Not a long way off before I am out of the MTC and in the country of Albania! You all should start making bets about where I will be first: Tirana, Shkoder, Durres, Vlore, Lushnia, Elbasan, or Fier. I'll tell you that most of the missionaries are in Tirana.
Anyway, not much to report this week. It was the same as the other weeks I've been here, with exception to the things that were different that I can't remember because they have all blurred into one continuous stream of events that do not exist in time or chronological order. I believe the field will be much more interesting. I continue to be bad at the language, and my knowledge of PMG is poor, but fortunately the Lord qualifies those who he calls. I know that I am helped far beyond my own capacity here by his hand. I want to thank everyone for the Dearelders, the packages, the letters and the prayers, they are such a comfort and a strength. I realize I will get many less in the field, but the days will also be much more exciting and empowering. I hope everyone is well.
I love you all!
Elder Scadden
Our Christmas tree
This is Elder Seevers and I with (left to right) Grej, Their Mom, and Kajn. We hope to see thier mom in white real soon too!
This is another family photo. Elder Flack (left) is my mission "Dad" and he is Elder Seevers "Grandfather" I am in the center, and Elder Seevers, my "son" is on the right. Notice, if you look at the picture of my grandfather and dad when I first got in the country, that the generations keep getting taller, but I doubt Elder Seevers will train someone taller than 6ft 6.5in.
This is Ermal, just before baptism!
From left to right: Sister Kennedy, Sister Bentley, Elba Kapllani, Roani Kapllani, Elder Abley, and Me
This is the Shima family.
The two kids behind me are Soni and Anxhela, they were baptised and confirmed at the beginning of this transfer. Shpetim, their father, is in the center. His wife, Marlinda, is to my left, I hope she will join the church soon. The girl next to elder Abley is Romina, Shpetims niece. She has also shown and interest in the gospel. We hope to see that family united in faith soon!.
Boy's Camp
This is Elder Esplin and I, after we ran a test drive on our obstacle course. I had tons of fun working with him there!
Zone Conference
This is my Zone! I have no idea why Elder Berneill (the elder in front of me) thought he could stand in the front LOL!
This is at Shkoder (or Rozafa) Castle
This is the mighty district of Shkoder! From left to right: Elder Kushlin, Elder Smedley; Elder Skadi (me); Elder Hamilton
This is me and Elder Sewell, he went home last week. He is a stud, I had a great time serving with him in the Shkoder district.
This is my new companion, Elder Hamilton.
Ok, so elder Suell and I decided to have a little wrestling match...
It started off ok, but here you can see how hes already got me in a mildly percarious position, especially because he has wrestled for many years, and I never have.
This is the humiliating pinning move he put on me. I couldn't move a muscle, he had me completely immobalized!
This is as we entered the dark cave. I carried that stupid frizbee all the way up and down that mountain (we brought it thinking there we beaches in this place) it got thrown a total of 2 times, both in attempts of hitting people in the back. It was a great day.
From left to right Elder Mattiks (my missionary "grandfather" or in other words, my trainers trainer) Elder Flack (my missionary "father" or in other words my trainer) and myself. Lol, part of our missionary family tree, it's a silly metaphor!
Me unpacking in my new house LOL
Skunderbejo!! He's the national hero
Guess who is from North Carolina
The Albanian Elders at the Provo Temple
Tie Swap
Gregory at the Tie Swap in the MTC
The Abanians
The Albanian district and their MTC instructor (far right)
Elder Scadden's Companion
Elder Fisher is Gregory's MTC companion. In the background is the flag of Albania
Gregory's room at the MTC
They have been winning awards for how clean their room is. This is the cleanest room Gregory has ever had.
We're proud of you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteWe're busy trying to figure out what we're going to be doing this Fall with perhaps three people in school!! (Yikes, yes that's Amber, Brittany, AND Rhonda!)
The weather can't seem to figure out what it wants to do lately. First we have a very cold spell, then it's 85 degrees... sigh. I think our tree out front is having a nervous breakdown.
Take care!