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. :)