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
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