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 !!!!!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)