Self-Reliance

For all that read this Blog! Go back and reread because I just learned how to go back an edit all those mistakes I typed!  I just push that publish button without editing!  Ha,  now I can go back and wipe out those embarrassing mistakes!   Just to let you know that the auto write on this computer wrote pastures wife instead of Pastor's wife!  What a crack up!  I laughed for a good 15 minutes over that one.

Today was blissful!

It was Elder Isufaj's Birthday.  The missionaries from Korce came: Whilley and Olsen,  Divkovich spelled terribly wrong I will correct it later with my new found edit button,  and Elder Holding who is sooo sick that I wanted him to just take a nap the poor dear!   Gave him some vitamin C packs and some Sudafed if he wanted to use them.
We had the self reliance experts  ( Matt Mathius from France) come today.  Woo Hoo! Got to speak French Today!!!   It felt so great to feel like I actually could connect to someone speaking another language!!   Also, the Albanian Rep from Tirana for Self-Reliance came with him.  They were so great.  We are now to implement a program that can possibly help to get people jobs here in Pogradec.
I taught two piano lessons, ate cake for a birthday party, danced a traditional Albanian dance with everyone (left foot, right foot--grape vine left foot hop Hey !)
I also taught two English classes today.... Did I tell you how much I love my English students.  I really do love them!  I could just KISS them all!  Oh I actually do Kiss them because that is the Albanian way to say Hello and Goodbye.  I am Kissed about .....oh maybe 40 times a day!  Hugs and Kisses to all who are reading!

We have somewhat of a handle on the smokey Kitchen.

 Lorin and I took a run on the beach this morning and somehow that run just makes EVERYTHING better again.  Off to Macedonia tomorrow morning early so got to go!

Leadership Training for Branch Presidents or "Almost Branch Presidents"

Hey kids!  

Just a follow up—I’ve NEVER been homesick a day in my life but I have to say….. After talking to Ya’ll on your birthdays and knowing that Annique  and George were not only flying in once, but twice—I was still doing fine until I the great BURN OUT!

The Great Burn OUT!  

After Class Posse 

Greta Xhoana and Klevis
Xhonaton, Elder Winegar, and Elder Anderson
 Rei, Elder Isufaj   Greta

      Greta, Motra Uaneger Winegar Xhoana dhe Klevis

Piano Lessons And English Lessons

Today was a proud moment for Me, Xhonoton and his mother Yeta.  We had a ward member meeting. For two weeks Xhonoton has been learning a song on the piano. Every time he is at the church (which is almost every day) he practices.  He and I played the opening song together and he did it perfectly.  Two weeks of lessons and already cranking out songs!  What a beautiful proud moment!  Love this church that provides everything for playing the hymns!  The lesson book, the practice lessons, the music and even the piano!!!  We are a blessed "almost Branch!"
Xhonaton is in the red with Elder Winegar, and Elder Anderson.

English Classes

The following are my English Class Students.  Can I just say:  I have the smartest, most kind students in the world.  I Love My English Class Students!

This is only about Half of my first class:


And this is my Second class --I missing about 10 people that usually come.


Every Tuesday and Thursday We Learn English and they are so proud and encouraging of me when I try to "flas Shqip!"  They Pray for me and I pray for them.  We are a team.

Learning Faith, Power of  Prayers and Charity to Fellow man

Thank goodness for sister Weidman who takes pictures or I would never have any pictures.

Okay, confession.  Lately I've just missed wearing my jeans so much that when I wear boots i just wear my jeans under my dress!  Ha, I only have to remember that I can't put my hands in my pockets.  Hey it keeps me warm and when I get home Hey none of this changing clothes back and forth (Christine Peacock you know better than anyone how I hate those nylons and dresses!!!!!! ) I did  get caught the other day because when we go into people's houses we take off our shoes/boots (the mud streets and rain keep your shoes always muddy) and when I pulled off my boots-- there were my Levis!  OOPS!  I forgot about the taking off the boot thing.   I would go on a mission for many years if it wasn't for the dresses!  Next mission---Anywhere I can ride a horse in my Levis!


Just starting piano lessons and the church has a great program.  Really in almost two lessons I have two young boys 14 and 15 playing songs--it is great!

Young Women's personal progress is in process We have 3 weeks in the works.
Taught the most fun English class where they were each a different animal and we had to keep the beat and move with the beat and move in a circle.  It was such a kick watching them young and old learning the names of animals!  They were laughing and having a great time and learned them all!   Elder Anderson and Lorin (Elder Winegar) are teachers together.  Elder Isufaj -from Albania-and I are teaching partners.  I just assumed that Elder Isufaj speaks and translate as much as Elder Tare did (my last Albanian teaching partner)--I'm learning that Elder Isufaj is going through the language barrier  somewhat like Lorin and I are.  By night time, he is on total language burn out!  Thank goodness that Elder Anderson speaks so well and has such a positive helpful disposition.

  Here at Pogradec this week,  we witnessed quite a miracle!  We as an "almost branch" learned about God's love for us all, forgiveness, charity, and brotherly love.   Testimony of prayer and fasting have been confirmed once again!  It was enlightening to watch us all growing up together.  Even Lorin and I came out of the week a little bit wiser, a little more aware of God's Grace.