Dhjetor! Dec.4th

 

Can you believe that it is December already! Crazy. It has been a good week here. Albania celebrated their 100th year of Independence. Most of the festivities were in Tirana or Vlore so we didn't really see or hear much, and it was pooring rain. sad. But it was really fun to see all the flags and decorations all over all the country for the last month for the celebration. Motra Atkin and I put up our Christmas decorations on one of the nights we had to be in. Looks pretty good. 

 

It has been raining here like crazy. When it rains it poors. I still haven't waterproofed my boots and my feet keep getting soaking wet their is so much rain. Today I'm doing that... finally. 

This Last fast Sunday was so Beautiful! It all started on Saturday night. After our English course we went to the Pjetri's for a lesson. We were going to teach Eternal Marriage. Their dad Ndeu was home! yay! We taught a really great lesson! I showed them pictures of my family at the temple that mom sent me and they loved them. It has been so fun to teach them since they have been baptised with their dad too because they all really want him to learn and they all know when we have planned lessons especially for him. This night it was amazing how quiet everyone was and how strong the spirit was in their home. Motra Atkin asked him if he wanted to live with his family forever.. and after a second thought he said yes. We continued on with saying how he could live with his family forever. Helping him understand that it is only through this gospel! After a little talk we asked him if he would come to church the next day with his family. He kinda put it off for a second not saying anything and so we asked him again. Then he said yes. he would. YES! The mom Marte and kids all immediately had smiles on their faces. Me too! We continued to commit him making sure he understood that he had just promised us he would come. His wife did the same saying you just promised you would come with us. ha. Then we closed with a big family, kneeling prayer. It was so powerful! I loved it. As we were leaving, shaking everyone's hands, giving everyone kisses and hugs, the Mom and daughters said that they were fasting (their very first true fast) for their dad for fast sunday. I loved that! He walked us to the bus stop by their home and then we said goodbye for the night. 

 

Sunday morning came and it was POORING rain. Lots of people weren't on the bus. We had called Marte earlier to make sure they were coming and she said that the dad had left early and she didn't know where he was. Ahh! I still had faith in his promise though thinking maybe he just had to work a little before he could come. We got to the church and not very many people came because of the rain. The meeting started, we had the sacrament, and then... first in walks Ndue. I thought he came! and his family isn't here. BUT right behind him was his whole family! The second they walked in I got a huge smile on my face and I felt the spirit so strong! Talk about a beautiful moment. He really came! It was a miracle. They all came and sat by us and had HUGE smiles on all of their faces. They were so excited to all be their together. Marjeta got up and bore her testimony expressing how happy she was to be at church with her whole family. They also all looked their very best! All wearing skirts and dresses! 

What a wonderful experience. I love how quickly this family understood how important family is in this life. How they can't all live together forever unless they have their dad with them. Because of this they have all been extra good examples to him. I know he has seen a huge change in his family since we met them and he is slowly accepting more and more. So wonderful! I also love how powerful fasting is. What a beautiful thing! 

I love you all! Thanks for all your love. letters. support. and pictures! so fun! 

I get to skype for Christmas!! I'm so excited YAY! 

Motra Hoover