Service with a Drippy Smile

 

This is near Durres, Albania

We loaded two buses with missionaries and headed for the beach.  The road was long, narrow, and winding.  One missionary told me that he talked to the bus driver after we got back to Durres that he had never driven that road and never wanted to drive it again. 

We spent the day picking up trash.  We all got pretty muddy and dirty.  The Elders were having a great time surfing down the muddy slippery hill as they took full garbage sacks up to the landing. 

It was a great activity.  The only other people we saw on the beach were two fishermen out in their boat. 

Is this like the coolest picture or what.  It could be on a calendar which I wish we had.  I never know what day or date it is. 

A Mapleton missionary here! So close to where I live in Utah. 

The bus driver did not want anyone muddy on his bus.  We were muddy and it was funny watching the missionaries trying to get the mud off their shoes and clothes. They must of done an ok job because no one was left.  

We headed back to the Durres chapel for pizza and testimony meeting.  

On the way back, the missionaries decided to tell about harrowing experiences they had on their mission thus far.  We did a lot of laughing and were very entertained.  We learned the other bus which had President Burdon on it, talked about the gospel and doctrine.  They said it was very uplifting.  We a little chastised about telling stories but felt it was worth the deviation! 

These are our Athens missionaries.  They are wonderful.  We love them so much.  They have helped us and kept us from doing things the wrong way.  I loved when we first got to Athens, that two of our Elders took us shopping and I would send them to find things.  I wish they could come with us each time we shopped because they can read the labels.  

We just keep learning and taking it one day at a time!  This Conference was such a blessing and added strength to us as we learn to serve others.  My understanding of the Savior has been widened as I see His example in so many around us. 

Tirana airport with our wonderful missionaries returning to Athens, Thessaloniki and Cyprus.