Well we made it to 50 years. Quite a feat. Since we weren't on a cruise with our kids, we decided to tour some of our mission. We left Thursday, May 24, and drove to Kosovo. The countryside was beautiful, kind of reminded us of Switzerland with little hamlets all over. The weather was rainy and overcast most of the time, but it only added to the beauty of the country. Pristina, (capital) was not all that exciting. We ate at an Irish Pub for a late lunch, then that night had institute with the YA's - we really taught institute since the teacher couldn't come. But it was fun. I had made some cookies for the elders and we shared them with the YA's. The next morning before leaving for Macedonia, we drove to the only attraction in Pristina which is a statute of Bill Clinton. When the Serbs were trying to kill off all the Muslims in Kosovo, Pres. Clinton stepped in and sent help to stop the invasion. He is a top man among the Albanians who live there and even in Albania he is really liked. We loved Macedonia. Skopje just happens to be the birthplace of Mother Teresa and was the headquarters of Alexander the Great. We took the elders to lunch at McDonald's and had a Big Mac, French fries, and a shake. I don't remember the last time we had a Big Mac, but we weren't hungry until breakfast the next morning. The Jonkers (Yonkers) who are the Humanitarian couple there, drove us around for a few hours and showed us sites they loved. It was a great afternoon. The next morning we drove down to a town called Ohrid (pronounced Oakrid) where the Apostle Paul is said to have baptized Llydia. So much history in Macedonia, it was just neat to think of all that happened there. When we finally crossed over the border into Albania, we were so close to Greece, if we had had time, we would have made a little side trip. All in all it was a fun trip.
Before we left on our trip, Pres. Ford called to ask us if we would like to chaperone the group going to the temple in June. When we got back he had received permission from Germany for us to do so. We are excited because we will spend five days in Frankfurt. Of course, most of them will be at the temple, but we will take some time to see the city. We aren't sure if Sister Hanci is going as she tends to create problems wherever she goes. Last time she tried to hug the guard with an automatic rifle. She is full of life and doesn't speak a word of English, but she is a handful. We love her, but will be happy if she doesn't go on this trip.
The last big transfer really fouled up the organist for the 2/4 branches. In the 4th branch (our branch), we have a 15 year old who plays beautifully and he has agreed to play. But the 2nd branch has been singing without a pianist. After the branch president kind of complained that the Spirit was definitely missing, I consented to play. I told him I was better than nothing, just. Anyway last Sunday was my first time, and Sister Kashari, the chorister, told me through sign language (no English) to watch her. Well she doesn't lead, she sings the wrong notes, she slows down, speeds up, anything but what she should do. So I just play how the songs are written, and will start training some choristers who can lead, and hopefully Pres. Gjini will release her. She is ok with a chorus, but not with a congregation.
We had Zone Conference Wednesday, it was good to be with all the missionaries in our Zone. Neti's (one of our YA's ) mission call has arrived, and we will pick it up tomorrow at the Mission Home so he can open it. There are five more getting their papers ready and we are excited for them all. We had a fireside with all the Branch Presidents and their wives last Sunday where they talked about how the gospel has changed their lives. It was a good evening. Everything else is going good. We seem to be very busy; time is going by fast, and we are still waiting to hear when our release date will be. But it will come.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Budva, Missionary transfers, Center
On April 18 and 19, we went to Budva, Montenegro for a couples conference. Budva is beautiful. It is right on the Adriatic Sea and it is hard to believe it is the same sea as in Albania. It is amazing how much cleaner things get when you get out of Albania. All the couples from the Adriatic South Mission were there except the Willis'. It was fun to get to know the couples better and exchange ideas. Pres. Ford talked about the goals of the mission and making Albania a stake by the end of the year 2013. When you are with a group like that you know it is going to happen. Then when you get back to reality you hope it will happen. Conferences like this are good for couples because it unites and helps us to be more supportive of each other. We all have our different responsibilities, so we work independently just doing our callings. But we are here as missionaries and we want to see the Lord's work move ahead in this part of His vineyard, and we can help each other when the need arises.
We had seven new missionaries come two weeks ago, and major transfers within the mission. Our 2/4 branches went from 12 missionaries down to four. They are spread so thin, it is going to take a lot of effort to take care of all they need to do. Missionaries were sent to Montenegro and Macedonia, as well as two more to Kosovo. More missionaries were sent to cities outside of Tirana, which has left Tirana with a skeleton force. Two missionaries have been assigned strictly for interviewing and advancing members to the Melchizedek Priesthood so we can become a stake. Two of our favorite missionaries were sent to other cities. One, Elder McBride from Idaho, had been with us for 10 months. Elder Anderson, from Logan area, for seven months. They were hard to lose. But we got two new ones that are here ready to work and excited to be in the mission field. They are going to be wonderful.
The Center is doing great. Our Institute class on Wednesday night is now divided with new teachers. One on mission prep. and the other on Preparing for the Celestial Kingdom. We still have Saturday night together, and our averages are great. We try and leave the Center by 9:00 p.m. at night, and sometimes we have to send the YA's home. They love to be there. We are preparing for the YA Conference this summer and trying to find a place that will be good. With the money situation here, most of the funds have to come from Germany and they are very particular about how they are spent. Now if it was for EFY, money would be no object, but the YA's are different. We have to work around their rules and they aren't always workable. But things will work out, they always do.
Our time is going fast, and we feel we have, in part, accomplished what the Lord wanted us to do by getting the Center. It was a group effort, and we are so thankful it is now a reality. We are still trying to help the YA's understand the gospel and to put Heavenly Father first. We are so sick of hearing, "I am so busy". We just hope someday Heavenly Father doesn't say that to them. We have a wonderful Council President in Ani, and he has great vision. We are thankful for his leadership. They have a word in Albania "avash, avash", which means "slowly, slowly". We see little improvements all the time and it gives us hope. We love the gospel and are so grateful for the bounteous blessings we have been given. It is wonderful to be able to serve the Lord full time.
We had seven new missionaries come two weeks ago, and major transfers within the mission. Our 2/4 branches went from 12 missionaries down to four. They are spread so thin, it is going to take a lot of effort to take care of all they need to do. Missionaries were sent to Montenegro and Macedonia, as well as two more to Kosovo. More missionaries were sent to cities outside of Tirana, which has left Tirana with a skeleton force. Two missionaries have been assigned strictly for interviewing and advancing members to the Melchizedek Priesthood so we can become a stake. Two of our favorite missionaries were sent to other cities. One, Elder McBride from Idaho, had been with us for 10 months. Elder Anderson, from Logan area, for seven months. They were hard to lose. But we got two new ones that are here ready to work and excited to be in the mission field. They are going to be wonderful.
The Center is doing great. Our Institute class on Wednesday night is now divided with new teachers. One on mission prep. and the other on Preparing for the Celestial Kingdom. We still have Saturday night together, and our averages are great. We try and leave the Center by 9:00 p.m. at night, and sometimes we have to send the YA's home. They love to be there. We are preparing for the YA Conference this summer and trying to find a place that will be good. With the money situation here, most of the funds have to come from Germany and they are very particular about how they are spent. Now if it was for EFY, money would be no object, but the YA's are different. We have to work around their rules and they aren't always workable. But things will work out, they always do.
Our time is going fast, and we feel we have, in part, accomplished what the Lord wanted us to do by getting the Center. It was a group effort, and we are so thankful it is now a reality. We are still trying to help the YA's understand the gospel and to put Heavenly Father first. We are so sick of hearing, "I am so busy". We just hope someday Heavenly Father doesn't say that to them. We have a wonderful Council President in Ani, and he has great vision. We are thankful for his leadership. They have a word in Albania "avash, avash", which means "slowly, slowly". We see little improvements all the time and it gives us hope. We love the gospel and are so grateful for the bounteous blessings we have been given. It is wonderful to be able to serve the Lord full time.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Hospital, visits, meals
We had our first encounter with a public hospital. We have been to the Greek Hospital which is private and one you could feel safe in, but last Sunday night we went with the Zone Leaders to Mother Theresa's Hospital to visit an investigator's brother. Margareta said it would mean a lot to her brother if we went to visit him. So we did. There were no lights on the stairs, the hallways were dimly lit and dirty, the rooms weren't much better. It was hard for us to see the conditions the "common" people have to endure. He had a blessing from the Elders before his surgery, and we just had to have faith and trust in the Lord, knowing His will would be done. These are the things that are really hard for us. Most of the people are so poor, they cannot afford the kind of care they need. The medications are almost useless, yet most people when they are sick want to go to the hospital because they think they will be helped there. It is just sad to watch. Luckily he is home now and doing better. We think Margareta will be baptized next week and hopefully the Elders will be able to teach the rest of her family.
We went on an appointment with the Laprakë Elders Thursday night to very humble people. They are Romas, which are a form of gypsies here in Albania. They live on $30.00 a month, eat one meal a day, the kids can't go to school because they can't afford to buy the books, the father is out of work (as are most of the investigators in Laprakë), but you could feel the Spirit and know they really want to learn about the gospel. Because they have no money, it is hard to know how to handle things. The Elders brought the older son to Institute Wednesday night and he enjoyed it very much. It costs 60 cents to take the bus round trip, and of course they can't afford to let him come. Sixty cents!!! It is hard to imagine when we have so much, they struggle with so little. It would be so easy for us to give him the money to come, but sometimes we just don't know what is right. When members and investigators realize they can get help from the Church, it becomes the first thing they go to. Then word spreads and pretty soon more and more are asking. It is a hard life here, but the Church is not to be taken advantage of either.
One of the customs in Albania is when people come to your home, you give them refreshments. This family bought wrapped chocolate candy, and juice to feed us. Of course, they don't eat or drink any of it, but would feel insulted if you refused. Before we left, they asked if we would come back and visit. It is hard to say no, but it is also hard to go when you know their circumstances. After we left them, we went to the Balas' home so Glen could to see if she would accept a calling. Now the Balas do not have money problems, and just kept bringing out food and drinks. You go from one extreme to the other and just accept what is offered. I was glad the Elders were there so I could give some of my treats to them.
We have had a few elders and one sister go home for sickness and other reasons. It is hard to lose anyone because we have so few missionaries. We will be uneven until July which is a long time. Pres. Ford is working on getting some mini missionaries (missionaries called for a short time that live in Albania) to help out until then so the areas won't have to be closed. We will be having major changes in April which we know will affect our District greatly. We have been so spoiled by having the cream of the crop in our District, at least we feel we do. However, if Laprakë Anderson gets transferred, our food bill will decrease dramatically. He knows how to eat. We will have one last meal together next Sunday, celebrating Glen's and Zone Leader Anderson's birthdays, then we will just see what happens. We love the missionaries and they are very good to us.
We are always learning new things in Albania, some good, some not so good. Glen continues to drive like an Albanian. He will have some nasty habits when we return home. We have started to take road trips just to see some more of the country (with the President's approval, of course). We can now go to three other countries which we intend to do in the next few months. The Center is doing great, and the weather is warming up. So life is good and the gospel is true. What more could we ask.
We went on an appointment with the Laprakë Elders Thursday night to very humble people. They are Romas, which are a form of gypsies here in Albania. They live on $30.00 a month, eat one meal a day, the kids can't go to school because they can't afford to buy the books, the father is out of work (as are most of the investigators in Laprakë), but you could feel the Spirit and know they really want to learn about the gospel. Because they have no money, it is hard to know how to handle things. The Elders brought the older son to Institute Wednesday night and he enjoyed it very much. It costs 60 cents to take the bus round trip, and of course they can't afford to let him come. Sixty cents!!! It is hard to imagine when we have so much, they struggle with so little. It would be so easy for us to give him the money to come, but sometimes we just don't know what is right. When members and investigators realize they can get help from the Church, it becomes the first thing they go to. Then word spreads and pretty soon more and more are asking. It is a hard life here, but the Church is not to be taken advantage of either.
One of the customs in Albania is when people come to your home, you give them refreshments. This family bought wrapped chocolate candy, and juice to feed us. Of course, they don't eat or drink any of it, but would feel insulted if you refused. Before we left, they asked if we would come back and visit. It is hard to say no, but it is also hard to go when you know their circumstances. After we left them, we went to the Balas' home so Glen could to see if she would accept a calling. Now the Balas do not have money problems, and just kept bringing out food and drinks. You go from one extreme to the other and just accept what is offered. I was glad the Elders were there so I could give some of my treats to them.
We have had a few elders and one sister go home for sickness and other reasons. It is hard to lose anyone because we have so few missionaries. We will be uneven until July which is a long time. Pres. Ford is working on getting some mini missionaries (missionaries called for a short time that live in Albania) to help out until then so the areas won't have to be closed. We will be having major changes in April which we know will affect our District greatly. We have been so spoiled by having the cream of the crop in our District, at least we feel we do. However, if Laprakë Anderson gets transferred, our food bill will decrease dramatically. He knows how to eat. We will have one last meal together next Sunday, celebrating Glen's and Zone Leader Anderson's birthdays, then we will just see what happens. We love the missionaries and they are very good to us.
We are always learning new things in Albania, some good, some not so good. Glen continues to drive like an Albanian. He will have some nasty habits when we return home. We have started to take road trips just to see some more of the country (with the President's approval, of course). We can now go to three other countries which we intend to do in the next few months. The Center is doing great, and the weather is warming up. So life is good and the gospel is true. What more could we ask.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pictures
Grand Opening, Zone Conference, District Conference
From the time we first arrived we have been working on finding a new Center. Now that that has become a reality, it is hard to put into words the difference it makes in our YA's. They are so excited to have "their" place, where they don't have to share it with any one else. We had our grand opening Friday, Feb. 17 with a short program, then dinner and dance. We had 85 people there, which was standing room only. Glen spoke and told of Elder Perry's vision, Pres. Kashari (District Pres.) said a few words and Pres. Ford (mission pres.) also. We fed them sloppy joes, Greek salad, rice with corn, and drinks with cookies and brownies for dessert. It always amazes me how much food they can eat. It is fun to have a workable kitchen and rooms for recreation and institute, plus library and computer room. It will take us a few weeks to get the walls with pictures and make things really workable. We have a big screen TV, new ping pong table and a Foosball table. If we could find an air hockey table, we would get that also. All in all we are pleased and excited to see how happy the YA's are with their Center.
It seems for the last few weeks all I have done is cook. We had Zone Conference with Elder Kopechke and the AP's asked for my advice on what to have for lunch and hinted it would be nice if I would cook. Plus Pres. Ford had already asked if I would prepare the lunch for the visitors, mission presidency and the district presidency the next day. I am tired of cooking and hope we don't have any more big events for a while. We were well taught by Elder Kopechke and of all the Area Presidency, he has been the best to lift the missionaries. Because he came, they decided to have District Conference which was a disaster. There were no venues available at such short notice, so Fahti got involved and we rented the Millennium movie theater. Well, the seating was for 250 and we needed at least 400 hundred seats. They brought in chairs from everywhere, the sound system didn't work in the back, very little lighting, and too many speakers. The president of the Frankfurt Temple and his wife came also and they spoke for 20 and 27 minutes. That left Elder Kopechke about 10 minutes. Of course, he blamed it on the Albanians taking too much time (there was one Albanian speaker, Pres. Kashari). It just goes to show you how Germany looks upon Albania. It kind of left the whole weekend on a sour note.
We have been doing a lot of visiting with the Elders to investigators and members. It is always a wake-up call to see how some members have been baptized without really understanding the principles of the gospel. One member we will visit again tonight, has a cross on her wall, believes all churches are true, but likes our Church best because of the Holy Ghost. The missionaries are starting from scratch teaching her and her family the gospel. Glen and I had a picture of Christ framed today to take to her in hopes she understands it is the risen Lord we reverence. We want to get that cross off the wall, out of her ears, and off her neck. We had a great baptism last Saturday of Jenny (15), James (17) and their mother. James was so ready to be baptized and we can see a future missionary in him. Jenny is quiet, but we know she has a testimony also. Their mother is very happy and their father showed up for the baptism. It is hard to convince newly baptized members that our meetings last three hours. This is always a work in progress.
Things are going good. We are now in the Adriatic South Mission which includes Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania. The headquarters will still be in Tirana, but it is exciting to see all the Balkins now part of missions. Since we are supposed to stay within our mission boundaries, our boundaries have now been enlarged and we can go a lot further. Of course, I am sure we will still need permission, but it is exciting nonetheless. It is our year mark today and we are looking forward to our next six months and the opportunities we will have with the Center.
It seems for the last few weeks all I have done is cook. We had Zone Conference with Elder Kopechke and the AP's asked for my advice on what to have for lunch and hinted it would be nice if I would cook. Plus Pres. Ford had already asked if I would prepare the lunch for the visitors, mission presidency and the district presidency the next day. I am tired of cooking and hope we don't have any more big events for a while. We were well taught by Elder Kopechke and of all the Area Presidency, he has been the best to lift the missionaries. Because he came, they decided to have District Conference which was a disaster. There were no venues available at such short notice, so Fahti got involved and we rented the Millennium movie theater. Well, the seating was for 250 and we needed at least 400 hundred seats. They brought in chairs from everywhere, the sound system didn't work in the back, very little lighting, and too many speakers. The president of the Frankfurt Temple and his wife came also and they spoke for 20 and 27 minutes. That left Elder Kopechke about 10 minutes. Of course, he blamed it on the Albanians taking too much time (there was one Albanian speaker, Pres. Kashari). It just goes to show you how Germany looks upon Albania. It kind of left the whole weekend on a sour note.
We have been doing a lot of visiting with the Elders to investigators and members. It is always a wake-up call to see how some members have been baptized without really understanding the principles of the gospel. One member we will visit again tonight, has a cross on her wall, believes all churches are true, but likes our Church best because of the Holy Ghost. The missionaries are starting from scratch teaching her and her family the gospel. Glen and I had a picture of Christ framed today to take to her in hopes she understands it is the risen Lord we reverence. We want to get that cross off the wall, out of her ears, and off her neck. We had a great baptism last Saturday of Jenny (15), James (17) and their mother. James was so ready to be baptized and we can see a future missionary in him. Jenny is quiet, but we know she has a testimony also. Their mother is very happy and their father showed up for the baptism. It is hard to convince newly baptized members that our meetings last three hours. This is always a work in progress.
Things are going good. We are now in the Adriatic South Mission which includes Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania. The headquarters will still be in Tirana, but it is exciting to see all the Balkins now part of missions. Since we are supposed to stay within our mission boundaries, our boundaries have now been enlarged and we can go a lot further. Of course, I am sure we will still need permission, but it is exciting nonetheless. It is our year mark today and we are looking forward to our next six months and the opportunities we will have with the Center.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Ramazan & Silva, Trip, Catch-up
The other day we took some food out to Ramazan and Silva who live in the most humblest of circumstances. Ramazan's pension hasn't come for five months and they are really struggling right now. Ramazan is partially crippled, has asthma and terrible headaches. He asked for a blessing from Glen (the Elders had to interpret) and the minute the blessing was over, Ramazan felt peace and started breathing better. Silva was baptized about six months ago and is a faithful member. Ramazan knew the gospel is true but because of his problems cannot come to church very often. Pres. Ford went to see him with the Elders and gave permission for Ramazan to be baptized. They all felt he should not be denied any of the blessings of the gospel. It was the most wonderful experience. It took both Elders to hold and baptize him and he was so happy. They both have such great faith. They love having us come to visit them and always ask how our family is doing. They don't speak a word of English and we don't speak Shqip, but we communicate through love.
We took a trip up through Montenegro into Croatia (Dubrovnik) for an S & I Workshop. We were given special permission by Germany and Pres. Ford to go. It was absolutely beautiful. We went with the Prestons who are the CES couple and had a wonderful time. It is amazing when you get out of Albania how nice and clean other countries are. The horns didn't honk, there was no garbage on the ground, the sea was clean, the colors of the sea were just unique. We also stopped to look at the oldest olive tree in Europe which is over 2000 years old. We know there are some older in Israel, but it was really neat to see this one. When we got to Dubrovnik which is right on the sea, we went to an old walled-in city. You would look down the little alley ways and see steps go up five stories high to each level of living. In 1991 the Serbs in their ships bombed Dubrovnik and destroyed many buildings and rooftops. These have all been repaired in the old city, but in the rest of the town you can still see the destruction. There were 14 S & I teachers at the workshop and all of them YA's. As we listened to them we knew these were the strength of the Church in Albania. Their testimonies are so strong and their willingness to serve is amazing. I wish I had been that strong when I was 18 or so years of age.
The Center will be up and going next week. We get the keys on Monday, then we will start moving the furniture in. We will have our grand opening on Feb. 17, when the YA's will celebrate Valentine's Day. The YA's from the whole district will be invited plus Kosovo, and we will have an Institute Seminar on Saturday with Elder Fingerly and a few others from Germany. It should be a "grand" occasion and we are all looking forward to it.
Just a follow-up on things I wrote in my last Blog. I talked about Fahti and the problems we were having with him. Well there are always two sides to every story, and we found that Fahti was also a victim as well as stocking Majlinda. She had not been completely honest with her accusations. Glen and the Elders were able to teach him about forgiveness and true repentance, and he made some great changes. He was baptized Dec. 24, and has been a wonderful addition to our membership. He asked Glen to confer the Aaronic Priesthood on him Sunday. He bought a suit, white shirts and ties, and comes to church every Sunday dressed to worship. He has been amazing.
All in all things are going good. We are excited about our calling and what lies before us. We have a new YA Council Presidency and committee and they are excited about their callings. The Branch Presidency is doing well also, every time Pres. Beleshi doesn't want to deal with something, he turns it over to Glen. Changes are taking place and we see good things happening in the Branch. Always remember life is good and the gospel is true.
We took a trip up through Montenegro into Croatia (Dubrovnik) for an S & I Workshop. We were given special permission by Germany and Pres. Ford to go. It was absolutely beautiful. We went with the Prestons who are the CES couple and had a wonderful time. It is amazing when you get out of Albania how nice and clean other countries are. The horns didn't honk, there was no garbage on the ground, the sea was clean, the colors of the sea were just unique. We also stopped to look at the oldest olive tree in Europe which is over 2000 years old. We know there are some older in Israel, but it was really neat to see this one. When we got to Dubrovnik which is right on the sea, we went to an old walled-in city. You would look down the little alley ways and see steps go up five stories high to each level of living. In 1991 the Serbs in their ships bombed Dubrovnik and destroyed many buildings and rooftops. These have all been repaired in the old city, but in the rest of the town you can still see the destruction. There were 14 S & I teachers at the workshop and all of them YA's. As we listened to them we knew these were the strength of the Church in Albania. Their testimonies are so strong and their willingness to serve is amazing. I wish I had been that strong when I was 18 or so years of age.
The Center will be up and going next week. We get the keys on Monday, then we will start moving the furniture in. We will have our grand opening on Feb. 17, when the YA's will celebrate Valentine's Day. The YA's from the whole district will be invited plus Kosovo, and we will have an Institute Seminar on Saturday with Elder Fingerly and a few others from Germany. It should be a "grand" occasion and we are all looking forward to it.
Just a follow-up on things I wrote in my last Blog. I talked about Fahti and the problems we were having with him. Well there are always two sides to every story, and we found that Fahti was also a victim as well as stocking Majlinda. She had not been completely honest with her accusations. Glen and the Elders were able to teach him about forgiveness and true repentance, and he made some great changes. He was baptized Dec. 24, and has been a wonderful addition to our membership. He asked Glen to confer the Aaronic Priesthood on him Sunday. He bought a suit, white shirts and ties, and comes to church every Sunday dressed to worship. He has been amazing.
All in all things are going good. We are excited about our calling and what lies before us. We have a new YA Council Presidency and committee and they are excited about their callings. The Branch Presidency is doing well also, every time Pres. Beleshi doesn't want to deal with something, he turns it over to Glen. Changes are taking place and we see good things happening in the Branch. Always remember life is good and the gospel is true.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Ups and Downs; Life goes on.
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.
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.
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