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.
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