Well, it sounds pretty cold! I kinda ''marr mali'' for it (that means I miss it) Down here it is like a never ending fall. The weird part is, due to the number of palm trees, the leaves don't really change color! But, every morning I look forward to wearing my Albanian socks, so as not to freeze my feet on the tile floors (they don't have carpet).
The city is one of many pallats (the word for apartment, and palace) The central part of the city has many communist pallats made of just bricks on bricks with cement outlining, and not very attractive. However, as you walk in, most houses have 3 couches and bare walls. Bare, except for maybe one or two small pictures of a deceased grandparent. Many have a greek orthodox picture of Christ, or a vista of Vlore's beach and city. Most have a small 1990's TV with some Turkish-translated soap opera playing. As you walk in and sit in the couches, you SINK IN the cushions. Its a toss-up whether or not you'll get springs, wood, or wool! As you sit they'll come out with a little bowl of candies and you HAVE to take one. After a lesson, they usually make you stay seated while they get their bottle of juice, so that each may have a glass. Some families only can afford this tradition once a month.
Though they don't have much, they are so PROUD to be Albanians. I wish I could have half of much country pride as some of those around here, it really is commendable.
The highlight this week was the visit from Elder Timothy Dyches! He is so personable. One thing he talked about was that as he was mission in the Oregon Portland Mission, the missionaries called it the Only Perfect Mission (OPM). Then he suggested a nickname for our Adriatic South Mission: The Always Spiritual Mission. When he said that I said, "YA! I like that, because that is exactly what President is trying to instill in us" Our Stake President Mema described President Weidmanns influence the best by saying. "He has taught us a better way of prayer" Truly, to hear P. Weidman pray is a great privilege. Praying really changes the night to day. Even though sometimes the day and night come together, mesh and I sleep and wake up without even knowing it. I look back and the weeks fly by.
The miracle this week came when one of our RC's that doesn't come a lot called us and said, "Hey, I got an investigator for you!" So, we walked with him for a half hour to a house in North Vlore. Bona and Petrit, his cousins, took a bible class for 2 years and know it pretty well. It was the first time I really ever used someone elses bible, or Amos 3:7, cause most people around here don't have a bible (in fact they often ask us, "can you get us a bible?") Anyway, they are super humble and ready to follow Christ. I was so grateful that the Lord was able to guide us to a family. Every day, I'm looking for that fmaily. I think of Sister Alison Garlicks advice, "you can't see a couple on the street without talking to them!"
Above all, it is such a privilege just to say, "I know that Christ lives and loves you." We can bear testimony of HIm everyday....but first we must study about him. Each day in Personal study, I take 5 minutes to find a new scripture about The Good shepherd. As a result, I've really become a lot more focused on what he's done and is doing for me.
Well, I hope thats not too much for all yall. Happy Birthday Alina! I remember when I turned 6 (that was after we moved into the new house!) Are you in Kindergarten!? I hope that you really don't get 'Frozen' during this cold time on the farm!
Thank you all, I love you.
Elder Bangerter of Vlore
P.S. you know family? I had a cool thought last night as I went to bed about all you brothers and sisters. I was able to classify each of you in my mind and how you've effected my life. It went as follows.
Adam-My Mentor, Claire-My Mother, Lauren-My Teacher, Andrew-My Buddy, Seth-My Mentor, Steven-My Friend.
Each one of you has touched me for good, I love ya so much. I echo what Jake said in his letter, that I am so shocked at how blessed our family is. Let's live up to our privileges!
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