17th pday email from Albania!

Hello Everyone,

This week I learned so much I don't even know where to begin. That is a blessing in itself. That we can learn, grow, and progress. That all connects with agency and what effort we put forth is what we receive the fruit of. I know that I start off saying that I learned a lot every week, but I realize that we are never not learning. This life is the TIME. To become like our Father in Heaven and gain knowledge everyday.

On Sunday one of our investigators came to church. She is an amazing daughter of God that loves her children so much. Every time we go to teach her at her home, you always see a deep connection between her and her children. The thing that is so amazing that her son is the only member out of his whole family. His example strikes me as he nurtures his family with Gospel truths. I know that without a doubt that before this life he promised that he would come down at this time and bring them into the fold of the Good Shepherd. He is so strong in his faith and Sister C and I have discussed how each of his sisters and brother and parents have seen the difference and impact the church has made on him.

He is his own stellar pioneer here in Albania. All the members at this time are pioneers that before this life agreed to come down and be the foundation layers for this people here in Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia. These saints are strong and are capable to handle the challenges they face with their testimonies as a beacon of light to the people here on this side of the world.

One day, no matter how long it takes, I would love to see the whole family get sealed in the temple together for all eternity. This would bring them even closer together as a family unit and begin their journey to their Father in Heaven.

As I have been serving here in this ward, a blessing I've received from my Father in Heaven is my District. My District is AMAZING! Sister C and I talk about how blessed we are to have this lovely elect group of individuals. As we come together each week, it is such a spiritual builder. Elder S is our District Leader and he is such a leader for this group. I know that he is just one of many examples that the Lord knows our true potential and what callings we are foreordained to serve in.

This week we came to the conclusion that with hard times we learn to recognize the good times even more with anything we face in life. For example with this week. We had way more lessons this week and we were tremendously grateful for them when they went through and the spirit was there. These wonderful Albanians are His children. We are His messengers, to testify of the Love He has for each of us and what Christ has done for each of us.

I felt of this love with an experience we had this week. We were visiting with a less active. We shared the scripture in Moroni 10:32 and testified that because of Christ, we can become like Him and Heavenly Father. I remembered I had a feeling to tell her specifically how much the Lord loves her. As I testified to her of this, the spirit filled the room to the brim, more than I could fully comprehend. But I knew that she felt this spirit as well and her eyes teared because of it.

I. JUST. LOVE. WORKING. WITH. LESS. ACTIVE. MEMBERS. They are just important as investigators and active members. I didn't truly understand that before my mission. But now it is almost my favorite work to do. To bring the light of Christ into the lives that once had it and that are given another chance again and again to come unto him. :)

We had many amazing experiences this week but one of them was with another woman as we took her to institute. Elder S taught around this quote, "Leaders should demonstrate love and concern for those they lead." We then went into Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd and how family and leaders SHOULD Strive to Follow the Pattern of Leadership Set By the Lord. The spirit was so strong throughout this whole lesson but especially as he showed this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zhAT-jaljY). GO WATCH IT! IT IS SOOOO GOOD! :D But afterward, we asked this sweet woman what she thought of the class and she gave us this look like her mind was blown away at something. She then told us right then she had received some impressions. That is huge for her. Impressions for her means spiritual growth and knowledge. We then talked about how we would meet later that week and talk about those impressions with her.

AHHHHH! I love this GOSPEL and how through the temple, we can make covenants with our Father in Heaven and become closer to him and our Savior. That there is only beginnings. That my Savior Died for me. That Because of Him (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3TI4bYerU) we can turn to him again and again as we go through life. He will be there. In fact, he is with you now. ALWAYS!

Thank you for all your love, examples, and prayers. They keep me going everyday.

Know: 

YOU. MATTER.

GOD. LOVES. YOU.

YOU. ARE. HIS.

HE. IS. WITH. YOU. ALWAYS.

Motra Bezas

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