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 !!!!

This is Brissi Beleshi (on the left) and a friend (non-member) at one of our activities.  We were up at the monument where Albania was dedicated and the wind was blowing a lot.  Brissi speaks very good English, but we have a hard time keeping her coming. 

This is Besmir Gjoni who just went to the temple for the first time.  He had us help him with some family names so he could do their work while at the temple.  He did his grandfather, uncle, great grandfather and great grandmother.  His family is Muslim, but they gave him permission to do this work.  He was so excited to go and it was so fun to help him get ready.  Glen taught him the temple prep. lessons.

This is Neti Lapi getting the names and numbers of two girls that stopped to talk and we invited them to stay for the activity.  They came out a few times, but nothing happened.  Elsa, in the purple, was working with them.  The girl in the back next to Elsa is Besmir Marku's sister.  They are Muslims and her father won't let her get baptized.  Besmir is baptized and is one of our strongest members.  His sister will be 18 soon and we hope then she can be baptized.  Neti is in our branch presidency and is preparing to serve a mission.  Glen has been teaching him the missionary prep. lessons, and he is getting all his medicals done.  He is 23 and is so excited to finally be going.  That is Besmir Gjoni next to Neti who is also in the branch presidency.

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.

 

T

A picture of a shepherd watching his flock up on a hillside in Kruje (crewee).  We were visiting the ruins of a castle and stopped to eat at the restaurant in the white building. 

Us and the Prestons overlooking Tirana where Elder Oaks came in 1993 to dedicate Albania for preaching the gospel.  Sister Preston just had an emergency appendectomy at the Greek hospital and is doing good.  We are all a little anxious about the doctors and hospitals here, so this is good news.

The chapel in Elbasan  which was built out of the city and no one can get there unless they are bussed.  The Albanian way of life needs to be studied before chapels are built.  People don't have cars, and regular buses don't run here, so they hire mini buses to take the members.  I am not sure who pays for the buses.

This is in Kruje again.  A favorite pass time for men is to sit and play games (dominoes).  They have no jobs, and this occupies their time. 

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!!!

Pictures

This is up on the top of the hill in the castle ruins overlooking Shkoder.  You can see the mountain range in the back which divides Albania from Montenegro.

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.

These are the three members in Shkoder we spoke to in Sacrament meeting.  The bars on the window is where the meeting was held, but the Spirit was strong.  The man in the hat, Brother Zef, is the one going to the temple for the first time.  He is very excited.

This is a cart full of goods attached to a motor scooter.  They go anywhere and park to try to sell their wares.  The group of people in the corner are around another cart willed with used shoes.  You see these quite often.  That is Flat Stanley having his picture taken for Zoey.

This is a picture of Tirana from our balcony.  The colored buildings are on the corner intersection of where we live.  Right down from our balcony you can see the alleyway we walk up to get to our apartment.  Streets are very narrow and very crowded.
(now that I have learned how to do this, I can send some with each blog,  hopefully.)

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.