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!!!
That date should have been 90 A.D. and not 900 A.D.
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