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!
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