Unexpected Transfers and Cabbage Juice

Pershëndetje! 

So, I'M GETTING A NEW COMPANION! It was so unexpected! This has never happened before: having transfers during the 12 weeks of training. We were coming out of a lesson and we noticed we had missed calls from our Mission President. Seeing that, and having it be the 6 week mark, we were shocked! On Tuesday, Motra Cajupi is leaving to a new area and I'm receiving another trainer, Motra Willey. It's going to be a huge change and I'm going to miss Motra Cajupi a lot, but I know that it is the will of the Lord. Everything happens for a reason, and I am just so blessed to have Motra Cajupi as my companion these last 6 weeks! Now I really have to know my way around Korcë haha

Culture Shocks of the Week:

1. Cabbage Juice: It's a thing. As I was in a lesson this past week, this lady brought out a large thing of cabbage. She then pours out the juice from the cabbage into two cups for my companion and I with some salt. Then to top it off, she says, "The next time you come, I can make you some Dhallë!" (the watered down salty yogurt drink)

2. One of my favorite things is when I am just driving side by side with a horse drawn carriage or a man that looks like he's serving on the back of his horse.

3. Knitting is very popular here so Motra Cajupi and I have been blessed to have multiple lessons!

This last week we had a mission conference in Elbason where we meet up with all of the missionaries in the mission. We currently have 80 missionaries and we gathered to learn about what we can do to improve and help the people in the areas we are serving. Two days before the conference, I get a call informing me that I will be singing at the conference with one of the sisters. We sang "I Know that My Redeemer Lives". Apparently it was a little too good, that she ended up fainting during the performance so I quickly finished with a solo. Everything's good and we ended up singing it again later in the conference.

(Book of Mormon) Mormon 9:19

And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

I wanted to bear my testimony of miracles. I know that miracles are real, and through Christ miracles can happen. We see that with Christ feeding the 5 thousand, healing the blind and the sick, and calming the storm. Miracles have not ceased. We can find these miracles throughout our day, every day. Sometimes, we do know realize that He is there or look for His hand in our lives. The people here are shocked at how fast I have been learning the language after only 3 months. I'm even shocked at the things that are brought to my remembrance. I've become comfortable with speaking the language and it's been 3 MONTHS. This is not me. I testify of miracles and what we can do through the Lord. I was sharing in a recent lesson that I rely a lot on Christ in learning the language. I put in my part through studying and speaking the language, but it is truly through my prayers and turning to Him that He has strenghtened me and brought things to my remembrance. This is just another testimony of how important this message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is! How could I be able to learn a language so quickly in just a short time if it wasn't a powerful message that I need to share? I truly am called by a Prophet of the Lord and this is the work of Lord. I am here to help teach the people here about their Father in Heaven that loves them and that is He is there. Miracles are real and they are blessings from our Father in Heaven. He LOVES us so much and we need to turn to Him and search for those daily miracles in our lives because He truly is ALWAYS there. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you all! Please write down the daily miracles you have from our Father in Heaven. You'd be surprised to see how many there really are once we actually search for them :)

These are Furgons. We travel in them all the time. Motra Cajupi is from Vlorë so we were joking with her to hop in the furgon and head home right from Korcë.

A school in one of the fshats here (fshat: small town)

I tried my first suflace here! It's bread, meat, fries, and other foods I don't really know haha

The view of the apartment in Elbason.

Our MTC group reuniting!

Motra Bland, Motra Suckow, and Motra Miles

Motra Nali! 

Erald got baptized this last week! (Yes this is a pool)

Erald and Artemis! Artemis is from Greece so I've been learning a little Greek from her haha Jassu!

​I love these people!

-- 

Mirupafshim! Të dua!

Motra Olsen

Letters:

Adriatic South Mission
Sister Natalie Olsen
POB 2984
Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"
Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14
Tirana
Albania

(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)

Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net

mormon.org

"Your eyes are really bright but I have no idea what you're saying"

We We Pershëndetje!! I just wanted to thank all of you for your Christmas cards and gifts you sent me! Yes, it took about a month to get to me. It's been nice to relive Christmas again!

Culture Shocks of the Week:

1. I'm in the city well known for its cooking! Score! Also, the food here, it's base is ALWAYS dough or bread. The other day, I had bugace or in other words: a bread sandwich. It is rolls of dough in between 2 pieces of bread. 

2. I love traveling in Albania. We had to go to the city Elbason this last week and along the way, in the middle of nowhere, I saw a tank of fish and a little market. 

3. Traditionally here in Albania, when you get a haircut, you hit the back of that person's head for luck. 

One funny story this last week, I wasn't speaking very loud to this older lady so when I was teaching her, she just came right in front of me, stared at me holding my face, and said, "Your eyes are really bright but I have no idea what you're saying" my companion and one of our branch members helping us with the lesson really enjoyed that one and bursted out laughing.

So we had the sweetest lady, Frida, get baptized on Saturday! In every lesson, she just says, "I want to follow the Lord's path". She, having little, gives SO much! She brings us bags of fruit and food and is always giving! I am amazed at her faith and her immediate commitment to following the Lord. She truly has a light to her and does all that she can to serve and follow the commandments of the Lord. It was so special witnessing her baptism as a step to following the example of Christ. She truly is an example to me.

One thing I wanted to share was how blessed are we to have commandments from our Heavenly Father. Commandments are not limitations, not even close! If anything, through them, they make us free! We are given commandments because it is through obedience and diligence to change and follow Jesus Christ that we find the greatest happiness and the greatest peace. It is through obeying the commandments that we are blessed and that we show our gratitude for all that we have!

Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2: 41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

I am truly grateful to be here serving these people and sharing the message that we have a Father in Heaven that loves us SO MUCH and that He truly gives us so many ways to obtain happiness. It is then up to us to seek that happiness and remember that we always have our Savior and His sacrifice that enables us change, to improve, and to find the greatest peace and joy. I truly feel that as I serve as His representative every day! I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you! Have a wonderful week!

Old Korcë

Next dish: Pastica!! It's basically Mac&Cheese, but better :)

We went to the city of Elbason this last week and the city is built around this giant castle! It is so cool!

Frida was baptized!!

Our Korcë group that came with us to Elbason to Frida's baptism!

One of 2 church buildings in all of Albania! It is gorgeous! It's in Elbason.

Motra Cajupi and Aleksia and I in Elbason.

There are a bunch of castles here! 

The random tank of fish in the middle of nowhere haha

Anybody want an eel?

So I'm addicted....this is my favorite dessert of all time: Creme Bugace!

I learned how to make the most popular dish in Albania: Byrek! Perks of having an Albanian as a companion :)

-- 

Mirupafshim! Të dua!

Motra Olsen

Letters:

Adriatic South Mission
Sister Natalie Olsen
POB 2984
Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"
Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14
Tirana
Albania

(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)

Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net

mormon.org

Jam Ngopur!

Pershëndetje! Jam Ngopur! (I am full) I'll explain why below....

Culture Shocks of the Week:

1. The people here are the sweetest, most giving people. Also, when you are fed by an Albanian, it's almost as if you are given everything they own and more! One day this week, I'm surprised I didn't explode after 3 appointments where each of them fed us....all I can say is jam ngopur!

2. I got to try "lokume" this week! It's a traditional dessert they eat for special occasions. Traditionally, when an engagement is made, the families of the groom and the bride give it to the guests as a celebration. 

3. You pretty much know everyone in the streets. The city is a smaller city so we run into the same people in the streets all the time and stop and chat with them or have some of them act like we're not even there haha

I truly love Korcë: my new home. After some hard days, I always have my Korcë family and I am forever grateful! One funny story. My companion and I were walking in the street and we ran into one of our branch members, Kleanti, who was introducing us to his friend. He said to his friend, "These are my sisters. My spiritual sisters." We also have this one couple who loves to treat us like we are their kids. They told us, "We don't really want to hear your message. We can just feed you." 

It's so powerful seeing the faith of the people here. One of our recent converts was helping us with our lessons. After helping us, we got out of the lesson and she turned to us and asked, "When can I serve a mission?" WHAT?! I was filled with the greatest joy seeing her desire to serve and share the pure happiness that our message: the gospel of Jesus Christ, brings. I just wanted to share with something I've really learned this week. I've learned about the power of repentance. It is not this scary demand "You need to repent!" It's so much more than that! It is humbling ourselves unto our Father in Heaven in prayer, asking for forgiveness, strength, and power to change. It is then can we feel at peace. It is then that we are FILLED with His love! And it is then that we feel the most exceeding joy. It is forgiveness for the simple things, day by day, and then the desire and act to CHANGE. As we repent, meaning asking for strength to improve and for peace, we turn to our Father in Heaven just waiting for us to let Him in and allow Him to help us. I have felt the most joy as I pour out my heart in prayer each night asking then for strength and guidance to improve each day in my service, in my love for the people, and in everything I do.

Book of Mormon: 

Mosiah 4

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

 20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance,so exceedingly great was your joy.

I know that we, like the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, can pray to our Heavenly Father and be filled with His love. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all like, a lot! Have a great 

I ate at this really nice restaurant today to get some pizza :)

I love my Korcë home!

For an activity, we went ice skating on the Boulevard! 

This elevator is my favorite. We would press the button to take us to the 3rd floor...it took us to the 9th floor.

I've decided to start learning how to cook! Each week my companion is teaching my traditional Albanian dishes! This is "Speca të Mbusher" or stuffed peppers Albanian style :)

​

-- 

Mirupafshim! 

​Ju​

 dua!

Motra Olsen

Letters:

Adriatic South Mission
Sister Natalie Olsen
POB 2984
Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"
Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14
Tirana
Albania

(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)

Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net

mormon.org

Jam Kaq Ftohtë!

C'kemi! 

Jam kaq ftohtë!! (Can be translated either "I'm so cool" according to google translate, or the actual meaning which is "I'm really cold" haha) This past week was freezing with a TON of snow, all of the roads are frozen over, and it's freezing. Did I already mention that? ;)

Quick funny story: We were going tracting and we were at this lady's door. After we introduced ourselves, I started explaining our message with her and she just turns to Motra Cajupi and asks, "Are you going to translate for her?" then Motra Cajupi said, "Oh, she's speaking Shqip".

Culture Shocks of the Week:

1. Even in the freezing weather, everybody still goes on a xhiro, or a stroll through the city with their friends. It's so cute, there are always people out on the streets whether it be with purpose or not.

2. The bread here=heaven. For real. And an entire loaf of homemade bread is like 70 cents. Also, I tried an Albanian "burger" this week. Let's just say I won't be eating a burger until I get back to America. :)

3. When the Shqiptar shake their heads, it means yes and when they nod their head it means no. Yes. It's REVERSED!

This week has been a week of MIRACLES! I wanted to start off sharing a story that happened while I was traveling to Elbason for a mission conference. Due to the icy roads, the roads were slick. We were traveling (no worries I was not driving) and we were turning a corner along a mountain. Our car started spinning out of control and headed toward the lake. I just remembering feeling calm with a thought in my head telling me "You're going to be okay". We ended up falling down this ledge and landing right into the snow without continuing into the water. Not a single one of us was injured except one of us who scratched their thumb. This was no coincidence. This was a miracle: a blessing from our Father in Heaven. I know that we can find these miracles throughout our lives and even every day! These daily miracles, or tender mercies, are a witness and a reminder that our Heavenly Father is always there for us. His hand is in our lives and we need not to fear as we rely in our Savior. It is Him who tells us, "You're going to be okay". 

There have been so many other miracles this week. I've really learned about turning to the Lord. Whenever my companion Motra Cajupi and I didn't know what to do or where to go, we prayed. EVERY TIME we either had someone come in mind for us to visit or we were led right to someone's door that we were able to share our message with. I know that as we look first to the Lord, we will be guided throughout our lives and will be led as to what to do.

Alma 37:37 (Book of Mormon)

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Hopefully it's warmer than mine :)

​Baklava in a jar. People keep giving us baklava!!​

​Where our car ended up in the accident. It's a miracle!​

​

​Jemi kaq ftohtë!​

-- 

Mirupafshim! Të dua!

Motra Olsen

Letters:

Adriatic South Mission
Sister Natalie Olsen
POB 2984
Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"
Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14
Tirana
Albania

(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)

Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net

mormon.org

Gëzuar Viten e Ri!!

Gëzuar Viten e Ri!! Happy New Years!!

I hope you all had  wonderful New Years! Albanian New Years is literally insane. It's like a week-long process: There are buses everywhere, the shops are filled, and everyone is busy preparing their baklava. However, when New Years hits, the streets are bare! Everyone is in their home with their family for like 3 days. The fireworks sound like you're in a war zone with fireworks even being thrown into the streets. Due to that, we were home by 4pm New Years eating pizza and watching movies. It was fun! In addition to that, I ate SO MUCH baklava (basically 1,000 calorie dessert in one bite). It is layer after layer of dough, butter, and sugar. 

Culture Shocks of the Week:

1. Addresses don't exist here. There are only village names and that 's about it. We basically have to find someone's home based off of reference points. It took us an hour to find someone's home the other day in another village. However, you really get to know the area. 

2. Everyone gives you oranges. It's a thing. We do a lot of tracting (going to people's homes and knocking on their doors to share a message) and even when people reject us they still bring us oranges. Sometimes people in the streets just give us oranges. The best part about it-they are SO FRESH so I don't complain :)

3. Their form of "fast food" is crepes. There aren't any McDonald's here or food chains. The food however is delicious and an entire crepe and meal is about $2!

I am just loving the people and the country more and more! Something I realized is listening with love! My message I have to share is a message of happiness and I can testify that our message of Jesus Christ will help EVERYONE with all their challenges and problems that we all face in life! As we listen with love, I have this increased desire to share with them our message to really help them and bring them even greater happiness! I'm really working this week on relating to the people and really opening my mouth so that I can really get to know the people and share with them the love that our Heavenly Father has for them and that I feel for them as I serve them! 

I had an experience this last week. Motra Cajupi and I actually were talking to these two ladies outside of their apartment. One told us about her love of music and I was able to relate to her. I told her I used to sing and then Motra Cajupi said, "Yeah, she'd even sing for you right now!" And I did. She said she loved it and then said , "Me një fat të mirë" which basically means "may you find a good husband". All the ladies tell Motra Cajupi and me that haha They either try to set us up or wish us the best. 

I just want to share with you how much you are loved!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

We are Children of God! Never forget your divine nature! Our Heavenly Father truly loves us that he gave his only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can find peace, comfort, and love. I can testify of that love that our Father in Heaven and that our Savior has for us! Jesus Christ died for us. He sacrificed for us so that we don't have to experience all of our challenges alone. He is there. I see the power of prayer in my life and in others. We visited this one lady who wanted nothing to do with us. We asked her if we could just pray for her family. She accepted and as we did, she was brought to tears. She said we were a blessing brought to her to pray for her family. Prayer is real. Our Heavenly Father truly listens and it is one way we can be filled with peace and love of Christ. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all SO MUCH you have no idea! I hope you have a wonderful week! Me një fat të mirë! ;)

I don't actually know how to even get to this church.

WE HAD SNOW!! You don't really find snow in Albania so this we pretty cool!

This is Korcë!!

This is Aleksia our most recent convert. I LOVE her! We are coming back from serving at the old folks home!

We all went to go serve at the old folks home. I love these people!

Just the casual goats crossing the street.

One of the fshats (small village)

Yes I am in the car.

My companion is literally THE BEST! 

This last Saturday we went to Pogradec to go to a baptism for Përparim. It was so special experiencing his baptism and I got to share with him a talk about baptism and how beautiful how he is taking that first step in following Jesus Christ. It was priceless!

Fireworks are huge on New Years! You can literally buy them in the streets.

​Motra Cajupi and I went to see this fshat today.
​

-- 

Mirupafshim! Të dua!

Motra Olsen

Letters:

Adriatic South Mission
Sister Natalie Olsen
POB 2984
Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"
Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14
Tirana
Albania

(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)

Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net

mormon.org