a close friend to Pres. Ford as they are both from England. We took him to see a couple of the places for a Center and he was very favorable to us having a stand alone Center. The Church really doesn't like stand alone Centers, and will only approve five of them for next year. Elder Wright told us ours would be one of them.
Two of our best friends in the YA's have left for jobs outside of Albania. Neti Lapi and Besmir Gjoni. Neti is trying to earn enough monies to help him on his mission, but Besmir is trying to earn enough monies to support himself and help his family. That is one of the greatest resources here for families in Albania. Their children go to other countries to earn monies and send them back to help the families. With all the problems in Europe, this may become a problem, because the job market is drying up. We see so many people just walking the streets, sitting in cafe's drinking coffee and smoking, and wondering where they get their money. We have learned it is from children working outside of Albania.
A few months ago I wrote about Bro. Lami being baptized and doing so well. Things have changed and he has gone back to drinking and abusing his family. Yesterday after church, Glen gave Sister Lami a blessing to give her strength to know what to do. Bro. Lami gets very violent and has physically abused the two older girls and Sister Lami. After dinner yesterday we got a call from Sister Lami asking for help, so Glen and the four Elders jumped in the car and drove out to their home. The police had been and taken Bro. Lami, so they had to go back down to the police department and fill out the forms. The Branch President met them there. He works for the police department and hoped they would keep him overnight (which they didn't). We will probably have to find a place for them to live here in town if Sister Lami decides to leave him. This has just broken our hearts because he was doing so good. Earlier in the week, we had given a lesson to Leta and her kids on families and temple marriage. She wanted to know if they could be sealed together without Tajipi. They all have a desire, but of course it won't happen now unless some miraculous changes take place. (This next is from Glen). It was a hoot listening to the Elders talk about what they were going to do if Tayipi was still there and was still in a drunken and violent condition. (I think they have watched too many movies.) Then, when the call came to the Elders that the police had arrived, their plans ran wild. We were going to arrive with our dark suits on. I would put on my sun glasses, and we would drive rapidly down the Lami's lane, slam on the brakes, jump out of the car and tell the police we were CIA and that we would take care of things now and that the police could go home. The elders were laughing so hard they could barely breath. WAY too many movies!!
Things like this always put a damper on our lives, but we know this is the Lord's work and He is very aware of the righteousness of His people. We love the gospel and are so grateful for our testimonies and the strength we feel from serving in the Lord's vineyard.
It has been quite some time since I have written in the blog. This past month has just sailed by, and now we are in the throws of planning our Thanksgiving feast. Pres. Ford has asked me to organize it, but if they had their way, they would go to a restaurant. Can you imagine taking 50 people to an Albanian restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner, when all but three are Americans. That would be sinful. Yesterday at dinner, I asked the missionaries if they thought 75 lbs. of turkey would be enough for them and 50 lbs. of potatoes. You can't believe how much they can eat. I made two large lasagnas, three loaves of garlic bread, peas and carrots, Greek salad and for dessert, banana and coconut cream pies. They cleaned the lot. Two ate so much they could hardly breathe. But it was fun. We feed four elders and two sisters every Fast Sunday.
The YA's had a Halloween party which was very successful. We had between 60 - 70 people there. There were prizes for the best costumes, they did karaoke , made a pinata and filled it with candy, and, of course, ate all the food prepared. Then danced afterward. They really get into Halloween. We even carved pumpkins and used them for some of the decorations. We also had District Conference that weekend so it was a very busy weekend. Elder Wright, an Area Seventy, came and gave some great talks. He is a close friend to Pres. Ford as they are both from England. We took him to see a couple of the places for a Center and he was very favorable to us having a stand alone Center. The Church really doesn't like stand alone Centers, and will only approve five of them for next year. Elder Wright told us ours would be one of them.
Two of our best friends in the YA's have left for jobs outside of Albania. Neti Lapi and Besmir Gjoni. Neti is trying to earn enough monies to help him on his mission, but Besmir is trying to earn enough monies to support himself and help his family. That is one of the greatest resources here for families in Albania. Their children go to other countries to earn monies and send them back to help the families. With all the problems in Europe, this may become a problem, because the job market is drying up. We see so many people just walking the streets, sitting in cafe's drinking coffee and smoking, and wondering where they get their money. We have learned it is from children working outside of Albania.
A few months ago I wrote about Bro. Lami being baptized and doing so well. Things have changed and he has gone back to drinking and abusing his family. Yesterday after church, Glen gave Sister Lami a blessing to give her strength to know what to do. Bro. Lami gets very violent and has physically abused the two older girls and Sister Lami. After dinner yesterday we got a call from Sister Lami asking for help, so Glen and the four Elders jumped in the car and drove out to their home. The police had been and taken Bro. Lami, so they had to go back down to the police department and fill out the forms. The Branch President met them there. He works for the police department and hoped they would keep him overnight (which they didn't). We will probably have to find a place for them to live here in town if Sister Lami decides to leave him. This has just broken our hearts because he was doing so good. Earlier in the week, we had given a lesson to Leta and her kids on families and temple marriage. She wanted to know if they could be sealed together without Tajipi. They all have a desire, but of course it won't happen now unless some miraculous changes take place. (This next is from Glen). It was a hoot listening to the Elders talk about what they were going to do if Tayipi was still there and was still in a drunken and violent condition. (I think they have watched too many movies.) Then, when the call came to the Elders that the police had arrived, their plans ran wild. We were going to arrive with our dark suits on. I would put on my sun glasses, and we would drive rapidly down the Lami's lane, slam on the brakes, jump out of the car and tell the police we were CIA and that we would take care of things now and that the police could go home. The elders were laughing so hard they could barely breath. WAY too many movies!!
Things like this always put a damper on our lives, but we know this is the Lord's work and He is very aware of the righteousness of His people. We love the gospel and are so grateful for our testimonies and the strength we feel from serving in the Lord's vineyard.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Llogora, Apolonia, Street Vendors
These last two months have been very busy for us and we are glad things are settling down a little. On August 20 we were asked to pick up the presenters for EFY and take them down to Llogora, then wait until Wednesday and take them back. They came from Portugal, Holland, Germany and England. We borrowed the old blue van from the office elders since it held nine, and had so many different conversations going on in the van in different languages, it made us smile. We then went back down to Llogora on Monday, August 29, to the YA Conference which we were basically in charge of, and had a good time with them. We had 69 YA's go which was the biggest conference ever and except for a few encounters, most went really well. It is a little harder to chaperone YA's than it is seminary students and by midnight we just had to call it a night. We are glad it was only for three days because we were extremely tired by Wednesday night. We saw new members welcomed, testimonies strengthened, and friendships formed. We had a dance and they danced their native dances, it was so fun to watch. Albanians enjoy parties. I made over 400 cookies for family night up there and they ate almost every one. They love homemade cookies.
Elder Clayton from the First Quorum of Seventy visited and wanted to have a fireside with the YA's. We had a good turnout and the visitors wanted food after, so I fixed them food. The next morning they had a meeting with the missionaries in the Tirana area. As couples we usually don't go to these meetings, but for some reason they wanted the couples there also. Being obedient we went. The next week (last week) we had three men from BYU Idaho come to talk to the YA's , presenting a program for online courses at reduced costs, to give opportunities to these members they wouldn't have otherwise. There was a lot of interest in this and we are grateful for this opportunity. Of course, this was a fact-finding mission, but we feel it will happen. We also went to Apollonia last Tuesday, not Paul's Apollonia, but the Albanian Apollonia. At first we thought it was Paul's, but in doing research there was another Apollonia above the Black Sea and this was where Paul went. However, we did learn that the Greeks founded Apolonia in 620 BC, and the Romans conquered it after that. Festus and Agrippa visited around 34 AD, and Caesar visited in 48 BC. Pompey visited also. So many important events. Not much of the city remains, and the excavation is going very slowly, but is was still fun to see what we could. So much ancient history here in Albania.
I thought it would be fun to tell you a little about the street vendors here in Tirana. You can buy everything on the street from underwear to jewelry, used shoes, cigarettes (most everyone smokes), plus all kinds of fruits and vegetables. On the busy streets they set up their areas around 9:00 a.m. and stay there until 9:00 p.m. They sit on boxes, foot stools, whatever they have all day long. It just amazes us to see so many of them. The sidewalks are very wide, and they are on both sides, leaving the middle to walk down. Then there are also the beggars, Romas (Gypsies) with young children, begging money. They keep their child covered and we believe drugged so they will sleep. It is a sad, sad thing to watch. Some are more industrious and when you stop for a traffic light, they run out and wash your window before you can tell them no. But at least they are giving a service for our dollar. What happens in the winter months we will soon find out, but we know there won't be nearly as many unless they are in a protected place. We have our favorite places to go to buy fruits and vegetables and our rolls and bread. We try and stay away from the yummy pastries, but every once in a while we can't resist. There is also a form of ice cream here that is really good. Each vendor makes his own, and we have a favorite place to stop for that also. We aren't suffering.
Glen got his time with Germany. Elder Fingerle who has been so against a stand alone Center for us, came with Elder Clayton. He asked Glen a question and for the next 40 minutes they were in deep conversation. We understand he looks more favorably on a Center now, so it is just a matter of finding the right place. Things are looking up and we are grateful for that.
GO UTES !!!!!!
Elder Clayton from the First Quorum of Seventy visited and wanted to have a fireside with the YA's. We had a good turnout and the visitors wanted food after, so I fixed them food. The next morning they had a meeting with the missionaries in the Tirana area. As couples we usually don't go to these meetings, but for some reason they wanted the couples there also. Being obedient we went. The next week (last week) we had three men from BYU Idaho come to talk to the YA's , presenting a program for online courses at reduced costs, to give opportunities to these members they wouldn't have otherwise. There was a lot of interest in this and we are grateful for this opportunity. Of course, this was a fact-finding mission, but we feel it will happen. We also went to Apollonia last Tuesday, not Paul's Apollonia, but the Albanian Apollonia. At first we thought it was Paul's, but in doing research there was another Apollonia above the Black Sea and this was where Paul went. However, we did learn that the Greeks founded Apolonia in 620 BC, and the Romans conquered it after that. Festus and Agrippa visited around 34 AD, and Caesar visited in 48 BC. Pompey visited also. So many important events. Not much of the city remains, and the excavation is going very slowly, but is was still fun to see what we could. So much ancient history here in Albania.
I thought it would be fun to tell you a little about the street vendors here in Tirana. You can buy everything on the street from underwear to jewelry, used shoes, cigarettes (most everyone smokes), plus all kinds of fruits and vegetables. On the busy streets they set up their areas around 9:00 a.m. and stay there until 9:00 p.m. They sit on boxes, foot stools, whatever they have all day long. It just amazes us to see so many of them. The sidewalks are very wide, and they are on both sides, leaving the middle to walk down. Then there are also the beggars, Romas (Gypsies) with young children, begging money. They keep their child covered and we believe drugged so they will sleep. It is a sad, sad thing to watch. Some are more industrious and when you stop for a traffic light, they run out and wash your window before you can tell them no. But at least they are giving a service for our dollar. What happens in the winter months we will soon find out, but we know there won't be nearly as many unless they are in a protected place. We have our favorite places to go to buy fruits and vegetables and our rolls and bread. We try and stay away from the yummy pastries, but every once in a while we can't resist. There is also a form of ice cream here that is really good. Each vendor makes his own, and we have a favorite place to stop for that also. We aren't suffering.
Glen got his time with Germany. Elder Fingerle who has been so against a stand alone Center for us, came with Elder Clayton. He asked Glen a question and for the next 40 minutes they were in deep conversation. We understand he looks more favorably on a Center now, so it is just a matter of finding the right place. Things are looking up and we are grateful for that.
GO UTES !!!!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Life is interesting in Albania
It is hard to believe it has been six months since we left our home for the MTC. In some ways it has gone by very fast, and in other ways not so fast. But always interesting. Last night we got home from a place called Llogora which is down south not too far from the Greek Border. We were asked to pick up some presenters that had flown in from Germany, England, and Portugal and take them to Llogora for EFY. We stayed there (at the resort) until Wednesday and brought some of them back. This is the same place we are having our Young Adult Conference next week, so it was good to be there and have a look around. Our impressions were luke warm, but the Albanians think this is a great place to stay. We were very happy to come home and have a tuna fish sandwich today. The food was interesting!!! One thing we have learned is that Albanians eat anything and everything. (Well not quite anything, but definitely everything).
A few weeks ago, our Center was broken into and our computers stolen. The police could find no forced entry, so that means someone had a key, or someone fixed a door so they could get in. It makes you feel violated to think this could happen, and by someone who has been to the Center and knows what we have there. They will never be found. The black market is alive and well here, and we probably will never know who did it. There are so many keys running around for the 2/4 building, and a set or two have been lost, so who knows. They left everything very neat for us though, like we are sorry to do this, but ----.
Glen has become an Albanian driver. We had to borrow the mission 9-passenger van to take everyone to Llogora, and he drove just like the locals, only he doesn't stop for the bumps and holes in the rode. As you are driving along the highway and there is a hole or bump, the cars in front you almost come to a complete stop so as not to damage their car. They go from 100 kph to 5 kph in seconds, and you are lucky not to ram the back of them. Glen doesn't mind playing chicken to get ahead of them so he won't have to stop when they slow down. I am surprised my foot hasn't gone through the floorboard by now.
Things are basically the same. Still no Center, but we continue to look for a place. We had a branch family night (on a Wednesday), and Pres. Beleshi asked us to furnish "a" game. When we got there, he thought we would be in charge of all the games!!! (Poor translation) We played musical chairs which they loved, and the sisters backed us up with the game of spoons. Albanians seem to be able to make their own fun and come up with things to do which is always fun to watch. The night was successful for those who came. We have been told the Yugoslav Embassy has been approved to buy, plus some additional property next to it for a church here. We are all very excited about this as the Church in Tirana needs ownership. This will make a great difference to the membership here in Tirana and we know will bring a greater Spirit to the members.
Sometimes I think our age is catching up to us as we never feel quite rested. But we know the Lord is watching over us and we will continue to work as hard as we can to accomplish his purpose for us here. We love the YA's and are grateful for our calling. Life is good, the gospel is true, and we are alive and well.
A few weeks ago, our Center was broken into and our computers stolen. The police could find no forced entry, so that means someone had a key, or someone fixed a door so they could get in. It makes you feel violated to think this could happen, and by someone who has been to the Center and knows what we have there. They will never be found. The black market is alive and well here, and we probably will never know who did it. There are so many keys running around for the 2/4 building, and a set or two have been lost, so who knows. They left everything very neat for us though, like we are sorry to do this, but ----.
Glen has become an Albanian driver. We had to borrow the mission 9-passenger van to take everyone to Llogora, and he drove just like the locals, only he doesn't stop for the bumps and holes in the rode. As you are driving along the highway and there is a hole or bump, the cars in front you almost come to a complete stop so as not to damage their car. They go from 100 kph to 5 kph in seconds, and you are lucky not to ram the back of them. Glen doesn't mind playing chicken to get ahead of them so he won't have to stop when they slow down. I am surprised my foot hasn't gone through the floorboard by now.
Things are basically the same. Still no Center, but we continue to look for a place. We had a branch family night (on a Wednesday), and Pres. Beleshi asked us to furnish "a" game. When we got there, he thought we would be in charge of all the games!!! (Poor translation) We played musical chairs which they loved, and the sisters backed us up with the game of spoons. Albanians seem to be able to make their own fun and come up with things to do which is always fun to watch. The night was successful for those who came. We have been told the Yugoslav Embassy has been approved to buy, plus some additional property next to it for a church here. We are all very excited about this as the Church in Tirana needs ownership. This will make a great difference to the membership here in Tirana and we know will bring a greater Spirit to the members.
Sometimes I think our age is catching up to us as we never feel quite rested. But we know the Lord is watching over us and we will continue to work as hard as we can to accomplish his purpose for us here. We love the YA's and are grateful for our calling. Life is good, the gospel is true, and we are alive and well.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Pictures
New Mission President, Brother Lami, this and that
We finally had our interview with Pres. Ford. My heart goes out to new mission presidents who have transfers two weeks after arriving, not to mention everything else they have to deal with. But it was a very positive experience. He is all for a new Center and is going to call Frankfurt to see exactly what they will be willing to do. As he has been an area authority, he knows everyone we need to deal with, which is a very positive thing. Anyway we will see what happens. Some of our concerns he has already recognized and knows very aggressive training has got to be done for the leadership of all the district. He is a no nonsense type person and gets right to the point. He wanted to know if my faith was strong, and I told him if it wasn't I would have gone home months ago. But I know the Lord has a purpose for us and we are to fulfill that purpose. And we will!!!
For one of our last hurrahs, before we lost half the district to transfers, we went out to the Lami's. Bro. Lami was just baptized about six weeks ago and is a great person. Before he was baptized, the Elders could not say anything nice about him. How the Spirit changes a person. There were 10 missionaries allowed to come to his baptism, those who had worked with the family before, so you know he has been a hard case. We bought him a white shirt for Sundays, and when Glen was out there before, just with the Elders, he went and put on his white shirt and Sunday pants, also a tie he had, and came out and modeled for Glen. Glen put his name tag on Bro. Lami, and he beamed from ear to ear. It was a sweet experience. When we were out a few weeks later, they cooked us corn (field corn is what they eat) over an open fire (it was already 110 F.), brought us byrect, and then a dessert, which they make like rice pudding, but put a couple of beaten eggs on the top and bake it. They made a drink out of plums they grow, which you could have chewed, but just treated us royally. They live off the land, and away from the city quite a distance. We are to come out often.
We also visited the Topi family. They are an active family in the ward who speak English. Bro. Topi is over the security at the American Embassy. The security guards are made up of Albanians. When you visit anyone, they always serve you a drink and cake or something. You need to remember not to eat before you go. The sisters then took me to Mylinda's Iftiu's home, who is our RS Pres. and, of course, she also fed us things. Mylinda is a seamstress and is making me some skirts. She does a pretty good job. A few days later, our Zone Leaders, who are in our district, called and wanted us to visit the Cara family, who went inactive in 2007. They were sealed in the temple in 2002, but Motra Cara got her feelings hurt by a member of our branch, and they stopped coming. They spoke some English and could understand us. We invited them to come back, told them we needed them and they needed the Sacraments of the Church. They have two YA daughters who have gone the way of the world, but we hope and pray they will all come back into activity. They are special people. They fed us ice cream, little cakes, and water. It is a good thing we walk a lot!!! They do get their feelings hurt if you don't eat.
Our internet seems to be down more than it is up. We will probably have to change the modem. It is very, very frustrating, but other than that our spirits are up and we are moving forward. Glen still hasn't found Pres. Apostoli a wife, but he will keep looking. We speak in Dega 1, tomorrow for Sacrament mtg. on missionary work, and we are trying to get prepared for our YA Conference the end of Gusht (August). Some words I think in Shqip (sh-cheep ((Albanian Language))) so it is best to use them.
We had a 4th of July party at out apartment with the Elders and Sisters of our district. The A.P.'s also attended. One of the A.P.'s (Elder Fey) is British, but didn't seem to mind. We took a picture of him holding the American flag. He was a good sport. We have also had home-made icecream. Life is good !!!!
For one of our last hurrahs, before we lost half the district to transfers, we went out to the Lami's. Bro. Lami was just baptized about six weeks ago and is a great person. Before he was baptized, the Elders could not say anything nice about him. How the Spirit changes a person. There were 10 missionaries allowed to come to his baptism, those who had worked with the family before, so you know he has been a hard case. We bought him a white shirt for Sundays, and when Glen was out there before, just with the Elders, he went and put on his white shirt and Sunday pants, also a tie he had, and came out and modeled for Glen. Glen put his name tag on Bro. Lami, and he beamed from ear to ear. It was a sweet experience. When we were out a few weeks later, they cooked us corn (field corn is what they eat) over an open fire (it was already 110 F.), brought us byrect, and then a dessert, which they make like rice pudding, but put a couple of beaten eggs on the top and bake it. They made a drink out of plums they grow, which you could have chewed, but just treated us royally. They live off the land, and away from the city quite a distance. We are to come out often.
We also visited the Topi family. They are an active family in the ward who speak English. Bro. Topi is over the security at the American Embassy. The security guards are made up of Albanians. When you visit anyone, they always serve you a drink and cake or something. You need to remember not to eat before you go. The sisters then took me to Mylinda's Iftiu's home, who is our RS Pres. and, of course, she also fed us things. Mylinda is a seamstress and is making me some skirts. She does a pretty good job. A few days later, our Zone Leaders, who are in our district, called and wanted us to visit the Cara family, who went inactive in 2007. They were sealed in the temple in 2002, but Motra Cara got her feelings hurt by a member of our branch, and they stopped coming. They spoke some English and could understand us. We invited them to come back, told them we needed them and they needed the Sacraments of the Church. They have two YA daughters who have gone the way of the world, but we hope and pray they will all come back into activity. They are special people. They fed us ice cream, little cakes, and water. It is a good thing we walk a lot!!! They do get their feelings hurt if you don't eat.
Our internet seems to be down more than it is up. We will probably have to change the modem. It is very, very frustrating, but other than that our spirits are up and we are moving forward. Glen still hasn't found Pres. Apostoli a wife, but he will keep looking. We speak in Dega 1, tomorrow for Sacrament mtg. on missionary work, and we are trying to get prepared for our YA Conference the end of Gusht (August). Some words I think in Shqip (sh-cheep ((Albanian Language))) so it is best to use them.
We had a 4th of July party at out apartment with the Elders and Sisters of our district. The A.P.'s also attended. One of the A.P.'s (Elder Fey) is British, but didn't seem to mind. We took a picture of him holding the American flag. He was a good sport. We have also had home-made icecream. Life is good !!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Road to Elbasan, New Mission President
Last Sunday Glen and I were to assigned to speak in Elbasan. To get to Elbasan from Tirana we have to drive over the mountain. It winds back and forth all the way up and down. Of course in Albania there is not much to protect you from going over the edge and it is a sheer drop-off. Riding on the passenger side, I can hardly stand to look down. The road is very narrow and cars travel at top speed going around the bends. Glen went to pass a truck when a dog darted out in front of us. He slammed on the brakes and the dog ran back which was a good thing because we couldn't get back to the right side of the road, we had to go forward to pass the truck. We made it without having a head-on, but it was scary. Of course, Glen thrives on roads like this. It was much, much worse than driving on the road to Hana. I never thought I would be excited to be back on the roads in Tirana, but I was that day. My heart started beating normally again. On our way home, Glen stopped to take a picture of the valley below and met a women from Bulgaria. She saw his name tag and of course a conversation ensued. As he was explaining about our church, and living prophets again on the earth, she wanted to know if they had been reborn. Glen said no, then she asked how we knew he was a real prophet. Unfortunately we didn't have any pass along cards with us, but as Glen was looking through his scriptures for a card, she got excited thinking they had gold on them. Anyway she and her husband drove off, but we hope someday they will see the missionaries and talk to them.
We were asked to speak on the topics forgiveness and choose not to be offended. Albanians get very offended and need this talk every week. There is a branch is Fier which used to be the strongest branch is Albania. The RS Pres. and YW Pres. got into an argument and the branch took sides. Then a new branch president was called, but because he was missing part of his arm, the members decided he wasn't whole, so he couldn't be called of God to preside over the branch. An apostacy took place and the branch went inactive. There are only between five and 15 members that are active or semi-active to this day. They even had a piece of property to build a chapel on. So sad. I took my thoughts from Elder Bednar's conference talk in 2006 where he addressed this very subject. It is hard to understand how people can be willing to give up their eternal salvation for such little things.
Yesterday we met our new mission president. Both he and his wife are wonderful. They are like a breath of fresh air. Elder Ford was an Area Authority, lives in England and has a law practice. They are only in their fifties, which makes us feel really old, but they are very sharp and fun. They both have a great sense of humor and are going to be a real blessing to this mission. They met with our zone yesterday, and today met with the outer zone. The missionaries were a little apprehensive at changing mission presidents, but I think they are very pleased with the Fords. We lose 13 missionaries on the 12th of July. This is a big group and most of our leadership, so the others will have to work very hard to fill in the blanks. Pres. Ford is actually going to interview the couples, so we are really looking forward to our interview.
Since our last post where we were told we could not have a new center, things have changed. Now we are to try and find someplace, not very expensive, that could be used as a center. So we are looking again. It seems two other places in Europe need a stand alone center, and if they are looking at doing it for them, then they will have to do it for us also. Kind of sad, if you ask me, but we will take what we can get. This has been a very frustrating four months for us. We feel we have been hitting brick walls everywhere we go. We can understand why couples struggle with going on missions. We don't expect things to be perfect, nothing is, but we do expect a little cooperation with meeting our needs. There are so many different departments in the Church, and so much protection over each department, they have forgotten how to work together for the common good of the Church. We are all members and we all want to see the gospel move forward, that means we all need to work together for this to happen. Someone forgot to tell that to Germany. Anyway, we are pleased with their decision and now need to find the right place.
We were asked to speak on the topics forgiveness and choose not to be offended. Albanians get very offended and need this talk every week. There is a branch is Fier which used to be the strongest branch is Albania. The RS Pres. and YW Pres. got into an argument and the branch took sides. Then a new branch president was called, but because he was missing part of his arm, the members decided he wasn't whole, so he couldn't be called of God to preside over the branch. An apostacy took place and the branch went inactive. There are only between five and 15 members that are active or semi-active to this day. They even had a piece of property to build a chapel on. So sad. I took my thoughts from Elder Bednar's conference talk in 2006 where he addressed this very subject. It is hard to understand how people can be willing to give up their eternal salvation for such little things.
Yesterday we met our new mission president. Both he and his wife are wonderful. They are like a breath of fresh air. Elder Ford was an Area Authority, lives in England and has a law practice. They are only in their fifties, which makes us feel really old, but they are very sharp and fun. They both have a great sense of humor and are going to be a real blessing to this mission. They met with our zone yesterday, and today met with the outer zone. The missionaries were a little apprehensive at changing mission presidents, but I think they are very pleased with the Fords. We lose 13 missionaries on the 12th of July. This is a big group and most of our leadership, so the others will have to work very hard to fill in the blanks. Pres. Ford is actually going to interview the couples, so we are really looking forward to our interview.
Since our last post where we were told we could not have a new center, things have changed. Now we are to try and find someplace, not very expensive, that could be used as a center. So we are looking again. It seems two other places in Europe need a stand alone center, and if they are looking at doing it for them, then they will have to do it for us also. Kind of sad, if you ask me, but we will take what we can get. This has been a very frustrating four months for us. We feel we have been hitting brick walls everywhere we go. We can understand why couples struggle with going on missions. We don't expect things to be perfect, nothing is, but we do expect a little cooperation with meeting our needs. There are so many different departments in the Church, and so much protection over each department, they have forgotten how to work together for the common good of the Church. We are all members and we all want to see the gospel move forward, that means we all need to work together for this to happen. Someone forgot to tell that to Germany. Anyway, we are pleased with their decision and now need to find the right place.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Cars & Trucks and things that go
We have now adjusted to all the crazy drivers and pedestrians who run in front of the cars anytime they see an opening. Glen and I usually wait for the light to turn green for us. We make sure the cars and trucks and motorcycles have stopped before we cross. Just when we think we are safe and start to cross, along comes a bicycle and almost runs us over. They just don't understand "right of way" here. You can't even be nice and allow one driver to go through, because five or six will follow him without stopping. They are crazy, crazy, crazy drivers, and a little scary, well actually a lot scary. Now that we have a car and drive in this crazy town, we are always so very grateful to get to our little apartment safely, park the car, and only drive when we have to. Actually it is easier and safer for us to walk where we have to go in the city, and only use the car for distances.
We received word, on our anniversary, that Germany is not in favor of us having a bigger Center. They don't want to put money into Albania, they are too busy with other projects. We haven't given up, we are just going to wait for our new mission president and see how he feels about it. Being a general authority, he may have more pull or at least more clout. Elder Causse who is the first counselor in the Area Presidency and also in the 1st Quorum of Seventy will be here in Tirana on Thursday and wants to speak to the YA's that night. We are hoping to show him our numbers and space in hopes of getting a little sympathy. We understand he likes Albania. Meanwhile we forge ahead with our program. We have enlisted the help of Pres. Apostoli who is in the district presidency to work with us in finding YA's. He is the one Glen is supposed to be finding a wife for. He is a wonderful man, retired, and has lots of time on his hands, so he is excited to work with us. And the YA's love him.
We had a little retreat last week with our mission president and the other couples in Albania. Pres. & Sister Neil go home the end of this month and it was good to spend a little time with them. We went to Durres and stayed in this hotel on a side street that turned the lighting off when the sun came up to save on electricity. Luckily in our room the outlets still worked. We went to a museum that had artifacts dating back to 7th Century BC. Durres is a town right on the coast, and a lot of travel came across the Adriatic Sea in bibical times. It was quite interesting. We then walked across the street to an ice cream restaurant and sat on the outside area enjoying the cool breeze from the sea. Then we walked to the amphi theatre, which is the second largest in the Balkins, and dates back to the Christian era of 900 AD, where we could picture the gladiators, animals and people sitting and watching things take place. We also walked underneath to see the places they kept the animals and slaves and whatever else they would send out into the arena.
We spoke in 1st Branch two Sundays ago, this next Sunday we go to Vlore to speak, then on the 4th Sunday we go to Elbasan. Vlore is down south on the coast,, so we will go the night before and stay then come home after Church. It is a three hour or so drive. The summer has hit, very hot and humid and we aren't to July yet, which gives us something to look forward to!!!! Our health is good, we enjoy walking the streets of Tirana, and for the most part people are friendly. We are doing good.
One more thing. I don't know if we told you about Amarildo. He comes from an atheist family. They are not happy with him joining the church and do not like him reading the B of M at home. He is a faithful priesthood holder, but can never leave home in a white shirt and tie. So Glen and I bought him a white shirt an tie which he will leave at the church. He wore it Sunday for the first time and was able to participate in passing the Sacrament. He was so happy. Little things we take for granted are so wonderful to people here. It was very humbling to us. There is another man who was just baptized, and cannot afford to buy a shirt, so we will get him one also. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings!!!
We received word, on our anniversary, that Germany is not in favor of us having a bigger Center. They don't want to put money into Albania, they are too busy with other projects. We haven't given up, we are just going to wait for our new mission president and see how he feels about it. Being a general authority, he may have more pull or at least more clout. Elder Causse who is the first counselor in the Area Presidency and also in the 1st Quorum of Seventy will be here in Tirana on Thursday and wants to speak to the YA's that night. We are hoping to show him our numbers and space in hopes of getting a little sympathy. We understand he likes Albania. Meanwhile we forge ahead with our program. We have enlisted the help of Pres. Apostoli who is in the district presidency to work with us in finding YA's. He is the one Glen is supposed to be finding a wife for. He is a wonderful man, retired, and has lots of time on his hands, so he is excited to work with us. And the YA's love him.
We had a little retreat last week with our mission president and the other couples in Albania. Pres. & Sister Neil go home the end of this month and it was good to spend a little time with them. We went to Durres and stayed in this hotel on a side street that turned the lighting off when the sun came up to save on electricity. Luckily in our room the outlets still worked. We went to a museum that had artifacts dating back to 7th Century BC. Durres is a town right on the coast, and a lot of travel came across the Adriatic Sea in bibical times. It was quite interesting. We then walked across the street to an ice cream restaurant and sat on the outside area enjoying the cool breeze from the sea. Then we walked to the amphi theatre, which is the second largest in the Balkins, and dates back to the Christian era of 900 AD, where we could picture the gladiators, animals and people sitting and watching things take place. We also walked underneath to see the places they kept the animals and slaves and whatever else they would send out into the arena.
We spoke in 1st Branch two Sundays ago, this next Sunday we go to Vlore to speak, then on the 4th Sunday we go to Elbasan. Vlore is down south on the coast,, so we will go the night before and stay then come home after Church. It is a three hour or so drive. The summer has hit, very hot and humid and we aren't to July yet, which gives us something to look forward to!!!! Our health is good, we enjoy walking the streets of Tirana, and for the most part people are friendly. We are doing good.
One more thing. I don't know if we told you about Amarildo. He comes from an atheist family. They are not happy with him joining the church and do not like him reading the B of M at home. He is a faithful priesthood holder, but can never leave home in a white shirt and tie. So Glen and I bought him a white shirt an tie which he will leave at the church. He wore it Sunday for the first time and was able to participate in passing the Sacrament. He was so happy. Little things we take for granted are so wonderful to people here. It was very humbling to us. There is another man who was just baptized, and cannot afford to buy a shirt, so we will get him one also. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings!!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Pictures
This is from the same ruins overlooking the three rivers that flow into the lake on the other side. The middle of the lake divides Albania from Montenegro.
(now that I have learned how to do this, I can send some with each blog, hopefully.)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day, Shkoder, other
It is Mother's Day today, so Happy Mother's Day to all of our special persons. They celebrate Mother's Day in Albania, but it is always on March 8. I wanted to take flowers to all the mothers in our branch, but it didn't work out. It is also election day in Albania (yes on a Sunday) which makes things interesting. Pres. Neil wanted all the missionaries to stay in their apartments after going to church in case there were any problems, like riots in the streets, etc. So far it seems relatively calm, but there could be some repercussions later in the week when the votes are all counted. In talking to most people, it will not be a fair election no matter what. Anyway, so much for Mother's Day.
Two weeks ago Glen and I went to Shkoder to speak in Sacrament Mtg. We went a day early to make sure we could find our way. Shkoder is beautiful. There is the remains of a 14th Century Castle there with one wall dating back to 400 BC. It was so beautiful to get on the top of those grounds, they were way up on a hill, and look over the valley. You could see three rivers all flowing into the lake, and part way on the lake was Montenegro. Shkoder is very dominant Catholic and practicing Muslim. Very hard for missionary work. The Sacrament meeting consisted of four elders, three members and us. There was also an inactive member that came and wanted to participate any way he could. They finally had to force him to leave. It was quite interesting. But the three that were there were wonderful and such a spirit. One of the members is going with the group to the Frankfurt Temple for the first time this month. It really was a delightful weekend.
Yesterday was a very interesting day. Sonja and Marco were married nine months ago civilly, which they have to do, then three months later went to the temple to be sealed. Well they had never exchanged rings so yesterday they had a ring ceremony in Durres. Durres is about 30 miles away, but there is a chapel there, and Sonja served her mini mission in Durres. Pres. & Sister Neil picked us up around 9:00 a.m. we drove to Durres, by 10:00 a.m. and waited for Sonja and Marco to arrive, which they did finally at 11:30. All the guests were waiting all that time. Finally they came and Sonja was in a wedding gown and all the trimmings. The ring ceremony took place in the chapel with Pres. Neil presiding and speaking. Then there were tables of food and ceremonial dancing in the cultural hall. There were members and non-members alike, and some of the outfits were quite interesting. Most of the female population here wear five inch spiked heels and it is fun to see them walk and dance. We were happy when we got everything cleaned up and were able to leave. Then I had two piano lessons, and we had a YA baptized at 6:00 p.m. After we went upstairs to the Center while the YA's played ping pong, worked on the computers and visited. Finally we closed everything down around 8:00 p.m. and came home. It was a long day.
Friday our district went out to lunch again and the missionaries took us to another Albanian lunch. Glen likes it all, I am still a little cautious. Saturday night Glen took three YA's out to dinner while I was teaching piano, and enjoyed more Albanian food. Then he taught Neti missionary prep. We also had our activity on Friday night up at the Monument (which is where Elder Oaks went to dedicate Albania for preaching the gospel in 1993). The gate was locked so Glen and I had to get down on our stomachs and crawl under the gate. Everyone else jumped the gate or when through a small opening in the fence. Then we learned there is a path to take that circumvents the gate. Boy that was a sight!! But it was a great night. We had two non-members join us and the security guard (who said if we would call him he would open the gate) and a couple stopped to talk that have a son going to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. They have a daughter named Sara!! So, of course, we had to tell them about our family in Omaha. Good things always come when we are doing what we should.
Two weeks ago Glen and I went to Shkoder to speak in Sacrament Mtg. We went a day early to make sure we could find our way. Shkoder is beautiful. There is the remains of a 14th Century Castle there with one wall dating back to 400 BC. It was so beautiful to get on the top of those grounds, they were way up on a hill, and look over the valley. You could see three rivers all flowing into the lake, and part way on the lake was Montenegro. Shkoder is very dominant Catholic and practicing Muslim. Very hard for missionary work. The Sacrament meeting consisted of four elders, three members and us. There was also an inactive member that came and wanted to participate any way he could. They finally had to force him to leave. It was quite interesting. But the three that were there were wonderful and such a spirit. One of the members is going with the group to the Frankfurt Temple for the first time this month. It really was a delightful weekend.
Yesterday was a very interesting day. Sonja and Marco were married nine months ago civilly, which they have to do, then three months later went to the temple to be sealed. Well they had never exchanged rings so yesterday they had a ring ceremony in Durres. Durres is about 30 miles away, but there is a chapel there, and Sonja served her mini mission in Durres. Pres. & Sister Neil picked us up around 9:00 a.m. we drove to Durres, by 10:00 a.m. and waited for Sonja and Marco to arrive, which they did finally at 11:30. All the guests were waiting all that time. Finally they came and Sonja was in a wedding gown and all the trimmings. The ring ceremony took place in the chapel with Pres. Neil presiding and speaking. Then there were tables of food and ceremonial dancing in the cultural hall. There were members and non-members alike, and some of the outfits were quite interesting. Most of the female population here wear five inch spiked heels and it is fun to see them walk and dance. We were happy when we got everything cleaned up and were able to leave. Then I had two piano lessons, and we had a YA baptized at 6:00 p.m. After we went upstairs to the Center while the YA's played ping pong, worked on the computers and visited. Finally we closed everything down around 8:00 p.m. and came home. It was a long day.
Friday our district went out to lunch again and the missionaries took us to another Albanian lunch. Glen likes it all, I am still a little cautious. Saturday night Glen took three YA's out to dinner while I was teaching piano, and enjoyed more Albanian food. Then he taught Neti missionary prep. We also had our activity on Friday night up at the Monument (which is where Elder Oaks went to dedicate Albania for preaching the gospel in 1993). The gate was locked so Glen and I had to get down on our stomachs and crawl under the gate. Everyone else jumped the gate or when through a small opening in the fence. Then we learned there is a path to take that circumvents the gate. Boy that was a sight!! But it was a great night. We had two non-members join us and the security guard (who said if we would call him he would open the gate) and a couple stopped to talk that have a son going to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. They have a daughter named Sara!! So, of course, we had to tell them about our family in Omaha. Good things always come when we are doing what we should.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Motra (Sister) Hansi, Missionaries, and other
Last Tuesday (April 19) Motra Hansi invited us over to her apartment for dinner. Now understand Motra Hansi doesn't speak English and the Albanians and missionaries even have a hard time understanding her Shqip (shcheep) which is what you call the Albanian language. We arrived at her Communist built apartment and in her small living room she had a table set with plates of sweet bread for each of us, two plates of cookies, a dish of candy, and a small glass of juice (which as soon as it was emptied, she would fill again). This was dinner!! Of course, she had her photo album to look at which were of her many trips to the temple in Germany. One picture was with Earl and Nyla Banner. Others were of all the missionaries that have been in her life. She has been a member for 16 years and is so very faithful. Her husband is not, but he is totally supportive of her membership and always allows her to bring any members to their home. Very unusual for Albania. She is just as funny as they come and always completes her sentences with "amen". From the very first day in church, we have kind of bonded so it was fun to be in her home.
The young missionaries are very good to us. They take time to walk us places we don't know how to get to, and, as I said before, every Friday we are allowed to have a district lunch together. Yesterday we went to a Chinese restaurant which was really good (not the Mandarin, but good and certainly much cheaper). Now that we are finding our way around a little better, we will be able to branch out to new places. Every time we have a problem or need a translation, we call the missionaries and they talk to the person we are trying to talk to in Shqip. We just pass the phone back and forth while the missionaries translate what was said. It works well. We haven't been able to get our internet to work for a couple of days, so the girl downstairs who handles this, asked in her limited English if it worked and between us, the missionaries and her, we had a technician here in an hour. He not only fixed the computer, but he fixed the TV so we have English channels. I have died and gone to heaven. The other night Glen and I were watching a National Geographic show of sorts in French. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do!!!
We had an activity last night with the YA's up at the lake in Tirana. A short walk of two miles carrying all the food. Two of the young men helped us carry it. It was fun, we played volleyball, bad mitten, soccer (football) and frisbee. Then without tables and chairs, we fixed big sandwiches for dinner. I had a talk with the girls who weren't playing sports and asked them what their interests were that we could do together. It was a good night. Then we loaded up and walked back home. With walking to the restaurant for lunch and the lake, Glen and I walked about 5 or 6 miles yesterday. We were tired last night. Today we have our first experience in driving. Every fourth Sunday, we are on a speaking tour where we go to the different branches to speak in Sacrament meeting. Tomorrow we speak in Shkoder. They have maybe between 5 to 10 active members in their branch. Pres. Neil said we were to borrow the AP's car when we went places like this, so we have their car and are going to drive up there. If Glen can just find his way out of the city, we will be fine.
Good things are happening, we had the Asplunds here from Frankfurt and were very supportive of us needing a bigger place. It just has to be presented to the powers that be in Germany and who knows what will happen. But we will forge ahead and hopefully with our YA Committee, find ways to meet the needs of all of them. Last night was certainly a step in the right direction getting away from our small Center. We even had four investigators there which was great. We know this is the Lords' work and He will help us accomplish all we need to do.
The young missionaries are very good to us. They take time to walk us places we don't know how to get to, and, as I said before, every Friday we are allowed to have a district lunch together. Yesterday we went to a Chinese restaurant which was really good (not the Mandarin, but good and certainly much cheaper). Now that we are finding our way around a little better, we will be able to branch out to new places. Every time we have a problem or need a translation, we call the missionaries and they talk to the person we are trying to talk to in Shqip. We just pass the phone back and forth while the missionaries translate what was said. It works well. We haven't been able to get our internet to work for a couple of days, so the girl downstairs who handles this, asked in her limited English if it worked and between us, the missionaries and her, we had a technician here in an hour. He not only fixed the computer, but he fixed the TV so we have English channels. I have died and gone to heaven. The other night Glen and I were watching a National Geographic show of sorts in French. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do!!!
We had an activity last night with the YA's up at the lake in Tirana. A short walk of two miles carrying all the food. Two of the young men helped us carry it. It was fun, we played volleyball, bad mitten, soccer (football) and frisbee. Then without tables and chairs, we fixed big sandwiches for dinner. I had a talk with the girls who weren't playing sports and asked them what their interests were that we could do together. It was a good night. Then we loaded up and walked back home. With walking to the restaurant for lunch and the lake, Glen and I walked about 5 or 6 miles yesterday. We were tired last night. Today we have our first experience in driving. Every fourth Sunday, we are on a speaking tour where we go to the different branches to speak in Sacrament meeting. Tomorrow we speak in Shkoder. They have maybe between 5 to 10 active members in their branch. Pres. Neil said we were to borrow the AP's car when we went places like this, so we have their car and are going to drive up there. If Glen can just find his way out of the city, we will be fine.
Good things are happening, we had the Asplunds here from Frankfurt and were very supportive of us needing a bigger place. It just has to be presented to the powers that be in Germany and who knows what will happen. But we will forge ahead and hopefully with our YA Committee, find ways to meet the needs of all of them. Last night was certainly a step in the right direction getting away from our small Center. We even had four investigators there which was great. We know this is the Lords' work and He will help us accomplish all we need to do.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thoughts and other happenings
It has been over a month since we arrived and it hasn't been all that bad. There hasn't been the homesickness this time and I feel it is because we have had other couples to help us and visit with. There also wasn't the shock of seeing a third world country, because we had that in Malaysia, and we are right downtown in the center of things where we can walk almost anywhere to find what we need. And needs we have had. Every time we turn around, we need something for the apartment. The latest was an office chair for Glen. Luckily the Wilsons were kind enough to take us shopping and we found one. We still have frustrations with the Center, but we know in time we will work through those also. I keep thinking about the Savior and how he taught on the hillside, in the cities, by the seaside in the boat, wherever He went, people gathered and he taught. So why do I feel we need couches, TV's, a kitchen, bathrooms, a game room, an office, etc. We just do if we want to provide a "safe place" where the YA's can come and feel the Spirit and be with each other and us.
I want to tell you about Andy. Andy is the Branch Pres. of the 2nd Branch. When he was a young teenager, he had a few missionary lessons. Then he went to America as an exchange student. He ended up in a Northern California town, where he played basketball for the high school. In an English class one day he wrote a paper where he used an LDS phrase. Well his teacher happened to belong to the Church and showed his paper to the missionaries. One thing led to another and Andy was baptized, served a mission in San Diego, went to BYU, married a girl from Virginia in the San Diego Temple, and after graduation and an internship in Washington DC, came back to Albania with his family to help build up the Church. His family has a successful business which he was able to step into, which didn't hurt. After district conference a few weeks ago, we saw a Sequoia driving down the street with Utah license plates. After a double take, we learned about Andy. Andy has been helping us find properties to have a Center and we have really learned to love him. He took Glen and I to a great hamburger place on Glen's birthday. His mother took me to her hair stylist to have my hair cut and stayed with me the whole time. (She is a very busy and successful business woman). Just kindness itself.
The first three weeks with the YA's were wonderful, good attendance. As soon as day-light saving time came, attendance dropped off dramatically. We get very few girls now. The boys love to come and play ping pong and eat, but we need to get the girls back. They want to do our next Friday night activity at the lake,, so we will see how that goes. Lately the teacher for family night has not showed up, so Glen now has a lesson prepared. The YA's love him to teach and even in English without translators. We are still searching for answers, praying a lot, and relying on the Spirit for inspiration. We went through lists the other night with the District President of YA's in the four branches. So, so many are inactive, it just broke our hearts. Satan is so real and working over time here also.
Yesterday we went to lunch with our District and had a real Albanian lunch. We had tasqebab, sallat Greke (Greek salad), Qofte and pillif (rice and sausage). Some I liked, some I didn't. Glen liked everything. They were just preparing a lamb to roast, and held it up so we could see. Then walked right by our table with that poor dead lamb. I don't even like lamb. But to the Albanians, it is great. They always put bread on the table but no butter, they use oil and vinegar if needed. Also this week, we painted our living room and kitchen (all one room). And I mean "we". Glen didn't like the dark color of the walls and said he would help. After 10 hours, it is now much lighter and looks great. Little miracles.
This is the second time I have typed this. I was proofreading the other when the power went out, of course. Lately the water has also been turning off. Always something, but we are doing good and the gospel is true.
I want to tell you about Andy. Andy is the Branch Pres. of the 2nd Branch. When he was a young teenager, he had a few missionary lessons. Then he went to America as an exchange student. He ended up in a Northern California town, where he played basketball for the high school. In an English class one day he wrote a paper where he used an LDS phrase. Well his teacher happened to belong to the Church and showed his paper to the missionaries. One thing led to another and Andy was baptized, served a mission in San Diego, went to BYU, married a girl from Virginia in the San Diego Temple, and after graduation and an internship in Washington DC, came back to Albania with his family to help build up the Church. His family has a successful business which he was able to step into, which didn't hurt. After district conference a few weeks ago, we saw a Sequoia driving down the street with Utah license plates. After a double take, we learned about Andy. Andy has been helping us find properties to have a Center and we have really learned to love him. He took Glen and I to a great hamburger place on Glen's birthday. His mother took me to her hair stylist to have my hair cut and stayed with me the whole time. (She is a very busy and successful business woman). Just kindness itself.
The first three weeks with the YA's were wonderful, good attendance. As soon as day-light saving time came, attendance dropped off dramatically. We get very few girls now. The boys love to come and play ping pong and eat, but we need to get the girls back. They want to do our next Friday night activity at the lake,, so we will see how that goes. Lately the teacher for family night has not showed up, so Glen now has a lesson prepared. The YA's love him to teach and even in English without translators. We are still searching for answers, praying a lot, and relying on the Spirit for inspiration. We went through lists the other night with the District President of YA's in the four branches. So, so many are inactive, it just broke our hearts. Satan is so real and working over time here also.
Yesterday we went to lunch with our District and had a real Albanian lunch. We had tasqebab, sallat Greke (Greek salad), Qofte and pillif (rice and sausage). Some I liked, some I didn't. Glen liked everything. They were just preparing a lamb to roast, and held it up so we could see. Then walked right by our table with that poor dead lamb. I don't even like lamb. But to the Albanians, it is great. They always put bread on the table but no butter, they use oil and vinegar if needed. Also this week, we painted our living room and kitchen (all one room). And I mean "we". Glen didn't like the dark color of the walls and said he would help. After 10 hours, it is now much lighter and looks great. Little miracles.
This is the second time I have typed this. I was proofreading the other when the power went out, of course. Lately the water has also been turning off. Always something, but we are doing good and the gospel is true.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I want to tell you about Besmir and other YA's.
Besmir is a Muslim who joined the church two years ago. He wants to serve a mission but is needed to help his family at home. His two younger brothers are members, but their father will not let them attend. He lives about 45 minutes out of Tirana and rides his motor scooter to and from work everyday. He comes to all of our functions, then rides home in the dark. Sunday, because he is dressed in Sunday clothes, he takes the bus to church which takes him 1 1/2 hours. Besmir has three sisters, one of them died a while ago of kidney failure. His two other sisters are both on dialysis and Besmir helps support his family. He is a worthy young man with a temple recommend, even though he has not been through the temple. He is one of our institute teachers and loves his calling. This is one of our young adults.
Elvis (yes that is his name but pronounced with the accent over the "v") is our YA President. He is going to college and has served a mission in Italy. He is the only member in his family. He takes time off to go and visit all the branches in Albania to talk to the YA's and encourage them to attend YA Conference in August and sets an example to all of what a righteous young man should be. He even wears a suit on Sunday which is rare among the YA's.
Many of the YA's have served mini missions where they actually go to different parts of Albania and stay for three or four months. This is a great experience for them and they get a taste of what missionary work is all about. Most of them go to college because it is free if they can get in. All they need to purchase are their books. The trouble is when they graduate, there are no jobs. There have been over a hundred young people that have served missions from Albania and only six have returned to help build up the church. Many go to BYU after and never come back. That is hard because their strength is needed.
We are excited to be able to serve these wonderful Young Adults. They certainly are choice spirits of our Heavenly Father. They have a lot to learn about the Church, and in time they will. We know that is one of the reasons we are here to help them in learning the doctrines and develop strong testimonies. They are teachable.
Elvis (yes that is his name but pronounced with the accent over the "v") is our YA President. He is going to college and has served a mission in Italy. He is the only member in his family. He takes time off to go and visit all the branches in Albania to talk to the YA's and encourage them to attend YA Conference in August and sets an example to all of what a righteous young man should be. He even wears a suit on Sunday which is rare among the YA's.
Many of the YA's have served mini missions where they actually go to different parts of Albania and stay for three or four months. This is a great experience for them and they get a taste of what missionary work is all about. Most of them go to college because it is free if they can get in. All they need to purchase are their books. The trouble is when they graduate, there are no jobs. There have been over a hundred young people that have served missions from Albania and only six have returned to help build up the church. Many go to BYU after and never come back. That is hard because their strength is needed.
We are excited to be able to serve these wonderful Young Adults. They certainly are choice spirits of our Heavenly Father. They have a lot to learn about the Church, and in time they will. We know that is one of the reasons we are here to help them in learning the doctrines and develop strong testimonies. They are teachable.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Dear Family:
We are finally on the internet. You don't realize what a lifeline it is until you can't use it. We have had the most frustrating week. Pres. & Sister Neil picked us up at the airport at 2:30 p.m. Albania time. We couldn't figure why everyone was so anxious to get off the plane almost to the point of rudeness, until we went inside to get our luggage and noticed the customs' lines. Nobody in Albania wants to wait for anyone. We were the last to go through with our 250lbs of luggage plus our bags with our materials in which weighed another 20 lbs each at least. We drove through traffic and decided we were very glad we didn't have a car. Much worse than Mexico, Malaysia and the Philippines. We dropped off our luggage in our apartment (which is another story), went to dinner with two couples and the Mission Pres. & Wife. He gave us a phone that ended up not working (which we didn't know for 24 hours). The dinner was great, then Pres. Neil helped dad get monies out of an ATM machine that was safe, then brought us back to our apartment. Dad tried to set up the computer only to find out it needed a password which we didn't have. It took two days to find out the password, then we found out the internet in the building was down. To top it off, we haven't been able to get any monies out of the ATM since. Today has really been the downer. Still no money, no internet, plus frustration at how we are going to accomplish our calling. I was looking out our window at the city (at night it looks much nicer), feeling very down and sad, wondering why these things were happening. I decided to go back out and read my scriptures, and in a few minutes dad called and said, Virginia, were on. My heart swelled, my eyes tiered up, and I was so grateful for the blessing we had just received.
I could go on and on, but just know we are ok. The Young Adults we have met are wonderful. They are loving and kind and want to help us anyway they can. The two couples here have been a great help.The Prestons who e-mailed you, have already become great friends, we must have known each other in the pre-existence, and the Wilsons who are the humanitarian couple, invited us to dinner Sunday and took us shopping yesterday. So life hasn't been all bad. For family night Monday night I served waffles to the young adults which they loved. Most of them speak English, but the meetings are conducted in Albanian.
Anyway life is good, the gospel is true and Karen is working with the Credit Union to get our money problem resolved. It will all turn out. By the way, Pres. Neil gave us another phone which works!!!
We love you very much and are grateful for your prayers in our behalf.
Will write more later and try to include some pictures which we haven't taken any.
Love Mom and Dad
We are finally on the internet. You don't realize what a lifeline it is until you can't use it. We have had the most frustrating week. Pres. & Sister Neil picked us up at the airport at 2:30 p.m. Albania time. We couldn't figure why everyone was so anxious to get off the plane almost to the point of rudeness, until we went inside to get our luggage and noticed the customs' lines. Nobody in Albania wants to wait for anyone. We were the last to go through with our 250lbs of luggage plus our bags with our materials in which weighed another 20 lbs each at least. We drove through traffic and decided we were very glad we didn't have a car. Much worse than Mexico, Malaysia and the Philippines. We dropped off our luggage in our apartment (which is another story), went to dinner with two couples and the Mission Pres. & Wife. He gave us a phone that ended up not working (which we didn't know for 24 hours). The dinner was great, then Pres. Neil helped dad get monies out of an ATM machine that was safe, then brought us back to our apartment. Dad tried to set up the computer only to find out it needed a password which we didn't have. It took two days to find out the password, then we found out the internet in the building was down. To top it off, we haven't been able to get any monies out of the ATM since. Today has really been the downer. Still no money, no internet, plus frustration at how we are going to accomplish our calling. I was looking out our window at the city (at night it looks much nicer), feeling very down and sad, wondering why these things were happening. I decided to go back out and read my scriptures, and in a few minutes dad called and said, Virginia, were on. My heart swelled, my eyes tiered up, and I was so grateful for the blessing we had just received.
I could go on and on, but just know we are ok. The Young Adults we have met are wonderful. They are loving and kind and want to help us anyway they can. The two couples here have been a great help.The Prestons who e-mailed you, have already become great friends, we must have known each other in the pre-existence, and the Wilsons who are the humanitarian couple, invited us to dinner Sunday and took us shopping yesterday. So life hasn't been all bad. For family night Monday night I served waffles to the young adults which they loved. Most of them speak English, but the meetings are conducted in Albanian.
Anyway life is good, the gospel is true and Karen is working with the Credit Union to get our money problem resolved. It will all turn out. By the way, Pres. Neil gave us another phone which works!!!
We love you very much and are grateful for your prayers in our behalf.
Will write more later and try to include some pictures which we haven't taken any.
Love Mom and Dad
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Last Day at the MTC
Dear Family:
Here we are on our last day. Each day has been quite busy, what with eating three meals a day and sitting for hours in meetings, but we have enjoyed the lessons and the presenters. We had our first lesson in Albanian last night and will have another one tonight. He taught us how to pronounce the alphabet. Oh my, I am not sure my tongue can handle all this. Tonight we have two more hours, I can hardly wait.
Tuesday night we had a devotional where Bishop Edgley and Pauline spoke. They did a great job and we were able to talk with them after. Darrell Stacey was also there, he is a branch president at the MTC. He asked us to meet with him and some of his elders after the devotional. We listened as each one bore their testimony of what they learned that night. Then Darrell asked dad and I to bear our testimony. It was a wonderful experience. The elders were so good.
Well, we leave tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. Not my finest hour, but we will manage. Dad has carried all our suitcases down stairs to weigh them and then carried them back up again. We had to repack a few, but think we are ok. We still have our peanut butter. Hope you are all doing well, and keeping us in your prayers. We will write again when we get to Albania.
Love you, Mom and Dad
Here we are on our last day. Each day has been quite busy, what with eating three meals a day and sitting for hours in meetings, but we have enjoyed the lessons and the presenters. We had our first lesson in Albanian last night and will have another one tonight. He taught us how to pronounce the alphabet. Oh my, I am not sure my tongue can handle all this. Tonight we have two more hours, I can hardly wait.
Tuesday night we had a devotional where Bishop Edgley and Pauline spoke. They did a great job and we were able to talk with them after. Darrell Stacey was also there, he is a branch president at the MTC. He asked us to meet with him and some of his elders after the devotional. We listened as each one bore their testimony of what they learned that night. Then Darrell asked dad and I to bear our testimony. It was a wonderful experience. The elders were so good.
Well, we leave tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. Not my finest hour, but we will manage. Dad has carried all our suitcases down stairs to weigh them and then carried them back up again. We had to repack a few, but think we are ok. We still have our peanut butter. Hope you are all doing well, and keeping us in your prayers. We will write again when we get to Albania.
Love you, Mom and Dad
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Last Minute Things
I am beginning a new chapter. This is our blog. We will post on it periodically so you can know the happenings in our lives.
I have just finished our packing. I was able to keep each suit case under 50 pounds, even with the peanut butter. One whole suitcase is filled with medication, games, batteries (for hearing aids) and such. We have six suitcases total; two carry ons and four big ones. We are taking some deworming medication over to Albania for the missionaries to take before they come home. We have to carry this on to be sure it gets there by request of the mission president and his wife. I have also stuck in some vanilla because we can't buy that over there. Since dad has to do a lot of cooking, we need to be prepared. We are excited to have gotten this far and will keep you posted on our progress.
I have just finished our packing. I was able to keep each suit case under 50 pounds, even with the peanut butter. One whole suitcase is filled with medication, games, batteries (for hearing aids) and such. We have six suitcases total; two carry ons and four big ones. We are taking some deworming medication over to Albania for the missionaries to take before they come home. We have to carry this on to be sure it gets there by request of the mission president and his wife. I have also stuck in some vanilla because we can't buy that over there. Since dad has to do a lot of cooking, we need to be prepared. We are excited to have gotten this far and will keep you posted on our progress.
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