Adriatic South Mission : ALBANIA ROCKS-

MARCH 19TH- MARCH 25TH

Çkemi!! I am alive and well and LOVING EVERY SECOND OF ALBANIA. This is my place. I am meant to be here.

The week's details: Alright so after traveling over 24 hours by myself I finally made it to Albania. I am serving in the beautiful city called Durrës. It is south of the big city, Tirana, and is right along the coast. IT IS GORGEOUS HERE WOWW. The city is lots of concrete buildings with laundry hanging outside and outside the city is rolling hills, goats, and cows. The beach is so pretty too. I am in a trio for the next 2 weeks and then there will be some changes so I'll keep you all posted. My comps are Motra Adams (Ëdëms) and Motra Pugsley (Pëgsli) and they are absolutely FANTASTIC. The language is extremely difficult but I've been able to keep up pretty well. We also do a lot of street contacting here and everyone is so kind and welcoming.

Culture SHOCKS:

1. Okay the driving here is unreal. First of all, nobody knows how to drive. (Mom you would die here). Basically, everyone just goes where ever the heck they want it is hilarious. There are like now laws whatsoever. HAHA. Like picture a 3 lane round about where people come in and out wherever they please, honk at anything that moves, with the only rule being to protect your own front bumper. I LOVE IT HAHAA IT IS SO HILARIOUS. Cars double parallel park all the time and drive on the wrong side of the road and man it's just a blast.

2. In Albania like 80% of the people are Muslim. A lot of them aren't practicing, but it still can be hard to teach them. However, they're so kind and understanding and most of them believe in some kind of God. The mosques here are beautiful too.

3. Apparently in Albania if you compliment someone on something they're supposed to give it to you.... yeah I experienced both sides of that and I felt so bad.

4. There are these old men EVERYONE (they are called xhaxha's pronounced jaja) and they just sit in coffee shops or in the parks and there's tons of them outside always. Actually, that's one thing I love about Albania is that people are ALWAYS outside especially when the whether is nice. It is amazing. Also everyone kisses here as a greeting (on the cheek right side and then left). It is so stinkin cute wow.

5. It is also culture for Albanian's to serve candies, fruit juices, and tea when you come into their homes and it's so nice. The tea, fresh bread, and fruits are seriously amazing. THE FOOD IS TO DIE FOR HERE.

Funnies:

1. Alright some of the funniest things happened this week but I can't even describe them so I'll stick with my "mediocre" funnies. First of all, everyone here has dark dark hair for the most part so they all have nicknamed me blondie and always call me that!! They love my long blonde hair ;)

2. Another funny thing... We were knocking doors and talking to this wonderful mom and her daughter when the daughter said that she knew Italian. I responded and said, wow really?!! Bonjour! with an awkward wave of my hand. Oh my gosh. Lol. She gave me an uncomfortable smile and then completely disengaged herself from our conversation HAHA. I started laughing and almost peed my pants though. Apparently I don't know Shqip (Albanian) or Italian.

3. We conducted a family home evening for our tiny little branch we have and it was so fun. There is the man named Amiliano who is so competitive (like me) and so we were just going at it in minute to win-it- games it was freaking hilarious especially because that was like my second day here when I could hardly say anything in Albanian HA HA. Also I hate to say it but Albanian's are tone def. It is so great though. When we sing hymns without a piano you don't even know remotely what the tune is HAHA. Aw they are such sweetie pies.

Spiritual:

1. My second day here we met the most amazing girl. Her name is Sara and she is PERFECT. She came in contact with the two elders in our area and immediately fell in love with what they taught her. She met with her and all she wanted to do was join and be a part of religion. She wanted to know more and we had the perfect thing for her. We met with her two days in a row, she came to church, she's been reading and praying, and she basically almost quoted scripture when we got together and it was the most amazing thing. She is so prepared for the gospel. She is a miracle. I am so excited for her.

2. Another spiritual thought is that I have absolutely had to rely on my Savior this week. As I have been immersed in this culture I didn't think I would have been able to speak to anyone. After a slight moment of doubt I prayed for the gift of tongues and after much hard work this week it is starting to come. I have been able to teach people solo and talk to people and there have been SOOO MANY MIRACLES.

3. We were contacting at the beach when both Motra Pëglsi and I both had the same impression to approach this woman and her son. They are named Elona and Lorenzo and the spirit absolutely guided us to them. We talked to them and found out that they had been taking the lessons from the missionaries but then she was robbed and lost her phone and was never able to find the missionaries again. UNTIL WE FOUND HER. We are so excited to meet with her. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

4. Church was absolutely amazing on Sunday. It was so beautiful to hear the prayers in Shqip it was so powerful. Our branch is the biggest in Albania with about 30 including the missionaries. I had the opportunity to give my testimony and it was such a privilege. I found out that some people have to walk over 30 min just to get to church and it was extremely humbling. One of the Elders serving here in Durrës is a native here (Elder Jakaj) and said that it is a choice. A choice that the members here know and love. A choice that they make simply because they love their Savior and know this church is true. Think about your faith this week. What sacrifices are you willing to make?

Anyways, that doesn't even touch the surface of my week because it has been so wonderful. I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve. I love you all and hope you have an amazing week!!!

Adriatic South Mission

P.O. Box 2984

Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta", Qendra "ALPAS", Shkalla

NR. 5, Apartamenti NR.14

Tirana, Albania

(me and a lizard I caught, suflaçe or a gyro, and me and my trainer eating the best crepes in the world on the beach)