I can't believe how fast time flies... It's already March!!
Ahh. Because of the changes with all the new missionary influx lots of things
have changed. The new missionaries can only stay in the MTC for 9 weeks instead
of 12, so our transfers have been shortened. Everyone's going home dates are
changing also. Anyway, we only have 2 more full weeks left, before transfers. I
hope I get to stay in Kosovo! I really like it here a lot.
We woke up this morning and the sun was shining through our
windows!! Ahh!! It was so great! I miss the sun. It reminded me of when we
would wake up in the morning at home and lay in the sunlight of the old back
windows to warm up. There is something about the sun that makes everything so
much more warm and happy! It started my day off way good! It has been getting a
little warmer here... spring is coming. I'm also glad it was a really mild
winter here this year. Hardly any snow.
This week was a HUGE week of travels!! I remember after I
went to college I always wanted to do a study abroad or teach English in a
different country. Mom would always tell me to just keep working hard in school
and wait until I go on a mission. I always really wanted to go, but knew she
was right. Ever since I have gotten here I really have been so blessed. Even
though it does get pretty tiring to travel so much, I always count myself so
blessed! Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity to travel... and as a
missionary sharing the gospel everywhere I go makes it even better!
Last Monday we traveled to Vlore's village like I told you
last week.
Tuesday, we were off to Skopje, Macedonia for District
Meeting. We got their a little early so we looked around a lot. We went into
the big fortress/castle. Walked around the way cute little ally marketplaces.
and just got to see more of the city. I loved it! In Macedonia they also have a
HUGE cross on top of the mountain. One of the largest in the world I think.
Maybe some P. day we will go there and take the tram to the top to see it close
up, but it is cool to see.
1. Me in Macedonia, with the huge soccer stadium in the
background.
2. In the Macedonian Market. They have really
beautiful filigree butterfly's that they make here and you can only get
them here. no where else in the world. They are also really expensive... so I
didn't get one. ha.
3. The district- see how long my hair is!! crazy. I think
I'm going to at least trim it up soon. At least I'm not in Albania, people have
more normal hair cuts here. Thank goodness! ha
4. Bondsteel! The NATO army base in Kosovo.
Wednesday night, we traveled to Bondsteel the army base here
to teach Rebecca. It was really quite the experience. It really isn't anything
special, but it was cool to see that's for sure. They live in little cabins
that are all lined up in rows. It reminded me of a big girls camp or something.
ha. We had a great lesson with her, found out that she is Bahai. A religious
sect of the Muslim religion actually. Really weird. The first thing I thought
was great, we thought we finally got to teach someone not muslim, but we were
wrong! Really funny actually. Part of their religion is that they are supposed
to learn about other religions. So she's learning about ours. She has some
kinda weird ideas, but is also very humble and open to learning and growing.
Hopefully she will see the light in the truth. She came to church again
yesterday and we get to visit her again on Tuesday, so I'm excited!!
Thursday morning at 4:00am the bus left Prishtina and we
were off for Durres. We got there about 9:30am and OH I had a great day there!
I got to visit with lots of old friends including: the Prenga's- where I got my
boots totally muddy. and my Pjetri family!! They all had read their scriptures
and were excited to tell me about what they had read. It amazes me really how
much they understand. When they talk about what they read they don't even have
the scriptures open, and they quote some of the scriptures word for word! It's
amazing. I really had a good time seeing them all doing so well.
Friday morning we traveled to Vlore. We got in a
fergon (van) that was going to Gjirokaster, but said they would get us to
Vlore. We assumed they would drop us off in Fier to take a different fergon to
Vlore from there, but our experience needed to be more exciting than that I
guess. ha. First we stopped at a gas station to get gas and the car died. So we
all had to get out and they push started it. Then, even though we kept telling
him that we were going to Vlore he didn't stop in Fier and decided to just drop
us off on the side of the road where the road splits to the different cities.
So...ya we were pretty much in the middle of no where, with all our stuff,
hitch-hiking a ride to Vlore. ha ha. it was quite a priceless moment. After a
few minutes a little car pulled over with an older couple inside and picked us
up. He turned out to be a taxi driver and so ripped us off on paying him, but
we got there! ha. Vlore was so beautiful! SO warm! I didn't even wear a jacket.
We had lunch and then walked along the beach for a little. So fun. Then I got
to serve with Motra Wendt. We had lots of really great lessons and it was fun
to teach.
5. hitch-hiking
6&7. lovin the nice weather and the beach... Motra missionaries!
8. Motra Molifua loves jumping pictues, but Motra Richardson jumped too early. ha
9. statue in Vlore
Then Saturday morning we left Vlore at 8:00am. Had a little
break for lunch in Tirana. Started our fasts. and caught the bus back to
Prishtina. We got home around 8:30pm.
Sunday I was really tired, but Sacrament meeting was
AMAZING!! So many wonderful testimonies, and the spirit was so strong. I love
that!
So after a whole week of traveling, I was tired, still kinda
am, but am also SO lucky to be able to see so much. As we travel I really tried
to always make the most of it, and look for all the good and beauty of each
different place. It's so fun to get to admire and see all of God's beautiful
creations. I loved it!!!
Love you all! Hope your all doing well.
Me Dashuri,
Motra Hoover
A picture says a thousand words! love you!
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