Motra Sutton comin at you live from SHQIPËRIA. Things are just groovy out here. We are doing lots of finding and teaching and are starting to get a handle on this whole "technology" thing. It sure has added some spice to missionary work that is for sure! Our transfers have been pushed back a week in hopes that they may loosen some restrictions next week, but we shall see what happens! I am still with MY AMAZING COMPANION SISTER LONG. We are going on almost 6 months together now and I couldn't be happier! Besides our inability to cook I would say we are a 5/5 star companionship.
CULTURE SHOCKS:
1. I probably have mentioned this before... but it is so odd to me that Albania isn't known as "Albania" here! Albania= Shqipëria Albanians= Shqiptars Albanian language= Shqip (pronounced like sh-cheap)
2. Albanians use tree branches and attach them to the bottom of big sticks to use as brooms!!!
3. In general Albanians are known as a "cash country" meaning that they don't use cards, have savings, and their economy is not good! Corona has been HARD for them:(
FUNNY THINGS:
1. To keep ourselves nice and busy here Sister Long and I thought of the most genius ideas. I wasn't kidding when I said above that we are "stars". We have been reenacting the Book of Mormon stories and I think it may in fact be the highlight of my evening. From Nephi, Samuel the Lamanite, Abinadi, and all the other stories we have quite the show planned out so stay tuned my friends.
2. Speaking of being rich and famous.... we are going viral people. We are now making ads for the whole country of Albania to see on the internet and facebook!!! However, we are not becoming rich and we are definitely not famous. In fact, there are some pretty hysterical people that really hate us on the internet. But hey, THE WORD IS GETTING OUT AND THAT IS WHAT WE WANT. Send me your best pick-up lines;) We are looking for some awesome 2 second catches;)
3. You know you have been in quarantine too long when you have relationships with your plants!! Our plants have become our family and we are so very thankful for them. They make life colorful and happy. They also endure our constant care which now includes reading them scriptures and entertaining them. Hahaha who knew I would become such a good mother (of plants) on my mission!!!!!!
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT:
This week we have had the amazing opportunity to study together as a mission. We have attacked the topic of faith. I have learned so much!! One of the most incredible things I was able to understand is the fact that we all NEED faith and we all HAVE faith. Faith is simply the principle of action in all intelligent beings and without it we absolutely could not progress. This includes members, muslims, swimmers, jugglers, the lost and lonely, racecar drivers, the mediocre, and LITERALLY everyone! In the Lectures on Faith there is question, "Is there anything that you would have done, either physical or mental, if you had not previously believed?" We all have faith and we have all believed in something. We have faith that we will wake up tomorrow morning, faith that our plants will grow, faith that studying will bring good grades, and faith that our prayers will in fact be answered. Some of you may think that you don't move or act by faith but you do! For faith, as defined in the Book of Mormon says, "And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21). Maybe you think that your faith isn't enough... what could one simple person's faith really do in a world so big that is constantly changing? Remember, that it is a MUSTARD SEED of faith that moves mountains. When your faith is focused on Jesus Christ, it is enough! As you exercise that faith it will continue to grow. As President Anderson of the ASM says, "It is through faith that we will accomplish all things." Whatever "mountain" you are facing you have ENOUGH faith to remove it. Your faith is enough. Exercise your faith! Call on the powers of heaven. If you will listen, you will hear Him. I LOVE YOU! HAVE A FAITH-FILLED WEEK <3 ALSO- hug your families lots!! That isn't something I can do right now but I sure wish I could:)
Pics:
1. Cute comp!!
2. Balconys are a gift from God
3. Pday with this crew!!!
4. Pretty tree
5. We found cheddar cheese! Miracles!
Love, Motra Sëtën
Adriatic South Mission
P.O. Box 2984
Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta
Qendra ALPAS
Shkalla NR. 5 Apartamenti NR.14
Tirana, Albania
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