8th pday email

Ckemi!

This week was spiritually enlightening. This week was Half-Way Training. So we went to the mission office for all us 10 newbie missionaries that are still in training. (Random side note: I can't believe how time is passing. I am already halfway through my second planner). 

The Half-Way Training was really good. I feel that I learned a lot. But a few things I have learned is one, we always have things to improve on and that we should make goals to help us become better. Another thing is that when we testify, it brings the Spirit in the room when we teach. I saw that in the role plays we did at the halfway training. And to have that goal to testify as soon as you can when you are speaking with anyone about the gospel. 

Everyday I am having my eyes be open more and more to the joys of this gospel. Something that was also said at Mission Conference was "Men can have joy when they use their agency right." This statement that Elder Dyches said was so true. If we want everlasting joy, then we need to use our agency in righteous ways to receive those blessings. I saw that a lot this week with the new zone goals. Putting the goal of a new investigator each day down shows righteous desires and the faith you have in our Lord to receive those that are ready to come into His fold. I love this gospel. 

Well, I honestly love this Gospel for many reasons. But one of them is that through this Gospel, I realize who I truly am and the worth I am to my Father in Heaven. I am His daughter and I am here to help others see who they truly are and the worth they are to him. We are all His children and that through him, we can do ALL things! Know that you are LOVED! If you don't know that, get down on your knees in prayer and ask your Father in Heaven. I promise that your answer will come. It is different for everyone, but He will answer! :) Sorry, Random spiritual tangent. ;)

The language is coming. I learn more everyday. I have truly seen the gift of tongues at work in my life. Looking back, almost 4 months ago, I didn't hardly know more than 4 words, and now I can have conversations with Natives of Albania. Not close to perfect or even there yet, but I am trusting in my Lord. This is His work and He knows where I need to be at.

Anyway, so something cool that happen this week is seeing how the Gospel softens hearts. I have honestly seen that sooooooooooo much this week. For example, there is this lady who has been working with the missionaries due to her calling. Well, her children that are married and have kids of their own, were not active in the church and were very... not friendly I guess you could say. Well, we are not exactly sure what happened, but now her kids and grandchildren love us. We went over the other night and taught them and the Spirit was so strong. You could see how their hearts and spirits were yearning for the spiritual uplift you receive through the Spirit. :) 

I just am so amazed everyday what the Savior does for us. Admire is not the best word to describe how I feel about my Savior Jesus Christ. There is no beginning or ending to all that He has done and will do for us. It is through Him, I know what my purpose is on this Earth and that is to do the Lord's work by bring souls back to Him.

The impact the gospel is huge. I see it. Through the waters of Baptism and Confirmation of the Holy Ghost, the Light of Christ is shown through eyes and a person's appearance. It is something you can not hide. Like in the scriptures, Christ's name can not be blotted out. I love this Gospel with every fiber of my being. I know that Jesus is the Christ. That He died for the World so that we can, through the Atonement of Him, we can become clean and return to Him. :)

LOVE YOU ALL! Be strong and remember who you are!

Motra Bezas

An Albanian Christmas ad

Yay for wiring so she can have power and technology!

The Albanians write inspiring thoughts on their walls - 

so much better than American graffiti

Perspective makes all the difference

Celebrating the Albanians' Independence Day

The Albanian Independence Day - what a joyous occasion!

Albanian Independence Day - what beautiful costumes!

It's fascinating how missionaries continue moving forward even when ill. Here's a whimsical drawing Motra Bezas's companion did of her while she was sick this past week. Motra Bezas didn't even mention it in her letter. But it's cute - note the frog-in-the-throat and the parrot to indicate she sounded like a pirate while she had been sick. :)

7th pday email

Ckemi!

This week was amazing with spiritual insight. First off, we had mission conference was AMAZING! I honestly learned so much and plan on trying to put a lot of this knowledge into action. Like something Elder Dyches said at the conference, "You learn more when you participate." That comment is so true. How else are you really going to learn and grow into the person you want to be unless you act and do. Like in the scriptures, you see that all the time with Prophets and how they were spiritually strengthened along with physically strengthened. 

There were so many amazing things that were said. But the main message I kept noticing was that prayer is HUGE! It is the key to true conversion, to receiving revelation, to feeling the spirit, to uniting loved ones together, to be comforted, to express gratitude, and so much more. Those are just a few of the many things that come from prayer. 

One that stands out the most to me though that stands out a ton is that it brings you closer to Christ and our Father in Heaven. It is a gift He has given to all of His children to use. No matter when or where, you can pray to your Father in Heaven. How amazing is that? There is nothing like it anywhere in the world and there will be nothing that comes close to it. 

One of the things from the conference that I am taking into practice is to put even more effort into my prayers. Not like I am doing a bad job praying. I just know I can make my prayers even more of worth and more of the kind of prayers that they should be. I know that when I start doing this, I will see a difference working in my life and my relationship with my Savior will become even BETTER than it ever has.

There are so many other things I learned from conference and so I will just slip in bits every time I write.

So this week a couple of things happened. First, I just have to say that a new hymn that I have found has become my top favorite. It is Hymn 112: "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul."

Here are the words. I just love them:

1. Savior, Redeemer of my soul,

Whose mighty hand hath made me whole,

Whose wondrous pow'r hath raised me up

And filled with sweet my bitter cup!

What tongue my gratitude can tell,

O gracious God of Israel.

2. Never can I repay thee, Lord,

But I can love thee. Thy pure word,

Hath it not been my one delight,

My joy by day, my dream by night?

Then let my lips proclaim it still,

And all my life reflect thy will.

3. O'errule mine acts to serve thine ends.

Change frowning foes to smiling friends.

Chasten my soul till I shall be

In perfect harmony with thee.

Make me more worthy of thy love,

And fit me for the life above.

If you have never heard it go listen to it. Someone that does it so beautifully is Dallyn Vail Bayles. Go look it up! 

SO something that happened this week was that we made a goal to really emphasizing finding new investigators this last week. Well, we ended up getting a few! It was amazing. One of them is a young middle aged woman. We met with her and got to know her. In that lessons we talked about the Book of Mormon with her and invited her if she wanted to be baptized. She said she wanted to be. Believe me when I say that It made our day! :D 

This was such a witness to me that God is in all the details and even though things seem like they might be going one way to us, God knows how it will end up and so all we have to do is put our full trust in Him. 

Something that President said at the conference was "Your faith in Jesus Christ grows as you become better acquainted with Him and His teachings." That is without a doubt true. The only way you get to that point is if we just rely on him in all things and one of the ways we can start is through prayer.

Something also that happened this week was that a girl we have been meeting with has been super busy lately due to work, but this last week the hand of the Lord was involved, and we were actually able to meet with her on her birthday in fact. That whole day was just amazing. The spirit was so strong and both me and Motra L could tell that we flowed through the whole lesson, with the Spirit being the true teacher. It was really what this girl needed to hear. :)

So here are some answers to the questions you have for me.... 

Have you had a chance to speak in church? 

Not yet. 

Do they have Baklava there and what is your favorite desert and dish? 

Yes, at Christmas time it is huge here. I have had some already though and it is SO good! 

Do you cook for yourselves and what do you eat? 

We eat in and out. Motra L is a fantastic cook! AHHH I just love my companion. she is just so talented! :)

I know that this Gospel is true church that brings us close to our Savior and Redeemer. That through Him everything is possible. "The Lord shall fight for you... and you shall hold your peace.." (Exodus 14:14). That was something else that I had learned at Mission Conference.

Thank you for all your love and support. It makes the biggest difference in my life!

Motra Bezas

Motra Bezas sent this for her mama - something I've said perhaps far too often. She said she thought of me during scripture study.    :)

 At a mission conference

 The sisters in her district picking out fabric for Christmas dresses - just for fun.

6th pday email

Dear Everyone!

Ckemi!

This week has been has been full of growth. This week one of the things that happened was I went on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders. First off, I have to say that they are such a gift and a light. They inspire so many. I remember when they called and informed us that they were going to do exchanges with us. We were so excited to work with them. But when Motra R told me on the phone that they had prayed and felt that I should stay in place and Motra L would go elsewhere, I have to admit, I found myself growing a little overwhelmed, but I said that would be good. I really saw the hand of the Lord throughout our whole day together. I know that He carried me that day and all my worries were lifted. I learned so much. One of many was that everyone makes a huge impact.

Having now worked with Sister L and Sister R, I see how much the Lord admires them and love them and how important they are to this work here in this mission. Another thing is that a companion is something that is such a wonderful blessing to have. I see that everyday working with my wonderful companion, but also when I worked with Sister R. I realized that I first thought that everything was on my shoulders since I was the one staying in my area and knew the people we were working with and so on, but I realized I was completely wrong. Something about the church that is amazing is that we are a strong force that builds each other up and that no one is alone in anything.

AHHHHH! I just love this gospel! :) Well, long story short so much happened that day, and in the end everything turned out alright! That day really was a witness of 1 Nephi 17:50 "... If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them..." that honestly is so true. Sure, I wasn't building a boat like he was, but it was something that seemed more than he could handle, yet he knew that the Lord knew him and knew what he could and could not handle. So when He asks us to do something, know that He will provide a way for us. I feel like I am really emphasizing Nephi today but he honestly is so awesome! 1 Nephi 3:7 it really talks about this as well. :)

This week has just been such a time of growth and I have loved every minute of it. It is crazy to think that I have been here almost 6 weeks. That is just blowing my mind!

Oh yes, something else that happen this week was that a recent convert we have been teaching after baptism brought her friend to church yesterday. They are both in their first year of college. We also had another investigator that has been going through so many trials lately that came to church for the first time in forever. She just needs the gospel in her life. It would bless her in so many ways and her children.

Something that I learned this week is that God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ so that we could return to Him after this life. And yet, even after that, he still keeps giving us blessings through this gospel.

I LOVE this gospel! It is the best thing that has been in my life.

Thank you for all your love and support!

Motra Bezas

The following pictures are of an amazing historical location that the missionaries in Motra Bezas's district visited on their p-day. All days but one are spent in the service of their fellow beings. But one day a week, they do laundry, shopping, and have the opportunity to see some of the amazing sites in this great country. Most of the pictures Motra Bezas's sends are from their p-days. The other days they are too focused on their tasks to take many pictures. 

Motra Bezas's mission companion signing the guest log.

Motra Bezas signing the guest log.

Working on translating...

whew!

5th email from the field!

Here are some snippets from Motra Bezas's email this week...

Hello everyone that I love! 

This week I learned so much. I first though wanted to express my gratitude for my wonderful companion Motra L. She is without a doubt the best trainer that I could have received. God knew me and what I needed and so he sent her into my life. I am learning everyday from her. She wants me to succeed! She is so supportive and upbeat. I realized that I haven't really discussed much about her. She has finished three years in Biology. When she goes home she will finish up her last year and then teach.

So this week we had an amazing experience. So there is this girl that knows all the lessons and has even accepted baptism but then backed out. She says right now she doesn't feel ready for it but loves to help out the missionaries and be in their lessons and help out with those learning the lessons. Well, this all happen before we got her. She is just amazing. She is 23. She knows like about four languages or more. She is just so inspiring. I honestly feel such a connection with her. She was even asked to speak at a baptism. Her talk was amazing and the Spirit was so strong. Now this all happened the past couple of weeks with her. This last week President invited us and her over to their house for a lesson for her. 

We honestly were so honored that he wanted her in his home. It was so wonderful. That morning during personal study, Motra L found the perfect thought to share with her. It was Alma 5. (FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT READ THAT CHAPTER IN THE BOOK OF MORMON, READ IT!) Well, when we got to companion study and were sharing what we could share with her, she shared this section. As I opened to it, I got the strongest impression that this section was specifically for her. Long story short, we knew that was what she needed then without a doubt. 

Man! Having the Experience with the President and wife there was amazing. The President and his wife are such spiritual giants! Their comments and wisdom helped so much. The Spirit was there. And I know that this was something that she really needed.Something amazing that she said was that she had always had a strong relationship with God through Prayer ever since she was a little girl. The Lord loves her. I see it more and more as we meet with her. I see that with all our investigators as we teach them, they grow closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and begin to see the true value of who they are to their Father in Heaven.

We are His. That is such an amazing knowledge that we gain in this gospel. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Something that I noticed in my personal study this week in the Book of Mormon was that it is the word of God and that it is the map to live our life and that it gives everything we need to know. It gives a big picture to this life and our purpose. I learn that he also will light the way. He will NEVER lead us astray and that He will ALWAYS be by our side as we take our journey back to him.

Now time for questions: 

How big is your ward? 

Mmmm. It varies. About 60 or 70 that come I believe. But we also visit the homebound or inactive. AHHH! I have such a strong testimony about that! Visiting those that have fallen is SO important. Sharing love and service to them can change their life forever. No matter the reason they fell. :) We have visited many members that have come back just in the past month.

What are Sundays like? 

Everything about the church is the same no matter where you go. But the members in this ward are just... AMAZING! I love them with all my heart. 

For church, do you meet in a house or an actual church building? 

We have our own church building.

Anyway, I love you all. Know that God loves you more than anything! Stay strong. You are a gift!

Motra Bezas

Motra W (Motra D's awesome trainer) - 

in spite of the rigorous work, somehow these girls maintain a cheery attitude!