♫ It's Springtime in Prishtina ♪

Oh it is springtime in Kosovo!

Today we had a great opportunity of going to a waterfall. I felt like I was back at scoutcamp in Snow Canyon, and had a strong urge to go find some horses and start riding. Kosovo is like the foothills in Alpine...but everywhere, and a lot greener. And then in the background you have majestic white capped mountains. It really is beautiful.

But, we don't teach in the villages, fshats, but in the city, qytet. I've adjusted to city life pretty well. One funny thing about Albanians. They walk up and down the boulevard all day, back and forth all the time. Honestly, street contacting feels like fishing; standing in a new spot everyday, casting out a "line" or two...haha I know I'm so clever. However, there aren't a ton of bites...but everytime we get one, like fishing, you forget about all those that got away and rejoice in the one you found. It really is so interesting to teach so many muslims. I really love it. Honestly, I can't think of any other type of missionary work. I'm afraid that if I am contacted by a christian, I won't know what to say...because I've literally contacted 3 christians, they just take you off guard!  

   And so the work moves on. Since the amount of success we are having is not as much as we would physically like to see, I've seen how God is shaping us to become better missionaries. We've been forced to change our tactics...showing more love. I've found myself pleased with my efforts the past few days. No, the numbers don't show it. But, the spirit does. We find someone and we sit with them. Talk with them. Love them. They may smoke or have a tea, but we love them all the same :) Each time I find myself in one of those situations, I think, "If Christ or President Monson were here, what would they be doing? How would they be treating these people?" And so, I try to do likewise, applying the principles I've learned at the MTC...not the one in Provo, but in American Fork. When I apply these, I become more optimistic and happy! I find myself thinking of  "Enjoy it" all the time! And so, whether it be at the Barbershop or the bukestore (buke means bread, so I guess its an Albanglish word I made up), you can be a beacon of light. I'm so glad I was taught how to smile, cause I KNOW it brightens up the days of those that see it. I know that as missionaries we have to smile, because we are ordained ministers of Christ, and so his light has to be THAT close to the veil for everyone else to see. 

I love the book of mormon, in both languages, and also the simplistic view of our religion put forth by Elder Ballard in "Our Search for Happiness" A very good read! 

   I'm grateful for knowledge that we have of God and his true nature. It makes me sad to see people so confused about their own beleifs. Please pray for them. Pray for them to have a desire to change their "traditions of their fathers" to the "tradition of their heavenly father". I find much peace in the fact that we are ALL children of God and that he loves ALL of us.

Anything you've seen of prishine in pictures is what I go by everyday! Keep looking at them....and because I don't know when I'll ever have an opportunity to send my own!

    I love you all,

        Elder Bejngëdër