Persevering in Prishtina

Dear Family,

    We wake up each morning in Prishtina not knowing 'weather' or not it will rain. Prishtina, though the capital of a country, is pleasant in size, with only a few blocks of large buildings, and many houses surrounding the center. Even though it is the furthest area from the mission home, it feels like home. When someone asked me, "IF you could choose a city to go to serve in (within the mission), which would it be?" And honestly, I could answer with nothing other than Prishtina. Like all my brothers, my training city will always hold a special place in my heart.

   Well this week we received transfer calls. President Ford makes a personal phone call to every missionary in the mission telling him his area, his new companion, and any additional assignments. Since transfers only happen every 12 weeks (it might change with a new Mission President), waiting for the call is like opening presents on Christmas Morning! I got my call first. I'm staying in Prishtina and taking Elder Linderman's place as the district leader over the 3 companionships in Prishtina. My new companion is Elder Jacob Andrew Watson! Yep, my MTC companion! I was literally shocked when I heard! (ok maybe not literally and studio c would be upset, but they cant touch me, I'm a missionary!) I am very excited for this change and sad that I'll be losing Elder Linderman as my trainer. He does so much for me. Though it will be good for me to "be on my own" now. Elder Watson and I will be learning together.

    This week we went down to Tirana for Mission Conference. We drove down with the Zone Leaders in their car. The conference was really awesome. I loved seeing the missionaries from the MTC and also hearing the final testimonies of all the missionaries leaving, many of which I served with, or near, up in Kosovo. From their testimonies, I learned that it all goes by so fast and that we need to Enjoy every moment that we have. I've always loved Brother Bird's exhortation: "work so hard they'll have to carry you home on a stretcher!". And so this mindset of perseverance has been well, set in my mind this week! As we left mission conference, Elder Harlow (more like Hah-lo like an englishman) had on his ipod Grandpa Bangerter's devotional talk "Enjoy it". I really, really enjoyed hearing his voice while looking at all the country side, thinking that he is watching me, a privilege that only a few of his grandsons have gotten. I loved picking out Uncle Cory's voice as well as Dad's. His voice honestly reminded me of Dad reading to us at nights. 

   And so, this week we tried to work with perseverance, while enjoying it, until the transfer. After long days, our burdens were lifted when SIX investigators came to church; a man, his wife and 2 kids, and two other fathers. To give you an idea, we usually hope for one to come. I was immediately filled with gratitude for the blessings that God has given us. We sometimes feel inadequate, but we put our offering on the table and Heavenly Father blesses us with more than we ever deserve.

   I have a testimony that this church is true. I know that as we study the scriptures we may dive deep and swirl around the depths and come up with a nugget. However, that nugget usually is a simple phrase, maybe even a statement you've heard your whole life. But, this time, this nugget means more, because you worked for it and it is YOURS. I remember a Family night where Lauren talked about the power of diving into the scriptures. Well Lar-face, I found a few, thank you for your testimony. I love you all, It sounds like you all had a BLAST back east, but lets remember I'm still the furthest east! Seth, you better wear that green jacket proudly as you go door to door...but don't get too comfortable...I'll claim it back when my time comes. Todd, you made a good run. The jacket has become an interstate emblem of family unity and pride, from Utah to Kansas, then from Maine to North Carolina! Andrew, I feel your pain in the loss, better luck in a few months. Also Michael, I know you'll win the next one, you are always so close, so you get a 'W' in my bracket. Lauren, I loved seeing all the pictures of you and your family...and your glasses. I remember when we bought our pairs together and now we are seeing the world together! Farmer Adam, I bet you feel you're living the dream, because I know you are. Steven, please report to me your height, you look a lot older and it is scaring me. Mom, your letters are so--to use a word of dads--precious. Thank you all for the encouraging and prayers. I pray for you. I have no doubt that the Lord is blessing our family. May he continue to bless us, according to our faithfulness!

I love you all, 

 Elder Bangerter 

P.S. In another email is my transfer call that we got from President Ford. One is mine, the other is Elder Lindermans. I hope you enjoy hearing my president's voice for the last time. We get President Weidmann this week.

P.P.S. So, if you haven't sent a package yet, a voice recorder would be really awesome!