Speedy Angels, Priesthood​, and Prayer

Oh my dearest family,

I hope that salutation doesn't sound like a Jane Austen Novel, but I really think so much of you. 

This has been a week full of miracles. However, sometimes with the dark times that often precede or follow those miracles, we can lose sight of really how much we have been blessed. I'm here to testify that Heavenly Father really does love us and blesses us. I have a testimony that he answers prayers.

   One big answer to our prayers came in the form of 'angels coming at reckless speeds' in mission vehicles; the APs and Zone Leaders. Yes, we had the awesome privilege to have both companionships come down to work our area with us; a 3 day training of how to become a consecrated missionary. This was not one-in-a-series of things that president will do, city to city. But rather, a manifestation of revelation from God through a worthy president, resulting in 3 days of great learning by those in the Vlore District. We learned how to plan with the spirit, find with the spirit, and teach with the spirit. We spent a majority of our studies on Doctrine and Covenants 88. Seth, I remember when you came home how you always quoted those powerful verses, and I'm only starting to see why. 

  I had the privilege to serve with my trainer, Elder Linderman. I really love him. We learned so much from each other, both in Prishtina, and our 1 day together in Vlore. He again taught me how to be a good leader. 

  The next day I felt a bit sick, but after receiving a blessing from my companion-Zone Leader, we were able to have three lessons in a row. Things became a bit hectic when we all tried to get into our apartment, but the lock broke! We sat outside for about a half-hour trying to get it open. However, we had to resort to go to the other Elders apartment in South Vlore. Yep, we slept 8 missionaries in that apartment on Wednesday Night! It was a (hopefully) once in a lifetime opportunity. 

  The final day I was able to teach with  AP Elder Davis-a friend to cousin Parker Williams. He had served down here earlier and so we visited a few of his Recent Converts. I saw the absolute love they had for 'Elder Davy' and I yearn to be able to have that same love. I learned from him to truly love them and that all the love comes when you slow down, listen to them, and listen to the spirit, and say what he tells you to say. 

  I was so grateful for these 'angels', for the things they taught us. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission and the times I have to grow. I really grew n my testimony of prayer this week; not only during this exchange, but before and after. An Elder here was feeling sick and he told about how he said a prayer, and how only after the prayer, he was prompted to ask for blessing of healing, after which he was immediately relieved from the pain that was bothering him. Prayer really does change the night to day. However how are we different? Doesn't every christian pray? Well yes they do. But remember, the prayer prompted the priesthood blessing. The key was calling on the Lords power that was on the earth. Yes we can pray, and get answers, but the answer comes in the Priesthood. In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus was reprimanded by the Savior, but was not healed or called there. He had to first be healed by the priesthood by one of his servants, he had to be baptized and called by the earthly ministers. Yes, we have communication with heaven, but remember, the communication works through God's priesthood on the Earth. 'The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven'. We all need help, so we all pray. But do as Saul did, and this missionary did, and seek for the priesthood blessing; maybe it's blessing is the one given on the sacrament, or the witnessing of its ordinances in the Temple. Whatever the circumstance, recognize that the priesthood was at work. Pray can change the night to day...but only by the power of the priesthood. 

  I have a testimony of this power. Let us not allow it to be swallowed up in our minds by the rushing of the quick days, but let us rather write down those experiences and remember them, as our testimonies, and as testimonies for our posterity. I don't mean to sound like a conference talk or anything, but I call it the voice of the spirit, and I like to write with it! 

I love you all and remember the Priesthood and Prayer. I know God lives and that his church is restored on the earth. Share this message of glory with those who don't know it, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren!"

Have fun in your continental travels from sea to shining....utah. Sorry, Lauren and Todd are no longer on the west Coast.

Love, Elder Bangerter

P.S. Steven how was good old AF High!?

P.P.S. Claire, Emma looks beautiful. You look good with 4 kids!

P.P.P.S. Seth and Andrew "I Love You This Big"!

P.P.P.P.S. Adam, you always take the cake with all your news of girls, and farm parties 

Shpejt but Spiritual

Well Family,

I hate to say it...but we traveled kinda far today (to Gjirokaster and Sy i Kalter) and so I won't be able to tell you all the good things that happened this week. Just know that Vlore is a beautiful city, and kind of feels like Mexico. 

   We were very blessed to have two baptisms this week. Albano and Kristi are now members! They are both doing well. The best part was having 10 of their family members attend the baptisms! I couldn't believe it. Then, a few said they had interest in reading 'that book'. I can't believe how blessed we have been. I will not be surprised to see them on missions in a year from now!

   The days have gotten pretty long lately...I can't decide whether it is the dog days of summer, or that we haven't had very good water pressure in our apartment the past 4 days. In any case, we are very grateful when we are inside having a lesson. I believe air conditioning and the Holy Ghost are pretty good friends. Both give us a good feeling that wants us to stay in that condition longer, never to leave. Hopefully, I can feel a lot of both in the coming week.

  The Spirit. That is something that new-mission president Weidmann has emphasized a lot. In every prayer we pray that the spirit may guide us. Remember the spirit is not an 'it'. It is a 'he'. He will guide us. He will always be there. He is also our brother. I would give anything to have any of my brothers be my constant missionary companion, telling me what to do and what not to do. Well, that is exactly what we have in the Holy Ghost. Then, think of how now, that we are baptized members of the church, that big-brother is on our shoulder all the time. And do you know what he tells us? Exactly what our other brother and Savoir Jesus Christ has taught. And both of our exalted siblings testify of what our Father in Heaven has always taught us: his Gospel. Truly, is not the family exalted. From the Gods above, to the infants below. Each one is part of a bigger family. 

  Thank you for all you do and thank you for your prayers. It sounds like life is flying by! Steven, Seth, Andrew, Lauren, how are you all? I know that I've been blessed because of yours (we made it out of a stopped elevator, just to name one!)

I love you!

Elder Bangerter

P.S. Shpejt means fast

PPS a picture is worth a thousand words...so it looks like about, 7000 words...

Pictures:

1-Vlore on a rainy morning (they feel very good)

2-Big Artillery inside Gjirokaster Castle

3-Gjirokaster

4-Gjirokaster

5-Typical Albanian warfare. For us it is like the civil war period 

6-'Blue Eye' this water goes down 240 feet! and they actually haven't found the bottom

7-Me, Kristi, Albano, Elder Penrod

"I Saw God Today"

Dear Family!

Oh, I think I will officially retire as the family song writer. I have found that anytime I want to change anything, that you all just decide to go and change it up on me! Mom might be consistent, but you siblings have to step it up! I am so grateful for all of you...all 24 of you. I believe that number will be stable for at least for a week.

  Hello from Vlore! This time I'm really in Vlore. This week has been very fast! We had a district leader training on Monday, Zone Conference on Tuesday, Interviews with President Weidmann on Wednesday, and 2 exchanges in our district! We were movin, movin, movin. That is also how the work is coming along, namely with a couple--Albano and Kristi.

  Albano was a referral from an investigator (who then lost interest...the investigator, not Albano). Albano, in turn, brought Kristi, his girlfriend. They are so amazing. They come to church, read their scriptures, pray, come to institute (Wed and Sat nights), and meet with us at least 3 times a week. I am so grateful to inherit these investigators from the missionaries that have come before me. Their Baptims will actually be on Friday the 15th! We are very excited for them, for they will become strong members. In fact, after the last lesson, Albano asked, "So after this baptism, is there a way...can I...how can...how soon can I apply for a mission?" We were just exstatic and explained that he can set a goal to go in a year after his baptism. (He then asked about couple missions, but we clarified that :). Please pray for them, Albano and Kristi (for the little neicessssssss[thats 8 s's right?] think of Albania and Christ, they're similar! And I don't think HF will be mad if you mix up the names!)

   This week was also a great blessing for the Elders in Prishtina. Hazir was baptized! Remember, we found he and Ismet, independently, 5 minutes apart from each other on the street, and now both are members of the church. Just typing that gives me the chills. Elder Watson, my MTC companion, was able to baptize him. The other Elders in Prishtne also had 4 other baptisms on that day as well! I am so glad that the work is progressing up there! I don't know how lucky I was! Keep praying for Ismet and Hazir (girls, try thinking of Easy and Hair. Jay and Noah, my namesakes, I know you can pronounce it too, and keep holding down the fort)

  The work down here in Vlora has a lot to do with recent converts. We have about 8 that we are to be meeting with regularly...and we'll add 2 this week. It is amazing to meet some of these members and think that they have only been members since January, or April! 

   Because this week I went on an exchange, I was able to serve with Elder Wilcox, a trainee, fresh from the MTC. And so, naturally, we talked about how great the MTC really was. Mom and Dad, if you just go to the MTC, your mission would be worth it. I know that if anyone can serve as senior missionaires, that you two would be the favorite couple of the mission. In fact this week, our senior couple, the Andrews, had 3 children visiting and I thought that I would love to visit you two in Portugal (just kidding, Brazil works too!)

   Days are long, the weather is really, really hot 90's all week. But I know that the Gospel is true. I know that we have a living prophet. This week I was privileged to teach a lesson about how missionaries get their mission calls. I explained to a few of the Recent Converts and Members that an apostle of the Lord sees your face, says your name, and assigns you a mission. They all just gasped in awe at the revealitory power of the restored priesthood of God! I know the priesthood works and directs God's Church today. I know that the Book of Mormon is True and that anybody that truly reads it will know of Gods love for them! I love you all. God blesses us with little miracles and, as Elder Garlick says, "look for the mural of miracles" The stars, the trees, the clouds, each part of your body, a little baby, all of these things are miracles of God! And how blessed are we to be children of that God. I know he lives,  and I'm proud to be his representative.

Love,

Elder Bangerter

P.S. I know that George Strait song touches a few of our hearts

P.P.S 

   Here are some pictures of our trip to Porto Plermo, just south of Vlore. THis castle is on a little peninsula, and It felt like I was in the count of monte cristo or something! It was super cool...but super hot. The islands in the background are greece!

Here are some pictures from the big day in Prishtna. My companion, Hazir, and my trainer's trainer Elder Robertson ex-AP.

Përshëndetje nga Vlora!

Well my dearest Family,

I'm feeling awfully Uncle-ly today. Claire, I still want to see pictures of baby Emma! 

   Hello from beautiful Vlore. Actually that is not quite right, seeing that right now I'm in Lushnje (a city about an hour north). We have a training here today, and one in Fier tommorrow, and then I'll be back down to Vlora! Just like all Albanian cities, you can pretty much pick whether you want to say Vlore, or Vlora, it is just a matter of definitity that has no application in English. Maybe if anyone has twins, a boy and girl, they can use both!

   The work is great down here. I've transferred into a ward with a wonderful bishop with about 200 members on record--a large difference when compared to Prishtina. On Sunday, i had the opportunity to give my testimony in Fast and Testimony meeting, and it almost felt like speaking to a congregation back at home, instead of a seminary class. But congregation size or seminary size, the church is the same. I found a great talk by President Uchtdorf that talks about the comparison of two planes:

"If you were to ask me which of these two flying experiences I enjoyed more, I’m not sure I could tell you. In some obvious ways, they were very different, to say the least. And yet in other ways, they were very much the same. In both the Piper Cub (small lane) and the F18 (large plane) , I felt the excitement, beauty, and joy of flight. In both I could feel the call of the poet to “[slip] the surly bonds of Earth and [dance] the skies on laughter,silvered wings.” Now, you might ask, what do these two totally different flying experience,have to do with our meeting today or with the priesthood we are privileged to bear or with the priesthood service we all love so much?"

Well, I'm finding out that the difference between these two planes is the difference in my two areas. I'm excited to feel the excitement, beauty, and joy of the flight, because in both places I slip the bonds of the carnal Earth and dance the skies on the silvered wings, being one who is set apart, having the opportunity to invite others to come to Christ.

 This week, we had a couple lessons with 2 investigators; Albano and Kristi. They are boyfriend\girlfriend, have been taught for about a month, keep all the commandments, came to church, help us with service projects, and are to be baptized on the 15th. I'm very grateful to be able to come into an area and to keep the success going. These two are amazing!

I've loved teaching with Elder Penrod. When we teach together, we know the material, but we really have no set plan, but really follow the spirit as we teach together. We try to focus on their needs rather than checking off boxes. I know it sounds like that is how it should always be, but it can get easy to fall into habits. But, we feel ready to use this co-senioring opportunity to grow in our teaching and finding; because last transfer he did much of the former, while I did much of the latter! 

A great blessing of the week came on Thursday night. We walked down the stairs of the church and a YSA-aged man was standing at the bottom. "Is this the mormon church?" We were shocked. However, after a few exchanges of words, he almost seemed too good to be true...well it was. He revealed his identity as former-Elder Daja, a missionary from Vlore that just returned from his mission to England. He thought it would be funny to play a trick on the Elders! The blessing part is that on Sunday, he was called to be the New Ward Mission Leader! He has so much fire and wants to help us find everyone! Its like having another missionary in the ward...like it should be! We are very excited to work with him. (Dad, his English accent, sounds like you when you do your Portuguese accent, so it makes me feel at home!)

I definitely miss the city of Prishtina, and I realize more and more, how much I really loved it up there. We worked hard up there! We tried with all our heart mind might and strength. I'm grateful for Elder Watson and the obedient companion that we was with me. On the way down to Vlore, I was able to stop in Tirana and say hi to my trainer, Elder Linderman. I didn't realize how much I missed him until I saw him and gave him a big hug. He taught me so much and I know that I was very blessed, beyond blessed, to have him as my trainer. He taught me how to improve, how to find weaknesses, recognize them, and overcome them. Sometimes it may be hard, but it is worth it. 

Well, I also had three 'firsts' on my mission this week. 1-I saw the ocean 2-I had a suflaqe (a very good food that you should look up), and 3-played soccer (which was actually on the beach!). Thank you all for your prayers. I know that you all have been so blessed in your lives. NEVER take the gospel for granted. It brings so much perspective!

I am very grateful to be a missionary and for all that I have been given. I know the gospel changes lives. I know that the Prophet and the Apostles anre called of God for to help us in our dark and light times!

I love you all, thank you for your prayers. I ask for yours.

Love, Elder Bangerter of Vlore

1-Our View of Vlore outside our Apartment

2-my First Suflaqe

3-Elder Penrod and I

4-the Vlora Bay and the Adriatic Sea

Pictures

1-Us in our Elevator (the nicest of the ones I've been in)

2-A final majestic Skenderbeu of Prishtina (still eying those mosques)

3-Elder Watson and teh Boulevard

4-A final picture of my study spot, where I learned so many, many things

Ramadan, Transfers, Elijah, and Charity

Dear Family,

Wow what a week! I have learned so many things and how grateful I am for all that I have learned. The song plays, "you never know a good thing till it's gone." I don't know how entirely true that is, but I'll be missing Prishtina and all the good things that it contains. Yes, I'm being transferred and have been called to serve in the beautiful city of Vlorë, Albania, the most southern most city in the mission. Yes, I was in the most northern and I will make what is called "the jump"! The call came as a surprise, seeing that we usually have 12 week transfers and we are 5 weeks in. But, the Lord works through his mission president and revelation has spoken! Oh, how I love revelation! It is such a blessing, for it truly shows us God's will for us! I feel like I left all I could in Prishtina, and my only regret is that Hazir and Ismet are both on vacation, so I won't be able to say farewell. But I am so grateful for email that can keep us in touch!

  In spite of my transfer call, I had a lot I wanted to email you all today!

  First, today is the holiday of Bajram. To describe Kosovo, wonderful Kosovo, is that they are not really super practicing Muslims  but they culture is Muslim  I say this because walking out today on the street was like trying to buy loaf of bread on Christmas! Every store is closed, no one is on the streets, and we are just thankful it is preparation day! And with Bajram, ends not only my four months in Prishtine, but the month of Ramadan, the month of the Muslim fast. The Elders will be happy that is over! It will make contacting a lot more easier. 

  The first miracle came when we went over to Shpends Apartment, top floor, great view of Prishtina. We go in, sit at his table (the one at which I felt like I was in the district movie), and he starts to tell us he is super busy, and doesn't really want to be practicing in a religion. E. Watson and I tried to say various things, but to no avail. However, the spirit prompted me to talk about the Temple. So I explained that the Temple was a place to do work for our ancestors so that they can be saved. Mid thought, I thought, "Well, this is making no sense in his head. I should just give up and we have to drop him." But, after my thought E. Watson, in tune with the spirit, proceeded to say, "...and we have a program in the Church where we can look up our family history, we have a large database..." DING! That's what he needed. He is an IT expert and we asked to use his computer. Together, we showed him my family tree and then we made a tree for him! It was awesome see him put his parents information in... beginning his family's tree. He may not understand the Temple, but it led us to find his interest in his family. He even said he had 12 generations of information that he could put in! Imagine, using the most time-consuming activity in the church to solve a busy-man's problems! Only the spirit of Elijah can do that, as Elder Nelson and Elder Cook have said, that it is

"a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family"

I know that that manifestation is exactly what Shpend felt. Think about it. ANY time you think of how divine the family is, THAT is the spirit of Elijah. And how grateful I am to share his name.

 The Second miracle came this week as I studied the topic of Love. President Monson gave a great talk this last conference, "Dashuri--thelbi i Ungjillit" "Love--the Essence of the Gospel". He talks about how we cannot love God unless we love his children...which is something I even studied in the MTC. Anyway, I witnessed great acts of love. For serving is the way to love. 

   E. Watson and I were contacting on the street when, in the usual place, sat a crippled 14 your old begging-gypsy. It had been a hot day and you could see the sweat dripping down his innocent face. He was obviously physically and mentally handicapped. However, we, unfortunately thought nothing of him, seeing that the beggars are always on the street and asking for money. But how I thank my Heavenly Father that somebody else DID thing something of him. A young girl, dressed in her Muslim attire approached the boy. She bent down, grabbed his hand, and smiled into his eyes. He smiled back. She just sat there, squatting, looking with care into his face. Her two friends behind her also took their turns to grab his hand and just make him feel loved. You could see the joy in the boy's face as he smiled farewell to those three angels. I wanted to follow after them and thank them for the small act of service they showed. I realized, that if the savior was here in Kosovo , those are they that he would serve, the sick and afflicted. I'm so grateful that I could witness this love, by one not of my faith, and see that the light of Christ is evident in all people! I thought I learned my lesson, but Heavenly Father wanted to show me more examples. Because  not within 2 minutes a see a man approach this same boy, and drop some coins on his piece of cardboard. He left, and then returned with 2 bottles of water, which the boy immediateness drank. He left, and then nontenured again, this time with a bag of popcorn. This man himself was merely a toy salesman on the boulevard and has no real wealth at all. 

  This time, I wasn't going to miss my chance. I stopped the man. I thanked him for all he did for that boy, and told him he'd be blessed for his service. His response was interesting. He said it was his duty, someone should take care of them, they have NO money, NO parents. I saw that this man was filled with love. He may say it was just what any normal good person would do, but I say otherwise. This man understood that, "because I have been given (not) much, I too must give". These two acts of charity, teh pure love of Christ, have never left my mind. They have reminded me that, I have MUCH, and so I must give much. I'm so grateful I learned this lesson before I left the Islamic world of Prishtina. I'm grateful for the members that I've grown to love and I pray that someday I'll get the opportunty to return. 

   But like it says in Doctrine and Covenants 24:

3 Magnify thine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them (in Prishtina), go speedily unto the church which is in (Vlorë), and they shall support thee; and I will bless them both spiritually and temporally;

 5 And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church (in Vlorë).

 6 And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it...

 7 For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt have strength.

 8 Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days (of your mission).

 9 And in temporal (language) labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling. Attend to thy calling (spiritual) and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the churches (inVlorë)

I know the church is true. I apologize for the length of this letter, but I know that these things I have written are true. Love others friends, non-friends, and family!

I pray for you all!

Love Elder Bangerter

P.S.-a few more transfer cool tidbits:

           The AP for the past few months has been Elder Roberts, who trained Elder Linderman, who trained me. Now, Elder Roberts will come and replace me in Prishtina (He also was trained here too!), and Elder Linderman is the new AP! 

         Elder Watson will be staying as the district leader and having a great time with a great new companion. 

       The other cool thing is Elder Watson's trainer is coming up too to be a Zone LEader in the district! So many cool connections

      My new companion will be Elder Penrod, whom was in my MTC group, he is from Mesa, Arizona

Magic Tree House Books in Albanian!

The Proposed Kosovo Flag that was shot down...i like it becuase it is blue and has the Eagle

Beautiful mountains of peja, we went today during Pday

Elder Watson and I after a very hot day in Peja

Look! Backward and Forward!

Dear Family,

   This week was pretty great. I am having the same realization that I had in the MTC about the power of Districts. They always say that a companionship prepares you for marriage; I believe a district prepares you for children, bishopric councils, ward councils, and any other councils. I've learned a lot from drawing knowledge from the experienced missionaries in our District: the Zone Leaders and a sister in her final transfer. I really appreciate all that they teach me, and it is really an honor to be a District Leader.

   I know that sometimes we can get a little down on ourselves. Sometimes we just have so much on our plate to eat (I know mom, I'm only supposed to eat till 80% but sometimes I eat a little much-(you can take that as literal or symbolic as Isaiah)) And when we have all those things to do we may feel a little overwhelmed. Sometimes it is the opposite, we try and try to do good, but may feel that nothing amounts. I know here in Prishtina, I've felt both before; times of uber-flourishing and overwhelmingness, and the doldrums of summer street contacting. I guess the mission field is maybe as easily compared to the Ocean; rough at times, calm at times, but always majestic and beautiful (and blue, blue is always the best. I'm glad I'm serving in Kosovo which has a blue flag, when compared to Albania's Red one....which I will love when I get there!) So, be it busy or calm, life is always beautiful. I am reminded of a talk that I think Aunt Julie gave (If not, let her know that I think of her every time I think of this thought) : you are doing better than you think you are, and there is always room for improvement. 

Per Shembull (for example), I sometimes stop and think back over the past few months. I have grown so much. Andrew, I speak a language! It really is amazing to think. Now I can joke, laugh, cry, talk, all in Albanian. On Sunday I had the marvelous opportunity to give my first talk in Sacrament Meeting; I've born my testimony before, but this was my first talk. I had prepared a few notes pertaining to self-reliance spiritually and physically. I had a few quotes from Apostles, and a few from myself. When I got up to speak I thought of the scripture in Moroni 6: the meetings of church are conducted by the Holy Ghost. Sure, I used my notes, scriptural examples, and prepared thoughts. But, I used a lot more that was NOT written down. Going in, I thought I didn't have enough material, I left not sharing three-quarters of my prepared thoughts. There really is power not knowing before hand what you will say, but letting the spirit fill your mouth in the very hour, the very moment with the things that you should say. Before I knew it, 15 minutes were up, smiles were on the members faces (either from my talk or grammar), and I sat down very kenaqur and mirenjohes (pleased and grateful). I was so grateful to share my testimony with the members here in Prishtina.

    This week, we also had my most miraculous street contact. After hours of contacting one day, I was tired. I had just finished a conversation with a Norwegian who couldn't believe we were still "preaching that stupid message" (pardon my french...Norwegian). I was little defensive and knew I needed to get the spirit back. I took a couple of minutes to read from the book of Mormon and then I was back on the road. Oh, how grateful I am for the ability to repent and feel the spirit again, for though Satan had attempted to take the spirit away, I was able to regain it, and be worthy to receive the blessing that Heavenly Father was about to give me. It's always the darkest before the morning. 

And so, up to us walked a girl. 

  She said, "I'm sorry, I just walked by a few times and was wondering what you have?" "We are missionaries...this is the Book of Mormon" "Ok, what do you do?" "Well, we teach people about it, and about Christ" 

  Well we then went to the nearby bench and explained what the Book of Mormon contained. She would ask questions like "Lehi, who was he?" or "Joseph Smith, what did he do? . . .Oh, very interesting." Then she told us. "you know, I'm Muslim. But I want to be Christian. My family is all Muslim, but basically I don't think it is the right path". Well, we were more than happy to tell her that she can become a christian! We gave her the book of Mormon and gave her information to the sisters. Since that first meeting, she has read a few pages of it and is loving it! 

  I know that God put this young girl in our path...well really, she walked up to us. I'm just so grateful that I had taken the time beforehand to get the Spirit, continue, and be open to this experience. I'm grateful for repentance the opportunities we have to permiresohemi (improve). Sometimes, look at all that you've done and recognize all that you've been blessed with and how far you've come. BUT, then do as Elder Dube counciled and look forward at ALL we have to do. For example, I was looking over all the cities of Kosovo, and realized that one day there could be a ward in each of those cities and a temple in Prishtina. With a vision like that, for your life, you can see all that you have to do to be better. I know that God loves us and will always show us his love each day. I pray for you all every night! Thank you for your prayers.

Love, Elder Bangerter

P.S. could you send me the Bangerter and Garlick Family Directory? Thank you!

Faith Family and Podujevë!

Dear Family,

   Elder Bangerter and Elder Watson here from Prishtina! 

    Wow what a week! Our district just returned from a P-day excursion that we made to Podujeve, a city 35 km north of Prishtina and a couple from Serbia. It was a small town but quite pleasant. Being the Bangerter that I am, I just started walking down the road and everyone started following me. I looked down an alley way to my right and saw an open field with a better view of the nearby hills. I turned, and everyone followed me, not questioning. I guess confidence is key and no one will ever question your moves! Well I led them to a dead end and explained that I just wanted to look at the hills! This simple turn down this alleyway in Podujeve was done with no thought beforehand, but what resulted was unexpected. After gazing at the hills, partially blocked by the nearby houses, a man(Syliman Becktesi) house next to us asked us who we were. Well, we explained we were just visiting for the day and wanted to know where is a good place. He explained a nice park's location and then asked if we wanted to come in to his courtyard! Well, we never deny that privilege and went in. We sat down on his patio and talked with him, his wife, his daughter and his cute 3 yearold granddaughter (who sang a fun Albanian nursery rhyme to us). They offered us water and biscuits, and we just talked. They were muslim--actually all of Podujeve is muslim--and were actually fasting for the month of Ramadan. I am always amazed at the hospitality of the people here. Imagine serving people food on fast Sunday, and then having fast Sunday everyday for a month! Well, welcome to the people of Kosovo. It was so neat to talk to this man about the war, and his family who all live in this little community. We then simply thanked him and left to continue on our way. At the end we told him that we were missionaries and to look us up in Prishtina. 

  And so, this experience, and many like it, have shaped what I have learned about missionary work. Although we may not be constantly in a shirt and tie and teaching lessons, we can always be missionaries. Simply accpeting invitations to talk, extending invitations to converse, and never suppressing generous thoughts are all ways that the Spirit can work through us. Just never have any 'turp' to speak up (In Albanian it means shy, afraid, apprehensive). 

  I know I say this every week. But I gain so much more respect for all you returned missionaries and the things that you did on your mission. I can often picture all of you and how you contact or teach; or how you treat the people you serve. This week, just be open to every person you meet, member or nonmember. 

     Mom and Dad, I know that you've worked so hard on the Trek, and I know it was a great experience, or will be...whenever you get this. I know that as you teach the kids about their ancestors they'll grow so much in their testimonies. For example, last week, I looked up a history about Frederich Bangerter's trek to Utah. I gained so much more perspective about Grandpa Bangerters origin in Granger, UT. I know now the sacrifice that was made in order for us to be where we are now--and even me, back in Europe! We truly are receiving the blessings that were sought for the posterity of these faith-filled progenitors. Imagine, virtually in every prayer that they said, they asked for a blessing to be upon their family and posterity. We are now the recipients of the results of those prayers. For this reason I believe we are continuously blessed. There are many who truly do care about the work that we do now. 

    The final blessing that I saw this week. Yesterday, Sunday, was Ismet's son's birthday. Elder Watson and I made some cookies to take over to his family. When we arrived at his house we were surprised that neither Ismet nor his son were at home. However, they invited us in and we had a great talk together. At the end, we had a simple lesson about family prayer and committed them to pray as a family. In the lesson was Ismet's wife and 2 sons and a cousin. After walking out of the lesson, I asked Elder Watson, "Do you know how long we've been trying to get a lesson with his family!?" That lesson really will help that entire family come into the gospel. Ismet was a little 'turp' about his family interacting with the church; but now, they know us, they accepted us, and love us. I loved talking with his wife-an Albanian that is just like mom: Oldest of 3 girls and 2 boys, and makes great cake (but I like mom's pies better). She was so nice and I even called her 'Sister Berisha'. We were very pleased to hear from her that Ismet has been sharing what he's learned with her, and that she herself has started reading the Book of Mormon a little!

   That lesson came as the final one of the week. A week that was long and hard, but worth it because of that ONE lesson! I still can't get the golf analogy out of my head--one good shot makes it worth it! I have a testimony that faith works, that prayer works, and that families will live together forever!

 I love you all and pray for you.

Love,

Elder Bangerter