Elevators Nov. 7, 2016

The elevators here are probably the most fun out of everything else. So we got in one because we were going to knock on doors in a tall building where people live, and when it closed the lights went out. We couldn't see a thing...luckily Motra Uilli is always prepared with a flashlight so we could see the buttons so that we could press the open the door button. The little door tried...and then closed again...haha ok, ha ok, maybe not as funny now, kinda creepy, but don't worry, it opened a little bit later. But then we decided that we like stairs better...

So this week this cute little nëna gave us an Albanian dictionary from 1955. The first word we found was a Little baby bird kicked out of the nest (mom I can't remember what it is in Albanian, started with a ç something like çoçi). Anyway so that's the word of the week because...our trainer is leaving...Usually we get a full 12 weeks of training and people get transferred after that 3 months, but because of some sisters finishing their missions this week, Motra Uilli is transferring to Shkodër and leaving her two fringo fare's [newbies, greenies] here. So after 5 weeks of being in this country, Motra DeCoursey and I are going to be working together in Durres. Of course we already know this language perfectly so there's no worry there. And in case you don't know anything about the Albanian language, that's a lie. But actually I am excited for this experience. We had thoughts that this might happen and I remember thinking: na there's no way they would leave us two without an experienced companion...Well here we are. We watched the video for driving today and when we leave Motra Uilli in Tirana tomorrow, we will drive home to Durres, for the first time not in a tripanionship. 

I am ready to see what the Lord can do with us. There is no way that we could do this. We would not be able to understand a single person. We would totally stop the work here in Durres, if it were not for the promise we have as missionaries. I know that this will be hard, but I know that as we depend more than we ever have on the Lord, that He will be our strength. I think the theme for this upcoming week for me will be from DeB 6:34, 36 which says: 

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail...Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

It's hard to let go of fears and trust in God, but Lead Kindly Light. When prayers get longer, when they become more sincere, when we lean wholly upon our Savior, this is when we can become closer to Him. I am so grateful for hard experiences that will bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Always lean on them.

Motra Hagërd :)

The Shqiponia!! in the most hectic round about ever in Tirana! oh ya did i mention i actually will have to drive now? kicked out of the nest, into the traffic of Tirana...oh and these are the Collins with whom we went to dinner. they are up in shkoder...and they are stealing uilli...

Critters...

From the beach today when we had lunch with motra xheka at a restaurant on the beach and of course plan i shpetimit in the sand [plan of salvation]

This was for the family, but it's just cute... (you have to know that Theophilus Seval was one of the names considered for Ryan when he was a baby - say it aloud to hear why Ryan's dad thought that was a funny name).

So I started reading in Acts this week...

Acts 1:1

1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all...

Hahahaha this totally made my day during personal study. So ya know I guess Ryan has his own scripture, but I wanted to find out if I had a Becca scripture...

DeB 38:26

26 A bekah for every man...

:) Ha ya sorry guys there's not enough for every man but I hope that you can all find your own Becca's out there... haha well anyway I hope parents are really proud to have children on missions really studying the scriptures huh? Love You!! :)

Love,

Motra Hagërd puç puç (how they verbalize kiss kiss)