Dear Family,
I loved skyping yesterday. Thank you all my brothers for the advice. Adam, I went out and the next person I approached, I approached with an attitude focused on How the Gosple can change their life. We then had a great lesson that was short and powerful, led by the spirit. You know, the lesson that you plan for, but when you go in you just change it. I love being led by the spirit.
So to clarify some numbers from yesterday. My companion and I calculated it and figured that we contact 3-4 hours a day. We also have about 40 hours of proselyting time a week, with the training program, aka more study. And yes, it is about 60/40 with street contacting/tracting.
So my first transfer is over. But, here in albanina all transfers are 12 weeks not 6, and at the end of each transfer you DO get a new companion, every time. the 6 week transfer we call "mini-transfer", where nothing really happens, unless a missionary is going home. This mini-transfer we got a new AP! Elder Davis, who is knew Parker Williams in High School and his Sister knows McKayla and Hannah! Well, yes, it is a small world (He brought it up to my attention, Aunt Duella)
Today for Pday we went south to Prizren, arguably the most muslim city in the mission. We heard the prayer call and it was really loud! But the funny thing was, the city had a feel of disneyland, with big cobblestone streets with only people walking around. On the top of the hill over the city is a big fortress that was built, I assume, by the Turks. It reminded me of Fort Ticonderoga but WAY smaller, and not kept up, free, and no hand railings or bars! It was very beautiful.
This week has been a week of endurance. Many people "prish" or break off appointments. But every time, it seems that God leads us to someone else. I like how me and Elder Linderman are getting in the habit of saying, "Well, now who does the Lord want us to find. Cause it wasn't them!" Per shembull (for example, they use it A LOT, especially when it is old men who never stop talking. When you hear per shembull, you know a big story or explanation is about to follow!) last night Elder Linderman suggested we talk to a girl we had just passed, we hesitated because we hate awkward situations, but we've tried this week to overcome awkward situations by talking, and thats what we did. Turns out, shes Catholic! And she lives near the church and wanted to learn more! Wow, a tender mercy! In contrast, we then went and contacted 8 Muslims and 1 undecided. The Lord really can lead us.
Also this week we, as a companionship have grown a lot in our testimonies of the Atonement. We found some gold nuggets together during our studies. Those which I realize, that though we try to explain to others what we learned, never will have the same change in the listener as it had in the one who studied. This is where a simple phrase that you've heard your whole life means a whole lot more. For me this week it was this phrase adn I urge you to find out what it means to you, though I know it means something diffrent to each of us: Through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can be taken back to the presence of God to be judged. This is found in the first paragraph of PMG in the Gosple of JC section, with great scriptures attachted.
I am so greatful for Christ and his sacrifice for all of us. Without him, we would literally be lost for ever. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I've recieved from learning about him.
Well, tomorrow we head down to Tirana for a Trainer-trainee conference! We'll wake up at 3 tomorrow morning! I love you all. Be safe in all you do.
Love, Elder Bangerter
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