tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61198057283425951842024-03-14T02:29:16.199-07:00Scatter Sunshine: Adriatic SouthSister Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00759367092900665739noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-18225740634499638322018-06-11T12:25:00.001-07:002018-06-11T12:25:45.277-07:00We are His Sheep<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Well-This is it!! I really don't have much to say other than I love my mission. I love my Savior. I love being a missionary. This is my final email from Albania. I had such a wonderful opportunity to say goodbye to everyone in Gjakova and then make it down to POGRADEC for my last P-Day. I am so happy to be among everyone I love. I am so thankful for everyone I have come to know and for everyone I have come to love. My last week was just full of living every moment-even if it includes days and days of tracting. What's new? haha but I just remember one moment tracting into the old man who was just going on and on about his time in a band because he was so thankful to have someone to talk to-I just stood there beaming just knowing I was in that moment, in Kosovo, being here for this lonely old man. I truly love the people here. I love everything about them and I just know how much the Lord loves them.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am so thankful for the Lord and that He has given me these past 18 months to serve Him and to come to know His children. I will never be able to repay Him-especially as He has given ME this time to serve Him. All of the people here in Gjakova are wonderful. They are strong as they go through SO MUCH. Yet-in Christ they find peace. We can only find true, lasting peace in Christ. I was definitely going through a lot this last week so I just opened up the Book of Mormon and just feasted upon the words. The Book of Mormon TRULY is the Word of God. We can only know if we ask the Lord ourselves. I can read countless passages that Jesus is the Christ or that Christ is the Son of God-however how will I ever truly know unless God tells me Himself? This is why prayer is so powerful. We are teaching a woman here who said she has all these things-money, a beautiful family, and everything she could ever want, yet she still feels like something is missing. We just testified and told her to find out what it is that she is missing through reading the Book of Mormon. We can only truly know from the Lord through His Spirit. His Spirit has guided and directed me throughout my entire mission. It is Christ that I have come to know and have relied on throughout each and every day. Without Christ I am nothing. Without Christ, I am weak. I testify of His power, His love, and His peace. I love my Savior with all of my heart. He has given me so much and I am eternally grateful and am determined to serve Him continually throughout the rest of my life. </span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love these people. They truly are children of God. They have a place in my heart forever. I'll see you all soon! I love you all so much!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I gotta end with my <b>Culture Shocks:</b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. We got invited over for MANY meal appointments-these Albanians just love to give us food. We went over into this family's village. Their kids are from our English Course!! As we sat around to have the meal, they give us fresh lamb and say, "We just killed it this morning!" When will I ever have that in my life?</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. In addition to that meal-we taught the family. The father's a SHEPHERD!!! We taught a shepherd and his family!! We tied it all around Christ and that He is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep. It was wonderful!!! He also showed us all his sheep :)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. I had my final transfer call and am called to the USA......I'm going to have many more culture shocks haha</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>John 10:</b><b><span class="gmail-verse-number gmail-verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="gmail-chunk gmail-hl-id-83229285" id="gmail-chunk150000" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14 </span></span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150001" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150002" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">am </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150003" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150004" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">good </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150005" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shepherd</span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150006" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150007" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150008" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">know</span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150009" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> my </span><span class="gmail-clarity-word" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150010" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sheep</span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150011" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">,</span></span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150012" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150013" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">am </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150014" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">known </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk150015" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="gmail-chunk gmail-hl-id-83229285" id="gmail-chunk150016" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mine.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_62eb_694c_18cc_24d7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QpAVwUNowiQ/WvEqzuShYtI/AAAAAAAAn6w/q6loXiMTbI0twkRHPNQL4m13u9Dy8_CDQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_fda2_93c_6b0d_a84c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZeJwvYSndU/WvEqzv9nYCI/AAAAAAAAn60/nIZihmp0sg8UW2k23t-niZy3CNHO9RrRQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_46b6_63a0_5f6_62b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t7cvNwPiXXE/WvEqzimmVcI/AAAAAAAAn6s/5KTCZEgMHlkWB8vW_G0m6ZHkjbQMFHD9ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is water from the font we drained. The font is in the basement. We had a nice man that was taught by the Elders and baptized this last week.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_48a7_e96f_2eca_c1e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czrob7JxIsk/WvEqzrcXnHI/AAAAAAAAn7E/vnpF1lJjxOQSatI_49Xuq03Pm2FjBL9_QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_e095_9135_a915_f718" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmsdiwJwU7w/WvEqzrlAQuI/AAAAAAAAn6o/Uzf93aEVRPA5CneHM2-bfqqnaWI_SIkagCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I LOVE KOSOVO!! SO GREEN!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_2ae7_cc5e_36b9_560c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_iWewVLSL4/WvEqzr9vL7I/AAAAAAAAn64/m7G6yA9QmGsJNAXJL88auZjQn6LVxFfvgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our Shepherd family.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_84a4_c0a_d52f_460" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6u_t5ouCEYQ/WvEq0f8RN5I/AAAAAAAAn7A/4WYD2t7IwXIAu8TuLlUv4kmhOw0aX5_aACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_3443_7fde_bcb_b5c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XOqCneOJ-BQ/WvEq1Y-SNAI/AAAAAAAAn68/TC8ohi30d0cmCh7I64c4ckL_cRc1DhFOACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We teach the youth class at church so I said goodbye to all the youth. I LOVE THEM!!!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_e03f_424d_1b46_3ef4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HXZ6fb4VDWU/WvEsV-kIBJI/AAAAAAAAn7k/cfKAz4t2qYstzwRHo4kYjVdbjqz2xx6lQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me and Eda. I LOVE HER!!!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_c5f4_3b6_fb9c_e703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4KmBqAs7h2E/WvEsWCyeGMI/AAAAAAAAn74/QQqjSZ8AeLMZe6L7IEdsM39MipEMyZE0wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is Zenia that we teach how to read.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_75be_4409_5a7f_c278" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mXMOAF3TnAU/WvEsWAru0HI/AAAAAAAAn70/oLU10LL8yK07NfyD2VxM2qM0EDt1rYOwgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me and my girls :)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_e3a4_e58c_8fb7_6fe9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wJ14jhjsrgM/WvEsWKJTsWI/AAAAAAAAn7o/kx4OrksaDKAHfLMcKjALecHnjQPXHbpVACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_723_d440_7c77_2f2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ddP0fLYTMQ/WvEsWByt9aI/AAAAAAAAn7w/QWtBeBqp_Ws62ooQtYHAgP3ad6RfQXCxwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">End of the mission.....I think they're a little worn out.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_3e1b_a660_7e47_d570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LUqVyAz_NY/WvEsWIX07rI/AAAAAAAAn7s/hdPSGO1wDEo_vsX3GC0ExwQel-MuUu5fQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My last Albanian treat-Creme Bugace (It was also my first the day I arrived in the country!)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_2e25_ab3b_4aa7_e414" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CMpEOkPfNW4/WvEsWom-kwI/AAAAAAAAn78/41YkeK0sdUYm9PQrKi4M3W-7bZIzo4VlACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_22d7_95f2_25f2_f699" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-usGYg4J2qvY/WvEsXDdd8UI/AAAAAAAAn8I/hGQRdIhoARY1npA_tX40Ei3gulStrfgWgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">WE CAME TO POGRADEC! (Im here not)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_926b_1dcd_a05_e054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QeQO8AEkHvI/WvEsXv3-QWI/AAAAAAAAn8E/iH0xBJkR65YYRWHUTO_k0CK9moytHklmwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Saying goodbye to Bruna :)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_d601_9659_8e44_8efb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pfFmwOIbOPg/WvEsYCthMaI/AAAAAAAAn8A/HL41SsXhnbIgVgE5ygzLA94lI45xPkTSgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-- </span><br />
<div class="gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-85773933510170440192018-04-30T16:03:00.000-07:002018-04-30T16:03:58.364-07:00The Last Lap<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wow a lot has happened this last week!! It's been yet ANOTHER week of miracles!!! I am LOVING Gjakova and how beautiful it is here! </span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. WE GOT OUR FIRST EVER DINNER APPOINTMENT IN KOSOVO!! We had a miracle moment where the members called US to come over to eat a special Kosovaren dish they made-Fli. This is a big deal because we are not invited to anything here haha so we're are developing great relationships!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Perks about living in a Muslim culture-there are always modest clothes :) The dresses are LONG!!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Along with the culture....there is a lack of pork here. (I hope someone gets that)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">SERVICE!!! That has to be the theme of this last week!! Motra Ahlstrom and I have been looking to find a lot of ways to serve here and it's been a major blessing!! Service allows you to be more aware of those around you and we truly were led to so many people! We've helped a woman clean her rug (The Albanian way: With a hose, scrub brushes, and soap. I'm thankful that wasn't my weekly chore growing up haha), we helped a member paint her house, and we went around with the members to pick up trash at a nearby park we play futbol at (or soccer for you Americans :)) SERVICE IS SO AWESOME!! A major service opportunity we have every week is helping to teach a member here how to read. It truly is a miracle. We've started reading the Book of Mormon with her and we give her certain words to look for so as we read aloud, she then reads her assigned words. It's been incredible because there is truly POWER in reading the Book of Mormon. She is picking up a lot faster and has a great confidence knowing that the Lord is helping her and wanting to help her read. She just so badly wants to read from the Book of Mormon. It has been a major miracle!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Other moments from this last week! We met this family on the street who actually wanted us to come over and teach them!! When we did, they invited us back the next day so that they could feed us fli.....but also to hear more. They invited their family and their friends. We then taught the Plan of Salvation to everyone there all gathered around and it was AWESOME!! Then to top it off-they all came to CHURCH!!! We are so excited to be seeing the Lord truly leading us to those that are searching and prepared for this gospel!! I love this work!! We were also able to meet with and teach many other families. That has been our focus and I am just so thankful for the Lord and this opportunity we have to have so many more families apart of our lives. I love this work and I love this gospel!!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jacob 5: <span class="gmail-verse-number gmail-verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">75 </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;">And it came to pass that when the </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;">Lord</span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;"> of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it </span><span class="gmail-page-break" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;">is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;">blessed</span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;"> art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;">natural</span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;"> fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">ye shall have </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">joy</span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;"> with me because of the fruit of my vineyard</span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400;">.</span></b></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have just loved reading the Book of Mormon everyday and Motra Ahlstrom pointed out this scripture to me this last week. I just want to testify of the JOY it is to serve the Lord. As we have been serving so many this week and teaching so many and as I am reflecting back on my mission, I truly have found JOY in this work. I love that the Lord says that we will have JOY WITH Him. That is His joy-WE are His joy!! He just wants us in His arms. He just wants us to return home to Him. He truly does love us. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This will be my last week! It's crazy but I am so thankful to live every moment to the end. I am eternally grateful for this time that I've had to serve my Savior and my Heavenly Father. Words cannot even begin to express my gratitude. I'll be seeing you all next week.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_39da_b3ff_3ddc_421d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZrldBgedMs/WueaXfwT8fI/AAAAAAAAnd4/3a8z8FXrj7IqQzExQDKYc5iHTSRVeyK2gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">WE WENT ON A GORGEOUS PDAY TRIP TO VALBONA!!! It is SO BEAUTIFUL HERE!! I cried. When do I not?</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_4ca0_f1ba_23e4_ff0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ly_5kKH_-Q/WueaXnfQFEI/AAAAAAAAneI/0Zl-RjGWjNEsKfpzxDFjkUtuDd5wcTyRgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<img alt="" id="id_eb8_3c9_e61a_b582" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-onQpkNtR6NA/WueaXZnGACI/AAAAAAAAneA/kyCXgqhEhHsVuxU72B20mCcLMuidMqdsgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love nature so much!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_7190_aa9b_98cb_a3b7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orv-Kb5sJ9Q/WueaXoeutxI/AAAAAAAAneE/v93gMn7yClMBYEbiSLVjxsnSLekM4AHTgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gjakova!! Isn't it so CUTE? It's my cute little city :)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_84fc_78c8_e74c_22f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT3WBAwWm1g/WueaXUrLmkI/AAAAAAAAnd8/UPbx6QFLS04CoGPvTOJw308wnEFUrekNACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We celebrated one of our English Course kid's birthday this last week! I made some Albanian chocolate cake :) This is our class!! I love them!!! They get SO PUMPED to read the Book of Mormon at the end of the class it's so funny to watch kids fight over reading and responding to the passages haha</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><img alt="" id="id_b404_d461_7304_675d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cYLn3fQRh8o/WueeiA_BKHI/AAAAAAAAneg/Q0ee-NJ7KwMEULRlkjnwoG1t6fUZgubFACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just chilling with the cow :) I love this family!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_b8c6_b50_cb72_3fce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--AH7LncGDYc/WueeiVZNBZI/AAAAAAAAnew/s-cpZ664LF0sla0IC8Al5M2IBwU6RDtwgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_4266_e552_fc4_1819" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-70wfaclwp1o/WueeiDa5MmI/AAAAAAAAneo/L0Y8yvJLONY3cdUizMy_Y9c9-2cIomJ3gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_9525_fc1b_2200_b36e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YefTyl18Dms/WueeiKM3oqI/AAAAAAAAnek/qqCqV1n0nL0oo3V5YfvrXVr9N8BefM-xwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">More Valbona :)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_f1a2_f5_2f00_bbbf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BMUas-jXntM/WueeiJVwwDI/AAAAAAAAnes/w-jviBA06Y4ZXNK5kWzc3fBA7nGj0f3zwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_2278_381b_226c_d787" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yQCoizGbDUw/Wuefw14PDwI/AAAAAAAAnfE/3xARKqR2WOIbD_g6Nwqs3raJi0oo81aiwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_234_a796_7b2_1d8c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RGBXcETdCE/WuefxZeCsSI/AAAAAAAAnfQ/Mu2hqSH7VlE7v80-f98jgjB1M1HtiesOgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_2047_a975_d33b_4472" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ewzJLqAUtM/WuefxUsy97I/AAAAAAAAnfM/sHJwQRNb1xYpOpzhWF2SdXQkW6iKOTUDQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I LITERALLY HAVE THE COOLEST MISSION!!</span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img alt="" id="id_7899_6949_79c3_ea23" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZqsnFr2myw/Wuefxbb-cKI/AAAAAAAAnfU/kSvs54inF0s3ulQnw3wlcj-nt5tDVN7ewCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_79a4_2ada_b1c1_9816" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j57lzVBjXTI/WuefxWtyp8I/AAAAAAAAnfI/eQ97u0s6s0YvxtAJTHsPO8RUmOyPHtYvQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The best cooler I've ever seen! This is coming from the river.</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_583a_938b_57bd_3552" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-030I_iWqpro/WueggPZjfyI/AAAAAAAAnfo/Thftq00ZfB8aOeOlrJlWwRszPCKUWd5SgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our Dinner Appt</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_80e6_97c4_8c7f_273e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjip5-pekv0/WueggzhsveI/AAAAAAAAnfs/lVY4rVfO9c0a-5LQD67S6xd2FoTIhxd7ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<img alt="" id="id_aaf3_ade3_172_d000" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sWDLQUwR56g/WueghLEThBI/AAAAAAAAnfw/wOk6y-NZO4MwfAxwLEh5oSDkk88vIPXOwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In Prishtina</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_49aa_b1b0_321d_169" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q2MMgNwBvtg/Wuegh9HdaTI/AAAAAAAAnf8/Ujbw8smDlXMmWmlV_FYJbR1y7W2PG5sxgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_d7ad_6483_dc4_1a6a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DAroMqQfi3I/WueghtZScdI/AAAAAAAAnf4/uR-ZUCzvet4h1kwsuzjnHt2CgxzijS_-ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_e53a_6444_901d_c206" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jcB4mIEhMd8/WueghrppnUI/AAAAAAAAnf0/yAKuFDxv6OMPmpfWoUthAFtftqaW1u_dgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-- </span><br />
<div class="m_-7403658330243334024gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motra Olsen</b><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Letters:</b></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Adriatic South Mission<br />Sister Natalie Olsen<br />POB 2984<br />Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"<br />Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14<br />Tirana<br />Albania<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" target="_blank">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-11299497488987548592018-04-30T15:13:00.000-07:002018-04-30T15:13:48.451-07:0018 Months in Paradise!!<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
So this week-I've officially hit 18 MONTHS!!!! But guess what? I've still got a few weeks more so I am savoring every moment to the end! I had to celebrate it with ice cream though :) I also hiked THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CANYON EVER-Rugova canyon! It's near Montenegro so pretty cool!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<b>Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
1. Cleaning dishes over a toilet......this last week we went and helped this family clean their entire home after months and months of neglect. It was a special moment because it was a member's desire to serve and we had the opportunity to serve with her. I've done a lot of things I never thought I'd ever do but hey-it's an experience I'll never forget :)</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
2. Usually, we randomly lose power. It's just a thing. You can't live in Albania or Kosovo without losing power and water constantly haha</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
3. This last week was my LAST mission conference :(</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
Man time is flying by!! It's scary! But this last week was a special one! We got to go into Tirana because we had Sister's Conference! It was honestly so fun to be with all the sisters from the whole mission. There are only 20 of us-Motra Anderson (our mission mom) gave us each little jars of homemade jam :) She's so cute!! Motra Ahlstrom and I gave a training along with the other 2 sets of Sister Training Leaders. I got to sing with my sweet MTC companion-Motra Jones. We sang "Come Thou Fount". And Motra Jones and I had to give departing testimonies! Dang it!!! Why is this a thing? I never thought that day would come. I literally said, "I've been waiting all my life to be here on my mission....and now it's over." haha we actually got to do valle (Albanian traditional dancing) as well and Motra Hysa led us! It was a wonderful time to be with these sisters. They are INCREDIBLE! I just looked at all of them and said, "I am so pumped for you sisters! The Adriatic South Mission is in good hands." I truly mean that. I am so excited for all of them! They are already bringing about INCREDIBLE miracles here.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
This week we have been finding and meeting with a ton of people which has been a miracle! One of the coolest moments of my mission happened on Thursday. We met this lady in the street and went over to her home. Little did we know that she invited her neighbors and we had about 13 people gathered around us in her home. We shared our message and used our object lessons to interact all the kids. It was so special to have so many there gathered. When we finished our lesson, I asked if we could all kneel as my family would kneel and pray together every night. EVERYONE kneeled and I offered a prayer. It was so powerful to be among these people and to pray for them and their families. There is a POWER in prayer!! We truly speak to our Heavenly Father and it was so special to feel of His love. Our Heavenly Father loves us IMMENSELY I don't even know how to begin to express that. All I can say is just pray and ask Him how much He truly does love you. He gives unto all that ask Him with a sincere heart. He loves you!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">I just want to share a scripture that has impacted me this last week-in the Book of Mormon </span><b style="font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif;">Alma 26:</b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"> <span class="gmail-verse-number gmail-verse" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">Behold, the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">field</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">sickle</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">sheaves</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">! And they shall be </span><span class="gmail-page-break" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span class="gmail-verse-number gmail-verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">storm</span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;"> cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.</span> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="gmail-verse-number gmail-verse" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">harvest</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">, and they are his; and he will </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">raise</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> them up at the last day.</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;">Every day we recite Doctrine and Covenants 4. This scripture in Alma truly impacted me because as I am reaching the end of my mission, I am comforted in knowing that I have been able to do all I can do. I care so much about these people and it's so hard to think about leaving them. However, I am comforted in knowing that they are in HIS HANDS. How powerful is that? Whenever I've messed up, whenever I've struggled or made a mistake, I am reminded that this is HIS work. They are in His hands. All of those that I have come to LOVE are in His hands and there are no better hands than His. I always am reminded to just get back up and keep going, keep improving, keep changing-and through doing so, He has shaped me. He has led me and I am thankful to be an instrument in His hands. I LOVE MY SAVIOR with all of my heart and through loving Him, He has helped me learn to LOVE!! I testify of His divine love. His perfect love! We are in His hands. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;">More pics to come! And a bonus video :) haha Motra Ahlstrom and I made it for Sister's conference. We have a mission thing of using NutriBullets.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody;"><span style="font-size: 17px; height: auto; width: 353px;"><img alt="" id="id_acc1_15c4_b266_1365" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlt-I99qgEI/WuY-q87YKxI/AAAAAAAAnZ0/arP6T0XdQ6oW2Yky7YT_aZF5LdcUggM-wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ALL THE SISTERS IN THE MISSION! I love them!!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_67d6_f76f_4d8c_d006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fYro_2C1j84/WuY-qwQu1oI/AAAAAAAAnaA/-QpNaitkpyIAX3FDwwGaRjwDomtqjy5EwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Albanian dancing at the conference together<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_361e_4fba_d052_4423" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KK352ewaZL8/WuY-q8jE8jI/AAAAAAAAnZw/awQEknzFTRAhxNchPoGePce9T4SDrY6WgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Easter dinner<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody;"><span style="font-size: 17px; height: auto; width: 353px;"><img alt="" id="id_906f_6c77_f287_9966" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hmMhjH7HNXA/WuY-q-0YpeI/AAAAAAAAnZs/X295MKyp-8QdxaKe8USlkd8nk-zDBdphgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rugova Canyon!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_e356_b97_be4f_53d9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ie6Oy-loiSg/WuY-qwq0uOI/AAAAAAAAnZ8/INDYYTJXW2YS4mPoSqKXnbOqjYIPcqgdgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I LOVE NATURE I CAN'T EVEN HANDLE IT!! God's creations :)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_bd72_db92_85e2_512b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q4G_nHvplto/WuY-rIzfc4I/AAAAAAAAnaE/wzftyrXJdUMFAHDle5UBhUc3bjuQwujRgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<img alt="" id="id_ee28_d91a_c39b_2bbe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1XS1Yx38ikU/WuY-rqPRWkI/AAAAAAAAnZ4/_AmaNf6gpgE9nccwfoizJKpCUX7dEu3-ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me and Motra Ahlstrom</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_9f7a_261f_5b0c_fa6f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klGyv8MoRJQ/WuY-sNbLw0I/AAAAAAAAnaI/gIkvAsP-K8Qep1n1SGJ3dgBnLj8OvUpqQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<img alt="" id="id_cfc1_75db_a45e_a062" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_iWgxVCMOHU/WuY-sYAwqhI/AAAAAAAAnaM/-QoDgGFOF-M2T21vfT6y0_oIhyl2AlnTACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">MY GIRL!!!! Motra Mcguire!!! :) I got to see her at Sister's Conference. </span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_f698_f790_f071_223d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3dZjlkeDYGs/WuY-s-V_kbI/AAAAAAAAnaU/jSAZSpejEK8USeIhtbujbUEvcp6MpzM3gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Motra Jones and our girls :) (Training)</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_43fe_c2a9_9118_33ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bTrxLweE1U/WuY-s0ntprI/AAAAAAAAnaQ/3BHHajN2NrsrEArjjMeVrXsG2PSUuw2SgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">MOTRA JONES!!!! She's been with me since the beginning!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_7601_455e_df62_4e4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4GQltzVvvKQ/WuY-t00wetI/AAAAAAAAnac/4QZh_d4zklY_SlcIiFvwdGeqok6aONNbwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Singing together one last time at the conference</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default">
<img alt="" id="id_a427_dc6c_808f_1bac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlqY9uzuaG0/WuY-t4k1E8I/AAAAAAAAnaY/mbqn1kW24Y4G0mPpDk2kx6KLU7dc5DhMwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_13c2_94af_2dfd_d97e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nG0zDe0cFVQ/WuY-uR1lz7I/AAAAAAAAnak/Ep94MTwfRmYAqHA8zrNx7D-EA40tCT4TgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_374e_f0b8_681a_73de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zKBJa8Sp5gw/WuY-xMnjHLI/AAAAAAAAna8/hyxKEf6ASVc55PANcXTbyEU2FpMMNCi5QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_9f65_ee1f_5668_8c5a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSE9u9TLLnI/WuY-w4z_epI/AAAAAAAAnaw/W4zWRuBPQFgFFRcbBlgItlz1cuI9rsu9QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_b02a_1030_a20_318d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H0wu5LSd_1k/WuY-wCEY7qI/AAAAAAAAnag/kfU9bpO5WQ01NVP_ofnuQLiedIsEb0npwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_8cb7_5050_57d7_2d7b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OzB9VF4KZio/WuY-wj0hZBI/AAAAAAAAnao/_q-TfhQ8BLojLcCUzXTFly2L7RpCz5gSgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<img alt="" id="id_8803_110c_eb86_6b98" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0X_ymQ7VyY/WuY-w5ePFtI/AAAAAAAAnas/8_TjtggC4CQ_WRd7bMROVre9CceRsOH7wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_c93b_71e6_f92a_6449" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mx0PRH_LZrM/WuY-yDWl1zI/AAAAAAAAna0/AwO_1ImNxtIJxEBzokeld5ChNUQ2v-eHQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_4336_b157_dd98_4263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-knEtd_qvLDY/WuY-yhYGLQI/AAAAAAAAna4/HKZrff3M1e4T3TcHbDYGKCjK-Vy9EayEQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hi from Kosovo :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-- </span><br />
<div class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motra Olsen</b><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Letters:</b></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Adriatic South Mission<br />Sister Natalie Olsen<br />POB 2984<br />Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"<br />Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14<br />Tirana<br />Albania<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" target="_blank">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /><br /></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-15815886143755050472018-04-23T13:31:00.001-07:002018-04-30T15:32:36.950-07:00"We're the Town Greeters"Ahh this week was such a good week!!! Lots of stuff has happened and I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am to the Lord and EVERYTHING He has given me throughout these past 18 months :)<br />
<br />
Culture Shocks of the Week:<br />
1. Everything is backwards here: People shake their head yes, water the sidewalks-not the yard, and DON'T LOOK before they cross the road!!! Man driving in this city drives me crazy sometimes haha<br />
2. Albanians know how to party and try to make EVERYTHING a party!!! We got invited to a very special event this last Saturday in Tirana in Albania to celebrate the 25 years of Albania being dedicated to preaching the gospel in Albania. President Oaks dedicated Albania 25 years ago and EVERYONE was invited! I'll tell more about it later.<br />
3. Whenever we meet with people, we always have tea and PIZZA is only about $1 here!! That's about all we eat. And it's GOOD pizza in Kosovo! We each order individual pizzas :)<br />
<br />
So there were so many special moments from this last week. First, I want to share a typical day in Gjakova. We go about contacting like, all the time. It's awesome actually. Most people don't stop to talk haha but people are very friendly! Funniest comment from Motra Ahlstrom this past week after we got rejected in the street, "That's okay. We're the town greeters". IT'S SO TRUE!!! I basically just get out "Hello!" Or "Good Morning" and then am very promptly rejected with "I don't have time" Well hope you have a great day! I'm just hear to greet you anyway! There's no discouragement though or lack of faith. Just pleasant surprises when people actually stop or accept a second lesson :)<br />
<br />
SPEAKING OF PLEASANT SURPRISES we had a MIRACLE this last week. So we don't know how we got this lady's number, but we called her and she told us to meet at her daughter's school. We showed up not even knowing what her daughter looks like and she wasn't there. There was a bakery close by and I felt an impression to just go and eat a byrek at the bakery. No-it wasn't my hunger that prompted it, but that probably was a factor haha however the moment we walked out, this girl came up to us just arriving and she was like, "Are you the girls that keep calling my mom?" We were pumped. We then walked with her to her home and had an AWESOME lesson on Christ with her and her mom and they both came to church on Sunday and are preparing for baptism! We are so excited! What touched me was that the Lord is so practical. He directed us where we needed to be at the right place at the right time....and He didn't leave us hungry :)<br />
<br />
WE ARE ALSO TEACHING A FAMILY!!! I don't have too much to say about them other than the fact that we've been teaching them in English Course and they are so wonderful! We are excited to work with them! Truly, there have been SO MANY miracles from this past week and throughout each and every day. I LOVE my mission.<br />
<br />
A very special, unforgettable moment I had this last week was going to Tirana to the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of the Dedication of Albania. I got to say goodbye to SO MANY that have impacted my life for the last time there. As I sat in the auditorium watching this concert and hearing the testimonies and the music, I couldn't help but just sob. I just looked out at 18 months that the Lord has given me and at so many that I have worked with and come to love. I was so happy to hear about people coming back to Christ who have fallen away, people with MISSION calls in past areas I've served, and many more fruits to seeds I have been able to plant in the past. I was filled with gratitude in that moment. I even got to hear Greta's testimony (my previous companion from Pogradec) as she's heading out on her FULL-TIME mission today! This scripture has impacted me:<br />
<br />
D&C 16:6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.<br />
<br />
This is so true. This is the work of the Lord, but He has given me this time and opportunity to find joy in His fruit. I am just filled with indescribable joy that I may rest with these people in the kingdom of my Heavenly Father. I cannot testify to you enough of the POWER and JOY of missionary work. It is the greatest service we could ever do-to bring souls unto our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I encourage you all to share the gospel with those around you! Please be that light! Please live what you believe and share that! We can only find true, pure joy through Christ. As we constantly look to share the gospel whether it be through our example or through our testimony, it is through that that we find the greatest joy. I testify of that. It is of the MOST WORTH. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.<br />
<br />
I love being a missionary. If any of you are hesitating whether or not you need to serve, just do it. It will change you. Christ will change you. And you will find pure joy in the service of the Lord.<br />
<img alt="" id="id_fb7b_9ce6_2a91_1303" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lcqqhPjWXII/WueWy8MgqDI/AAAAAAAAnbw/4y5DLB8Q9UUck9h067SWQpMJGznXIQwzgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Spending our day in Old Town in Gjakova!! It's super cute!!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_3d2e_ff2e_ee20_8a10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mHfkaJpN3TI/WueWy5Fra5I/AAAAAAAAnb8/RPPMAqUhtoApfPwpBzYJ0xH94fEL_wvXgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This ice cream actually has a sweet taste of plastic. This was just seconds before the trashcan. Hope that's not too cold ;)</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_6233_4d45_8bf3_8445" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klODEr3xFXo/WueWy_QnGEI/AAAAAAAAnb0/Y4AFvzpoVJc-mNAVOJpPEYjk2rv4WFEywCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Slushies with Delila :)</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_3872_94e4_d93c_b6ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bv4ahUGDdso/WueWy-a15eI/AAAAAAAAnb4/hdCu4k0Q80w0tlkGdjUY2engVa-WZUlTwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_82b2_f829_8d51_a21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oJ-BDeKzNjM/WueXcKCWiVI/AAAAAAAAncQ/-Of80CUZtaM-kbxIClDcPweGgPSsmQtLQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">LOOK AT HOW BEAUTIFUL TIRANA IS!!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_66de_e902_fcf1_d935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e79bOWFi2bo/WueXcEGAVYI/AAAAAAAAncc/Rgdqti-KVZYmrQC8PqpUslqmy9OffvIfwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pleasant surprises :) I love seeing my favorite people!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_5bbc_8637_4f17_80a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGvK8n23b34/WueXcOeSW7I/AAAAAAAAncY/d7Kj47VJpIcCyhzSf4B6b1bsVvZlklSlgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">KORCA FAMILY!!!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_6174_9045_cedf_c9c1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RNC4iBjRNo/WueXcD3dyfI/AAAAAAAAncU/cOVAourWeFUoTI3I_5XnwHzA0Jpv0b0gACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Greta!!!! She's heading out on her mission soon!!!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_7cfa_74a3_1d84_c3d4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KA_B-3DUGTU/WueYF2l2y3I/AAAAAAAAncw/GqfzXcM8tHU28HOUwcCrupYS4LFd88ebQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My Pogradec family!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_56d7_ef1_7337_7ec6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s9s1tTq4Kto/WueYF9CcKGI/AAAAAAAAnc8/KTGHclLM7B0XDXylXWKewPFGKjPI7ycTACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">GJERGJI!!! And Sabiko!!! I LOVE THEM!!!!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_c7e3_1805_fc6a_72cd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPzZqAveUbo/WueYFydAJwI/AAAAAAAAnc4/zIHv4cw2WfwW9MXT1RgQ9IW1P14B7NJcwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Monikda from Korcë!!!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_52a7_8de8_f45d_f52d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2-t3IpflJk/WueYFyVk4EI/AAAAAAAAnc0/4lnm-LSMbDoouUQ2eWI9c6LV3TDuAwIRgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Personal pizzas for $1 :) Hope that beats Caesars' ;)</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_11dd_d4ff_38fc_1d60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gzuxIrb8wKQ/WueYxCNQBxI/AAAAAAAAndM/aGOdle7NNUkdtnW6DzZIxP_2PJNl8TRugCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Albanian instruments :) I LOVE MUSIC!</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_5902_81e3_2bb8_7b64" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JnXRAR460qY/WueYxBXDIPI/AAAAAAAAndQ/jdN-EfrJRScu2p4YFQZj9eHlbxdWnHBTQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Old Town :)</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_dd57_b2dc_826d_3752" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ft9ovEq7QpU/WueYxHTtJvI/AAAAAAAAndU/6ePbAg--D2siPnefJB2tKUA9TbG7_4_GACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_3435_f826_98a6_1949" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4jXnwC7zvxM/WueYxHooQlI/AAAAAAAAndY/eXsWcmdXv6QIRXGAEHAMQ5c1_XBW0wNiwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Traditional wedding gowns in Albania :)</span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_87c1_ef0c_65b4_768e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0vLfVXxjaJQ/WueZN9yAZJI/AAAAAAAAndo/YU0rnJ1F2bYH7OulypKoa6HvIWyA3GesgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_950d_9bc2_b0a7_80a1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_t98I1VDoY/WueZOGaEhGI/AAAAAAAAnds/aaF_MZ59iwkWyNfuzNFQsgsqPr7JUVZ8ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<div class="gmail_default">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Life is good :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-- </span><br />
<div class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motra Olsen</b><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Letters:</b></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Adriatic South Mission<br />Sister Natalie Olsen<br />POB 2984<br />Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"<br />Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14<br />Tirana<br />Albania<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" target="_blank">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-89961521073524885542018-04-10T15:28:00.002-07:002018-04-10T15:28:53.587-07:00Pranvera!!! (SPRING!)<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
:) Don't really know how to start this one haha BUT just know I love you!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
1. In a lesson, the minute I said-"We should pray" THE PRAYER CALL WENT OFF!!!! YES!!!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
2. People don't really die their eggs here for Easter, they spray paint them so when we were cracking open an egg to eat, someone was like "Don't eat it-it's toxic!" haha</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
3. I really gotta stop telling people I'm a singer because they then proceed to ask if they can get a picture with me and if they can film me singing.....it's happened multiple times now and Motra Ahlstrom is like-"She's not famous!" hahaha</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Really this week was a successful week!! We actually got to meet and teach so many people!-one being a woman who can't hear nor speak. She let us in and we taught her using images of Christ and even sang to bring the Spirit in the room and prayed for her. She truly felt such a peace. And then she tried to set us up with her son.....haha but it was such a special moment :)</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
We have also been able to meet and teach a ton of families because that's the focus of our mission right now. Families are so special and so valued here in Kosovo I love it!! We are focusing on using object lessons and visuals and have been seeing such a powerful impact in our lessons when we teach so simply that the Spirit can testify and touch their hearts. In order to understand, people must have ears to HEAR and eyes to SEE!!! That was a focus at our zone conference this last week!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Speaking of zone conference-I had my final zone conference this last Friday. It was actually so sad. In the North Zone-we only have 17 MISSIONARIES! Isn't that crazy? It's just all of the missionaries in Kosovo and Macedonia. We are the ONLY sisters in all of Kosovo :) However those conferences are so powerful. Motra Ahlstrom and I gave a training and I actually gave my departing testimony. Yeah I still have got a month but-it was so hard to give it. I wanted to share a little bit of it with you.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The only thing I really wanted to testify of was my Savior Jesus Christ. It is he who has changed me throughout my entire mission. I am so thankful to have come to know Him a little more. I hope to spend the REST of my LIFE coming to know Him. In order to know someone, we must walk in their shoes-we must speak as they speak. Do as they do. Suffer as they suffer. And desire as they desire. Love as they love. Christ has given me this this past 18 months. I have felt in my most trying of times His grace strengthen me and embrace me. I have felt SUCH LOVE for these people that I never knew I could ever have. I have felt such a desire to change, to become more like Him, and I have found that it's not the mission that has changed me-it's Christ.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Isaiah 53:</span><div class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse" id="m_4439366397430465378gmail-p3" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse-number m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>He is despised and rejected of <span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-page-break" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were <span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-clarity-word" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">our</span> faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.</span></div>
<div class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse m_4439366397430465378gmail-highlight" id="m_4439366397430465378gmail-p4" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse-number m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span><span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-para-mark" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¶ </span>Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.</span></div>
<div class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse m_4439366397430465378gmail-highlight" id="m_4439366397430465378gmail-p5" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse-number m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>But he <span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-clarity-word" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">was</span> wounded for our transgressions, <span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-clarity-word" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he was </span>bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace <span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-clarity-word" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">was</span> upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.</span></div>
<div class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse" id="m_4439366397430465378gmail-p6" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse-number m_4439366397430465378gmail-verse" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the <span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-deity-name" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="m_4439366397430465378gmail-small-caps" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span></span> hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.</span></div>
</b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I cannot think of how many times I've messed up, I've maybe thought "Can I go any longer" and have let my Brother down. However, through the struggles and overcoming them, He has shaped me. He has taken my sorrows, my grief, my iniquities, and my struggles upon HIM. I hope to continue to gather His sheep until the end. I am so thankful to represent my Savior, Jesus Christ here in Kosovo and I hope to truly come to know Him for the rest of my life. I know He lives. He has been there for me and He will be there for you if you come unto Him. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span> </div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I love you all so so much!! I hope you have such a wonderful week! </div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YGt4aX3h3o/Ws06cBzvdzI/AAAAAAAAnFk/Ul3ZRznv6eUAQRxw7d6AWvy2uNgdY3rTwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YGt4aX3h3o/Ws06cBzvdzI/AAAAAAAAnFk/Ul3ZRznv6eUAQRxw7d6AWvy2uNgdY3rTwCLcBGAs/s320/nat41.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KUQ E ZI!!! (Red and Black) We were dressed up like the Albanian flag today :) I love Albania!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CoTnpBI_oo/Ws02jNX7meI/AAAAAAAAnFY/5d6nMua9hDMyP6Elagni76SRdCDo5UQoQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CoTnpBI_oo/Ws02jNX7meI/AAAAAAAAnFY/5d6nMua9hDMyP6Elagni76SRdCDo5UQoQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat36.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gjakova :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HO0gn6NCIsA/Ws02jPEUFaI/AAAAAAAAnFU/LO7OoZ-r7No1EOYUv6KUSSbuszPUq87sQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HO0gn6NCIsA/Ws02jPEUFaI/AAAAAAAAnFU/LO7OoZ-r7No1EOYUv6KUSSbuszPUq87sQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Motra Ahlstrom's Easter basket with my FAVORITE European candies! Kinder eggs, RAFFAELLO! And Bounty Bars :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOL5DYn37Y0/Ws02jJhhXMI/AAAAAAAAnFI/rNFZ0tAHj-slWRbuvr3v-ufRSNreqSZwACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOL5DYn37Y0/Ws02jJhhXMI/AAAAAAAAnFI/rNFZ0tAHj-slWRbuvr3v-ufRSNreqSZwACEwYBhgL/s320/nat38.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motra Ahlstrom and me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsmazQ-qxXg/Ws02jnJBSBI/AAAAAAAAnFY/tr6C4vv5vHkN3SDWu_tLjIJJA1MiUMUVACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsmazQ-qxXg/Ws02jnJBSBI/AAAAAAAAnFY/tr6C4vv5vHkN3SDWu_tLjIJJA1MiUMUVACEwYBhgL/s320/nat39.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soggy cookies and toxic eggs. I love it :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9SBf0LcITc/Ws02kZCBNjI/AAAAAAAAnFY/c__KwMFUvQcHMkm2fuymSGmOnYkK0fOjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9SBf0LcITc/Ws02kZCBNjI/AAAAAAAAnFY/c__KwMFUvQcHMkm2fuymSGmOnYkK0fOjQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">SUNDAY</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;"> DRESS!!!! We watched conference </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1067107556" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; position: relative; text-align: start; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">! It was awesome!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwKBrpB7w3g/Ws02lOxfIgI/AAAAAAAAnFQ/Uz8uOQb9glECQ6Ts7mQg8HiQLQlmJFu7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwKBrpB7w3g/Ws02lOxfIgI/AAAAAAAAnFQ/Uz8uOQb9glECQ6Ts7mQg8HiQLQlmJFu7wCEwYBhgL/s320/nat42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bR08Fr52GBA/Ws02lpFd7bI/AAAAAAAAnFU/CAngVX8FiS42ZIFixlPcR-L0kJx7pN1bQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bR08Fr52GBA/Ws02lpFd7bI/AAAAAAAAnFU/CAngVX8FiS42ZIFixlPcR-L0kJx7pN1bQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6f_bMHnn1o/Ws02mQxwJXI/AAAAAAAAnFc/5Fb5YcRN0EYxlXkmMe08PHqO1w0D36phACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6f_bMHnn1o/Ws02mQxwJXI/AAAAAAAAnFc/5Fb5YcRN0EYxlXkmMe08PHqO1w0D36phACEwYBhgL/s320/nat44.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went hiking through the woods today!! It was GORGEOUS!!! I miss my trees :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqt-d7rbjLw/Ws02mmmJrwI/AAAAAAAAnFY/UFsL2Hznwt4i6QXlVpYU-jFa2s2eVFm7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqt-d7rbjLw/Ws02mmmJrwI/AAAAAAAAnFY/UFsL2Hznwt4i6QXlVpYU-jFa2s2eVFm7QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A5MTiKJUck/Ws02ndKV_jI/AAAAAAAAnFc/qeULIIhdw40O8upx4TpzrpT-FmoKUFN_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A5MTiKJUck/Ws02ndKV_jI/AAAAAAAAnFc/qeULIIhdw40O8upx4TpzrpT-FmoKUFN_QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">-- </span></div>
<div class="m_4439366397430465378m_-7466502314544183663gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mormon.org&source=gmail&ust=1523484304804000&usg=AFQjCNGHkrLRBnbrz6uOJV7B2aC4h8-SXQ" href="http://mormon.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-17272144497913895832018-04-02T12:56:00.001-07:002018-04-10T15:17:58.339-07:00Gjithnjë Pranë (Always There)Gëzuar Pashket! Honestly this week has been crazy. We have been traveling a lot for conferences and a baptism. I don't really know where to begin. It's been an emotional but strengthening week! Christ TRULY is there.<br />
<br />
Culture Shocks of the Week:<br />
1. I live in a SPOOKYTOWN! Hopefully there gets some leaves on some trees here because it's just crows, dead trees, moaning mosques, and dark skies haha<br />
2. I pass about 3 mosques walking to church :)<br />
3. Kosovo is very different than Albania in regards to their activity in their religious practices. By that I mean....it is more active here. It's awesome though because I'm learning so much! Read about the Islamic article in the April Liahona it's SO AWESOME!!!<br />
<br />
So this last week we had MLC (Missionary Leadership training) in Tirana and it was the coolest thing because we are really pushing to be a very Christ-Centered mission as we as a mission are studying all the topics on Christ in the Topical Guide. We had a special moment where we all shared what we have learned about Christ and I just teared up. I never thought I could grow so much closer to my Savior before but now I just tear up even thinking of Him. He is my Brother. I just think of those moments when I am in such emotional pain and I just cry out to my Heavenly Father and literally feel an embrace from my Savior. I am so thankful for Him and I hope to continue to do all I can for Him as I serve Him here in Kosovo.<br />
<br />
General Conference was this last weekend! I only got to listen to half of it-both the morning sessions!-at night! haha I'll be able to listen to the others this week but I had the talk from President Oaks on "Small and Simple Things" that has impacted me so much. I had a very special moment that has impacted me this last week. We were meeting with this family and sharing with them about the Easter message. It was a beautiful moment to share about Christ but I noticed that their little boy was sitting there whimpering because he cut his finger. After we finished the prayer I just thought-what am I doing? I am teaching about Christ but have I thought to be like Him? I just scooped him into an embrace and began to sing to him until he was at peace and no longer whimpering. It was powerful! I kissed his finger and said, "This is how we heal" and was impacted as I felt the Spirit hit me telling me "This is how Christ heals". From that moment, that family actually came to church on Sunday. We all walked together. It was that moment of love that impacted them. I realized how much more powerful our example is sometimes than our words. I was impacted by the small act, the small and simple things, that bring about great things.<br />
<br />
(Book of Mormon) Alma 37:6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.<br />
<br />
Another powerful moment from this week was that we went to go and see a baptism in Prishtina. I got to participate in the musical number for this girl on the piano while an Elder played the violin. She is incredible. Her family is definitely not in support of her decision so she decided that if she were to get locked up in her room, she'd rather do it baptized than not. I admire the faith of these people so much. And why? It's all because of Christ. He truly is our Savior and our Brother. I am SO EXCITED to be a missionary this Easter season and to remember He who has done EVERYTHING for us. Sunday morning for us was really stormy but when we were in church, the storm ceased and it was just sunny. I thought of the 3 days of storm after Christ's death and then the LIGHT after His resurrection. He TRULY lives! He is RISEN! He is the reason for light and joy in our lives! I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.<br />
<br />
President Oaks Talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/media/session_4_talk_10/5761873160001?lang=eng<br />
<br />
Check out the European Easter Initiative as well that we are sharing with everyone here. When have you found Christ there for you?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BY4M3wFxqIE/Ws02PllrCfI/AAAAAAAAnD4/PlDNH7DfmGA785rUUstWswuimfjJ9oObQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BY4M3wFxqIE/Ws02PllrCfI/AAAAAAAAnD4/PlDNH7DfmGA785rUUstWswuimfjJ9oObQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My trio girls!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pUCm5ddo9c/Ws02PuDzIII/AAAAAAAAnD0/I2fzab7giFMLaXvFsyICLf4w6YEAsKWUACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pUCm5ddo9c/Ws02PuDzIII/AAAAAAAAnD0/I2fzab7giFMLaXvFsyICLf4w6YEAsKWUACEwYBhgL/s320/nat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BEST Sister Training Leaders in the mission! ;) haha From MLC! Notice my favorite person (Motra Mcguire) is an STL with me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qh-RdheO0Lg/Ws02QEgjZqI/AAAAAAAAnEA/PcFf0F6dTF8SF8vuD5DARlEzmLIcIFcYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="896" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qh-RdheO0Lg/Ws02QEgjZqI/AAAAAAAAnEA/PcFf0F6dTF8SF8vuD5DARlEzmLIcIFcYwCEwYBhgL/s320/nat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our matching bracelets :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIaNNmOuhw0/Ws02PfB3fDI/AAAAAAAAnDw/rDfJEiy1JE8b7dJZdz92817PfJf6nA0KgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIaNNmOuhw0/Ws02PfB3fDI/AAAAAAAAnDw/rDfJEiy1JE8b7dJZdz92817PfJf6nA0KgCEwYBhgL/s320/nat28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prishtina!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzzTqDrPCx0/Ws02P-tT5yI/AAAAAAAAnD8/MySCY_SWAcw8628XITULSCtNs05i-ooNACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzzTqDrPCx0/Ws02P-tT5yI/AAAAAAAAnD8/MySCY_SWAcw8628XITULSCtNs05i-ooNACEwYBhgL/s320/nat29.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajM-dBfwUsM/Ws02Ql2HlRI/AAAAAAAAnEE/4mK_tmnYRJQMbn8MULfDxmvJiKKEAAXkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajM-dBfwUsM/Ws02Ql2HlRI/AAAAAAAAnEE/4mK_tmnYRJQMbn8MULfDxmvJiKKEAAXkwCEwYBhgL/s320/nat30.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most incredible girl! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1ozPCcvvDo/Ws02RIiqdvI/AAAAAAAAnEI/A1eGA91zIwUHftmgjXT7QuvXSTZceVR7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1ozPCcvvDo/Ws02RIiqdvI/AAAAAAAAnEI/A1eGA91zIwUHftmgjXT7QuvXSTZceVR7QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat31.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cool mosque here in Gjakova!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90D_Hf0YaNE/Ws02RpORUCI/AAAAAAAAnEM/y7FCek-OGCIufPyrYTkaNvnJX9CVmZe6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90D_Hf0YaNE/Ws02RpORUCI/AAAAAAAAnEM/y7FCek-OGCIufPyrYTkaNvnJX9CVmZe6QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat32.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Motra Ahlstrom! She is awesome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gB9wozh-4o/Ws02SN9ymDI/AAAAAAAAnEQ/fWQE_o46PmkbmAOe76NVLn_rSUsTsC3JgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gB9wozh-4o/Ws02SN9ymDI/AAAAAAAAnEQ/fWQE_o46PmkbmAOe76NVLn_rSUsTsC3JgCEwYBhgL/s320/nat33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xCh5b4Gmj4/Ws02Sm9tqwI/AAAAAAAAnEU/lVl7foMKKkY5RYNnCaZBKNimxgW48N-TwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xCh5b4Gmj4/Ws02Sm9tqwI/AAAAAAAAnEU/lVl7foMKKkY5RYNnCaZBKNimxgW48N-TwCEwYBhgL/s320/nat34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUMVdb9C_fc/Ws02TIYkrNI/AAAAAAAAnEY/0VKzrfpWnRYLy7tMs1tvapACrIgCK262QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUMVdb9C_fc/Ws02TIYkrNI/AAAAAAAAnEY/0VKzrfpWnRYLy7tMs1tvapACrIgCK262QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat35.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="yiv6953640561gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "sans sans-serif"; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
Catholic church here as well :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">-- </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><div class="yiv6953640561gmail_signature" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-87968543612761070702018-03-26T19:13:00.001-07:002018-03-26T19:13:57.116-07:00"Our Trio's Down to Two"-TimonDang it...I'm on my last transfer. We had transfer calls this last weekend meaning that my sweet companion-Motra Hysa will be leaving! She's going off and training an Albanian! (Motra Fetaj (Albana from Gjakova)) I really hope you got my reference from Lion King haha but now I'm just serving here in Gjakova still as STLs with Motra Ahlstrom!! I am excited to work here until the end! I LOVE THESE PEOPLE!<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. If you purchase something and you don't offer food to anyone, you are seen as an animal. They are all about sharing and are very proper in many things.</p><p>2. Even if it's not cold outside, if I'm seen without tights, people think I'm insane (apparently I'm going to freeze in 50 degrees haha) Also, I was crying about something in the street one day and an old lady told me, "Don't cry-you're too young"</p><p>3. There are SO MANY CROWS that literally coat the sky. We tried playing music and inviting people to our Easter concert we had on Saturday but you couldn't even hear us because the crows were THAT LOUD! And they all decided to perch right in the tree next to us haha</p><p><br></p><p>YEAH! We had a concert this last Saturday for Easter! We have an Easter Initiative here in the European Region with the theme as "Gjithnjë Pranë" Meaning "Always There". So we have been passing out tons of flyers and getting people to come to this concert. We actually had a good amount of people come for a major Muslim population here! We had piano (I did a piano solo!) and violin and singing and all kinds of things and presented the initiative video. It was awesome! I am so looking forward to Easter this week! We are hoping to share a lot about Christ to these people here in Gjakova this week as Easter is approaching!! </p><p><br></p><p>Some really cool moments we had this week was the amount of people we met with! It was actually a major miracle to meet and teach many people. We have some potential investigators so we are excited! We are also helping teach a couple members here how to read and they are just so excited! They just want to read the Book of Mormon but they feel helpless. We are exciting and I know through the Lord and their diligence, they will learn! I am so excited!! Also we have met with a lot of the members and have spent time with all of their kids. We have a big primary here and they even participated in the concert singing "I am a Child of God". </p><p><br></p><p>Funny story of the week. We have a sweet member here named Delila who shared with us her story when she tried to heal a bird. She shared "I saw a dead bird on the road and picked it up and wanted it to live. I started singing "I am a Child of God" hoping it would come alive. I then thought that Christ can heal and I am not Christ so I probably can't bring something back from the dead. And then the bird was still dead" What a sweet soul. She is the cutest thing! Her faith was there! haha</p><p><br></p><p>I love my Savior. He is always there. I just also love love love the song "I am a Child of God". Every child only knows one song here and that's the song. Whenever it comes on-they just belt it. Even our English Course kids know it!! It is POWERFUL! In a world here where we are not seen as children of God, it is powerful. We truly are children of God. We have a Father in Heaven that LOVES us! That pushes us, encourages us, heals us, laughs with us, cries with us. We are never along. We are His children and we have such divine potential. He wants to give us all that He has and to have us return back to Him. That is WHY He sent His son. They are ALWAYS THERE I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. </p><p><br></p><p>I love you all! Have a wonderful week!! Hopefully it gets warmer this week we got hit by snow!!! Again!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iuXjEzXxDSE/Wrml1MSmNCI/AAAAAAAAm7E/-8MrT-ZLWg0Txsc_7CAXcictk-1AX16SwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jy65QyhUYNo/Wrml2Moql0I/AAAAAAAAm7I/aZToZs3gzxQ7ACzaJgxHXOxCPixhoOPSACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Me and my sweeties :) They make me happy! They all just jumped on me!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MmZQnZ9Iw6I/Wrml3CQRs6I/AAAAAAAAm7M/rocYdTHgKR89sH9b8gtj3e38wkOOz1trgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>YEAH!!! Gjakova!!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BTsocjX6Cck/Wrml3yLKfUI/AAAAAAAAm7Q/syrSAWn1XDUVQj0js6F1ZmKx6nkVIK_jwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5Z9rnUstpc/Wrml42_rRlI/AAAAAAAAm7U/O2sRpI-wTSw1Trfy7J0dPJVfJLjcNqivwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Me and Motra Hysa! I helped train her in the beginning last year and now she's leaving me! She's going to kill it in Prishtina!</p><p>Now we're down to two: Motra Ahlstrom and me :)</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7yigYLTGJg/Wrml5i5iSQI/AAAAAAAAm7Y/SUa4xUpfvrUz0zEvlaPP1B7xA0ZfausXwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X35EhGSTEBg/Wrml6Q9ZCDI/AAAAAAAAm7c/SuipNU6QDKct55EkRhI5s4nnAjV3SfIMwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>THIS WAS ONLY 2 EUROS! I only eat pizza-I swear haha</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTFmen0NVOc/Wrml7Gvja1I/AAAAAAAAm7g/V10pXqfzsmU1QSa9rJnxkBt8ShlKubKyACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Se6iiEs3MHM/Wrml8L2rVqI/AAAAAAAAm7k/27Xp2q1xnekFWh3SWg4G92fJle3F4SM2ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>We told the story of the Brother of Jared and the 16 stones and how the Lord touched the stones and they lit up (Ether 3). Then this little member ran out and got us some stones. How cute!!! It was all he could give!!</p><p>Check out my bud-Motra Olsen!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQlr3LTYN-Y/Wrml86hv9WI/AAAAAAAAm7o/TKrsbS1uATYxFJNsEU9nQBZvuHOMfKXAwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-77yeIKZ6uZs/Wrml9_adKTI/AAAAAAAAm7s/75FfVxh3S00P7cd_994OaLEc6d7GnXf5gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>We shared when we have found Christ there. Mine says "When I left my family (this includes my immediate family and families here in my mission and past comps)</p><p>And Motra Hysa's is when her dad passed away.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A4F04uPo5uk/Wrml-lmhycI/AAAAAAAAm7w/xNv4DtlPAXo6ROkHi1Xm-zUODjroCvwlgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTXy6UYSeqo/Wrml_TU8QEI/AAAAAAAAm70/Umf99pzRdKAdJDrkJfKKxIdljWYlUnFSgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Me and Eda :)</p><p>Delila and Maria :)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eHwUlMd1-x4/WrmmAOTrwhI/AAAAAAAAm74/fmVVqUhi3xQvMXQwqxoFj__frDExB60DACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5OAncz5fNI/WrmmBP6BmdI/AAAAAAAAm78/Uadzir8xVSEnOQdUtCo9Az5ZeuH5Ki-BACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>This is my Kosovo flag shirt! We also found a lake here! Love this home!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-38G2_O6Ec8E/WrmmByTcGZI/AAAAAAAAm8A/m4mbSdfek2gbbPr1cUMC3EERS3iqa1rtACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-84978825680865397002018-03-19T22:13:00.002-07:002018-03-19T22:14:32.429-07:00He is ALWAYS THERE.Gëzuar Ditën e Verës! On March 14 it's Summer's Day!! It's not really celebrated at all here in Kosovo because it's more a Albanian holiday but for Motra Hysa from Vlorë, Albania, we brought Summer's Day HERE! It was also her REBIRTHDAY (Baptism Day)! So HAPPY SUMMER'S DAY!! I plan on celebrating this holiday every year!<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. In ancient times, only 2 seasons existed: summer and winter so summer's day began on March 14th and that's why they celebrate it then. Usually on March 13th, people have bonfires to burn the old and begin with the new. We didn't do that haha If you are the first one to wake up, you will have the most energy all year. Luckily I have the nightly prayer call that wakes me up at 3am....</p><p>2. On summer's day they usually dance so we had a little summer's day party with the members and their friends and danced the traditional dance-valle! Usually the cookie, ballokume, is made but we made snickerdoodles and it was a close second :) They also have spinach byrek and hide money in the byrek and whoever gets the slice that year is the lucky one. We made spinach byrek! But forgot to put in the money....</p><p>3. Finally on summer's day, they make bracelets called verore with red and white twine and you wear it until you see the first sparrow which indicates spring then hang it up on a tree. If a sparrow takes it away, then you have luck for the year! Usually the houses are lined with flowers as well and you sleep on olive branches! It's really fun and the people are definitely superstitious but it was a blast! </p><p><br></p><p>So this week there were many mini miracles or what I like to call: Tender Mercies. Tender mercies are EVERYWHERE! They are the hand of the Lord in our lives. We really do a TON of tracting and finding continuously in Kosovo as we also are strengthening all our recent members here. We had many tender mercies running into some people we've taught in the past and talking with this super sweet family in their doorstep who then came right to church with us the next day and brought a FRIEND!! I also had a man about shove me down the stairs and not call me not so good names haha BUT the tender mercy was my companions being there and finding things to laugh about. I love them. We also had a bunch of people in church AND some families from our kids in English Course come to our Book of Mormon reading. The little things matter :)</p><p><br></p><p>A special moment this last week was yesterday, Motra Hysa and I were asked to give talks in church. We were informed the day before and when we asked about the topic, we received "You pick!" Dang it! That's the worst! We were both frantically finding out what to talk about the next morning. However when we came to church we both just felt to talk about how Christ has always been THERE for us. I shared of the story of Christ's resurrection as many don't really understand what that means. This part stood out to me</p><p>John 20: </p><p>11 ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,</p><p><br></p><p>12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.</p><p><br></p><p>13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.</p><p><br></p><p>14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.</p><p><br></p><p>16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.</p><p><br></p><p>17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.</p><p><br></p><p>Christ truly has RISEN! And He was resurrected for us. What stood out to me was that He took the time, before ascending up to His Father, to be THERE for Mary and ask her why she was weeping. Do we realized that Christ does that to US? Every time we cry and through EVERYTHING we go through, He is THERE and asks us why we weep? I actually shared a story I remember vividly from my baptism when I was 8 years old. I came up out of the water of my baptism and began to cry because I felt such a warmth and peace in my heart. While I was changing back into my white dress, my mom asked me "Why are you crying?" I realized that in that moment that Christ was THERE! I felt His Spirit. What touched me is that my mom asked just what Christ asked Mary as if He were asking me that. I know that He was there. I felt it and I know that this, the gospel of Jesus Christ is TRUE. It is SO TRUE and Christ is THERE if we truly ALLOW Him to be. Motra Hysa then shared how Christ was there when she lost her dad. When no one else truly understood how she felt, Christ did. He knew EXACTLY how it felt and was THERE for her. Ever since she was baptized 4 years ago, she has found that He has always been there. It was just a powerful Sacrament meeting and I'm thankful that Christ was THERE and the He is ALWAYS THERE. I love my Savior. He is always there. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. When has He been there for you? </p><p><br></p><p>I love you all! Have a wonderful week and REMEMBER Christ especially during this Easter time!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T5-zC4EwVVw/WrCWtTHcuuI/AAAAAAAAm0w/P11nfzUu1sIHX5WfG4JsQXCmMY0iQmQ6wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Matching sweaters with my comps</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ba1jtMFv2KA/WrCWuxT5TJI/AAAAAAAAm00/eIqVEYAnt14LmbT_RtKj78C7gt2kjqA0wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Don't know why I'm posing like that...don't worry about it haha but this is a cute member family here in Gjakova. We celebrated summer's day with them.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kygC82jt9FY/WrCWv7KD6rI/AAAAAAAAm04/iwq_cLNkg1sTsXPEdSm_bdKSe8CleImgQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Motra Hysa's REBIRTHDAY day! We celebrated (She said it's better than her real birthday) She's now been baptized for 4 years!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d-jDLSxE8cc/WrCWxzc6-sI/AAAAAAAAm1A/A891GPzy9bET2ogBs1ilvhiHDP_e2MPngCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Don't know why the kid has a gun hahaha but I love these kids that attack me every time I pass by. When I was here in Gjakova last summer I helped out with this music program and they all still remember me!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8mIdwHCJZWs/WrCWyzDG_wI/AAAAAAAAm1E/6dFLXpTRpFsl5PY4GgfXLj3TEwDqGjdigCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>I really don't know what this pic is......</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GJuVdeONiv8/WrCYO0o1RAI/AAAAAAAAm1g/YlNuZha2TSI0EmnwXMNN0PbFkCV3WhppwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>I live in this apartment building. We live RIGHT by the barber shop and all the barber shop guys.....</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p><p><br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-69859486991336006162018-03-12T15:27:00.001-07:002018-03-12T15:27:51.797-07:00Здраво-Hey from Macedonia!Здраво!! (Zdravo) This week I had the opportunity to go on an exchange in Macedonia and to serve a day there with 2 of the sweet Macedonian sisters!! One of the sisters: Sister Wright, is from the SPRINGFIELD STAKE in Massechusetts!! We realized that we've literally met each other at stake dances a few years ago!! It was fun to have a fellow East Coaster to reminisce with :) Then the other sister is Sister Rice from Iowa. She is so cute! <p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. In Macedonia they speak Macedonian (obviously) and I don't haha so I was back to day 1! But they use the cyrillic alphabet so I learned how to read it! Also the Book of Mormon is only in Serbian so it was fun to also learn a little Serbian for the day.</p><p>2. We were driving and we passed by this restaurant called the "White House" I felt like being back home in the US haha except not at all :)</p><p>3. One of our recent converts is SO AWESOME! She's actually a very well known, talented singer here in Kosovo-look up Eda Gjergji on youTube and she will pop right up and you will hear what Albanian traditional music is like. I love her!!</p><p><br></p><p>So going to Macedonia was like going to a whole new world! First off, couldn't read the signs or understand what anyone was saying. We were doing a Book of Mormon study and I was running around yelling out "Do you know English?" or "E dini Shqip?" (Do you know Albanian) I surprisingly met a lot that knew Albanian and some people from England were there :) Then I handed them the survey and was like "Sorry, I can't help you with reading this one" It was a lot of fun meeting so many new people and doing all I could with what I knew. That was something that I learned-yeah we can be restricted, have a disadvantage in things (like the language, I've been through that plenty of times before), but that doesn't keep us from doing the Lord's work and serving Him. We just do what we know and He will be there!</p><p><br></p><p>The branch in Skopje, Macedonia has 6 Macedonian members. Crazy right? And it's been open for about 7 years now! They are so awesome! This week on March 8 was also Women's Day so people were buying flowers in the streets for each other! I got my companions flowers to celebrate! We also had a lot of people give us giant bars of chocolate to celebrate so that was so nice!! Happy Women's Day!!!</p><p><br></p><p>Also fun fact: Our church building got egged this week....welcome to Kosovo :) Not too much has happened here in Gjakova. We actually got to meet a lot of the members here and they are all so cute!! We were able to be led to this sweet family who's father recently passed away and were able to share a message with them on eternal families. It was a miracle! It was late and we saw a boy run out into the street and thought to go to the home he came from. The mom led us right in and we met the family. Usually when someone passes away, they have a notice on the door and we noted that. It was a special moment to go in and share with them of the peace we find in Christ. Even though it's not always accepted here, I definitely was able to feel of that peace in the lesson. </p><p><br></p><p>I just want to share how much I love this work and how much I know that we have a Father in Heaven that LOVES us. That has just been the recurring message in everything I do and teach here in Kosovo. Yeah, many do not accept or believe in Christ here in Kosovo. It definitely hurts when many just shoot down Christ as if He was just some teacher on the earth at one point in time. But I KNOW that He IS our Savior. There is no other and so many do not realize what He has done for them if they just allow Him into their lives. I feel so honored and blessed to be able to stand as a witness of Him at all times here in Kosovo. We have a Heavenly Father that loves us SO MUCH that He SENT HIS Only Begotten Son.</p><p>2 Nephi 26: 24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.</p><p>I know this to be true. This is Christ's restored church and HE is the ONLY way back to our loving Father in Heaven. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</p><p><br></p><p>I LOVE YOU! Have a great week!</p><p><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvPdJgZeKyQ/Wqb8ugB_avI/AAAAAAAAmxA/bFS7eCfP_RkappAwdGJ_tN7KODW8PPJ_ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Happy Women's day!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7IoX3jdU9o/Wqb8vknbzoI/AAAAAAAAmxE/aC1dglDVr1UKYBUri2D4c1EHoJjthRlAACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>FLI!!!! A very fat, oily, byrek sorta thing in Kosovo haha</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kuusm6DlOE0/Wqb8wSD8uYI/AAAAAAAAmxI/oUuWdz_j-loTqQLB5DepVAqCHvI623yaACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJhwo3RNGgs/Wqb8xEJGw_I/AAAAAAAAmxM/oaoifePJr1ke3SKu2wWaFPDPdtGcpfieACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Chilling with a bull in Macedonia.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J_BBvhoDJ-0/Wqb8x1aZ6RI/AAAAAAAAmxQ/wnx3teZhLjcA8DwbZdqcUu-8boWAcQc3gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Me and the Serbain Book of Mormon in Macedonia.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ftHV12F5Dho/Wqb8zPJjg0I/AAAAAAAAmxU/NCjb82bPAJYAFDoxHEHSU3-hRvqeot-sgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Us and 2 of the members in Macedonia! It was someone's birthday!!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9qRPknxeCOM/Wqb8z8SNTBI/AAAAAAAAmxY/PDxVaP4FQwMP9Ysb5mT8igmA3bu-ZTmjQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>SO MUCH CHOCOLATE for Women's Day!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eWVDV9SOEdo/Wqb80luGkuI/AAAAAAAAmxc/VWgRlVKvjxkUGTGx75GnGlcENvWvbh13wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>haha Minnesota, Macedonia.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EmYp23BnJ5E/Wqb81pg0_tI/AAAAAAAAmxg/ax5a9Q4ZueIxkr_9PYtq_QhYgiiocK1qQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGPhK4HM_Lk/Wqb82V_WBtI/AAAAAAAAmxk/NGJ7yxPFScUJYcrdmz0-ZhqkcRKHGOoKQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>"The White House"</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hQ420r5Xj3E/Wqb83QDVB3I/AAAAAAAAmxo/bOJYZCflj7smV4SjjmH0JBKvzI-Tb-0QACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3xdzJtWxII/Wqb84CshEeI/AAAAAAAAmxs/ncVgHqdrw7AvAy4wi62uqZipY1WmHR4AwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>A beautiful little village close to Gjakova.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Myo3ADZb6H4/Wqb844lZETI/AAAAAAAAmxw/D9ugNVZ-iWIGwdAnfv-KLyzfwxvSYeFWwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Our spa night haha looking good.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DSMzJwBGhaA/Wqb85mHgw2I/AAAAAAAAmx0/RK7nuuT6JkEQlpm7Ubhwtw0V0bt586CMACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Me and my girls again! Maria and Delila going into church :)</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-43969855009650852922018-03-05T19:09:00.003-08:002018-03-05T21:22:13.558-08:003 Countries, 1 Week :)C'KEMI!!! This week has been a crazy one!! The title says it-this week I was in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania again!! We had zone conference on Wednesday! The North Zone is all the missionaries in Kosovo and Macedonia which is like...none haha I am one of 3 sisters in all of Kosovo and there are only 3 sisters in all of Macedonia so that's fun! No pressure! Being in conference with these people was just incredible! As Sister Training Leaders we gave a training on CHARITY! How that is the TRUE way to find joy and SUCCESS in our work. I'll share a little bit more about that later. We also had stake conference in Albanian (in Durres) where I got to see all my Pogradec and Tirana and Korcë family that I've served throughout my mission. It was a lot of goodbyes but it was a special one :) I also got to see my sweet Motra Mcguire!! It was a great week :)<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. My favorite thing is that everyone in Kosovo just park up literally on every curb. There is like no such thing as parking lots haha</p><p>2. Sweets can't go with salty things. I just get yelled at put fruit on my plate of salad haha they must be separated.</p><p>3. I had these Valentine's stickers I was giving out to little kids and my favorite thing is explaining the stickers. One said- "QT" funny thing, "qt" in Albanian is pronounced "ch-t" so they were like what's that? I had to go through this whole process of explaining the alphabet and the word cute. Then another one-"LOL" I translated it "qesh me zë" which means "laugh with a voice" so little Delila was raising her eyebrows up and down saying "laugh with a voice" that's an example of how Albanian is not like English :)</p><p><br></p><p>So this week was CRAZY weather! We got HIT with snow! I just want to share what a day was like. On Thursday it was the day after a major snowstorm and then it decided to rain. So of course every plan falls through on those days and the power was out in the city. So no one's in the streets so we are resorted to tracting. Best part: you have to buzz into most buildings and with the power being out, they don't work. So we were stuck in the freezing rain, soaked, and looking for an open building. It was awesome haha and tracting in the dark! WOOOO!</p><p><br></p><p>So some things that have really stood out to me was more about charity this past week. As I said, we gave a training at zone conference. We shared about the greatest missionary: Christ. Why was He the greatest? Because His drive was LOVE. And not just typical love, but pure love. I was impacted by these scriptures in the Book of Mormon:</p><p>Alma 34: </p><p>8 And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.</p><p><br></p><p>9 For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.</p><p><br></p><p>10 For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.</p><p><br></p><p>It cannot be a human sacrifice. How could have Christ done it? Christ is the Son of God. It is because of Mary that He can die, but also because of our Father in Heaven that He has the ability to overcome death. He literally CHOSE to DIE for US because He is the ONLY way. Why did He do that? How could He be so perfect so that He could perform this atonement? It was because He perfectly loved. It was love-a divine power that was that drive to cause Him to suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane 3 times then to suffer and die on the Christ and to be resurrected so that we could overcome death. He perfectly loved. Charity must be given and it must be strived for. That must be our drive! It never faileth because it is infinite! Just like the Atonement of Jesus Christ! We must love in order to bring these children of God back to their Father in Heaven. That is my goal and has been my entire mission: To learn to love. And not just love, but to develop charity. I have a long way to go but I hope to be that representative of Christ that people will have a glimpse to know what it would feel like to be in the presence of Christ and WANT to be with Him. That is how we must be if we want to bring souls back unto Christ. Whether that be our friends or our family. I testify of that. I love my Savior and I LOVE His children. It makes me jsut cry how much I love these people and those that I have served with. I turly don't want it to end but I will do all I can these last 2 months to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength: Especially with my heart. I love the Lord and this work. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.</p><p><br></p><p>If you need someone to talk to, please email me and rant and do anything you need. I want to be here for you all too. I love you and I know Christ does INFINITELY!</p><p><br></p><p>All these pics are from conference! Motra Mcguire signed the shirt that my trainer gave me! It's a heritage shirt (trashëgim). I just love that girl! I also got to see Klea, Aleksia and Zhaneta from Korcë, Motra JONES! and Maria and Delila (they're here with me in Kosovo). Also my comps are Motra Hysa (from Vlorë, Albania) And Motra Ahlstrom from Texas. They are awesome I love being with them! And the Kosovo SNOW!!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMTWQeIOGUk/Wp4HDAq5InI/AAAAAAAAmYU/A1HLKUMs0oQA1HiMemi1F1BGVDyHm4YJwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ByDCsvERGfI/Wp4HD91UkMI/AAAAAAAAmYY/FjCq9s0V4AoIT4X6BgJA1NQvDW9Im2oQwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZoD0Kbbni8/Wp4HEkWFFlI/AAAAAAAAmYc/10pzwOAqGCII4WTAf2ojgH5wzlbF9j9xwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUXGUgWtCFA/Wp4HFA__kdI/AAAAAAAAmYg/Vr0Un1OLvaUSRCmEDuYFCP4EI1gPXvJzACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xRXPEzbiKpo/Wp4HGDoJVCI/AAAAAAAAmYk/44JGWUS40fsGeXQZMH3B-JUU1ztwST8GACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qYZWIaI6ud8/Wp4HG0iQetI/AAAAAAAAmYo/Up-N_enZZL4eBVupseiJycoHtGuhsX9HACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-udV23WMoSvQ/Wp4HHYRi5uI/AAAAAAAAmYs/SH313WlTTPIAuqNAHVTPQt2DWD7M7_RugCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3GlYe9Zp5-g/Wp4HIACWS1I/AAAAAAAAmYw/DQH6n_hCFEc56PFRQGzc2MWrjqjbprp4wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wf8YPUE0HsA/Wp4HI4IYGYI/AAAAAAAAmY0/aEWqG6J6iNYa2ZbrvG6kyJSnlMmsCT_JwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d42wN4R4cA8/Wp4HJktpHsI/AAAAAAAAmY4/Ipex1vzOLY0qovVYZ8SkJgIBTXUkDYfdQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>BONUS: Motra Mcguire shared this and I promised to share it: bear with me real quick while i write a personal paragraph to Natalie Olsen, and Motra, you better insert this in your email so your friends and family along with mine know how great you are :) Motra Olsen, I love you. You;re incredible, and I can't wait for America because that's where you'll be. I'll forever be grateful to God for letting us serve together.... I AM SO LUCKY. luckiest to have gotten you :) thanks for everything and for dancing with me, making me eggs nearly every morning, squeezing my cheek like a nënë and then screaming in my face "I LOVE YOUUUU."... it's the little things :) i even miss you turning on the heater, (what's wrong with me?) nothing, just love you.</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-60203138468074866662018-02-26T14:52:00.001-08:002018-02-26T14:53:10.037-08:00PLOT TWIST: In a world of snow back in Kosovo!I know that this will probably come as shock to you but I am currently in the snowy, cold country of KOSOVO! A LOT has happened this last week. My sweet companion had to actually go home this past week and I was called to go BACK up to Gjakova in Kosovo!! I never thought I'd go back to that sweet place! I was only there for 6 weeks and now I get to finish my mission there! It definitely was a surprise. We are also very short of sisters here in the mission so I am in a trio actually with Motra Hysa! I helped train her over 6 months ago IN Gjakova-yes she's still there haha and then my other companion in Motra Alstrem from Texas! We are the Sister Training Leaders here up in the North Zone. They are such hard workers and I am honestly so excited to work with them until the end! This drive and their desire to serve just makes me feel so excited to push until the end! I am so happy to be back up in Gjakova :)<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. Going to Elbasan is warm but then when I went up to Gjakova, we entered a major snowstorm and now I'm in a world of SNOW!! We tried making snowmen-Motra Alstrem's first!</p><p>2. I forgot how DIFFERENT Kosovo is, it's not really anything like Albania, not even the language is exactly the same but I still understand the people so that's a major perk!</p><p><br></p><p>So this past week was kinda all over the place-I had some major miracles throughout the week though! In Elbasan we met with a lot of people and members struggling. We have been having Family Home Evening with a lot of members and doing all we could do. I feel that although my time was very short in Elbasan, we needed to be there at that time and it was a blessing. I actually got to even see Motra Mcguire at zone conference this week! I am just so thankful for her! Then I actually got to serve with Motra Jones again with the sister she is training in Tirana for a couple of days until I could get up to Kosovo. During that time it was a major blessing because I got to work with Motra Jones and they had a few baptisms on Saturday! We made a hunka ton of cookies and were able to even put together a musical number for one of the baptisms. It was a blessing because I actually got to see a bunch of members that I served with in Tirana! My bishop in Tirana even was like "Come back!" haha I just love them.</p><p><br></p><p>Then I was able to come up to Gjakova and wow there are so many other new members! Some incredible miracles have been going on here that I cannot wait to continue to work until the end!</p><p><br></p><p>I just wanted to share something that impacted me this last week. So my previous companion, Motra Cela, told me that being away from her family has helped her to realize something. It hurts that she is away from her family right now and she doesn't even want to think about being away from them in the next life. Right now we are focusing on ETERNAL FAMILIES throughout the whole mission and helping others to realize this. It has truly stood out to me that the purpose of the Plan of Salvation (our purpose on earth) is so that we can be with our families forever. Then the PLAN itself is Christ. It's as simple as that! That's why we are here! We can have a family, find joy, and as we follow Christ, we will with them for eternity. But we HAVE to FOLLOW the only true source of JOY and the ONLY way for our families to be together forever. I testify of that with all of my heart, in the names of Jesus Christ, Amen.</p><p>Have a wonderful week!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAsNnAGn8PE/WpSN6_lKhMI/AAAAAAAAmV8/B0_C-fwv5YErlXUguXVsVA-ZdxEbifdsQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>My Elbasan District.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CgzIPIIa4HI/WpSN7gP1YcI/AAAAAAAAmWA/MLCI_0YmpbM6ogw2LD1zssvMvd7QGPbBwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>A sweet member in Elbasan! Shes so cute!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7DLjENTxumk/WpSN-3khPWI/AAAAAAAAmWE/_-XkfYMWUeMcbefRHRJ-W6OmWTfYHtPaQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZGRVkJBw0uE/WpSOA8_0ENI/AAAAAAAAmWI/zfy5-V_FKqEyF2gRHAsNJZRjvq6jDVTPwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Living the life with our little snowmen haha</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lh8owoL_ehA/WpSOC8p8dEI/AAAAAAAAmWM/9gep-4cLDvEe0U_6jIzHFrc7v3w99MrnACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ysu99dygd3g/WpSOF4r3ZOI/AAAAAAAAmWQ/qNoirw4wiDYEOqmgvYmh3wLKq5gEhoVWACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Ada's Baptism in Tirana!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X9NVEDVPuEo/WpSOJE7L11I/AAAAAAAAmWU/XKGP9lNlSVMkbBH9rsJCmvQBx1u9t3SWACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p>Gerta's Baptism :)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NorP_k3wcnA/WpSOMJsHvvI/AAAAAAAAmWY/rwL61qjFjHwUOyZHS1dSm7DtxQM43eLUgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>My MTC District back together for one day!!! I love them!!!</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-69144315339321673022018-02-19T18:35:00.001-08:002018-02-19T18:35:22.640-08:00Elbasan: My New Home!<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">HELLO EVERYONE from the city of Elbasan!! This city is the coolest thing because it is built around a massive castle from ancient times. It's beautiful, it's not like my little Pogradec, and I know about no one. Neither does my companion! Speaking of my companion, I have something really special to share. I'm going to tell it with the pictures :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-249G2_ry7so/WouGxq6AnXI/AAAAAAAAmGU/SlQ8Mjw_KFIQFDae0r8Hm0c6yfKuK7xDgCLcBGAs/s1600/nat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-249G2_ry7so/WouGxq6AnXI/AAAAAAAAmGU/SlQ8Mjw_KFIQFDae0r8Hm0c6yfKuK7xDgCLcBGAs/s320/nat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">About over a year ago I served in Korcë and we had a lot of contact with Pogradec as they were both recently opened together at the time. I have known Greta (the one in red) ever since the beginning of my mission!</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGQS5yYPnZU/WouGxuwtFhI/AAAAAAAAmGc/pudjhql8QmUJgnzaIHnYBVYFcVy-2raNACLcBGAs/s1600/nat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGQS5yYPnZU/WouGxuwtFhI/AAAAAAAAmGc/pudjhql8QmUJgnzaIHnYBVYFcVy-2raNACLcBGAs/s320/nat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I had to put this photo because it's extremely cheesy haha but about 6 months ago I went into Pogradec and we knew absolutely no one but I remembered Greta from over a year ago-before she was even baptized. When I came into Pogradec, She was the first person I met up with in Pogradec and we've been able to teach her and do mission prep with her ever since. She's been baptized for just about a year now and has been super excited about a mission. She was one of the first members in Pogradec!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWZIMNw0e4I/WouGxk_EFrI/AAAAAAAAmHM/KVGyCBoe_VUQbw1mpOasxBqfuvp0ae9tgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWZIMNw0e4I/WouGxk_EFrI/AAAAAAAAmHM/KVGyCBoe_VUQbw1mpOasxBqfuvp0ae9tgCEwYBhgL/s320/nat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyriSMMGr3E/WouGyLhN2JI/AAAAAAAAmHM/ap3VBPkP79U6ySRffah2gzhJZTwvla-fwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyriSMMGr3E/WouGyLhN2JI/AAAAAAAAmHM/ap3VBPkP79U6ySRffah2gzhJZTwvla-fwCEwYBhgL/s320/nat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I've actually been able to teach her family and she has made such an impact helping her family to be baptized. I was able to help do her mission paperwork trying to translate for the dentist and everything. We went out to get all her supplies and have her get all prepared for her mission! She will be the first missionary from Pogradec!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_2Iol0IIuo/WouGyrQls2I/AAAAAAAAmHY/RCEFPpGI8Gs7XqUEoNhsoSzsOda1E9A9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_2Iol0IIuo/WouGyrQls2I/AAAAAAAAmHY/RCEFPpGI8Gs7XqUEoNhsoSzsOda1E9A9QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Then as I went to the trainer and new missionary meeting, 4 new sisters came in along with Greta-now Motra Cela. My mission president, President Anderson was asking Motra Cela who were the missionaries that taught her. He was showing us how much we make an impact on the lives of these people. The first person she said was-"Motra Olsen". I about bawled. She shared that yes, originally she was taught by Elders, but that Motra Olsen taught her the gospel especially as her first sister missionary. I then was assigned to train Motra Cela! She told me afterwards that she was so thankful that I would be her trainer because I'm like family to her.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeLUtNcy7jc/WouGzGIu5wI/AAAAAAAAmHM/qgpBwsgkkG059VOlqNLKs4EDZlnzWyVqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeLUtNcy7jc/WouGzGIu5wI/AAAAAAAAmHM/qgpBwsgkkG059VOlqNLKs4EDZlnzWyVqQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Wow all I can say is that I never thought that coming into my mission about 16 months ago, within that time, I'd teach, and experience all that I have just so that I would serve with Motra Cela in the end. All I can say is that you missionaries out there-you make an IMPACT on those around you, whether you know it or not. I am just so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and that He has given me so much. It was hard leaving my last companion-Motra Mcguire-I love her SO MUCH! But I'm looking forward to seeing what this final transfer has in store. </div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
1. Before I left Pogradec, I went over to a member family's home and they made me and the other departing Elder lale-a funeral dessert. It was funny because the son told us-"Wow, you're probably the first living people to eat their own lale!"</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. I've now moved into a WARM city! Well....warmer. As in there's no snow. It just snowed a TON right after I left Pogradec!</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
3. This is just a cool story! I had dinner with some Americans while I was in Tirana for a couple of days. The woman was married to an Albanian here-who was in my uncle Paul's class at BYU-I which was AWESOME! There was another couple here adopting an Albanian. He served in this missionary 10 years ago! It was weird to all talk in English and have American food.....</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
4. Because my companion is Albanian, it doesn't matter if I talk to people in the streets in Albanian, they still turn to Motra Cela and say, "are you here to translate for her?" haha</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I just want to share my gratitude for the time I had in Pogradec and my sweet companion I left, Motra Mcguire, and my companion I have now. I'm so thankful for the Elders being willing to show us the streets and help us with all of the people because Elbasan has been opened for like 10 years now! I'm thankful for the members reaching out and we are doing all we can to help the branch here in Elbasan. It'll take some work but good thing I love work :)</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I just wanted to share a scripture that really stood out to me this week:</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>2 Nephi 5: <span class="yiv5507154507gmail-verse-number yiv5507154507gmail-verse" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27 </span><span style="color: #333333;">And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of </span><span style="color: #333333;">happiness</span><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Interesting about this scripture is that the whole chapter, chapter 5, talks about how Nephi and whoever would join him, was commanded to leave his brothers Laman and Lemuel. The Spirit of the Lord could not be with Laman and Lemuel as they would not listen to the words of the Lord or keep the commandments. I loved that Nephi and his people, as they listened to the Lord and kept the commandments-they lived after a manner of HAPPINESS! How cool is that! I have seen that we are happy when we are obedient. I'm seeing that on my mission. While everything else can be going wrong, at least we can be obedient and we will feel joy. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">LOVE YOU ALL! Don't know what's going to happen this week but I'm excited to find out!</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFzhgiYRDWQ/WouGz0odsLI/AAAAAAAAmHY/rr64zC3wORQo_TkZg50BprolJhszYcSXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFzhgiYRDWQ/WouGz0odsLI/AAAAAAAAmHY/rr64zC3wORQo_TkZg50BprolJhszYcSXQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once entrance to the castle in the middle of the city!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybG6X9iQPU4/WouG0UVAWWI/AAAAAAAAmHU/HCSyaVHa0n4imiuCEcuiKghi8HqlqfouwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybG6X9iQPU4/WouG0UVAWWI/AAAAAAAAmHU/HCSyaVHa0n4imiuCEcuiKghi8HqlqfouwCEwYBhgL/s320/nat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just down the street from my home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUmJe3WUGuA/WouG0uQ6TCI/AAAAAAAAmHY/eGc8BA2ctBMepFCuCfqY7kRWYT7T1icygCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat24.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUmJe3WUGuA/WouG0uQ6TCI/AAAAAAAAmHY/eGc8BA2ctBMepFCuCfqY7kRWYT7T1icygCEwYBhgL/s320/nat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7PdG6txNWw/WouG1NnkD9I/AAAAAAAAmHQ/ssSVunh4JXAMkNH3HOvazDwBMoJAQza3gCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7PdG6txNWw/WouG1NnkD9I/AAAAAAAAmHQ/ssSVunh4JXAMkNH3HOvazDwBMoJAQza3gCEwYBhgL/s320/nat25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I MET MOTRA MCCLUNG! (Sadie's roomate) I got to take her out in the streets on the first day so that was fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YloddOr2Acc/WouG1rfJHVI/AAAAAAAAmHY/dhtxTn2VqJEXFNZityxx7t0JkwWm5rkiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YloddOr2Acc/WouG1rfJHVI/AAAAAAAAmHY/dhtxTn2VqJEXFNZityxx7t0JkwWm5rkiQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motra Cela and I on Valentine's Day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPJHEtc9aqY/WouG2KHTCMI/AAAAAAAAmHY/okPPakloLJkY6Sb_mQ4B0E6vkLxOEqLrQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPJHEtc9aqY/WouG2KHTCMI/AAAAAAAAmHY/okPPakloLJkY6Sb_mQ4B0E6vkLxOEqLrQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Motra Jones!!! I got to serve with her for 2 days this week as we waited for our new missionaries!!! I LOVE HER!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbhXirbvJjI/WouG2vXFUMI/AAAAAAAAmHU/6FPGHayXty4atFrLFYYmmM0a_wu6Rzi5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbhXirbvJjI/WouG2vXFUMI/AAAAAAAAmHU/6FPGHayXty4atFrLFYYmmM0a_wu6Rzi5QCEwYBhgL/s320/nat28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the gentleman from my uncle's class!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><div data-test-id="message-view-body" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="msg-body P_wpofO iy_A" data-test-id="message-view-body-content" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; overflow-x: auto; padding: 2px 0px 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div id="yiv5507154507">
<div dir="ltr">
--<br /><div class="yiv5507154507gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="H_7jIs D_F ab_C Q_69H5 E_36RhU" data-test-id="toolbar-hover-area" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; background-color: white; color: #26282a; display: flex; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 64px; margin-left: -8px; margin-right: -20px;">
<div class="D_F W_6D6F r_BN gl_C" data-test-id="card-toolbar" style="-webkit-box-pack: center; cursor: default; display: flex; justify-content: center; width: 806px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv5507154507gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-27000978212407813252018-02-18T19:46:00.001-08:002018-02-18T19:46:18.187-08:00TRANSFERRED!<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Saturday we received transfer calls and after about 6 months in Pogradec I am being TRANSFERRED to the big city of ELBASAN! And not only that-I'm whitewashing (meaning I'm going into the area and starting from scratch) and TRAINING!!! This will be an adventure!</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
1. I received some words of wisdom:Sunflower seeds heal your stomach and cookies make you strong :) That's good!</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. We were doing a Book of Mormon survey and I approached a lady asking her to help us. She then proceeds to share "I would but I really have to go to the bathroom" I feel bad to say but, I'm pretty sure that's the first excuse I believe haha.</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
3. We got a haircut....then ended up going home and re-cutting our hair hahaha</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
4. Sad moment actually-a lot of marriages here are arranged and this lady we met we were asking-"How'd you meet your husband?" She responds-"It was arranged. It was not for love" as he's just chilling there. I honestly did not know how to respond to that.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default">
I wanted to share about how much my time here in Pogradec has impacted me. So I came into Pogradec in August last year, super pumped to get the work going! I was able to open it for sisters and we started from nothing! I have truly seen the Lord work INCREDIBLE miracles these last 6 months that so many families have been brought into the warmth and love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have to say that I have had many moments where I have been scared and have felt helpless as I have had NO IDEA how to care for the needs of these people here! But I have always know that someone does-and that is Christ. They are my life! We take care of the members as they experience so many hardships but I have loved being in every aspect of their lives and seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ work in their lives! I have seen relationships healed through Christ and I have definitely faced many trials as not everyone is in agreement with the change of faith in the family. I love the people of Pogradec! They are my family. Truly. They will be in my prayers forever!</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default">
As I was bearing my testimony to them in Sunday, I was praying as to know what to share. I felt to talk about charity and I wanted to share it with you! Charity is the PURE LOVE OF CHRIST. Christ did not live for Himself, but He truly came to be our example, to suffer for us, to die for us, then to be resurrected so that we can be reconciled with God. His LIFE was an act of true and pure LOVE! That is why we must have charity. I love Paul's teachings in the Bible</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 13:<span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">And though I have</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-clarity-word" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the gift of</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">prophecy, and understand all</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p3" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>And though I bestow all my goods to feed <span class="yiv8043481318gmail-clarity-word" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the poor,</span> and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.</b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p4" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>Charity suffereth long, <span class="yiv8043481318gmail-clarity-word" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</span> is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,</b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p5" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;</b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p6" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;</b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p7" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.</b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p8" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse-number yiv8043481318gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Charity never faileth: but whether <span class="yiv8043481318gmail-clarity-word" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">there be</span> prophecies, they shall fail; whether <span class="yiv8043481318gmail-clarity-word" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">there be</span> tongues, they shall cease; whether <span class="yiv8043481318gmail-clarity-word" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">there be</span> knowledge, it shall vanish away.</b></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail-verse" id="yiv8043481318gmail-p8" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b></b>This impacted me! We could serve, we can go to church, we can study the scriptures, we could sacrifice our time. we can pray, we could do all these things but what is it any good to us if we do not do it out of love?<b></b>How can we be edified if we do not live the gospel because of our LOVE for the Lord and our LOVE for those around us? Another scripture impacted me in the Book of Mormon-<b>Moroni 7:44 "...</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and </span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">confesses</span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"> by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
" </div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<div class="yiv8043481318gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">Wow. We cannot say we know Christ if we cannot forgive the people in our lives or we cannot love the person next to us. That was powerful! As I stood there before this people, I then just starting sobbing because of the love I felt for them in that moment. I honestly am SO FAR-believe me, from truly obtaining charity but I truly hope to develop this attribute of Christ because it is what He IS! As we have charity-we have everything. We have joy no matter our trials! We have joy in attending church and taking the time to speak to our Father in Heaven in prayer and to hear from Him in our scripture study. It doesn't become a routine, but countless joyful moments showing the love for our Savior and our Father in Heaven. Then as we serve one another with CHARITY oh how joyful we will be! Moroni gives us counsel to pray for this love with all the energy of heart! As I stood there in front of my Pogradec family, I was blessed to feel a little bit what the Lord feels for them. And even what the Lord feels for me. I hope to develop a greater love for my Savior and Heavenly Father along with those around me.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">I also wanted to share how much I truly have loved my time with Motra Mcguire. I cannot express enough the gratitude I have for her . She truly has changed my life and taught me so much about love. She is an example of charity to me. I love her and I truly am going to miss her.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">I love this gospel with all my heart and will try for the rest of my life and eternity to come to know my Savior and love as He does. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHzyHCuU6eQ/WopGyeQtx5I/AAAAAAAAmEc/b5qP7EaB9tcvoSwGGNQyJULxCbMZJ9sOwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHzyHCuU6eQ/WopGyeQtx5I/AAAAAAAAmEc/b5qP7EaB9tcvoSwGGNQyJULxCbMZJ9sOwCLcBGAs/s320/nat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />We did a blanket service project activity and we are preparing to donate them to newborns in Pogradec!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6IyhTWQ8Os/WopG0q6DctI/AAAAAAAAmE4/pBmjp7VEZhkqQMaN7qGMjNFRyQIEaRz1QCLcBGAs/s1600/nat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6IyhTWQ8Os/WopG0q6DctI/AAAAAAAAmE4/pBmjp7VEZhkqQMaN7qGMjNFRyQIEaRz1QCLcBGAs/s320/nat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuRa0VkKH08/WopG1EI-5XI/AAAAAAAAmE8/LOoMi6ZsTjEnecu0QJnjo0yK4svLihyVgCLcBGAs/s1600/nat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuRa0VkKH08/WopG1EI-5XI/AAAAAAAAmE8/LOoMi6ZsTjEnecu0QJnjo0yK4svLihyVgCLcBGAs/s320/nat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Coordinating with the President and his wife along with the senior couple here in Pogradec :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdWIrJX83cI/WopG1m2fuPI/AAAAAAAAmFA/Mp6ooKPUCj8N4iiuPbFQWCgJV0Qj0lXhwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdWIrJX83cI/WopG1m2fuPI/AAAAAAAAmFA/Mp6ooKPUCj8N4iiuPbFQWCgJV0Qj0lXhwCLcBGAs/s320/nat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert Byrek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNrXNVhvNtQ/WopG17HXG_I/AAAAAAAAmFE/-3b_38ronqY50bWSHMROkHMxkK8mGDbmQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNrXNVhvNtQ/WopG17HXG_I/AAAAAAAAmFE/-3b_38ronqY50bWSHMROkHMxkK8mGDbmQCLcBGAs/s320/nat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs everywhere...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sk3AjRDtUus/WopG2Ne98iI/AAAAAAAAmFI/OQsOQC58w08bIgphp5Np9-LIJRtQ3iGigCLcBGAs/s1600/nat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sk3AjRDtUus/WopG2Ne98iI/AAAAAAAAmFI/OQsOQC58w08bIgphp5Np9-LIJRtQ3iGigCLcBGAs/s320/nat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Pogradec Nënas :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhMCe2t_hUw/WopG2zuwEVI/AAAAAAAAmFM/usednm4Aupocek5cf9J9wStER1_dtTdXwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhMCe2t_hUw/WopG2zuwEVI/AAAAAAAAmFM/usednm4Aupocek5cf9J9wStER1_dtTdXwCLcBGAs/s320/nat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting some pizza! She is awesome!! She's moving to Kansas but preparing to be baptized here!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWiGfGKY7IA/WopG3fmNW9I/AAAAAAAAmFQ/oga_zL5w2wUsOisAmCdknev0z8hq8744QCLcBGAs/s1600/nat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWiGfGKY7IA/WopG3fmNW9I/AAAAAAAAmFQ/oga_zL5w2wUsOisAmCdknev0z8hq8744QCLcBGAs/s320/nat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my bud Gjergj. He is incredible and has done all he can to help us with our missionary work here! He is going to be an incredible missionary!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzc09xtmceY/WopG35XcP2I/AAAAAAAAmFU/-xwtotBd1GAOKTXIU2drPx8gRt2BefMCACLcBGAs/s1600/nat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzc09xtmceY/WopG35XcP2I/AAAAAAAAmFU/-xwtotBd1GAOKTXIU2drPx8gRt2BefMCACLcBGAs/s320/nat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my girl Sabiko. I LOVE HER! She is incredible! This is us in her little shop. Her faith is incredible!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuteId78Gp8/WopGyi4GO2I/AAAAAAAAmEg/9_82iLCgdSgST-u27VBcivP6yclWtUQ7gCLcBGAs/s1600/nat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuteId78Gp8/WopGyi4GO2I/AAAAAAAAmEg/9_82iLCgdSgST-u27VBcivP6yclWtUQ7gCLcBGAs/s320/nat10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last time at the church! The church is on the second floor here across from the Dentist here :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTlBTcxy6II/WopGygbescI/AAAAAAAAmEk/WpsuJyU4eesH0VmCti9kKs-OU8EpUdwrgCLcBGAs/s1600/nat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTlBTcxy6II/WopGygbescI/AAAAAAAAmEk/WpsuJyU4eesH0VmCti9kKs-OU8EpUdwrgCLcBGAs/s320/nat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl Ana and I. She is so cute and is turning 8 this year!! She's Gjergj's sister :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFzjCW8Op1I/WopGzCEeg5I/AAAAAAAAmEo/M1Jv37Dk8B4nUrN-CT9q3o6Wh4qsM_9GQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFzjCW8Op1I/WopGzCEeg5I/AAAAAAAAmEo/M1Jv37Dk8B4nUrN-CT9q3o6Wh4qsM_9GQCLcBGAs/s320/nat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love her!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYzOetljza0/WopGzF1tSJI/AAAAAAAAmEs/IjLZTKlcte4RqCqDI6NTpH9fCLm4YjSwwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYzOetljza0/WopGzF1tSJI/AAAAAAAAmEs/IjLZTKlcte4RqCqDI6NTpH9fCLm4YjSwwCLcBGAs/s320/nat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture just makes me laugh. I got pulled into this pic by the way. Our member Kosta just grabbed my arm and pulled me in hahaha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pReoPdDXkg8/WopGzqM0nSI/AAAAAAAAmEw/-jJuIs_pExsPuivMw_yaGSMp423e4qtpQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pReoPdDXkg8/WopGzqM0nSI/AAAAAAAAmEw/-jJuIs_pExsPuivMw_yaGSMp423e4qtpQCLcBGAs/s320/nat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francesko is incredible! He was the one that read the Bible and found the church himself. He is incredible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9ez8mdq3Pc/WopG0FzsPeI/AAAAAAAAmE0/xizMmQJ_yAkqClnH11XrwHG7kheZOHi7QCLcBGAs/s1600/nat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9ez8mdq3Pc/WopG0FzsPeI/AAAAAAAAmE0/xizMmQJ_yAkqClnH11XrwHG7kheZOHi7QCLcBGAs/s320/nat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an incredible member Frenki!! He has an incredible memory and basically has the whole Book of Mormon memorized.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
<br /></div>
--<br /><div class="yiv8043481318gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-31111867197534728132018-02-09T10:04:00.002-08:002018-02-09T10:04:59.041-08:00Welcome GREECE! :)<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
hey!!! so this week was rough but i had some pretty special moments!!!! one being that i got to go to an exchange to korcë this week back to my first area! i loved serving again with my girl aleksia as we surprised her and had her help us in the lessons!!! it was to visit some people i had taught a year ago and suprize visit them! man i love these people!!!<br />
<b><br />culture shocks of the week:</b>1. We went and visited Macedonia again today!! I got to take Motra Mcguire to see the beautiful old church there! We also about got attacked by a peacock but it was AWESOME! Couldn't tell you anything about the church though because all the plaques were in Macedonian haha</div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. When I went on an exchange this week in Korcë I served with Motra Pauga from Australia! I got to learn a little bit about Australia then it was awesome!</div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">3. These culture shocks are just now turning into extra comments I dont really know where to fit into the email haha</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">HEY I realized I completely forgot to mention that GREECE is becoming apart of our mission</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">The Adriatic South Mission!!! It wont take effect until July so after Im home but thats pretty cool!!! Wooooo we are going to have 4 countries in the mission now!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><br />So some major sad news actually was with a woman Ive been teaching for about 5 months now. I love her so much and have never fasted and prayed so much for someone. Her desire was to be baptized this last Saturday and we just poured out our hearts and did all we could to make that happen. When Saturday came-we come to find out that her family didn't accept it and it kept her from getting baptized. Honestly I just stood there and cried. However I will say that I have not lost hope. Sometimes I feel-but I prayed! I did all I could! why did something so good not come about? I learned something about an aspect of faith. Faith does not mean that anything will happen according to our will and our desire even if the desire is good! Faith is having full trust in God and His timing and His will while continuing to do all that we can and acting on that which we know to be true. God has a plan for ALL of His children and I just know that she will come along one day!! </span></div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="yiv3067378725gmail-verse-number yiv3067378725gmail-verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Nephi 17;50 </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">And I said unto them: </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">If</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;"> God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Interesting that Nephi said IF GOD HAD COMMANDED ME! Faith is full trust in Christ and who He is and what we can do through Him. It has power-but it truly is centered around the will of the Lord. I find comfort in knowing that we are all in good hands: the Lord's hands.</div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Another incredible moments this week were with a member. We just decided to read about the Sabbath day with her and without saying anything, she went off sharing how she has to feed her family and all these things and she has to work on Sundays and cant possibly miss work. However something incredible happened as we taught her the aspect of faith in Christ. The Lord giveth no commandment save He SHALL (that's a promise) PROVIDE a way to accomplish that which He hath commanded. It comes down to faith. Do we trust in the Lord to drop everything and follow Him? He WILL provide a way! She then just turned to a customer and said-"Im taking a break tomorrow! Im going to keep the Sabbath Day holy!" </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default">
I LOVE THESE PEOPLE!! That is probably one of the most rewarding things I've been able to experience on my mission and that is the fact that I get to LOVE these people! It's a beautiful thing to get a little glimpse of what God feels for His children.</div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default">
Well I have a feeling this next week is my final week here in Pogradec! I love these people and have been with them for some time now! We have transfer calls this Saturday and I"m not ready to leave my sweet companion Motra Mcguire yet but I am excited for more ways that I can serve the Lord. I LOVE YOU!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3vhmASI-UA/Wn3ifhtC08I/AAAAAAAAmB0/c7fluHOV5KslvYDVsAPhWzXn2wtnfEw8QCLcBGAs/s1600/nat25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1088" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3vhmASI-UA/Wn3ifhtC08I/AAAAAAAAmB0/c7fluHOV5KslvYDVsAPhWzXn2wtnfEw8QCLcBGAs/s320/nat25.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motra Mcguire and I had a picnic together at the church before fasting on Saturday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29JvMP5WL6c/Wn3igq1PGgI/AAAAAAAAmB4/iroPLfodLqoWxFFza12hRoRQ9jsa3tFowCLcBGAs/s1600/nat26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1088" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29JvMP5WL6c/Wn3igq1PGgI/AAAAAAAAmB4/iroPLfodLqoWxFFza12hRoRQ9jsa3tFowCLcBGAs/s320/nat26.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XfiUM6bZifM/Wn3ig7w9KnI/AAAAAAAAmB8/hQe3-bugdkEaqLVbSLoQjPFoaQPx-g9WwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1088" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XfiUM6bZifM/Wn3ig7w9KnI/AAAAAAAAmB8/hQe3-bugdkEaqLVbSLoQjPFoaQPx-g9WwCLcBGAs/s320/nat27.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my peacock :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8pEk1bPuIyA/Wn3h6Yic_yI/AAAAAAAAmBg/GndH0vBt0xEdMJzPCpJpc-KlhAAnFbZewCLcBGAs/s1600/nat14%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8pEk1bPuIyA/Wn3h6Yic_yI/AAAAAAAAmBg/GndH0vBt0xEdMJzPCpJpc-KlhAAnFbZewCLcBGAs/s320/nat14%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLxEpN8nfhU/Wn3fng2BgqI/AAAAAAAAl_s/gAWsdjh6qlQN0VWUcjp-dj-Ma9NY1XzjgCLcBGAs/s1600/nat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLxEpN8nfhU/Wn3fng2BgqI/AAAAAAAAl_s/gAWsdjh6qlQN0VWUcjp-dj-Ma9NY1XzjgCLcBGAs/s320/nat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_default">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">-- </span><br />
<div class="yiv3067378725gmail_signature" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-89958017474246222662018-01-29T18:13:00.001-08:002018-02-09T09:58:11.984-08:00Gëzim! (JOY)Hey everyone!!! How are you doing? I am SO GRATEFUL that it is finally WARM here in Pogradec! I also wanted to give a shout out to my FAVORITE little sister Carley for her birthday!!!<br />
<br />
Culture Shocks of the Week:<br />
1. Even after 16 months into my mission, I managed to make a major language mistake saying that God has prepared for us 3 trashcans instead of 3 kingdoms.....(mbetëri vs. mbretëri)<br />
2. Motra and I went on a hike to the "Pogradec Castle". When we reached the top we were able to see the remains of the castle: one broken pillar. :) The greatest castle I've ever seen!<br />
3. There will be an attached video....but while street contacting Motra and I were able to see a woman string up toilet paper to the 5th floor. It was the greatest thing ever!!<br />
<br />
This week was full of strengthening members, finding, doing a Book of Mormon study for the people in Albania, and more finding :) Oh how I love being a missionary :) I want to share a little bit about our study-or survey. It is called "Zëri i Zotit" (the voice of the Lord) and we go out with one page from the Book of Mormon and ask people to read it and write what they think about it. It's actually the COOLEST thing. Those that actually stop and take the time to read it are able to share a little bit about what they believe. I have seen so many interested in receiving a book. The Book of Mormon truly contains the voice of the Lord.<br />
<br />
2 Nephi 9:18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel,they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.<br />
If I were to have a scripture of the week, this week it'd be this one. My FAVORITE part of this scripture is that our JOY shall be FULL forever! How does that happen? We endure-and endure well throughout our hardships, trials, and oppositions. God's purpose for us here on earth is for us to have JOY! Why have commandments? Why have prophets? Why have more scripture: The Book of Mormon? Why send His Son, Jesus Christ to the earth? Why sacrifice years of serving preaching the gospel? Because we have a Father in Heaven who LOVES us. It's as simple as that. And these things are what brings us JOY! Everything that is good comes from God and as we come to serve Him, to love our Heavenly Father and Savior as they love us-oh how happy we will be! So much that our joy will be full! I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtlE9OvqL2k/Wn3gemjXdWI/AAAAAAAAmAY/CuwkhUUthIkOazcU75JjSB54rBlhLiIzwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtlE9OvqL2k/Wn3gemjXdWI/AAAAAAAAmAY/CuwkhUUthIkOazcU75JjSB54rBlhLiIzwCLcBGAs/s320/nat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLEY!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO3vPR_HXV0/Wn3gev_CgaI/AAAAAAAAmAU/g05W6QL9UzgBH9ITPAQFof3bxqB60fbrACLcBGAs/s1600/nat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO3vPR_HXV0/Wn3gev_CgaI/AAAAAAAAmAU/g05W6QL9UzgBH9ITPAQFof3bxqB60fbrACLcBGAs/s320/nat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think there's enough... :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLLL6Y8NO6c/Wn3geeNbZTI/AAAAAAAAmAQ/UER5truLpkISuYwNAhvxpQ66bXJpxJjHACLcBGAs/s1600/nat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLLL6Y8NO6c/Wn3geeNbZTI/AAAAAAAAmAQ/UER5truLpkISuYwNAhvxpQ66bXJpxJjHACLcBGAs/s320/nat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">haha someone broke the scale.... ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ahvgKWxfw3M/Wn3gegBb2GI/AAAAAAAAmAc/2AAGYaDbJ2oWyZIZfFAm3YkGUVjFXybFACLcBGAs/s1600/nat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ahvgKWxfw3M/Wn3gegBb2GI/AAAAAAAAmAc/2AAGYaDbJ2oWyZIZfFAm3YkGUVjFXybFACLcBGAs/s320/nat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bBHNoicHgE/Wn3gfPlCq8I/AAAAAAAAmAg/riY_6NFPk7Y4OvgX7SeGWmjtORfdcOmugCLcBGAs/s1600/nat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bBHNoicHgE/Wn3gfPlCq8I/AAAAAAAAmAg/riY_6NFPk7Y4OvgX7SeGWmjtORfdcOmugCLcBGAs/s320/nat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is normal :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv7Ylv9N7b0/Wn3gfnGHDHI/AAAAAAAAmAk/gn5DhEQSqW4Kz0PUIpkghpI3pVD8eJwNQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv7Ylv9N7b0/Wn3gfnGHDHI/AAAAAAAAmAk/gn5DhEQSqW4Kz0PUIpkghpI3pVD8eJwNQCLcBGAs/s320/nat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful city of Pogradec :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYFGF5-TdFI/Wn3ggN03XRI/AAAAAAAAmAo/7Ioc8g3C2Ac9fn1oqwc66iiHOwX0j8KpwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYFGF5-TdFI/Wn3ggN03XRI/AAAAAAAAmAo/7Ioc8g3C2Ac9fn1oqwc66iiHOwX0j8KpwCLcBGAs/s320/nat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The *drumroll* Pogradec Castle!!! WOOOOOO!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeyX8vg-lFU/Wn3ggqAoVTI/AAAAAAAAmAs/PJ5SA6BWJ404-ybc5IjdSNAvDr4T-J8qQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeyX8vg-lFU/Wn3ggqAoVTI/AAAAAAAAmAs/PJ5SA6BWJ404-ybc5IjdSNAvDr4T-J8qQCLcBGAs/s320/nat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5dCmJl2tM0/Wn3ghHoTbrI/AAAAAAAAmAw/Y3kW15ClIfYcQvK2qIGOLu6A_8nMaQ1VwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5dCmJl2tM0/Wn3ghHoTbrI/AAAAAAAAmAw/Y3kW15ClIfYcQvK2qIGOLu6A_8nMaQ1VwCLcBGAs/s320/nat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Love you!!! Have a wonderful week!!!<br />
<br />
--<br />
Mirupafshim! Të dua!<br />
Motra Olsen<br />
<br />
Letters:<br />
Adriatic South Mission<br />
Sister Natalie Olsen<br />
POB 2984<br />
Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"<br />
Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14<br />
Tirana<br />
Albania<br />
<br />
(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)<br />
Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net<br />
<br />
mormon.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-1481892309978466262018-01-22T13:55:00.002-08:002018-01-22T20:37:22.983-08:00Can't Have Rainbows without a Little Rain :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHSTrIObWTU/Wma6tGZJPXI/AAAAAAAAlh4/ljltkXcX7AgKcmPQj8ASA-MNpJD1Deg-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHSTrIObWTU/Wma6tGZJPXI/AAAAAAAAlh4/ljltkXcX7AgKcmPQj8ASA-MNpJD1Deg-wCEwYBhgL/s320/nat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Culture Shocks of the Week:<br />
1. We have a member who has her own little cafe shop so we usually stop in to see how she's going. We stopped in this week and she says, "I want to make you some sausages". She then whips out a pan out of no where and a loaf of bread and cabbage and fries them on this little pan above her portable heater in her shop. It was so random it was awesome!<br />
2. We saw a FULL RAINBOW this week after we had some monster storms! We were trekking through the streets that were literally rivers. It was awesome!<br />
3. We eat a whole lot of Kos (Greek Yogurt) here. It's awesome! We drink it watered down and with byrek<br />
<br />
So this last week there was a baptism in our soon-to-be branch and I wanted to share with you his story. He is incredible! So there's a boy-Francesko-and he's about 12 years old. He's read the Bible and has LOVED learning about Christ. As he read and finished, he felt like something was missing like there had to be more. So a few months back we had a baptism here in Pogradec in the lake and he passed by watching from afar and saw that we get baptized the way Christ did! So then some time recently, he saw the missionaries holding ANOTHER book-the Book of Mormon. When a man dropped a pass-along card in the trash, he ran over and grabbed it and found the church himself asking when we had church. Luckily we were there at that time! He then came to church and it so happened that that week I team taught with one of our younger members the "Restoration" in the youth class. Since then, he's been learning and this past week he was baptized and now his family is interested as well. It truly is incredible and I am so excited about our growing soon-to-be branch! These people here are incredible!<br />
<br />
This week I have really just seen miracles with our members here. We are continually looking to strengthen them and teach them the doctrine and it is incredible to see their lives change as they continually strive to live the commandments. One shared how her and her husband, before they go out into the fields or off welding a tunnel (yeah-jobs here are intense!) they drink hot cocoa and then kneel down in prayer together every morning! We have just been seeing so many miracles with these people here! I LOVE THE GOSPEL IT IS SO AWESOME!<br />
<br />
I also just want to bear my testimony of our living prophet: President Russel M. Nelson. Something I have truly come to see and LOVE is that God is THE SAME yesterday, today and forever. One, that means that He will NEVER love us less. If we make a mistake, or sin, it doesn't mean that it means that we are worthy, but we will never be worth less. The second is that His doctrines, His commandments never change. We have living prophets to direct and clarify the Lord's commandments. We are led by the Lord and not by the ideas and desires of men. This is comforting for me to know that we will always have a living prophet to guide and direct us according to the Lord's will! I testify that President Nelson is the prophet of God and that President Thomas S. Monson was a true prophet of God!<br />
<br />
2 Nephi 29:9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.<br />
<br />
I testify that the Lord LOVES us and will always love us along with our Father in Heaven. They will never change because their love is perfect and they are perfect beings. We are imperfect beings striving to become a little better and to be perfected each and every day through the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.<br />
<br />
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK! Look for the rainbows throughout the week! ;) hahaha<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ES4If7JS7VQ/Wma6tWiBzqI/AAAAAAAAlh8/v7wnpVU-DtU3pSOu4CHIyfAMJwxAJa1ZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ES4If7JS7VQ/Wma6tWiBzqI/AAAAAAAAlh8/v7wnpVU-DtU3pSOu4CHIyfAMJwxAJa1ZQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZa1Ylq3R9g/Wma6t2oVOzI/AAAAAAAAliA/gU5IDE6vq6Y6bED50MU7oEZXiaEfPa2MQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZa1Ylq3R9g/Wma6t2oVOzI/AAAAAAAAliA/gU5IDE6vq6Y6bED50MU7oEZXiaEfPa2MQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AF8fkALjCPk/Wma6ue9OYdI/AAAAAAAAliE/IhHVPZr3yPsuA0_phxBgdmEEA1HpFEwoQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AF8fkALjCPk/Wma6ue9OYdI/AAAAAAAAliE/IhHVPZr3yPsuA0_phxBgdmEEA1HpFEwoQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drinks are watered down kos (dhallë) Here we have egg byrek and fassule (a bean soup) these are the most common foods we eat here. And fruit of course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bAMPXxCzuk/Wma6tCmo0-I/AAAAAAAAlh0/si4NYTLrJvU-28NtY-mSEygx1-CrhvbIACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bAMPXxCzuk/Wma6tCmo0-I/AAAAAAAAlh0/si4NYTLrJvU-28NtY-mSEygx1-CrhvbIACEwYBhgL/s320/nat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um_CFc6Azoo/Wma6sT1kCBI/AAAAAAAAliQ/wJXGSDTvnmQ5OWeuxN1C61NaJTlApLkeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um_CFc6Azoo/Wma6sT1kCBI/AAAAAAAAliQ/wJXGSDTvnmQ5OWeuxN1C61NaJTlApLkeQCEwYBhgL/s320/nat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pogradec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KTwKbFUvtA/Wma6uyxhdNI/AAAAAAAAliI/gETlN66CTkMTxtNXS65Ec4BqwgGs156KACEwYBhgL/s1600/nat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KTwKbFUvtA/Wma6uyxhdNI/AAAAAAAAliI/gETlN66CTkMTxtNXS65Ec4BqwgGs156KACEwYBhgL/s320/nat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="yiv4668868616gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
My shop buddies :) I always pass them in the streets! They are the sweetest things!</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7to135zRLA0/Wma6vS5f-tI/AAAAAAAAliM/FiU4z52Ni78gyNvCZAdLTc54iYeNHu8uwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7to135zRLA0/Wma6vS5f-tI/AAAAAAAAliM/FiU4z52Ni78gyNvCZAdLTc54iYeNHu8uwCEwYBhgL/s320/nat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets of Pogradec so you can get an idea of how things are.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTLo39sLUQo/Wma6sVO_cVI/AAAAAAAAliQ/yigyBcupnRUMSTf4AFVPh7VFY1k6DYDswCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTLo39sLUQo/Wma6sVO_cVI/AAAAAAAAliQ/yigyBcupnRUMSTf4AFVPh7VFY1k6DYDswCEwYBhgL/s320/nat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pogradec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Edzgw9fi9ss/Wma6sZ710NI/AAAAAAAAlho/NFDrOS06D5knNKEHnAoyFLlOlUObNOkFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Edzgw9fi9ss/Wma6sZ710NI/AAAAAAAAlho/NFDrOS06D5knNKEHnAoyFLlOlUObNOkFgCEwYBhgL/s320/nat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pogradec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div data-test-id="message-view-body" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="msg-body P_wpofO iy_A" data-test-id="message-view-body-content" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; overflow-x: auto; padding: 2px 0px 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div id="yiv4668868616">
<div dir="ltr">
--<br /><div class="yiv4668868616gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="H_7jIs D_F ab_C Q_69H5 E_36RhU" data-test-id="toolbar-hover-area" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; background-color: white; color: #26282a; display: flex; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 64px; margin-left: -8px; margin-right: -20px;">
<div class="D_F W_6D6F r_BN gl_C" data-test-id="card-toolbar" style="-webkit-box-pack: center; cursor: default; display: flex; justify-content: center; width: 806px;">
</div>
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-47669421365892505202018-01-15T16:03:00.001-08:002018-01-15T16:03:54.030-08:00HOPE :)My goal of this email is to share the reality of a missionary. To begin, I want to share how much I LOVE being a missionary and I had a very sad moment of even imagining taking off my tag this week. But I will say that I don't love it because it's just 18 months spent in Albania but what comes with that is a lot of disappointments, rejections, but also HOPE.<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. Quote of the week: "Oh I thought no one judged in America!" In the eyes of many here, America is a perfect place without any problems :)</p><p>2.Waffles are considered dessert.</p><p>3. Albania is a male-dominant culture meaning that mainly men have the most say in things.</p><p><br></p><p>To expand a little more on the male-dominant culture, that has been the main difficulty on my mission. It doesn't matter sometimes if the women have desire to learn more, the man in the home has to agree. We met with the sweetest girl this week and she is going ham reading in the Book of Mormon haha but our only challenge is that she can't really meet with her and her father refuses to let her leave the home. Another update on that family we found last week-what was sad was we knew that they felt something but sadly they discussed with each other and said they can't change their previous traditions and ways and now we are blocked. This is not a rare occurrence, but I want to share a little something with you that has carried me throughout my whole mission and that is-HOPE!</p><p><br></p><p>(Book of Mormon) Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout my mission, I have faced countless rejection, countless degrading comments, and countless disappointments-but I haven't really experienced discouragement. Something I have found is that everything I do, I see as though I am PLANTING something-even a smile-in HOPE that one day in the future someone will come in contact again with the gospel and remember that moment, that love they felt, or that Spirit they felt when they heard the message for the first time. I have found that HOPE brings about JOY! I always just think that everything little thing I do, there's a HOPE in the future, maybe even 20, 30, 50 years down the line even that these people will have found the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hope has truly been my anchor to continue on! Hope is a beautiful thing! If we feel like we are trying and trying and feel like we are not making a difference in the world, in our families, in our communities, think about what would happen if you never made the effort! That one person that felt your smile would have one smile less in their life. I truly believe that there is ALWAYS good waiting for us in the future so by our small efforts, our small acts of love, our simple testimonies, we ARE making a difference. That is the joy of HOPE and by every little act, the world gets better each and everyday.</p><p><br></p><p>In addition to hope, I have been experiencing some of the greatest joys watching people REPENT! That means to CHANGE! To literally turn ourselves to God! We have had many new members experiencing so much CHANGE as they strive to live the commandments. I have never seen so much joy from these people as they strive to come unto Christ even in the smallest ways. Everyone here is so new but their faith in Christ is INCREDIBLE! I am trying to develop more and more faith as throughout my day, I have so many moments when I am exhausted or I have NO IDEA what to do. There are many moments when people stand us up or we get blocked. There are many moments where people yell at us in the streets or have others laugh at us. However, with FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY-I have found joy in any circumstance. I have hope that I'm impacting others in some way, faith in Christ that we WILL find those that are prepared and WAITING to find the true gospel, and charity, or love, that causes me to laugh at the worst moments because I just love these people. There truly is so much joy we can find in everyday. I can testify of that-that's why we have Christ! When in doubt-pray. Our Father in Heaven WILL hear us and our Savior WILL rescue us as we come unto Him. Because of Christ, we can find LIGHT and JOY in all things. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</p><p><br></p><p>I love you. Truly. Have a wonderful week!</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-52947196845760616582018-01-09T09:05:00.001-08:002018-01-09T09:05:32.664-08:00Baklava filled to the Brim<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I really don't know how I'd say it in Albanian, but this week we were blessed to be FILLED to the brim with SO MUCH BAKLAVA!! The New Years celebration still has been going on all week but has finally died down :) Now my comp and I have made some major goals to burn off all that we have gained in this last week.....haha </div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
1. We managed to hit 15 baklavas this week!!!! *Famous last words*-"Have you ever had baklava before?" We really don't know how to respond at this point.....</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. IT SNOWED!! We actually went up to Tirana for a conference and what's beautiful about Albania is that every city is COMPLETELY different than from another city. That's including climates! So we drove from our freezing snowy Pogradec, through some cities still experiencing Fall, and into Tirana that is as warm as Spring. It was crazy to experience all of that in just 2 hours!</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
3. We met this woman who has an autistic son and 10 years ago when she had him, she has never heard of autism because the Internet and technology here is still pretty behind from the rest of the world. She's raised him for 10 years now just trying to figure out how to help him on her own. These people here are just incredible! It truly helps you to realize how much we have to be grateful for. I love these Albanian people. They are the most loving people ever :)</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
So there are always miracles that can occur when there is faith and I am happy to say that we had yet ANOTHER miracle this week!! Motra McGuire and I only had this short amount of time to go out contacting and to go tracting, She told me, "You have one chance, pick the building." We picked this one and yes, every door rejected us but once we reached the LAST door, this man opened up the door and we didn't even say much but he told us to come right back the next day. As we returned the next day, the whole FAMILY welcomed us RIGHT in and we shared with them the message of the Restoration. They just sat in awe, We felt to mention a little bit about the Plan of Salvation. They then asked, "Then, when are you coming back to teach us about this plan? Tomorrow maybe?" We were in awe. This is very rare by the way to have people pleading for us to come back haha so we came back and we are continuing to teach this beautiful family! It's INCREDIBLE!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
SUPER funny story from one of the little boys in our group here. We went over for a little New Years celebration to a member's home and we shared with them the importance of Christ Atonement in regards to the Fall of Adam and Eve and how Christ was CHOSEN before the world was even created to come to earth and save us from the Fall so that we may be lifted up and be brought BACK into the presence of God. We shared the story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. At the end of the lesson, the member and her husband after giving us all this food, asked us, "Why haven't you eaten the fruit?" Then the 6 year old little boy calls out-"Because it's forbidden!" Well at least he listened :)</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
Another quote of the week, "After receiving the Holy Ghost, it has helped me make a mistake 5 seconds slower than I would've before" Progress am I right? We're working on it :) hahaha</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
I honestly just love these people. I cannot even begin to express it. It helps me to understand a little bit more WHY Christ did what He did. The Fall of Adam and Eve was in God's plan! He knew it would happen and without the Fall of Adam of Eve, we would NOT be here.</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 2:<span class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse-number yiv6173523413gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">22 </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230001" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230002" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">now, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230003" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">behold, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230004" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">if </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230005" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Adam </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230006" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">had </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230007" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230008" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">transgressed </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230009" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230010" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">would </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230011" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230012" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230013" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fallen, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230014" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">but </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230015" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230016" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">would </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230017" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230018" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">remained </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230019" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230020" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230021" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">garden </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230022" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk yiv6173523413gmail-hl-id-81196407" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230023" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Eden. </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230024" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230025" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">all </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230026" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">things </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230027" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230028" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">were </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230029" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">created </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230030" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">must </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230031" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230032" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">remained </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230033" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230034" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230035" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">same </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230036" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">state </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230037" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230038" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230039" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230040" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">were </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230041" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">after </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230042" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230043" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">were </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230044" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">created; </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230045" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230046" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230047" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">must </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230048" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230049" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">remained f</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230050" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">orever,</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230051" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230052" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">had </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230053" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk230054" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">end. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse yiv6173523413gmail-chunked" id="yiv6173523413gmail-p23" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse-number yiv6173523413gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">23 </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240001" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240002" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240003" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">would </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240004" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240005" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">had </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240006" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240007" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">children</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240008" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">; </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240009" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">wherefore </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240010" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240011" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">would </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240012" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240013" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">remained </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240014" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240015" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240016" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">state </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240017" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240018" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">innocence, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240019" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">having </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240020" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240021" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">joy</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240022" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240023" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240024" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240025" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">knew </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240026" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240027" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">misery; </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240028" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">doing </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240029" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240030" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">good, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240031" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240032" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240033" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">knew </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240034" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240035" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sin</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk240036" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></span><br />
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse yiv6173523413gmail-chunked" id="yiv6173523413gmail-p24" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse-number yiv6173523413gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">24 </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250001" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250002" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">behold, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250003" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">all </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250004" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">things </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250005" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250006" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">been </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250007" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">done </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250008" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250009" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250010" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">wisdom </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250011" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250012" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">him </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250013" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">who </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250014" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">knoweth</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250015" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> all </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk250016" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">things.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse yiv6173523413gmail-chunked" id="yiv6173523413gmail-p25" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse-number yiv6173523413gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25 </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260001" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Adam</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-dontHighlight" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260002" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fell</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260003" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> that </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260004" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">men </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260005" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">might </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260006" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be; </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260007" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260008" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">men </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260009" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">are</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260010" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260011" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260012" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260013" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">might </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260014" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260015" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">joy</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk260016" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse yiv6173523413gmail-chunked" id="yiv6173523413gmail-p26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-verse-number yiv6173523413gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">26 </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270001" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270002" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270003" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Messiah</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"> (Christ)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270004" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> cometh </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270005" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270006" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270007" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fulness </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270008" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270009" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">time, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270010" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270011" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270012" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">may </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270013" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">redeem</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270014" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270015" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">children </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270016" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270017" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">men </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270018" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">from </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270019" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270020" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fall. </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270021" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270022" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">because </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270023" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270024" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270025" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">are </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270026" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">redeemed</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270027" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> from </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270028" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270029" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fall </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270030" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270031" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270032" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">become </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270033" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">free</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270034" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> forever, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270035" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">knowing </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270036" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">good </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270037" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">from </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270038" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">evil; </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270039" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">to </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270040" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">act </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270041" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270042" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">themselves </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270043" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270044" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270045" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">to </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270046" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270047" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">acted </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270048" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">upon, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270049" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">save </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270050" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">it </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270051" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270052" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270053" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270054" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">punishment </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270055" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270056" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270057" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">law</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270058" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> at </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270059" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270060" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">great </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270061" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270062" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">last </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270063" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">day, </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270064" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">according<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270065" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">to </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270066" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270067" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">commandments </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270068" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270069" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270070" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">hath </span><span class="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk yiv6173523413gmail-hl-id-29130174" id="yiv6173523413gmail-chunk270071" style="background-color: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">given<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
.</div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
Christ truly came in the fulness of time to REDEEM us from the Fall. That includes His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, His suffering on the cross, and His resurrection. This is Christ's INFINITE Atonement. While through the Fall, we have fallen, but through Christ, He lifts us UP. He descended BELOW all things, so that we may be lifted up! Christ suffered so much and WHY? Because of love. He could fulfill the will of the Father BECAUSE He has perfect love. He HAD to live a perfect life in order to fulfill His Atonement. That's why He CHOSE to be perfect because He had PERFECT love for us! Imagine the power of love! And I mean charity-the PURE love of Christ. Without it, we are nothing because if you think about it, charity is EVERYTHING! The plan was created, Christ came, we have families, all because of love. The fruit of the tree of life in 1 Nephi 8 represents the LOVE of God which represents Christ's Atonement. We must choose to come unto Him as we are free to choose! As we come unto Him and partake of His love, meaning APPLY His Atonement in our lives, we will be LIFTED up. We WILL find true, pure, and infinite JOY that is "whiter above anything that is white and purer above anything that is pure". And we will be FILLED with this love that we then can share with those around us. I can testify of that. If we all would just love and Christ did, then there would be world peace. If we would just love as Christ did, we would all be healed. I can testify of that with all of my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
I hope you have a wonderful week!! LOVE YOU!!!</div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0bDkZH6Xcg/WlT19epspkI/AAAAAAAAlbE/yrnzvmTIu1sMslOYdXIjTRVAUt8UnudKgCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0bDkZH6Xcg/WlT19epspkI/AAAAAAAAlbE/yrnzvmTIu1sMslOYdXIjTRVAUt8UnudKgCLcBGAs/s320/natalie31.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTac1nZojE4/WlT19hAug2I/AAAAAAAAlbI/j-PadRFdwjcHWPEE6M86KCh6ycr0Z7BLACLcBGAs/s1600/natalie32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTac1nZojE4/WlT19hAug2I/AAAAAAAAlbI/j-PadRFdwjcHWPEE6M86KCh6ycr0Z7BLACLcBGAs/s320/natalie32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z59sLc7ny8g/WlT19ttEF0I/AAAAAAAAlbM/OFlpClnkKCAp2nXvR7d_DHh4kDjIZDoAwCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z59sLc7ny8g/WlT19ttEF0I/AAAAAAAAlbM/OFlpClnkKCAp2nXvR7d_DHh4kDjIZDoAwCLcBGAs/s320/natalie33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5zbrr28Lhs/WlT191mL9FI/AAAAAAAAlbQ/EukMoRp9vFIGbMmWQCEOKxDgSUujWEO8gCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5zbrr28Lhs/WlT191mL9FI/AAAAAAAAlbQ/EukMoRp9vFIGbMmWQCEOKxDgSUujWEO8gCLcBGAs/s320/natalie34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmlSOTdmS04/WlT1960Tp2I/AAAAAAAAlbU/EDPxXZio0WYwerwoZMlafAqc9KIEl0rsACLcBGAs/s1600/natalie35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmlSOTdmS04/WlT1960Tp2I/AAAAAAAAlbU/EDPxXZio0WYwerwoZMlafAqc9KIEl0rsACLcBGAs/s320/natalie35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_default">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">-- </span><br />
<div class="yiv6173523413gmail_signature" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-19392263975936825592018-01-02T15:18:00.001-08:002018-01-09T08:58:36.402-08:00Gëzuar Vitin e Ri!HAPPY NEW YEAR! Gëzuar Vitin e Ri!! I just barely survived a war-zone of fireworks! New Years is HUGE here! We had to be in our homes last night and we have to be inside tonight at 4pm because of how crazy the fireworks are here haha there are like fireworks all out in the streets and it goes crazy! We are able to stay up to see them and went out just barely on our balcony and just about got hit haha people are like shooting them from their windows and from the roofs of all the apartment buildings here. HAPPY NEW YEAR! It was a good start :)<br />
<br />
Culture Shocks of the Week:<br />
1. I'm going to gain like 10 pounds due to the amount of BAKLAVA we are given here because of Vitin e Ri. It's about 1,000 calories per slice and we are at 7 this week now already......haha They are about 200 layers of dough baked, then DRENCHED in sugar water and cinnamon with some nuts. My favorite is when the Albanians tell us, "It's actually really good for you! You get your flour and nuts for the day!"<br />
2. We had a bunch of random people call us on New Years that we have no idea how they got our number but we were wished a Happy New Year many times :)<br />
3. The fireworks here....yet again. I'll attach a video haha but they have been lasting for like a week and they probably will for the next week.<br />
<br />
I wanted to share about a special moment we had on Christmas Day! So Christmas caroling is not heard of here so Motra McGuire and I made about 50 cookies and starting going around all of Pogradec and hitting EVERY member and investigator we have. (We about 30 members now!!! Isn't that crazy awesome?) As we showed up singing Christmas hymns and giving out these cookies, they just start bawling sharing that they didn't expect such a thing! I love Christmastime! We ended up going home with all kinds of fruit, byrek, and interesting desserts :) It was a beautiful Christmas!<br />
<br />
Other moments from this week was the man that was baptized this last Saturday had the opportunity to receive the Priesthood and then baptize his stepdaughter on her 8th birthday this last week. There have just been such special little moments here in Pogradec. I cannot express how much our Savior, Jesus Christ not only just heals US individually but also our relationships! I have just seen so many families united here through the gospel of Jesus Christ!<br />
<br />
Something that we are getting really into is teaching such basic, simple doctrine one by one to our group here in Pogradec! They are incredible and their faith is incredible! I can't imagine coming from knowing nothing about Christ and then developing that incredible faith to follow Him through baptism purely due to their faith in Christ! No, they may not understand completely every doctrine and we are all still learning, but their limit in knowledge does not keep them from acting, always looking to learn, and following Christ. Sometimes we're sitting there in Sunday School and some things are said where we are like, "uhhh.....we'll have to address that." I love it though. We are always on the alert haha I love Pogradec and we just had transfer calls and I am here for another 6 weeks with Motra McGuire! I am the luckiest girl EVER because I love Motra McGuire so much! We are seeing miracles here in Pogradec! It is absolutely beautiful!<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to this next year! My year in Albania is over which is really sad actually, but I am looking forward to serving with all my heart, might, mind, and strength these next 4 months! I love you all and will weirdly see you all so soon! Happy New Years!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHfGfmzFGmI/WlTznubcaxI/AAAAAAAAlaU/0whIWLZDBloF54maYYTmTNeqFjlaracWQCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DHfGfmzFGmI/WlTznubcaxI/AAAAAAAAlaU/0whIWLZDBloF54maYYTmTNeqFjlaracWQCLcBGAs/s320/natalie21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas sweater and Christmas PJs :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBbfDRk-mFM/WlTzn78MXvI/AAAAAAAAlac/M9BZd8ZM9zke1BwTmdXipI9hfmK-DXDaQCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBbfDRk-mFM/WlTzn78MXvI/AAAAAAAAlac/M9BZd8ZM9zke1BwTmdXipI9hfmK-DXDaQCLcBGAs/s320/natalie22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of my best friends, Aleksia :) It's been a year now since she's been baptized when I was in Korcë on Christmas Eve and I had the special Christmas gift of seeing her here in Pogradec.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzUE0mvPX8Y/WlTzn3JbV5I/AAAAAAAAlaY/YOkJ-Ie2rUU7mIp4eHB8gUL_f95gytI-QCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzUE0mvPX8Y/WlTzn3JbV5I/AAAAAAAAlaY/YOkJ-Ie2rUU7mIp4eHB8gUL_f95gytI-QCLcBGAs/s320/natalie23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y0uQA-eYy0/WlTzoAF3ozI/AAAAAAAAlag/zrTdULSM9sAgIyli0uJAVa419IUdslUIQCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y0uQA-eYy0/WlTzoAF3ozI/AAAAAAAAlag/zrTdULSM9sAgIyli0uJAVa419IUdslUIQCLcBGAs/s320/natalie24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muXm-XKCiHo/WlTzodxEJKI/AAAAAAAAlak/z9-nq2gNlSMi49pfoeFlPu8LharUoxtrgCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muXm-XKCiHo/WlTzodxEJKI/AAAAAAAAlak/z9-nq2gNlSMi49pfoeFlPu8LharUoxtrgCLcBGAs/s320/natalie25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BAKLAVA!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Og2d-RKa0kA/WlTzpGOXKiI/AAAAAAAAlas/5sMWZglYb78vJvFshYwYoZax4yUTfKABQCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Og2d-RKa0kA/WlTzpGOXKiI/AAAAAAAAlas/5sMWZglYb78vJvFshYwYoZax4yUTfKABQCLcBGAs/s320/natalie27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOC0IpnGa8I/WlTzprD2yII/AAAAAAAAlaw/jEYy8XVdCEQRuVW9R5vT6NHiTwyb7BhngCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOC0IpnGa8I/WlTzprD2yII/AAAAAAAAlaw/jEYy8XVdCEQRuVW9R5vT6NHiTwyb7BhngCLcBGAs/s320/natalie28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amS_hmNaBLw/WlTzqFdZZII/AAAAAAAAla0/eLti-qTaUVQ6FSjpNoHcXMXcVYtrK_kUQCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amS_hmNaBLw/WlTzqFdZZII/AAAAAAAAla0/eLti-qTaUVQ6FSjpNoHcXMXcVYtrK_kUQCLcBGAs/s320/natalie29.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPulF7kUPME/WlTzqiaNbzI/AAAAAAAAla4/1BZsvp4pakQxwjznbbvpG2mnuwqg0lLaACLcBGAs/s1600/natalie30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPulF7kUPME/WlTzqiaNbzI/AAAAAAAAla4/1BZsvp4pakQxwjznbbvpG2mnuwqg0lLaACLcBGAs/s320/natalie30.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made some French Toast Casserole for New Years :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">-- </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><div class="yiv5809717252m_-1127496423955154786gmail_signature" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-69261873742013651272018-01-02T15:15:00.001-08:002018-01-09T08:48:38.926-08:00Krishtlindja të BardhaMERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! GEZUAR KRISHTLINDJET! I don't know where to begin-other than sharing that this Christmas was a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!! What that means is-WE HAD A BAPTISM!!! It truly was a Christmas miracle!! This week has just been a week of miracles as we have exercised a lot of faith in Christ to accomplish His work!<br />
<br />
Culture Shocks of the Week:<br />
1. An Albanian buffet!!! No that doesn't exist-but this week we had a big Christmas dinner with everyone and had everyone bring an Albanian dish so we could have a Christmas dinner together! They were so confused at first not realizing they could just put whatever they want on their plate-in this culture the people are usually served. We just told them-"Well this is the American way so dig in!" It was a blast :)<br />
2. Traditionally all of the churches here give out gifts to children on Christmas day. So at church yesterday, we had a TON of kids show up to our church, we sadly did not have anything to give but it definitely was a crazy meeting!<br />
3. This was the Pogradec's group's FIRST CHRISTMAS! Also-because Christmas is not really celebrated here-everybody's still open and on work and it's just like a normal day. It's so weird! We however were able to put out some cookies and milk and sit around our tree and open up packages this morning haha<br />
<br />
So to share about the miracles from this week-At the beginning of the week we were feeling pretty sad because one of our investigator's wasn't able to be baptized due to her family being against it. However when we went to Family Home Evening on Monday, she came up to us and said that she's getting baptized on the 23rd of December! I bawled! What's the miracle about it was that it truly was because of HER faith! We previously had fasted together that she would get baptized on December 23rd and the closer and closer the date came, her family still was against it and was not letting her and I just thought, "How is this going to happen?" I definitely doubted a little bit until I was able to truly see the goodness of God and how He truly brings about miracles according to our faith-especially the faith of Nexhi! She shared with us that it was because of her 6 year old little boy-He said, "Let mama be baptized because then she'll be happy and we'll have a happy family and when I grow up and get married, I'm going to get baptized with my wife!" The power of a child's words! I'm telling you-we then had such a BEAUTIFUL baptism at Christmastime and when she got home the night from her baptism, her husband found work! The Lord truly blesses us after a trial of our faith! It is incredible!<br />
<br />
So Nexhi is actually the daughter-in-law of the incredible woman who gave up smoking and drinking and was baptized about 4 weeks ago! They read the scriptures and pray together every night. They came up to me and told me, "You know, before we were just mother and daughter-in-law, but now we're sisters!" OH MY GOSH SO CUTE! This gospel changes lives. Really. It blesses our families! Why? Because its Christ's gospel! He does the healing! He heals our broken relationships. He heals our sorrows, our pride, our anger, and ANYTHING as long as we allow Him to and we come unto Him through FAITH! Faith is not that we just believe, but we ACT upon that which we believe. If we truly believe in Christ, then we FOLLOW Him. Like the wise men and shepherds, they didn't just hear about Christ, believe in Him, and continue about their business. They CAME unto Him! They followed the star to find Him. I love the Forgotten Carols (I listen to them all the time) and one of the songs shares this, "3 Kings they found the Lord, and so can we." We must find Him. He is the Way and the only Way! He is the Light and the only light in our lives! If we look back and feel that we have been experiencing dark times, lets think if we are letting the source of true light into our lives: Jesus Christ. I plead you to come unto Him. I have felt so much peace through Him and have seen so many lives touched, healed, and blessed because of Him. All we need to do is to "Let Him in". I testify of that and of this Christmas season. He is the Gift! He is the reason why we can have eternal families and is the Light, the Peace, and the JOY that is in this world. He is the Light of the World and I testify that this Christmas Season is all because of Him. I say that in the name of our Savior, the Light and Life of this world, even Jesus Christ, Amen.<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg<br />
<br />
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Gëzuar Krishtlindjet!! I love you all so so much I cannot express it enough! Have a very merry Christmas and we will chat next year! ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyUOOdvIgVQ/WlTwl--JDgI/AAAAAAAAlZY/9OsbWknyqNYJpGBb3FLgB8aeAD_m1bd1wCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyUOOdvIgVQ/WlTwl--JDgI/AAAAAAAAlZY/9OsbWknyqNYJpGBb3FLgB8aeAD_m1bd1wCLcBGAs/s320/natalie13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our women's activity gathering clothing and toys to donate to others here in Pogradec :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA6yw3__5JM/WlTwlzuImeI/AAAAAAAAlZQ/YhM5-8y-VCgOfTCYFBwyPqJyDyYK1PaPACLcBGAs/s1600/natalie14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA6yw3__5JM/WlTwlzuImeI/AAAAAAAAlZQ/YhM5-8y-VCgOfTCYFBwyPqJyDyYK1PaPACLcBGAs/s320/natalie14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got us some new coats :) THANKS GOODNESS because it's FREEZING!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9pGF7ZJnFU/WlTwly1uIjI/AAAAAAAAlZU/1QxgV1PPxfwdtOZnUOiYhAjstTxUlXLxgCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9pGF7ZJnFU/WlTwly1uIjI/AAAAAAAAlZU/1QxgV1PPxfwdtOZnUOiYhAjstTxUlXLxgCLcBGAs/s320/natalie15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Albanian buffet :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDBIKJH5mSE/WlTwmCRW4qI/AAAAAAAAlZc/H8RS4VczhawY3Vr92apK78frenOcPfu6gCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDBIKJH5mSE/WlTwmCRW4qI/AAAAAAAAlZc/H8RS4VczhawY3Vr92apK78frenOcPfu6gCLcBGAs/s320/natalie16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally my buddies :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cM9BAWFh-mc/WlTwmuPlZCI/AAAAAAAAlZg/kdhz1Wq66XY4rHsTi7ZKGGSrJBGxVW2EgCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cM9BAWFh-mc/WlTwmuPlZCI/AAAAAAAAlZg/kdhz1Wq66XY4rHsTi7ZKGGSrJBGxVW2EgCLcBGAs/s320/natalie17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3THwwL7MnQ/WlTwnGptv2I/AAAAAAAAlZk/pBkTvEYsQBAr_m4TfFr4MdPO8puOV0tcgCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3THwwL7MnQ/WlTwnGptv2I/AAAAAAAAlZk/pBkTvEYsQBAr_m4TfFr4MdPO8puOV0tcgCLcBGAs/s320/natalie18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing pictionary together as a group!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWdtqr0cXj4/WlTwnmLjLOI/AAAAAAAAlZo/HZbXfVMplTgsDsuVcvmiZkgPd5uDN5nbACLcBGAs/s1600/natalie19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWdtqr0cXj4/WlTwnmLjLOI/AAAAAAAAlZo/HZbXfVMplTgsDsuVcvmiZkgPd5uDN5nbACLcBGAs/s320/natalie19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with Nexhi and her kids on her baptismal day! (I'll send more pics)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUfSpCF71ho/WlTwoOCuOCI/AAAAAAAAlZs/itHpubf3us8fHLMO0Nk_F5zO7cOVoJaLQCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUfSpCF71ho/WlTwoOCuOCI/AAAAAAAAlZs/itHpubf3us8fHLMO0Nk_F5zO7cOVoJaLQCLcBGAs/s320/natalie20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas tree :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<div data-test-id="message-view-body" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="msg-body P_wpofO iy_A" data-test-id="message-view-body-content" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; overflow-x: auto; padding: 2px 0px 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div id="yiv8125665945">
<div dir="ltr">
--<br /><div class="yiv8125665945gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="H_7jIs D_F ab_C Q_69H5 E_36RhU" data-test-id="toolbar-hover-area" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; background-color: white; color: #26282a; display: flex; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 64px; margin-left: -8px; margin-right: -20px;">
<div class="D_F W_6D6F r_BN gl_C" data-test-id="card-toolbar" style="-webkit-box-pack: center; cursor: default; display: flex; justify-content: center; width: 806px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-83833961835174948832017-12-21T20:28:00.002-08:002018-01-09T08:36:34.971-08:00Një Vitë në Shqipëri!!!<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
ONE YEAR IN SHQIPERIA (Albania)! I never thought this day would ever come! It's crazy to think I haven't touched American soil for so long! We celebrated with ice cream and....that's about it haha Well after a year, we had a week's worth of MIRACLES! Christmas Miracles :)</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<b>Culture Shocks of the Week:</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
1. So one of our investigator's invited us to go and help her celebrate her son's 6th birthday at his preschool so we had a little fun celebrating at an Albanian preschool party. It's nothing like America-all the kids were going crazy with sparklers inside and we went out to send off a lantern where the birthday boy made a wish! It was fun to spice up the work a little bit with a little celebration :)</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
2. For our HUGE concert we had on Saturday, we spent many days passing out fliers as one of the Elders played his violin in the streets. The culture shock this week was for THEM! It is actually very rare to meet a violinist here or to even see a violin so that was fun!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
3. Christmas music here is NOT a thing so for our concert the people did not know of ANY of them but it truly was so special! We tried to sing with everyone "Nat' e Qet' (Silent Night)" no one knew so we tried belting it all we could haha</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
Speaking of this concert....IT WAS THE MOST GREATEST MIRACLE EVER!!! Honestly when I think how it all came together, it was all the work of the Lord! So we ended up having 174 show-which is HUGE by the way. 150 of them have NEVER heard of the church and they showed up merely through these flier invitations because NO ONE has ever heard of us here by the way. Pogradec was just opened up one year ago so it was so special to see so many come! Another thing is that Christmas is not celebrated here so we were able to have a special concert for all of these people. We had all kinds of families and people come it truly was a miracle! We were able to have the members involved giving presentations about Christ's birth teaching all these people who have never known! We were able to also sing some beautiful Christmas hymns-I got to sing "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" and attempt to translate it as we displayed it on the back as I sang and one Elder played the violin while the other accompanied and I sang. I kinda forgot the words in the middle of it but good thing they don't know English! Woooo! haha</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
At the end of this beautiful concert, we actually had the opportunity to join all these people and dance their traditional dance with them around the banquet room we rented in the hotel by the church. I got called up to be the head leader even and it was just a blast leading everyone around the room dancing this valle dance. Our president was there and it was just a BEAUTIFUL evening! The people were able to come together and I met so many people that just live alone or others who were so humble and haven't had opportunities to attend such events so it was literally one of the greatest evenings of my life :) I was just filled with this JOY as we just shared this light that is Christ with everyone there! We even the next day had a bunch of people attend church! I cannot express my joy as Christ truly is why we celebrate Christmas. The reason why Christmas is a time of JOY and a time of PEACE because it is all about HIM! He is the source of joy, the source of peace!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "comic sans ms", sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">This is my FAVORITE quote about Christmas from Elder Craig C. Christensen at a past Christmas devotional, "</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">T<span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180078" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180079" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">story </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180080" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180081" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Christmas </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180082" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180083" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180084" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fully </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180085" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">told </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180086" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">without </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180087" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180088" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">story </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180089" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180090" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Easter. </span><span class="gmail-chunk gmail-hl-id-51311757" id="gmail-chunk180091" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180092" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">was </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180093" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180094" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Savior’s </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180095" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">atoning </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180096" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sacrifice </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180097" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180098" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">made </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180099" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">holy </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180100" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180101" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">silent </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180102" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">night </span><span class="gmail-chunk" id="gmail-chunk180103" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="gmail-chunk gmail-hl-id-51311757 gmail-hl-id-45915756" id="gmail-chunk180104" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bethlehem."</span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">I testify of this. I shared with you last week about the woman who knows nothing about Christ-this week we taught her the Plan of Salvation and she realized that Christ is the reason for everything! It is through Him and only Him that we can be saved and be with our families eternally. He truly is the reason for the season and Christ truly is EVERYTHING! I am working to come unto Him more and more to come to know HIM. He sacrificed for us because of His perfect love for us and I love this time of year! There's literally not a better way I could spend this Christmas than to spend every minute of it telling others of our Savior, our Brother, Jesus Christ. I testify that He lives and that He is the Gift, He is the Light of the World, He is the Reason for the Season. I love my Savior and I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="gmail-chunk gmail-hl-id-51311757 gmail-hl-id-45915756" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK THIS WEEK! I cannot believe that just NEXT week is Christmas!!! To be honest, I am very excited to see my family and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families! I love you all and until next week!!!</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2016/12/the-fulness-of-the-story-of-christmas?lang=eng">https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2016/12/the-fulness-of-the-story-of-christmas?lang=eng</a></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqF705NCm9A/WlTtSj_5XKI/AAAAAAAAlYU/NTZHSlLndcIBXKQj0U2iW0KmA0sjMjSJgCLcBGAs/s1600/natalie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqF705NCm9A/WlTtSj_5XKI/AAAAAAAAlYU/NTZHSlLndcIBXKQj0U2iW0KmA0sjMjSJgCLcBGAs/s320/natalie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a sleigh!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42s2F5z0t3w/WlTtemB7OiI/AAAAAAAAlYs/zoNNJ6Sz80UzLKL32kkxKRAvQ-l45gShACEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42s2F5z0t3w/WlTtemB7OiI/AAAAAAAAlYs/zoNNJ6Sz80UzLKL32kkxKRAvQ-l45gShACEwYBhgL/s320/natalie3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating cookies with my favorite people!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fI_F0E0voT8/WlTte4d5TNI/AAAAAAAAlYw/42d599gZek4Q0QDCQVKYmTqEKLD-4DHvACEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fI_F0E0voT8/WlTte4d5TNI/AAAAAAAAlYw/42d599gZek4Q0QDCQVKYmTqEKLD-4DHvACEwYBhgL/s320/natalie4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what was left over to decorate.....literally about 5 M&Ms haha we tried.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGTBrRngv2Q/WlTtfWwmNzI/AAAAAAAAlY0/FkdB1dloIxs37301WgrC3imwjCNQxzubQCEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGTBrRngv2Q/WlTtfWwmNzI/AAAAAAAAlY0/FkdB1dloIxs37301WgrC3imwjCNQxzubQCEwYBhgL/s320/natalie5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gingerbread house out of Lady Fingers. This is all we could find for candy haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yArj5fss4vU/WlTtfzoSL2I/AAAAAAAAlY4/iBiNBUaFNcc2mbiOf5h2BfafzpGoTfq4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yArj5fss4vU/WlTtfzoSL2I/AAAAAAAAlY4/iBiNBUaFNcc2mbiOf5h2BfafzpGoTfq4ACEwYBhgL/s320/natalie6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J0X26MgpUI/WlTtgrGR4TI/AAAAAAAAlY8/o194rvtQGo8Mdiw7i19R240hSOtUaMRigCEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J0X26MgpUI/WlTtgrGR4TI/AAAAAAAAlY8/o194rvtQGo8Mdiw7i19R240hSOtUaMRigCEwYBhgL/s320/natalie7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Went on an exhange with Motra Holt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vkaQfjxDYY/WlTtg-ppqlI/AAAAAAAAlZA/sM_HfVCwYi4HrQOeh7-Afgp-1i_4jTnggCEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vkaQfjxDYY/WlTtg-ppqlI/AAAAAAAAlZA/sM_HfVCwYi4HrQOeh7-Afgp-1i_4jTnggCEwYBhgL/s320/natalie8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Boy!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaD88uVO2ZU/WlTthXn9C9I/AAAAAAAAlZE/k3Cy2t6AE48YsbRmSGxw_q5SkaPKN-fqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaD88uVO2ZU/WlTthXn9C9I/AAAAAAAAlZE/k3Cy2t6AE48YsbRmSGxw_q5SkaPKN-fqgCEwYBhgL/s320/natalie9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg9Q-Mwm6sc/WlTtd2QViJI/AAAAAAAAlYg/y1JV3S1kb1oq_ouFFoXLnPb7GIUHRSB4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg9Q-Mwm6sc/WlTtd2QViJI/AAAAAAAAlYg/y1JV3S1kb1oq_ouFFoXLnPb7GIUHRSB4ACEwYBhgL/s320/natalie10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Celebrating my one year (December 14th) going out to eat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOPTIg-VscU/WlTtd4j-5gI/AAAAAAAAlYk/m0xsReH8Z0MfRD2yIPyCGiLJfy4NCX4twCEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOPTIg-VscU/WlTtd4j-5gI/AAAAAAAAlYk/m0xsReH8Z0MfRD2yIPyCGiLJfy4NCX4twCEwYBhgL/s320/natalie11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making cookies for the concert.....hahaha whoops :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4f-Z3LmFk8/WlTtdtUTepI/AAAAAAAAlYc/eWgwP2IB0BYI7oQyuryLUFI3Un6O7iZygCEwYBhgL/s1600/natalie12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4f-Z3LmFk8/WlTtdtUTepI/AAAAAAAAlYc/eWgwP2IB0BYI7oQyuryLUFI3Un6O7iZygCEwYBhgL/s320/natalie12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the concert :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<div data-test-id="message-view-body" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="msg-body P_wpofO iy_A" data-test-id="message-view-body-content" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; overflow-x: auto; padding: 2px 0px 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div id="yiv6088228860">
<div dir="ltr">
--<br /><div class="yiv6088228860gmail-m_8423180425157755253gmail_signature">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mirupafshim! Të dua</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Motra Olsen</b></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>Letters:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adriatic South Mission</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Natalie Olsen</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">POB 2984</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tirana</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Albania</span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</span></div>
<div>
<b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net">natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://mormon.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="H_7jIs D_F ab_C Q_69H5 E_36RhU" data-test-id="toolbar-hover-area" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; background-color: white; color: #26282a; display: flex; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 64px; margin-left: -8px; margin-right: -20px;">
<div class="D_F W_6D6F r_BN gl_C" data-test-id="card-toolbar" style="-webkit-box-pack: center; cursor: default; display: flex; justify-content: center; width: 806px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-8780179568965145552017-12-11T18:04:00.001-08:002017-12-11T18:04:36.374-08:00Ndricoje Botën!THIS WEEK HAD BEEN THE GREATEST WEEK OF MY LIFE! I just know that it's just going to get better and better from now! This week we focused A TON on LightTheWorld (NdricojeBotën) and Christmas miracles are happening here in Pogradec! One of them being that this Saturday we are having this HUGE concert that we are putting on for all of Pogradec and it's getting bigger and bigger than we thought so we are excited to Light the World to all of the city of Pogradec!<p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. We found a coconut haha and couldn't figure out how to open it so we smashed it on the floor.</p><p>2. So everything is centered around New Years here-Christmas is not really celebrated so the lights are New Years Lights, the trees are New Years trees, and even Santa Claus is Babi Gjyshi that just means dad grandpa and he comes around for New Years. New Years is pretty HUGE here.</p><p>3. We are introducing a ton of Christmas traditions to the people here one being Christmas cookie decorating! No cookie cutters don't exist so we hand carved trees, snowmen, and ornaments. We'll see how it goes tonight at Family Night :)</p><p>I cannot explain how much my week this week changed from night to DAY once I centered Christ in it! He is the LIGHT of the World! You would think that being a missionary, I'd have to always be happy and perfect centering my life on Christ but let me tell you-if we are not making the conscious effort to center Him in our life-it's easy to forget. I was trying to find new ways to improve and I felt I was going through the motions. EVERYTHING changed once my companion and I started getting really into the LightTheWorld service and started to do everything with LOVE! Love, pure love, truly comes from CHRIST! He turns our night to DAY! While I struggled for some time, everything changed when I was reminded to remember Him and serve as He did. He did so much-He healed, He taught, and He suffered. Yes it was hard, but I don't think it was hard for Him to keep going as He had a purpose as to what He was doing this all for. He did all that He did for us because He has PERFECT LOVE! This is what this LightTheWorld is all about! He is the light of the world and we can be the Light of the World. Then as we serve and we are that light, we are FILLED with Light which means we are FILLED with love! It's truly a beautiful thing!</p><p>I want to share with you of this light and the Christmas miracles from this week. Some things we were able to do was one day, we bought a TON of oranges and were going through the streets and searching for those who were in need whether that be the beggars in the streets or people we were led to. I cannot express the joy and gratitude that filled their countenance as we gave them this simple mandarin orange. Another day we visited some of the widowed women in our group and heart attacked them with paper hearts and notes. It was the most precious thing to witness the humble gratitude from these people! </p><p>Our Christmas MIRACLES were that in English Course, we had light 6 people ask for a Book of Mormon and we have this woman that we are working with that has a HUGE desire to be baptized! Her husband in the beginning wasn't allowing her but this last week, on his 3 hours off of work in the week, he got his family all together and they all came in to CHURCH! WHAT?! He came and their whole family sat together and it was the most beautiful thing! I cried! I truly believe that miracles are happening here in Pogradec. If there's one thing I am learning is how GOOD God is! You've probably heard this before but it's SO TRUE! Honestly I just love sitting back (well, maybe not that, we're always working haha) and just watching Him work! This is His work! I used to have this fear that I'd mess it up but it's not like that. This IS His work. It's just a matter of the desire that I have to be an instrument in His hands to bring about miracles. He will accomplish His work. The Spirit makes up for what I cannot achieve and I can testify of that. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior!</p><p>I just wanted to conclude saying that Jesus IS the Light! I read in Helaman 14 in the Book of Mormon with Samuel the Lamanite prophesying, 3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.</p><p>4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.</p><p>5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.</p><p>The sign of Christ's birth was LIGHT and only LIGHT! Then, Samuel proceeds to testify of the sign of Christ's death in that same chapter that it will be 3 days of darkness. We see that without Christ, there cannot possibly be light! So what will happen when we come unto Him? We will be FILLED with light! I testify of that! We are teaching a woman right now who knows NOTHING about Christ and it's so beautiful to see her fill with light little by little. We started with His birth this week and have the blessing to teach her about His life. He is MY light and I love my Savior SO MUCH! I am NOTHING without Him! I can testify that as we come unto Him, we are FILLED with LIGHT! Let's LIGHT THE WORLD! I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.<br></p><p>I LOVE YOU ALL!! I hope you have a wonderful week and if you need a message or a friend to talk to, I am here :) Every Monday haha</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Muan4UozFfM/Wi85CUc8rjI/AAAAAAAAkW4/4AEFtMQgYwsF5BTkpfaD9rQG7aYHCYCJwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0t4NGQfT15Q/Wi83tULulSI/AAAAAAAAkWQ/Hrl-OGfAaLoiNCrebIqWI_7of5FvmqgmgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41MmRNcuOIg/Wi836D11TNI/AAAAAAAAkWU/Yw7dcEdcyHgjJx4tVcboedNGDwYl_xPSQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our Christmas tree with our little group here in Pogradec.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sFET1HgHuUw/Wi8398taKCI/AAAAAAAAkWY/yFpV-lEhcN4jcVuRp44vgN7w90obUMlrwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>We helped a woman to see and gave her a magnifying glass so she could read :)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x-vJl8AfU-k/Wi84LOURpkI/AAAAAAAAkWc/6uAHrkK0dmQOeRl5PTZOoYNCbfNCv_ZswCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Changing the world one orange at a time!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AAf3c9zjzAA/Wi84gOYZABI/AAAAAAAAkWk/xQ443I0YUB42c4uBXBLIViobaDJOEZMygCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our heart attacking :)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JXolg0E4eGs/Wi84kbZt-4I/AAAAAAAAkWo/XpWEDliNt28QxKTvDu_D7Z10yNqfi2WwQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>New Years Lights!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J4nHvGMsYVI/Wi846Gc6DOI/AAAAAAAAkWw/Xqs2lXupMOc5ozhwljaZef8hjvcl3G5mwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our hand carved sugar cookies. Please note the star I attempted to cut out ;)</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-73273706329428676512017-12-04T22:14:00.001-08:002017-12-04T22:15:10.979-08:00Gëzuar Krishtlindja e Vogël!MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! This is one of my FAVORITE holidays as it starts off the giving season off perfectly! Motra McGuire made me a bracelet and I got her a snow globe with our faces it it haha It's a Swedish Holiday that my family celebrates so I had to celebrate it over here in Albania!! Also, we relived Noah and the floods this week so....stay tuned :)<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. So it's not too much of a Christmas season here HOWEVER people instead of getting Christmas trees, get New Years trees. Yeah I don't know how that works BUT we got a tree for our apartment! I LOVE CHRISTMAS :)</p><p>2. It rained ALL week this week and the streets were FLOODED! Everyone was out of school and basically floating down the streets haha it was awesome!</p><p>3. I wanted to share of a special drink here dear to my heart. It's called Salep and it is the greatest think on the planet! It's basically the thickness of pudding but it's cinnamon and it comes in a mug. </p><p>BONUS: This week was Albania's Independence Day so for Family Home Evening on Monday we celebrated by dancing valle (traditional Albanian Dance) together and people were so into it!</p><p><br></p><p>So honestly, this week felt so long I can't remember a thing haha but so much happened! We are planning this massive Light the World Concert that we are SO EXCITED for and miracles are happening in regards to that concert! We are getting some of our investigator's families and the members involved so it's going to be a special Christmas! We are also trying to do a Nativity Scene with the Primary for Christmas Day-their first! It's fun because most people do not even know about the Nativity or about the birth of Christ so this Christmas will be a first for them and will be SO SPECIAL!! I am so excited!</p><p><br></p><p>I also want to share how much I love my companion and how much of a hard worker she is! Miracles truly are going to be brought about here in Pogradec! I just see it :) Something I've really learned this week is the importance of faith IN Christ! I've definitely had many moments this week where I just called upon to Lord to know what to do or what to say! As I am training, it definitely has impacted me greatly and I realize how much more I have to rely on the Lord. While at this point, I'm the one understanding and in some lessons, crazy things have happened, I have just been calling on the Lord to help me to know what I need to do. I am so thankful because through faith in Him, I find that miracles occur. A heart softens or someone says something that just saves the day. I am just so thankful for my Savior and I know that I am not doing all of this alone! This is Motra McGuire's favorite scripture and I have just LOVED it-Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. </p><p>I just want to testify of this. I honestly have so much more I need to change, I have so many weaknesses and sometimes, I have absolutely no idea what I need to do or how I can help someone in the moment in their situation, but I know someone that does-and that is Jesus Christ. I am going to try to turn unto Him this week even more so that I can come to know Him a little more in order to help those around me. I love this gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, with ALL of my heart. I love my Savior and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</p><p><br></p><p>LOVE YOU ALL!! Also-Today my companion and I went out for a LONG run to these beautiful fshats here!! It was awesome! Oh I miss running so much! LOVE YOU ALL!! LIGHT THE WORLD!! Check out Mormon.org for more details on how you can Light the World.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18zL2yQkaJM/WiY3efmoGBI/AAAAAAAAjO4/2WJzSWjp-w8guxcMNm70yss8WFBspqSeQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our Christmas Tree!!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r8F5gb7Q1cI/WiY3wiFu_lI/AAAAAAAAjPU/oHmG-LzJLEgFg6KBkLE6g_SXj6mU_e59wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our snowglobe!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eRA38yEGSwY/WiY308t83DI/AAAAAAAAjPc/8w3LDJPH7GwRUiAV0HemqCuXlCkUhNJLACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Celebrating Albanian Independence Day!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hNvQLEOV3rc/WiY4Gy_BlXI/AAAAAAAAjPg/GuV2iUUyBQcMe6gZ0P3qOCC4B-vIgMaNgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNjEaYrqzww/WiY4Np6lRWI/AAAAAAAAjPk/0lq1I0d8A24KmGxsVdqI99zeiFGhzrX0gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Putting up our tree! Get ready for the bonus video ;)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XF-B0YlWgpo/WiY4argo9II/AAAAAAAAjPs/-1L3-CLyFeg6JhaO8MXr8C55S_kSAc8GQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>The Mission Office Christmas Tree!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8E9fiHOkuM/WiY4efpMSzI/AAAAAAAAjPw/RyZEbmlSd4csl59tM1QFUbT5iTk04h61QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>The floods!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TqLr89FwsNQ/WiY4m4d3EWI/AAAAAAAAjP0/deeqKf7GRcQQBapu0w0pXXDFnCzJRc93wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9wg-AqKeJw/WiY4pWhxRTI/AAAAAAAAjP4/PCHg8ScuNOs0tbcllUl8xB-hQ1stRTbzwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D-SA-T0kvK0/WiY4sc4q4EI/AAAAAAAAjP8/1XIDOrqxbAwEfTrhPcN7a40F7tFkW-v6wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>I MADE SWEDISH PANCAKES!! Literally my favorite family treat!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgJxU3HX7J8/WiY43YYNlDI/AAAAAAAAjQI/E2Yp5FQCMFUSUsbL_poY_Jw7n_2BOg08ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-1448604540126317152017-11-27T21:25:00.001-08:002017-11-27T21:25:38.681-08:00Gëzuar Dita e Falendërive!HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! This past week was a CRAZY week with lots going on! One being that on Thursday we met up with the entire mission in Tirana at a beautiful hotel to have a massive Thanksgiving Dinner!! No it was nothing like an American Thanksgiving but everything is always better with an Albanian twist on it :)<p><br></p><p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p><p>1. Thanksgiving Dinner!! It was the best. You can't have vegetables and potatoes in Albanian without having it fried in olive oil! Also the turkeys were impressive! I especially loved the cube potatoes. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, or really any of that doesn't quite exist in Albania.... :) I did manage to make pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting! We had a massive dessert buffet as every companionship brought a dessert!</p><p>2. Olive trees. Albania is KNOWN for its olives! We actually went out to serve this lady by gathering olives and we spent a lot of our day whacking a tree with a stick it was awesome!</p><p>3. POMEGRANATE SEASON! Man, I love pomegranate. Also my kitchen must love it too because it is COVERED in pomegranate juice. Whoops. :)</p><p>Highlights from the week: The first one being MY COMPANION Motra McGuire! No her name's not Lizzy.... ;) She is from Southern Utah, SHE RUNS! THIS IS CRUCIAL! And she sings and plays percussion. She is awesome and here is a quote that describes her: "uhh....do you know why I smile a lot?....uhh.....because it's worth it" :) I love her! I am so blessed to be able to train her for these next few months! We've already been running everyday and I couldn't be happier! Also-I'm realizing how OUT OF SHAPE I AM wow I cannot wait to get running again haha</p><p>Another highlight was the Thanksgiving Variety Show! I was able to accompany the violin to "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and sing to "How Can I Be Sure" I'll try to send those :) I just want to share how THANKFUL I am for my Savior and this time that He is giving me to serve Him. I am so thankful for my family and for my family here in Pogradec! I am so thankful for my companion and for all of you and your support! I couldn't be filled with greater gratitude this Thanksgiving season!!</p><p>Finally I want to share something so powerful that I learned this week and that is GRATITUDE on the SABBATH DAY. I was able to give a talk to our little group here in Pogradec and as I stood up in front of all of our members for Sacrament meeting I just saw so many that I have grown close to and so many that how impacted my life and how many more people have been added ever since I came in. I was just FILLED with gratitude and I had tears streaming down my face as I just shared with them my gratitude for them and for the Sabbath Day. I learned so much in that moment that I would like to share with you. One being, why do you think we have the Sabbath Day? Isiah shares in the Bible that the Sabbath is a DELIGHT! But why? The Sabbath Day TRULY is a HOLY day! God created that from the beginning. It is sanctified so that we don't have to work, we don't spend money, we partake of the Sacrament in church, and we spend this day worshiping God with our families. Have you ever thought that this day was literally designed for us in order for us to count our blessings? What happens when we count our blessings? We are grateful! We are thankful! And we are HAPPY! I think of "Count Your Blessings" </p><p>When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,</p><p>When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,</p><p>Count your many blessings, name them one by one,</p><p>And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.</p><p>As we keep the Sabbath Day holy, we are showing our gratitude to our Savior and our Heavenly Father. As we keep the Sabbath Day holy, we have this day to be surrounded by things we are blessed with. Our family, our friends in church, and most importantly, our Savior and Heavenly Father. WHAT A BLESSING! Then what happens to the rest of the week? We are regenerated! We are aware of our blessings SO THAT those trials and difficult moments throughout the week are forgotten as we cherish the DELIGHTFUL Sabbath Day.</p><p>D&C 78: 19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.</p><p>Finally, we are able to partake of the Lord's Sacrament EVERY week! We are able to renew our covenant at baptism and be cleansed AGAIN! As we keep the Lord's commandments, take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and always remember us, He promises us something SO SPECIAL!</p><p>Mosiah 24: 13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.</p><p>14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.</p><p>HE WILL DELIVER US! HE WILL BLESS US! This is why we come to church EVERY WEEK! This is why we partake of the Sacrament EVERY WEEK! He sanctified this day not just to be HIS day, but this is a SACRED day for us! We are with our families! We remember our Lord so that He WILL deliver us! I testify of that that the Sabbath Day IS a Delight! It IS a day FILLED with gratitude and I truly felt that! We can now be grateful not just at Thanksgiving time, but always and ESPECIALLY on the Sabbath. I can testify of that with all of my heart. I am SO GRATEFUL for the Sabbath Day. I love my Savior and His work. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</p><p>Keep sending those Christmas Cards!! :) Love you all! Also this week is the start of #LIGHTtheWORLD!! Check it out and just us in LIGHTING the WORLD this Christmas season everyday for 25 days. </p><p>https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_24-11-2017_dMIS_fMORG_xLIDyL1-A_</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UiFvGd0gQrk/Whzx2WI4gHI/AAAAAAAAi3M/1J4gAaNP7H0HpBhLOgKZUz-VF0qDb0aNQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vUpO-hTk_1g/WhzyCkhoazI/AAAAAAAAi3Q/XlLOAK5KvWAdi9HHrbG7UJ474qNeuKGWwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSO2mJ_czDg/WhzyGpdK1RI/AAAAAAAAi3U/deTaM296vukmGMf1HGfXUo-BGY8f4UEugCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JhVhFuvT4DA/WhzyJe1CIpI/AAAAAAAAi3Y/r2szoIEaULU_SY4jwza_xas7TAgFVsHewCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X0yM9fRUnkw/WhzyNVeedQI/AAAAAAAAi3c/vdSTyWT_facXsSxnSKASY7TJ82pgux-ygCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Yes that is supposed to be potatoes and stuffing :)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0PPQ1y31MlM/WhzyRD9lgQI/AAAAAAAAi3g/2OSCwd9Pt2U8cwPPS8vW_JHLcuynCV7jQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>An attempt at a Gingerbread House....</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HbSHq34nUoE/WhzyaHNa9zI/AAAAAAAAi3o/djwkNP95_pYPp1eM7eXuEj7imo0_--jwwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7n51SSRdzko/Whzyi5umk-I/AAAAAAAAi3s/4O0gt6sszuUhB46iSCI2mOvDYKbYCa-_gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>My MTC group :) I love them!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HROwW7EBco0/WhzymMtDVzI/AAAAAAAAi3w/tuZCgfzjmHclcQfQ4YLoK8n03Fmam7fugCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Just some stallions along the beach :)</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b03jIpxbWrI/WhzyxhvGOpI/AAAAAAAAi30/bz_VWePAJ6AautQ8Ggty8OUJPMw1NgM9ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Pomegranate!!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VPTs_AMcHVs/Whzy1CJMSAI/AAAAAAAAi34/-nVuT1at6Z42cCoWi41ZpGXk-LcVHzADgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>My companion, Motra McGuire and me :)</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6119805728342595184.post-36305454736630344192017-11-25T18:55:00.003-08:002017-11-25T19:03:44.589-08:00I’M TRAINING!!!!<p>SO MANY MIRACLES THIS WEEK!! I don't even know where to begin! One being that we had yet another baptism and it was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! Her entire family came (all of her kids and their families) and it was absolutely beautiful! We also received transfer calls and I am going to be TRAINING here in Pogradec as my companion is going home!</p>
<p>Culture Shocks of the Week:</p>
<p>1. Don't count on the menu at restaurants. You only end up being able to order one thing. Then it comes out to be something completely unexpected.</p>
<p>2. Sometimes the pizzerias are out of pizza. You then just end up ordering drinks.</p>
<p>3. It's weird that somehow when contacting people in the streets, not a single person has a phone or any way of contacting them.....(I've tried to make that as sarcastic as possible) haha</p>
<p>I want to share about this woman's baptism. Her name is Sabiko and she is INCREDIBLE!! I've already shared with you what she has given up-alcohol, tobacco, coffee, all of these things and in just 2 weeks. Do you know what helped her? Reading the Book of Mormon. She gave it up in just 2 WEEKS because she came unto Christ through reading His words in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is POWERFUL!! It was the most beautiful thing to watch her get baptized. That morning we were over in her shop and people were telling her she's crazy for getting baptized in the lake at such a cold time and that she shouldn't get baptized. She then just responded, without doubting, "Christ helped me to give up smoking and alcohol. He will make the water warm for me." I am happy to testify that after her and her grandson's baptism, they were WARM. They said the minute they stepped in the lake, it was warm! I know that it was Sabiko's faith in CHRIST that the water was warm. As we were there sitting at the baptism, I saw that her daughter was crying. She shared that she is so happy that her mom has finally found peace. I just want to testify that Christ truly is the Prince of Peace! As I watched them get baptized and as we went about in the program, I felt SO MUCH PEACE! It was absolutely beautiful! </p>
<p>I came across this scripture in the Book of Mormon, Helaman 5: 47 Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.</p>
<p>Christ truly was chosen from the foundation of the world to come to the earth, to atone for our sins, our weaknesses, and our pains so that we might find PEACE and RETURN back to our Father in Heaven! I also want to testify of the power of the Book of Mormon. It truly is the Word of God!! Its words truly are the words of Christ! I have never seen so many people overcome temptations, give up unhealthy habits, and unite their family BECAUSE of the Book of Mormon and its power! It has power because in it, we find Christ. It TRULY testifies of Christ and He has suffered for US so that we can find peace, we can overcome our weakness, and we can return back to our Father in Heaven WITH our eternal families!! I love my Savior and I testify that the Book of Mormon is TRUE with ALL of my heart! Read it everyday and you WILL be blessed! I can't testify of that enough! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</p>
<p>Have a wonderful week!! I just have one request from you all-PLEASE send me your Christmas Cards!!! I'll make a deal, if you send me one, I'll send you one :) LOVE YOU!! I want to know how you all are doing!! </p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FgmD49__gOE/WhosNjhn2WI/AAAAAAAAizs/XBXQfrUMYZ0b0Ghanr6BeDdcpiym_uQqACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p>
<p>Sabiko's family!!!</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jWDEi9_ax0k/WhosOpKrrjI/AAAAAAAAizw/RdrlRCKJ3sw_7rWfTjvhwz0MrhF2Cl_MgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bH28UAJSaqk/WhotmNJ1L0I/AAAAAAAAi0o/t_Og_izj05AKJ33975K9cJhU4UO0uJMawCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>My little buddy :) He's AWESOME!!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dAQCVAPENBU/WhosRAOyvkI/AAAAAAAAiz8/RPaougIYkscTaVTO-bFbJGwp2VDlpx4SACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FRq85CpLvSI/Whot4w-OVVI/AAAAAAAAi0s/Nd-bEfc8N0Ekp_bg8B3Bzl2u1BsmwVPAwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>Our mission president was able to come and baptized her!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1dz-uZWvrUA/WhouNLUKSjI/AAAAAAAAi00/NgvVytZGpI02VnVheXyRnzR-XLsUutxfQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>My perfume gal :) I love her!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uye1kgGn0RU/WhouRxHj8uI/AAAAAAAAi04/DLucH0DRVRMvn55J_-TOpMCJTm5aFmsUQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FcLiis0MUMI/WhouZAPI0CI/AAAAAAAAi08/mvFs3tpUw4E33lHBQO-6UclrlGyCMg3awCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DK9Gwr5wsuY/WhoucIHscNI/AAAAAAAAi1A/zKAkJ2eTc6ES978GVi38QFbMzMHJ6VjKgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-_LYiweY0w/WhoufL-N0AI/AAAAAAAAi1E/yUBaxLieimQIs0ZXdwejF99ori-hOz9WgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>In the beautiful village of Tushemisht.</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-alBSrK0ltDs/Whoui0YBA3I/AAAAAAAAi1I/U1bsVoyPPxoDu2IHFbSeVK8xNe8yr0NOQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVyo6FMYA7M/WhouseoNQdI/AAAAAAAAi1Q/h6k4e5k2zoo4IxiwGTyZ4dY0RsudqjLyQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>I honestly don't know what I'm doing here haha</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UyAW2ZH__to/Whouvh6cl6I/AAAAAAAAi1U/IAcmVHMhs-8DdIeFQ9x6aiwACCC7MOuLwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p>FALL in Pogradec!</p><p><br></p><p>-- </p><p>Mirupafshim! Të dua!</p><p>Motra Olsen</p><p><br></p><p>Letters:</p><p>Adriatic South Mission</p><p>Sister Natalie Olsen</p><p>POB 2984</p><p>Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta"</p><p>Qendra "Alpas", Shkalla #5, Apt #14</p><p>Tirana</p><p>Albania</p><p><br></p><p>(If you can't send it with the POB box number, you can just send it without it. I'll still get it)</p><p>Email: natalie.olsen@myldsmail.net</p><p><br></p><p>mormon.org</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0