Monday, December 7, 2009
Dear Family,
First off, I have to comment about Anna's attatchments. The music is FANTASTIC! Oh how I miss your piano hands!But I Also have to remark, Anna, how long have you had that southern accent? I guess maybe it has been so long since I have heard it, it was a surprise!It was kind of interesting hearing a genuine southern accent because it has been so long. I kind of felt like my companion, in the sense that today we took a district trip to more northern albania, to a city called Kruje. He misses the northern Albanian accent because he has been in the south so long. He was in heaven listening to the dialect today. once again, the music is awesome; you know how much I love "What Child is this". And I am SO jealous that you got SUSHI!
And Melisa, Awesome job with the Makin! It is a Beautiful makin, just like emily's makin. And you looked BEAUTIFUL, and GORGEOUS! It is good to hear about thenew major! I think you will enjoy that.
Mom, you mentioned if there was anything I needed else. well, last transfer, my oil vial dropped of the keychain, and my watch glass broke. I'm not sure what could be done...right now, I just carry an entire bottle of oil with me and it would be nice to carry something smaller. Also, brown sugar in practically only available in tirana. That is about all I really need. I was going to ask about the oil vial earlier, but you had already sent the package so didn't worry about it.
Well, as for my day in Kruje. It is a old city, and I got to visit a REAL CASTLE! I was thinking,"we don't have these in America..." Actually, (just a bit of random information) considering the lack of available public restrooms, I had the unfortunate opportunity to pee on a castle! (I thought Ammon would find that funny.) Had there been any other course of action, I would gladly have taken it. I asked the others they thought it was illegal to urinate on a national monument, and we figured that Albanian Old Men (xhaxhi) do it all the time, and I really had to go! Anyway...
Also in Kruje I had the opportunity to visit a xhami (muslim masque). The man was very kind, and we were respectful. My companion went for the purpose of obtaining a koran. It is actually part of the muslim religion that if someone asks you for a koran, you must freely give it to him. My companion asked him if he could have a koran, and he gladly gave us all one. so now I have an Albanian/Arabic koran. The xhami was interesting, with lots of arabic things inside and prayer mats. It kind of is another world over here in some ways (its especially noticable when you wake up at 4:00am and hear the xhami doing the hoxh (muslim prayer call) and then hearing it the other 4 times during the day on loudspeakers all over the town. Anyway, kruje was great, even though it took a few hours to get there.
My companion gave me a violin lesson! I am not any good, but who knows what I can do with a few P-days this transfer.
By the way mom, could you send me the recipe for popcorn cake? I was thinking about that the other day...that would be sooo goood....
Well, as for this week, I didn't realy make anything spectacular. Tuesday morning I made breakfast cake with the last of my brown sugar because we couldn't buy food the night before for breakfast and we had to use what we had...it just so happenend that we had enough ingredients for a breakfast kake.
My Albanian is improving...slowly. In some ways I think in Albanian. Some words are more natural in Albanian than in english, such as Xhami (we never say masque). Also, it is intersting because I never think of myself as John anymore...even when I think about myself it is Elder Fredrickson. That is who I am...Elder Fredrickson. I really hope that my Albanian improves a bit faster...but as the Albanians say, "Avash, avash".
Emily, did I ever tell you that whenever anyone sees the picture of the cake, they ask who wrote that ,and if you know albanian? It is kind of funny. But its also slightly interesting because there is only one spelling mistake, but you spelt it how it is spoken in the north. You were very very accurate.
Let's see, investigators. We have edi, that is ready to be baptized all except for his smoking problem. He has a strong testimony about everything, but doesn't have the faith to quit yet.
We have Algida, but we haven't seen her since last time i told you about her.
We have a man named Florian who we will teach about Baptism tonight.
But also pray for my companion, Elder Anderl. He, as Brach President has a lot on his shoulders. He has a lot of members to work with, on top of being district leader and having mission leadership. He is also about to begin tithing settlements, and you can imagine what that will be like for him. He is also trying to organize the Christmas party. He needs help, and in some areas of his calling, I simply am helpless. Please keep him in your prayers.
I love you all. Thank you for the warning about D.D.'s Christmas package. I promise I will not open it till Christmas. And any Christmas baking recipes would be nice too. I miss Christmas baking. By the way, did you put my name in the name exchange? Who do I get a gift for?
Thank you for your prayers. They do help. We have a lot of work here in Fier, and I am prety sure I will still be here next transfer. I love you all!
Me Dashuri,
Elder Fredrickson
By the way, WE TAUGHT 20 LESSONS THIS WEEK!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Dear Family,
I really wish I could tell you about Christmas calls but it seems that you know more than I do!Our internet cafe does have a camera, and I think, (vetem think) that it has skype. I know it has headsets and cameras but I don't know how to work skype, but if you get instructions, we will work that out with you next week. My companion is on a trip right now with all of the other Elders and Sisters that are leaving in 3 weeks. It is really painful to see him go; He is such a GOOD missionary. I wish I could spend more time with him, because I know there is a lot I could learn from him....but our separation is inevitable.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMMON!!!! I though about that the other day and I wrote in my planner, write happy birthday to Ammon. By the way, how is he enjoying my scriptures that you found in the ceiling of the church? I kind of wish I could see a picture of them. Ammon, I hope you had a happy birthday.
Thursday we had an interesting experience. Joseph B. Wirthlin (Elder Wirthlin's son) came and visited our branch building that day. We had to open the building, and so we got to meet him. We didn't know he was coming untill about 15 minuites before he arrived at the building!He was with a man from holland and an Albanian. He looked at the building, asked us some questions, then after we were done he asked if we had had lunch. We had not and he asked where a restaurant was that we could eat. There are not many restaurants in Fier other than fast food, (sufllaques, hot dogs, pizza, gjiros) but Elder Anderl know a reasonably nice Pizza restaurant that also served Crepes. It also just so happened that we think that this restaurant is owned by the Mafia (I forgot to mention that Fier is a major Mafia hub. There is actually a member here that his father has connections with the mafia. He went on a mission, maybe to escape a bit. He returned, and his father said that if he has any associations with the church, he would rather him dead than to disgrace the family...and he wouldn't think twice about having the Mafia take him out. lets just say, we don't talk with them...for our sake and for his. Anyway...) This restaurant was NICE! Brother Wirthin and his friend payed. I got a chicken crepe and everyone else got pizza(but I was asked to help the holland man AND my companion finish thier pizzas....I WAS STUFFED!). Brother Wirthlin thought is funny, because while he was speaking, I would shake my head in agreement. He had heard about it, but it was throwing him off a little, and he was enjoying himself. Its become so natural to shake my head yes. Its only begun to become habit. Anyway, it was quite an experience talking with Elder Wirthlin's son. Actually, Brother Wirthlin's son was one of the missionaries that opened Albania. He said that when his son was here, he had to wait 2-3 hours in line just to buy bread for 10 cents. And also, to get meat, they would on occasion slaughter a goat in their bathtub! He said it was quite an experience. I enjoyed talking with him.
By the way, please tell the missionaries to tell the business owners to have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from Elder Fredrickson! I need to send them a postecard or something....
Speaking of, it is kind of funny so see Christmas lights on the Xhami near our house (the muslim masque)! THAT would not fly in most Islamic countries!
MY RICE STEAMER IS ALIVE!!!!!! IT LIVES!!! I MADE RICE!!! I MADE FRIED RICE!!! I MADE A FRIED RICE OMLETTE!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Today, we plan on meeting Florian. We plan on asking him to be baptized today. He prays, and he reads the scriptures, and he feels good when he does. Pray for him, and pray for us as we go see him.
The language is still slowly comming. I can kind of get my point across if people are patient with me. We had 15 people in church on Sunday! 2 investigators. I had to play the piano for the first half though untill the branch pianist came. She is Anna's age. Also, I blessed the sacrament for the first time in Albanian. Elder Anderl asked me to bear my testimony about the Temple during Sunday school (because that was what the lesson was on). Everyone was silent while I spoke. The Spirit was definitely there. I know that it was fulfillment of one of the blessing placed upon me when I was set apart by President Otis.
Please continue to pray for my companion Elder Anderl. It is REALLY hard being branch president in Fier. Things are getting Crazier every day. Things just pop out of nowhere. The night I wrote you last week was the craziest so far. The church is so young here. In many ways, it reminds me of some of the situations in the early days of the Church. He has to deal with so much, I really feel sorry for him. And the worst part is that there is only so much that I can do. There are a lot of things that I cannot help him with. Those are the most painful things of all. Please continue to pray for him.
Emily, you asked how I felt about Albania. Well, everyone knows that the Government is corrupt. Actually, you here about rich students bribing their way through school, to the point that you can't know if your doctor earned that degree or paid for it. It is said when husbands are so controlling that they lock their family in the house when he is gone so they can't leave (locks only work with keys, in or out. If you don't have the key, you can't get in or out...). I know a woman that works 30 days straight without a break for 150 dollars. It is hard to find a job. It is a sad place in many ways. But in many ways, it is such a beautiful place. The countryside is divine! I went to Apolonia again today (it is in my area!) and I got to see the beauty there. The people are reasonably respectful (with exception to most of the teenage population (cuns pronounced choons (oo as in tooth)). The people love their family for the most part, and they are a very humble people in many cases. Communism hit this place HARD! There are many people still with communistic feelings and the government has a lot of communist influence too. It is hard, because people waste away their life on facebook. They are on facebook for literally 9 or 10 hours a day, just wasting away. They don't read anything for the most part. They are very behind the rest of the world, but they think they can skip critical steps...but it just won't work that way. SO MANY PROBLEMS IN THIER LIVES WOULD DISSAPPEAR IF THEY SIMPLE OBEYED THE GOSPEL! It is hard knowing this, and even harder to get them to understand it!
And by the way D.D., I have not opened the christmas package yet. It was pretty beat up when it arrived, but s'ka gje, its ok. Its still intact.
I agree that Anna would be a GREAT missionary. It would be even cooler if the branch pianist and her became companions! (Daniella, the branch pianist, is thinking about serving a mission.)
I love you All! I hope you have a merry Christmas (by the way, did my suitcase from the MTC ever arive? It had important things in it. Please tell me.) Oh, yeah, I get to SPEAK with you on Christmas! I love you and I will try to arrange a time!
Love,
Elder Fredrickson
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dear Family,
So....
I had written a REALLY LONG e-mail, to send you....but then we had a black-out and I lost everything. So i guess you will just have to hear about everything on friday when I skype you at 7:00 my time (I believe 12:00 your time). If by chance you don't hear from me by 7:15 my time, call my cell number.
So, remind me to tell you about these things:
Our meeting with Algida,
Getting beat up by a gang of albanian teenage boys,
Edi, and Florian, our progressing invetigators,
The Christmas Present I got my companion without him knowing it,
Funny Language mistake,
and then any other questions you have for me!
Love you all, don't have time to say more.
Love,
Elder Fredrickson
Monday, December 28, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! The Albanians are getting really excited for New Year's. It is a HUGE holiday for them. Even now, explosives are going off at all hours of the day (AKA BIG FIREWORKS!). I don't think they have a legal limit as to the amount of gunpowder allowed in the fireworks, so we will be hitting the deck when New Year's Eve comes along. Even now, then fireworks get kind of close, but we have been commanded to be IN THE APARTMENT by 4:00 on new years eve.
Well, was shume exciting to see all of you Friday! Sorry, you haven't been sleeping well Melisa. I hope you and Dad start feeling better. And Mom, you know that the mission president and his wife have facebook, and they update it about the mission and stuff. Ammon, congrats on work! I admit that I was a bit worried when I found out you were following in my footsteps as a chef. It is a really hard job, but I guess it will be a bit easier since a few of the chefs that were really vicious have left. By the way Anna and Ammon, tell everyone at the restaurant hi for me and wish them a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Anna, I often listen to your piano recordings. I would like to find a way to burn the ones in my e-mail onto a CD so I can listen to them at home rather simply on P-Day. Elisa and Mom, sorry I worried you about last week. I didn't have much time and I didn't think I made it sound too bad. Emily, It was awesome getting to see you and Sung and Lola. Matt, thank you for your advice on your Christmas Messages CD. It is really hard for me to see my companion go. It is a constant reminder to me that my turn will come, and I fear that day with every fibre of my being. I know that he doesn't want to leave, but his time has come, and this realization hurts both of us. I only have 7 days left to be with my companion, and I know that if I were with him for my entire mission, I still couldn't learn all of the great things he could teach me about missionary work and becoming a true disciple of Christ. Thank you all of you for the Christmas Messages! I loved every one of them (but dad, something is wrong with the second CD. It is not working on CD players. Do you think it only works on Computers?) I loved hearing the Primary, and hearing from the Rawlings and the Wynns and the Holdens, and the Grishams...EVERYBODY! Oh, and by the way, have I really lost my accent Anna? Were you surprised to hear my voice? It is kind of funny, because when you spoke, I have wondered when you have aquired that accent. My companion says that I don't sound like any of you. And thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the Christmas Present. It will be useful. And I must say D.D, when the customs on the box said that within was 30 dollars worth of hand sanatizer, I thought it was a joke. I thought it was a humorous cover up for the surprize Christmas present you didn't want me to know about. But much to my surprize, I now have enough hand sanatizer to last about 3 missions! Thank you for sending it, because I (unlike many missionaries) do carry it on my and use it, but I imagine that Sister Neil will say the same thing next Christmas and just remember that I will still have PLENTY left! And Brother and Sister Rawlings, I apologize that I haven't mentioned you in these e-mails. It is interesting because sometimes I remember your cement business, especially since ALL OF THE BUILDINGS HERE ARE MADE OF CEMENT! I hope Sister Hull is feeling better. And Tell Sister Johnson thank you for the letter. It was good to hear from them. And I hope Sister Nevins is feeling better too.
Well, we saw Algida yesterday. To back track, since most of you didn't hear the continuation of her tale, we met her last Saturday. She finished her summary of the Bible (which took a bit more than an hour or hour and half) and then proceeded to ask us questions. Well, my companion was on an exchange and I was with someone that was in my MTC group. It was a Miracle that we were able to understand eachother as much as we did! Then we gave her a Doctrine and covenants. She met with us that Wednesday Morning to return it,because she had finished it. She LOVED IT! She had lots of questions about the Doctrine and Covenants, but none about the Pearl of Great Price. She said that the Pearl of great price is exactly what the name says, a Pearl of great price. She gave us her summary of both of them, beginning with reciting the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants by memory, and ending with reciting the 13 Articles of Faith from Memory. She Also read the "Bible dictionary" in the back (its like a mix between the bible dictionary and the topical guide and its found in the back of foreign language triples) and she read the maps. All in 4 days. Thus she has completed the standard works in albanian in a total of about 20 days. We gave her a gospel principle manual to help answer her questions, and she returned that to us when she came to church YESTERDAY! She said it answered many of her questions. I really believe she has a testimony and I can see her as an awesome sister missionary and fantastic semenary and institute teacher. If only her parents were a bit more open. They are Muslim and not interested. She lives in a suburb of Fier and calls s when she can meet. She is so smart!
I have been thinking a lot lately. I have been rather hard on myself lately, especially because I find myself doing sometimes things that I criticized (within myself) about other missionaries before my mission. I have never been one for anything less than EXACT obedience. I could never understand why it was so difficult to be Obedient...you just DO IT! But now that I am here in their shoes, I see how prideful and judgmental that I was. I am far from a perfect missionary, but I am trying. It is especially difficult because I have seen it, and the consequences of actions, and yet I don't do what I know I should. I in many instances find myself in the same mind frame as Nephi in 2 Nephi chapter 4. Why do these things so easily beset me? I know what I should be doing, so why don't I do it? Sometimes I wonder if my preparation before my mission made a difference. I wonder if I was just wasting time. I tried my hardest to prepare for this mission and in some ways I feel that I am wasting it, that I am not taking advantage of opportunities as they arise and therefore I miss them. Everything that I did before my mission, every aspect of my life was focused and centered on preparing for my mission. I had a job that REALLY got me out of my comfort zone, having to talk to and interact with many, many people that I have never met. It helped me to financially prepare for my mission, and forced me to learn to rely on my Heavenly Father. I was going with the missionaries practically every day for nearly 2 years for many hours in the day, and I was going to the Temple 6-9 sessions a week. Everything I did was about my mission, and about helping the people I was working with at the time, whether living or dead. But I just wonder if it made a difference. Perhaps I would have been a bit less prideful if I hadn't done these things. When I was working alongside Elder Anderson, I asked him if I should be spending this much time with the missionaries, or should be having a normal life. He said," I have never heard of anyone saying, 'I wish I hadn't prepared so much for my mission'." I had kept that in mind as I prepared, because I wanted to be able to help people to the best of my ability. But I question if it made a difference. I just want to help people. Before my mission, I wondered about the worth of a soul. When I saw an investigator, I saw their potential. I saw that that single investigator was the key to the salvation and exaltation of THOUSANDS of individuals, thousands of our Heavenly Father's Children. I saw that because of that person, generations of their ancestors can receive the gospel and ordinances, and though that person, their posterity for generations would grow up in a gospel centered home. Not to mention all those that they associate with NOW! When I saw a couple, happily married, I could only see how much happier they would be if they knew they could be together FOREVER, for time and all Eternity. I somewhat feel that I lost sight of all that, getting lost in a foreign language.
I love you all, thank you for all of your prayers, and letters. Thank you for the faith that you have in me. I love you and once again. have a happy new year!
Love,
Elder Fredrickson
Monday, December 28, 2009
November Pictures
New companion in Fier, Albania: Elder Anderl
Old comp: Elder Vail
Apollonia
Appollonia
Appollonia
Old comp: Elder Vail
Apollonia
Appollonia
Appollonia
November Letters
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dear Family,
I decided to print out all of the e-mails this morning and read them without using internet time so now I have much more time to write.To begin, I’ll try to answer all of the questions. The language…is coming. It is hard, but I am beginning to understand people better, and sometimes I can speak a bit easier. I don’t feel like I have improved much, but my companion says that I am getting better. We are planning on singing an arrangement of “if the Savior stood beside me” in Albanian that I have…If we ever get around to practicing. It is hard to get all of the missionaries and the music in the same room at the same time, but we will be able to do it. Weather is getting cooler. It is a lot like Alabama in the sense that it gets warm then cold then warm then plummets. Right now it is a bit chilly, but who knows if it will stay that way? My kitchen has an oven, a stove, a frying pan, a pot, measuring cups (which are rare), and a glass cooking dish, along with spatulas etc. Laundry is suitable. We have a washing machine, and that is it along with a clothes line and drying rack. I’m starting to learn the area pretty well. We typically don’t go very far. As for interesting people, the active members are fantastic. We have met with a few. We met with President Veliu’s family (branch president) and a couple others. They have so much faith. There are a couple of girls the A.P.’s have been teaching that are going to be baptized into our branch this Saturday. That is exiting! They are great girls and they have a testimony. Last night, we tracted into the house that those people we met my first night lived. The wife was sick, and the husband was not home…and I’m not sure how interested they were…
The other day at English course, something really… “Powerful” is the only way to describe it, happened. After English, it the people want to stay, we teach religion. It is completely optional, but a lot of people stay. We were teaching about faith, and it was Elder Vail, Motra Larson, Motra Korita, and I teaching (mainly Elder Vail). Motra Korita is Albanian and is serving a mini-mission. After the lesson, she shared about how she needed to have faith. She is a convert, and she bore an extremely BOLD and POWERFUL testimony! She said, “I used to be Muslim! I studied for 5 years at Medraseja (a Muslim school)! I went to the masque and prayed 5 times every day! I wore [the head shawl] for 10 years! I know all of the lays of Islam. I speak Arabic! I read the Koran in Arabic! And it is ALL FALSE!” A student in the class is a pretty devout Muslim and has been Muslim for a little more than half a year said, “I don’t believe it.” I spoke forcefully directly at him and said, “You try me, and me anything!” He didn’t do it, because he knew it was true. She testified that the Book of Mormon was true, and another student made a comment about belief. She said, “No. Listen to my words. Not believe. I testify. 100% testify that this book is true.” Everyone was silent. Everyone was stunned. It was very bold and powerful, her testimony. That is the power of a Sister missionary. I told this story to another missionary, and he mentioned that he was with her on another occasion and someone said to her that the Albanian people was a very religious people and these Americans didn’t know what they were talking about. She told him that Albanians are a very faithless people that they hardly believe in God. She said that these Americans believe in God more that you or I ever could. She is bold. She is right in the sense that most Albanians acknowledge there is a Gog, but they don’t do anything about it. But I think she has more faith than she gives the Albanian people credit for. She is a fantastic missionary.Well, the other day, we were handing out flyers for the free English course, when we saw an accident in a major intersection. No cars were damaged, but a truck spilled a lot of heavy metal poles into the middle of the intersection. We saw the man that drove the truck attempt to move the poles himself 2 at a time. I turned to Elder Vail and said, “Do you want to help him?” He gave me a kind of “I don’t really want to, but it is a good thing and I don’t want to say no” kind of look. It is understandable, because I found out afterward that he was in his nice shoes and suit pants. I didn’t know that, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have asked. I asked him again and he responded the same way. Then after watching a couple more minutes I said, “lets go, he needs help.” And I started walking toward him. Elder Vail asked him if he needed help, and he asked him to help him find a contact on his phone so he could make a phone call. Then I started helping with the poles. I didn’t realize how greasy they were. Immediately when I grabbed one my hands were black. I thought, oh well, I guess it is worth it to help this man. Cars were going around us still; even as we were moving these poles (cars in Albania are not patient. They go regardless and just go around you.). By the way, “Car” phonetically speaking is a very bad word in Albanian, so we say the Albanian work “Makin”. We finally were able to move all of the poles, and the man thanked us. We then had to go wash up. I don’t know if anything will come of it, but who knows. As PMG says, “no missionary work is wasted.”
I love you all. Thank you all for your letters. Good Luck Anna on your Competition! Thank you for your prayers. They are helping. Love you all again!
Love,
Elder Xhon Fredrickson
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dear Family,
It has been another week of finding. We have been struggling to find an investigator that will last longer than a week…but not much progress. Transfers are this coming Monday, and transfer calls are Saturday night. I don’t think I want to be transferred, but I will go where I need to go. I feel kind of bad, because I have not written ANYONE by snail mail. I am sure some people are wondering what happened. I’ve been meaning to send some post cards, but time is scarce on P-Day. I’ve been meaning to write Sure Crayton, because I am sure she wonders why I haven’t written. I can hardly believe I have been here in Albania for about 6 weeks…. It is going by, and slipping through my fingers like sand in an hourglass…
I made cinnimin rolls yesterday! I made the dough before church and let it rise while I was at church. They probably lost a lot of their rising power by the time I made them into rolls, but even so, they were a grand triumph! We gave a couple to our neighbors, who are members, and I can’t wait to here what they thought of them. We gave some to the missionaries in our district, and they said they were better than Motra Neil’s! I was SO proud of myself…but then again, I had help from upstairs if you know what I mean. I’ve noticed as missionaries, we get a lot of help from upstairs…
I don’t know what I want in the Christmas package. I thought about it a little bit, but I just don’t know what I need. I can make most of what I want, and some things youv simply couldn’t send (for example: sour cream isn’t available here, and that would definitely go bad before it got here). Also, a rice maker would be kind of hard to transport to here, and from area to area. And seaweed for sushi simply isn’t economical…(besides, I wouldn’t trust eating sushi here anyway…lol). However, something I would like is sheet music. Lots and lots of approaprate and beautiful arrangements. I really wish I had sally deford’s arrangement of “In the silent garden” and also “O Holy Night”. I would a fantastic arrangement for “I Believe in Christ” such as the SSAATTBB arrangemet. Oh how I have missed singing with Anna on the Piano. President Neil is not at all strict about the music here. It simply has to be approapriate, not neccissarily Tabernacle Choir, so your Women at the Well CD that I accidentally borrowed for 2 years is a treasure… that would be awesome sheet music as well. I don’t really care if I can’t play it yet, I have a while to learn. You know, I think it is the smallest things that I miss about home. I miss being able to hear Anna on the Piano all the time. I miss being able to rub my sisters’ back and feet. I understand now why usually a married person that lost his or her spouse usually misses the sound of their voice, or how they held their hand, or the sound of their laughter. I miss being able to give my sisters a big hug, being able to lay my head on my mother’s shoulder, or simply snuggle next to them. Here on a mission, we typically don’t have physical contact with ANYONE more than simply a handshake. That is about as close as you get. I kind of miss that… But anyway, I would love music…just lots and lots of music. Hymns, Christmas songs, Sally Deford’s Music, Arrangements, Women at the Well. Specifically, off the top of my head, a couple songs I really want is the: In the Silent Garden arrangement, Oh Holy Night(I wouldn’t mind multiple arrangements on any songs by the way. The more variety the better), if you could find a pretty arrangement of What Child is this, and aan arrangement of Carol of the Bells, A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, I Believe in Christ, High on the Mountain Top, Redeemer of Israel, I Know that my Redeemer Lives, an arrangement of Silent Night…actually, I LOVE Christmas music, so any fantastic arrangements of those… Just anything you think I would like. If you can’t send then, then that’s ok. Its not exceptionally important, and I might not even be able to play them, but I am happy to be able to read music and listen to the choirs in my head at least. Speaking of, we sang in Sacrament meeting yesterday. Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains is what we sang (the arrangement of if the Savior stood beside me was to difficult for the others… another time maybe). The Branch Loved it. I sang tenor. I have found that my voice rang extends from a tenor 1 (low end of tenor 1) to almost a bass 2 (high end of bass 2). I am so proud that my voice is developing like that. Tenor has fantastic parts. The entire branch keeps commenting to my companion and I that I have such a beautiful singing voice. They have said it since the first day in sacrament meeting, but they especially made note of that yesterday. They don’t really sing harmony here…they don’t really know how. So any harmony is a treat for them. They like how I sing though, even in the normal hymns. I love to sing.
We were going to go to an old city named Berat today, but it was pouring outside, so we didn’t go. I was kind of dissappointed but another time we can go.
We did have an invesigator in sacrament meeting yesterday…but I don’t know how well he enjoyed it. It wasn’t the best experience…He was slightly contentious…slightly…but the gospel priciple’s teacher was more contentious, and it got pretty heated. I felt pretty bad for him. He is Muslim, so I was almost surprised that he came, but he was pretty respectful and think he knows deep down that we have something he needs.
The language is hard. Although, part of that is my fault. Many times, we simply aren’t able to have our language study time, because according to our schedule, because so many people are out early morning, we have it right before nightly planning. However, many times we have appointments that go long because Albanians love to “Muhabet” (small talk). It’s a part of their culture. I am able to talk to people, and many people are surprised at how well I speak having been in the country so little time. Well, I simply need to work harder…
I love all of you.
Melisa, thank you for your e-mail. I was thinking about what you said that made you think of me, such as listening to the Tabernacle Choir arrangement of I Believe in Christ and remembering me. I don’t think I could be remembered as a better thing than that, a Believer in Christ. I was so proud, that that was what I am remembered as at home in the ward, as a Believer in Christ. I am happy.
D.D., I thought about what you said about that returning missionary’s talk, and comparing my farewell to that. It is flattering that you saw it that way, but I know that I have a LOT of room to grow. I think my mission has shown me greatly where I need to improve, and also what I should have cherished more back home. I will say, though, I don’t think I regret a single moment of the time I spent preparing for a mission. I kind of wish I could have prepared better than I did. But I did the very best I could to prepare, in Every way I could think of. I did my best to prepare, and I don’t know much more that I could have done…I only hope it made a difference.Mom, I was looking through some of the blessings that I have on record, specifically the blessing given to me when I was set apart as a veil worker. I realized that EVERY blessing so far has been fulfilled. Not to complete fruitition yet, but so far, they have been fulfilled and I am inexpressibly thankful for it, for them. It was a great blessing in my life, an unspeakable blessing that I know I will cherish eternally. I love you so much Mom. I felt a taste of home when I made those cinnimin rolls.
Anna, Congrats on you competition. I know that you didn’t let me down, even though you didn’t make the cut. You are a Hero in my eyes. You are one of my Heroes.
Ammon, go on a mission. Start preparing in any way you can think of. I know you will be fantastic.I love you all!
Love
Elder John D. Fredrickson
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dear Family,
Well, first off, I've been transfered. I am now in Fier with Elder Anderl. I just met him a couple hours ago, so next week I may have more to say about him. He was actually Elder Vail's former companion, he is Branch President in Fier, and before that he was Assistent to the President. I have had good trainers, being so close to the assistants throughout the mission. I will miss the people in Tirana First Branch, but this is now where the Lord wants me to be.
I was able to visit Apollonia Saturday with the Tirana First Branch. It is an old city with lots of structures from the Greecian period. There was a Temple of Hermes I believe there (or maybe it was Apollos...I'm not sure). I took lots of pictures, but I'm not sure of the best way to send them...it is kind of hard to send pictures over this internet. It was BEAUTIFUL there. It might be on the internet, so you might see a bit of what I saw...but pictures could not catch the beauty of that place.
Last Monday evening we had an exciting time. A water pipe exploded under the sink and I felt I was in the kitchen cleaning the floors of Kyoto again...I had to sweep the water into the bathroom because it was flooding our appartment. Luckily, our neighbor (who is a member) helped us fix it. His name is Vellai (brother) CoColi(pronounced cho-cho-lee). He reminds me so much of Brother Bloom that it is crazy. He has the same boyish personality, the same serving heart, and the same adamant will against accepting payment for service rendered. I love Vellai Cocoli. He is a really good guy, just like Brother Bloom in many,many, ways....I would consider him the Brother Bloom of Albania!
Apparently I have had many strokes of begginers luck when it comes to cooking. I think the Lord is looking after me because if what happened the second time I attempted to make both cinimin rolls, and egg yolk sauce, had hapened the first time, I would NOT have tried again. But because it worked the first time, I know it is possible for me to make, and I successfully made (after a 4th attempt) egg yolk sauce, and also an excellent batch of fried rice! it was DELICIOUS!
As for Christmas Traditions in Albania, as far as I have heard, they don't really have any. Communism wasn't very kind to Albania, and New Years is a far more celebrated occasion(especially since so many mulsims live in Albania, Christmas is irrelevent for them)
IT WAS SO AWESOME TO HEAR YOUR VOICES! THAT WAS SO COOL DAD! Maybe you could in fact send Anna playing piano. In January, I believe, the church will be using GMAIL! So then I will more easily be able to send things like audio and video, and I will try to do that then.
As for the Christmas box, Pictures of the family would be nice. Albanians LOVE pictures, so the more the better. It is an excellent topic for conversation. I'm not sure what more than that, pictures, sheet music... There isn't much more that I do want.
OH! There are a few recipes I would like in the next e-mail though. Sister Neil asked me to make a dessert, so if you could send the recipes for:
Apple Crisp
Peach Cobbler (by the way PEACH is a Very bad word also, so I need to learn to say pjeshk)
White Chili
No-bake cookies (Oh those would be SO GOOD, but penut butter, REAL penut Butter is not available except in TIRANA!)
Encheladas
Pot Pies
Various Pies(apple, cherry, and any others you can think of (lots of fresh fruit!))
The terriyaki recipe from my journals
Potato soup
french toast
pankakes
scones
a homemade tomato soup would be AMAZING
strogonoff(spelling)
scalloped potatoes
maccaroni and cheese with ham
agrotten potatoes
frybatter (for breading things)
various homemade soups
shepherds pie
lemon chicken
chicken feticcini alfredo (Oh I wanted that the other day!)
hashbrowns
ANY CHRISTMAS BAKING RECIPES!!!and anything else you think I could make that would last for leftovers for a few days that we could just heat up and eat. We have lots of bread, and soup would be easy to heat up if I had that, but I don't know much about soups
By the way, I had MARVELOUS RUBY RED GRAPEFRUIT the other day. OH IT WAS SO DELICIOUS. too bad we don't have them in Fier. We stock up on white grapefruit before we left Tirana this morning though, but Ruby was too far away for us to go get in time...So it will be A LONG time before I get another.
Well, I guess it is time to close. The people in Albania need the gospel. So many people are lost and need direction in thier lives. I know the gospel is true, and I miss the Temple dearly. It was sweet, because yesterday we were at the brach president's house, and his wife told us about her heart's desire to be a Temple worker someday. She was wondering how someone becomes a Temple worker, and she hopes that maybe she could be a Temple Worker when the Temple in Rome is finished. I was slightly surprised at her wish, because at this time it would be such a great distance for her to work, even in Rome was finished. She is a very special woman, with such a sweet and humble Spirit.
Mom, I love you. I Love all of you. Dad's idea to send that audio e-mail was so so cool. I might be able to write while I listen, but keep sending written e-mails too. Mrs. Mendenhall, thank you for your letter and your support. I have seen God's hand in many people's lives here. I know that with God's help, I can make an Eternal difference in people's lives. Anna, I really would like to hear your concerto, but that would be better on a CD or something. I really do miss that music. Ammon I love you. I want you to work hard on your schooling. Melisa, I love you. I have enjoyed the purfumed letters. They smell really good (especially better than the whiffs of the Albanian Sewer that we get walking down the street). I love you all!
Mireupafshim,
Elder John Fredrickson
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
I love you all, and thank you for your e-mails (especially the recipies, its good to have a variety in our diet). My companion, Elder Anderl, is great! It is interesting being the companion of the Branch President. I imagine that I can feel how the wife of the Bishop feels…lol! Anyway, he is an excellent missionary, and very charitable branch President. I can see his stress about the Branch and I don’t envy him at all. I went to the Fier branch yesterday. Our pianist was not there so I had to substitute on the spot… it didn’t go to well, but it was better than nothing. I need to practice a bit more, but because I must be outside the door during Branch President interviews, he suggested I practice piano during that time. I think the background noise relieves some of the stress of the interview.I was thinking the other day, while I was walking out of the apartment with my companion. We were having a conversation in Albanian. I thought for a moment and realized, “I hardly knew this language existed 4 and a half months ago, and here I am having a detailed conversation in it!” I may not be pleased with the rate of progress I have been going at, but I must give credit to God, because Miracles have and are happening with the language. There is no doubt in my mind that it is because of God that I am able to speak the language to the extent that I am able to, which is quite extensive compared to what I could speak 4 months ago. I must give glory to God, because it is a miracle.
Fier is a smaller town in Albania. Quite a bit smaller that Tirana, but it is great nonetheless. I am simply happy that I was able to bring some soysauce from Tirana with me as well as some brown sugar. I am also happy that we bought about 4 kg of Grapefruit before we left, but I am going to miss the ruby grapefruit. I think we are going to pick some up when we go up to Tirana for thanksgiving. The whit grapefruit is almost gone though, and again, that is a Tirana item. The branch is WAY smaller than the branch in Tirana. There were 4 members and 1 investigator in church Sunday! Usually there are about 10 more members that come regularly, but yesterday was a strange event. Actually, there have been many strange occurrences since I have arrived…but I will get to that a bit later. Apparently The branch in Fier used to be Booming! There were like 80 members coming regulary, and the church even purchased the land to build the first chapel in Albania! The church still has the land, but no chapel stands on that spot. Apparently about 5 years ago, there was a great apostasy among the members. They called a man named Vellai GJika to be Branch President. Apparently, there was a large group of members that were opposed to this, and I do not know why, nor does my companion, nor is it important. Vellai GJika is a good man, though at the moment he is inactive. He feels he must work on Sunday to pay off a large loan with crazy interest rates…anyway, beyond the point. This group of people went inactive, and from then the church began dwindling until it is where it is now. I heard that group tried to start their own church, but failed miserably very quickly. Anyway, there are no more hard feelings from those members, and I hear several of them feel sorry for what they did, but most are still inactive. It is sad and discouraging for the active members, because they remember the Glory Days of Fier, and it is depressing for active and inactive members alike. Anyway, that’s a little history of Fier.
As for interesting things that randomly began when I came, they are many. The first full day I was in Fier, a SUPERGJARPER that is infamous among missionaries decided to return to the scene. Her name is Morena (the name brings chills!). Apparently she disappeared about 8 weeks ago and they thought she was gone, but she showed up at English course the first full day I was in Fier. Now, the definition of a Gjarper is a beautiful woman that has no interest in the gospel but has interest in the missionaries (or more specifically, the missionaries passport, but that is reached through the missionary). She is Gjarper (Albanian for snake or serpent) in the EXTREME! She actually was Baptized…but she didn’t stay active long enough to get comfirmed. She is pretty, I admit, but she is SCARY for me as a missionary! Right when she walked in the room, accompanied by a member that apparently is a friend of hers, and right when she said, “Hello, I’m Morena” I shuddered and my mind screamed, “IT’S HER! MORENA IS BACK!”. She has been known to attempt to kiss missionaries that she likes, and …well, let’s just say she is scary! She asked me my name, where I am from…etc. She seemed rather interested in meeting the new missionary, and we think according to previous statements she made, that she does NOT like Elder Anderl. While she was talking to me, Elder Anderl was talking to another member. The member looked over his shoulder and saw me with Morena and said to Elder Anderl, “LOOK! You have got to go save Elder Fredrickson!”. He walked over and she left not long after he arrived on the scene. It has only been a week, but we have seen her twice, once from a distance. Elder Vail warned me about her. He was right.
Other strange things have been occurring as well, but slightly less significant.
Thank you so much for the Recipes! I am very excited to try them!
Sister Tate, as for cooking, it is somewhat of a necessity. I do actually keep forgetting that in out apartment, we are actually blessed to have a MICROWAVE! I almost don’t remember how to use it though… We have Albanian fast food, but that can get pricy after a while and it is not very healthy. I do cook a little bit of Albanian. Mainly a dessert recipe I got from the mother of a less active in Tirana. I also got a recipe from the investigator that came to church for an Albanian bean soup. I haven’t tried it out yet, but the times I have had it, it has been good. We don’t have dinner, but we have 2 hours to cook, eat and clean up lunch. Temperature is VERY similar to Alabama in my opinion. Winter gets Cold and Humid…just like Alabama. Everything is in Celcius, so I am not completely sure how cold it gets, but I hear it rarely snows. Just cold and Humid.
The language is a bit purer in Fier. It is also a bit more high pitched. It is a bit easier compared to the Tironc (Tironts is how it sounds) dialect I have been hearing.
Anyway, Thank you for the Christmas package. I look forward to the suprises within!!! I will try to send pictures. Love you all! I am so proud of my family!
Mireupafshim,
Elder John Fredrickson
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dear Family,
Thanksgiving was GREAT! We went to Tirana, and I made no bake cookies (i substituded a hazelnut spead for the penut butter) and they were delicious. I am in the middle now of making cinimin rolls. They are rizing now! They are looking better than they were last time. (last time, they were like the spawn of the bottomless pit rather than the manna from heaven of the first batch) Anyway, back to thanksgiving. We ate turkey, mashed potates and stuffing, and some icecream and any desserts the missionaries brought. After that, we watched UP! most of the missionaries hadn't seen in. After the movie, Elder Fahey said "Elder Fredrickson!" (because that is the main character's name) It was fun. Then, I went upstairs to get my mail, and lo and behold, I see a package from Mark Fredrickson, and another from Carol Nevins! Iwas also surprised to see how LARGE the package from Mark Fredrickson was... about 14 lbs it said...? Anyway, I figured it was the Christmas Package, and just in case there were any perishable Items, I did open it... I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SENT ME A RICE STEAMER!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW SURPRISED I WAS TO SEE THAT! I though there might be a letter that would give me instructions concerning this package, but there was not one included, so the wrapped gifts are still wrapped (except for the CD which I thought was a recording that might give me some clue as to what to do...but, I wasn't sure. I figured you wanted some surprise for Christmas. However....I have enjoyed the Christmas baking. You know those turtles and the rockey road are my favorite! Marshmellows are hard to find here, so they are a TREAT! BUT THE RICE STEAMER! HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU COME UP WITH THAT IDEA TO FIND A MINI RICE STEAMER! I have been talking about it with all of the missionaries for the last few day. I am TOTALLY kenaq (pleased)! I actually tried it, but fried 2 converters before I figured out that it is 300W (the steamer is ok though). Now I just need to find a 300w converter, but one of the Zone Leaders said he would give me his that changes from a 50 to a 1600W converter, but I won't get that for 2 weeks. OH I AM SO EXCITED TO TRY IT!!! (My companion is excited too) HOW did you think you could do it! I bet I am the only missionary in the history of the mission with a RICE STEAMER!! (uh huh, you know it!) OH I could talk about it for the entire time, but you ALREADY KNOW because you SENT IT!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!! And Anna, you concerto was FANTASTIC! I am SO PROUD OF YOU! I showed my companion, and he knew it sounded good too. By the way, MY companion plays the Violin, and he OWNS! a violin! He is very good too. I asked him if he could give me a violin lesson today, and I hope we can because we are running out of time because of the cinnimmin rolls (THEY ARE HARD TO MAKE!) BUT I'VE GOT A RICE STEAMER!!! You Must tell sister Nevins thank you for the sweater vest! It is PERFECT! It has been getting cold lately, and I know it was for Christmas, but I have used it several times out of neccessity. And the tie, it is the first stripe tie I own and I LOVE IT! It is one of the best stipe ties I have EVER SEEN! But the sweater is a great blessing. I was thinking about buying something like it because I didn't have anything like it, so it is a MIRACLE in my eyes. I also like the hand sanatizer. Perfect size. Perfect. I LOVE YOU ALL! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCHH! I haven't listened to the christmas messages though. Those are for Christmas. And also, tell grandma nevins thank you for the ornaments, we do have a tiny christmas tree we should set up soon. ok, now on to my life.
We have a fantastic investigator named Algida. She was a referral from her cousin who is on a mission. When the missionaries first met her, they of course gave her a book of mormon. She is 17 by the way. She said she would call them when she wanted to meet again (that usually means you will never see them again). However, 6 days later she called them and wanted to meet. They asked her about the Book of Mormon, and she said that she finished it. IN ^ DAYS! She then procceeded to give a 30 minuit book by book summary of the Book of Mormon. She had LOTS of questions. She knew nothing about religion before, but now knows more than most of the Christian world! He questions are DEEP for Albanians. They are questions thatI could easily have gotten in Alabama, which is NOT normal in Albania. I met her the first time a week from saturday. She memorizes the passages she wants to talk about. She then after an hour of her firing off questions, she asked if she could borrow the Bible because she has never read it before...by the way, she has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. She took the Bible, and I was slightly worried because of a lot of stuff in the Old Testament, but then realized that she read the Book of Mormon first so the Bible will be SO much easier to understand. Well, Elder Anderl and I guessed at how long it would take her to finish the Bible. I said 2 weeks old testament, 1/2 week new. He said 2 weeks whole thing....we were both wrong. SHE READ THE ENTIRE BIBLE IN 8 DAYS!!!! She came to church and she said that she had finished it the night before. She was at church 30 minutes early. She then proceeded to give us a book by book summary of the Bible, and she got halfway through exodos when we had to begin church, and she began 30 minutes before it started. She couldn't stay to finish after Church, but I can't WAIT to give her the Doctrine and Covenants! That will be some light reading for her. The only problem is that her parents are muslim, and she kind of has to sneak away to get to church and meet with us. But she is FANTASTIC!!!
We have another investigator named Siderella (cinderella in Albanian). Well....her story is interesting. He sister is a member, her parents are Muslim, her Grandmother is Jehovas Witness, and we have a slightly mentally handycapped man that is 47 years old but thinks he is 15 and has a crush on her (and for some reason he in an Elder, which I haven't figured out yet...). The problem is the crush. Everything he says reffers to her or leads to her in some way. He says he will come to her house and solve all her problems, which really scares her! Really, this man is innocent. He doesn't know better, he lives with his 80 year old mother and has to get permission from her to leave the house, and he has a curfew. But she had enough of it Wednesday at mutual, and asked to give her final testimony(which ended up being a talk sharing scriptures and then giving her testimony) and then she handed us her scriptures and walked out. We haven't seen her since, but she just called 20 minutes ago. She is not happy still, but at least she has contact. She is 15 years old.
I LOVE YOU ALL! Please give me instructions on the Christmas Package. By the way I LOVE THE MUSIC! I'm trying to learn "if you could hie to kolob" on piano, so my companion can play the vocal part on his violin. The language is comming slowly, but it is comming. It is hard, really hard, but my companion keeps telling me that whenever I speak, my Testimony comes through powefully. I just need to speak more. I Love you all. Thank you all fort everything! I am so excited about the RICE STEAMER! I am excited to learn violin! I'm excited about our investigators. We had 13 people in Church yesterday!!! Sister Gjika came! We are teaching so much that we hardly find time to find people. My companion is one of the best missionaries I have ever met. I love my companion Elder Anderl. I feel bad because I know that I only have until the beginning of January with him, because He is going home. He has had a great mission. He is from Salt Lake. I Love you All. Thank you Anna for your letter. I'm excited for you and tell Mr. Lee and Amy and everybody hi for me. OH there is never enough time to write everything. A mission is amazing and it is going by soo fast. I have been gone for nealy a 4th of my mission! WHERE IS THE TIME GOING! I love you, and miss you and pray for you all. Happy Thanksgiving and I will write next week!
Dear Family,
I decided to print out all of the e-mails this morning and read them without using internet time so now I have much more time to write.To begin, I’ll try to answer all of the questions. The language…is coming. It is hard, but I am beginning to understand people better, and sometimes I can speak a bit easier. I don’t feel like I have improved much, but my companion says that I am getting better. We are planning on singing an arrangement of “if the Savior stood beside me” in Albanian that I have…If we ever get around to practicing. It is hard to get all of the missionaries and the music in the same room at the same time, but we will be able to do it. Weather is getting cooler. It is a lot like Alabama in the sense that it gets warm then cold then warm then plummets. Right now it is a bit chilly, but who knows if it will stay that way? My kitchen has an oven, a stove, a frying pan, a pot, measuring cups (which are rare), and a glass cooking dish, along with spatulas etc. Laundry is suitable. We have a washing machine, and that is it along with a clothes line and drying rack. I’m starting to learn the area pretty well. We typically don’t go very far. As for interesting people, the active members are fantastic. We have met with a few. We met with President Veliu’s family (branch president) and a couple others. They have so much faith. There are a couple of girls the A.P.’s have been teaching that are going to be baptized into our branch this Saturday. That is exiting! They are great girls and they have a testimony. Last night, we tracted into the house that those people we met my first night lived. The wife was sick, and the husband was not home…and I’m not sure how interested they were…
The other day at English course, something really… “Powerful” is the only way to describe it, happened. After English, it the people want to stay, we teach religion. It is completely optional, but a lot of people stay. We were teaching about faith, and it was Elder Vail, Motra Larson, Motra Korita, and I teaching (mainly Elder Vail). Motra Korita is Albanian and is serving a mini-mission. After the lesson, she shared about how she needed to have faith. She is a convert, and she bore an extremely BOLD and POWERFUL testimony! She said, “I used to be Muslim! I studied for 5 years at Medraseja (a Muslim school)! I went to the masque and prayed 5 times every day! I wore [the head shawl] for 10 years! I know all of the lays of Islam. I speak Arabic! I read the Koran in Arabic! And it is ALL FALSE!” A student in the class is a pretty devout Muslim and has been Muslim for a little more than half a year said, “I don’t believe it.” I spoke forcefully directly at him and said, “You try me, and me anything!” He didn’t do it, because he knew it was true. She testified that the Book of Mormon was true, and another student made a comment about belief. She said, “No. Listen to my words. Not believe. I testify. 100% testify that this book is true.” Everyone was silent. Everyone was stunned. It was very bold and powerful, her testimony. That is the power of a Sister missionary. I told this story to another missionary, and he mentioned that he was with her on another occasion and someone said to her that the Albanian people was a very religious people and these Americans didn’t know what they were talking about. She told him that Albanians are a very faithless people that they hardly believe in God. She said that these Americans believe in God more that you or I ever could. She is bold. She is right in the sense that most Albanians acknowledge there is a Gog, but they don’t do anything about it. But I think she has more faith than she gives the Albanian people credit for. She is a fantastic missionary.Well, the other day, we were handing out flyers for the free English course, when we saw an accident in a major intersection. No cars were damaged, but a truck spilled a lot of heavy metal poles into the middle of the intersection. We saw the man that drove the truck attempt to move the poles himself 2 at a time. I turned to Elder Vail and said, “Do you want to help him?” He gave me a kind of “I don’t really want to, but it is a good thing and I don’t want to say no” kind of look. It is understandable, because I found out afterward that he was in his nice shoes and suit pants. I didn’t know that, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have asked. I asked him again and he responded the same way. Then after watching a couple more minutes I said, “lets go, he needs help.” And I started walking toward him. Elder Vail asked him if he needed help, and he asked him to help him find a contact on his phone so he could make a phone call. Then I started helping with the poles. I didn’t realize how greasy they were. Immediately when I grabbed one my hands were black. I thought, oh well, I guess it is worth it to help this man. Cars were going around us still; even as we were moving these poles (cars in Albania are not patient. They go regardless and just go around you.). By the way, “Car” phonetically speaking is a very bad word in Albanian, so we say the Albanian work “Makin”. We finally were able to move all of the poles, and the man thanked us. We then had to go wash up. I don’t know if anything will come of it, but who knows. As PMG says, “no missionary work is wasted.”
I love you all. Thank you all for your letters. Good Luck Anna on your Competition! Thank you for your prayers. They are helping. Love you all again!
Love,
Elder Xhon Fredrickson
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dear Family,
It has been another week of finding. We have been struggling to find an investigator that will last longer than a week…but not much progress. Transfers are this coming Monday, and transfer calls are Saturday night. I don’t think I want to be transferred, but I will go where I need to go. I feel kind of bad, because I have not written ANYONE by snail mail. I am sure some people are wondering what happened. I’ve been meaning to send some post cards, but time is scarce on P-Day. I’ve been meaning to write Sure Crayton, because I am sure she wonders why I haven’t written. I can hardly believe I have been here in Albania for about 6 weeks…. It is going by, and slipping through my fingers like sand in an hourglass…
I made cinnimin rolls yesterday! I made the dough before church and let it rise while I was at church. They probably lost a lot of their rising power by the time I made them into rolls, but even so, they were a grand triumph! We gave a couple to our neighbors, who are members, and I can’t wait to here what they thought of them. We gave some to the missionaries in our district, and they said they were better than Motra Neil’s! I was SO proud of myself…but then again, I had help from upstairs if you know what I mean. I’ve noticed as missionaries, we get a lot of help from upstairs…
I don’t know what I want in the Christmas package. I thought about it a little bit, but I just don’t know what I need. I can make most of what I want, and some things youv simply couldn’t send (for example: sour cream isn’t available here, and that would definitely go bad before it got here). Also, a rice maker would be kind of hard to transport to here, and from area to area. And seaweed for sushi simply isn’t economical…(besides, I wouldn’t trust eating sushi here anyway…lol). However, something I would like is sheet music. Lots and lots of approaprate and beautiful arrangements. I really wish I had sally deford’s arrangement of “In the silent garden” and also “O Holy Night”. I would a fantastic arrangement for “I Believe in Christ” such as the SSAATTBB arrangemet. Oh how I have missed singing with Anna on the Piano. President Neil is not at all strict about the music here. It simply has to be approapriate, not neccissarily Tabernacle Choir, so your Women at the Well CD that I accidentally borrowed for 2 years is a treasure… that would be awesome sheet music as well. I don’t really care if I can’t play it yet, I have a while to learn. You know, I think it is the smallest things that I miss about home. I miss being able to hear Anna on the Piano all the time. I miss being able to rub my sisters’ back and feet. I understand now why usually a married person that lost his or her spouse usually misses the sound of their voice, or how they held their hand, or the sound of their laughter. I miss being able to give my sisters a big hug, being able to lay my head on my mother’s shoulder, or simply snuggle next to them. Here on a mission, we typically don’t have physical contact with ANYONE more than simply a handshake. That is about as close as you get. I kind of miss that… But anyway, I would love music…just lots and lots of music. Hymns, Christmas songs, Sally Deford’s Music, Arrangements, Women at the Well. Specifically, off the top of my head, a couple songs I really want is the: In the Silent Garden arrangement, Oh Holy Night(I wouldn’t mind multiple arrangements on any songs by the way. The more variety the better), if you could find a pretty arrangement of What Child is this, and aan arrangement of Carol of the Bells, A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, I Believe in Christ, High on the Mountain Top, Redeemer of Israel, I Know that my Redeemer Lives, an arrangement of Silent Night…actually, I LOVE Christmas music, so any fantastic arrangements of those… Just anything you think I would like. If you can’t send then, then that’s ok. Its not exceptionally important, and I might not even be able to play them, but I am happy to be able to read music and listen to the choirs in my head at least. Speaking of, we sang in Sacrament meeting yesterday. Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains is what we sang (the arrangement of if the Savior stood beside me was to difficult for the others… another time maybe). The Branch Loved it. I sang tenor. I have found that my voice rang extends from a tenor 1 (low end of tenor 1) to almost a bass 2 (high end of bass 2). I am so proud that my voice is developing like that. Tenor has fantastic parts. The entire branch keeps commenting to my companion and I that I have such a beautiful singing voice. They have said it since the first day in sacrament meeting, but they especially made note of that yesterday. They don’t really sing harmony here…they don’t really know how. So any harmony is a treat for them. They like how I sing though, even in the normal hymns. I love to sing.
We were going to go to an old city named Berat today, but it was pouring outside, so we didn’t go. I was kind of dissappointed but another time we can go.
We did have an invesigator in sacrament meeting yesterday…but I don’t know how well he enjoyed it. It wasn’t the best experience…He was slightly contentious…slightly…but the gospel priciple’s teacher was more contentious, and it got pretty heated. I felt pretty bad for him. He is Muslim, so I was almost surprised that he came, but he was pretty respectful and think he knows deep down that we have something he needs.
The language is hard. Although, part of that is my fault. Many times, we simply aren’t able to have our language study time, because according to our schedule, because so many people are out early morning, we have it right before nightly planning. However, many times we have appointments that go long because Albanians love to “Muhabet” (small talk). It’s a part of their culture. I am able to talk to people, and many people are surprised at how well I speak having been in the country so little time. Well, I simply need to work harder…
I love all of you.
Melisa, thank you for your e-mail. I was thinking about what you said that made you think of me, such as listening to the Tabernacle Choir arrangement of I Believe in Christ and remembering me. I don’t think I could be remembered as a better thing than that, a Believer in Christ. I was so proud, that that was what I am remembered as at home in the ward, as a Believer in Christ. I am happy.
D.D., I thought about what you said about that returning missionary’s talk, and comparing my farewell to that. It is flattering that you saw it that way, but I know that I have a LOT of room to grow. I think my mission has shown me greatly where I need to improve, and also what I should have cherished more back home. I will say, though, I don’t think I regret a single moment of the time I spent preparing for a mission. I kind of wish I could have prepared better than I did. But I did the very best I could to prepare, in Every way I could think of. I did my best to prepare, and I don’t know much more that I could have done…I only hope it made a difference.Mom, I was looking through some of the blessings that I have on record, specifically the blessing given to me when I was set apart as a veil worker. I realized that EVERY blessing so far has been fulfilled. Not to complete fruitition yet, but so far, they have been fulfilled and I am inexpressibly thankful for it, for them. It was a great blessing in my life, an unspeakable blessing that I know I will cherish eternally. I love you so much Mom. I felt a taste of home when I made those cinnimin rolls.
Anna, Congrats on you competition. I know that you didn’t let me down, even though you didn’t make the cut. You are a Hero in my eyes. You are one of my Heroes.
Ammon, go on a mission. Start preparing in any way you can think of. I know you will be fantastic.I love you all!
Love
Elder John D. Fredrickson
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dear Family,
Well, first off, I've been transfered. I am now in Fier with Elder Anderl. I just met him a couple hours ago, so next week I may have more to say about him. He was actually Elder Vail's former companion, he is Branch President in Fier, and before that he was Assistent to the President. I have had good trainers, being so close to the assistants throughout the mission. I will miss the people in Tirana First Branch, but this is now where the Lord wants me to be.
I was able to visit Apollonia Saturday with the Tirana First Branch. It is an old city with lots of structures from the Greecian period. There was a Temple of Hermes I believe there (or maybe it was Apollos...I'm not sure). I took lots of pictures, but I'm not sure of the best way to send them...it is kind of hard to send pictures over this internet. It was BEAUTIFUL there. It might be on the internet, so you might see a bit of what I saw...but pictures could not catch the beauty of that place.
Last Monday evening we had an exciting time. A water pipe exploded under the sink and I felt I was in the kitchen cleaning the floors of Kyoto again...I had to sweep the water into the bathroom because it was flooding our appartment. Luckily, our neighbor (who is a member) helped us fix it. His name is Vellai (brother) CoColi(pronounced cho-cho-lee). He reminds me so much of Brother Bloom that it is crazy. He has the same boyish personality, the same serving heart, and the same adamant will against accepting payment for service rendered. I love Vellai Cocoli. He is a really good guy, just like Brother Bloom in many,many, ways....I would consider him the Brother Bloom of Albania!
Apparently I have had many strokes of begginers luck when it comes to cooking. I think the Lord is looking after me because if what happened the second time I attempted to make both cinimin rolls, and egg yolk sauce, had hapened the first time, I would NOT have tried again. But because it worked the first time, I know it is possible for me to make, and I successfully made (after a 4th attempt) egg yolk sauce, and also an excellent batch of fried rice! it was DELICIOUS!
As for Christmas Traditions in Albania, as far as I have heard, they don't really have any. Communism wasn't very kind to Albania, and New Years is a far more celebrated occasion(especially since so many mulsims live in Albania, Christmas is irrelevent for them)
IT WAS SO AWESOME TO HEAR YOUR VOICES! THAT WAS SO COOL DAD! Maybe you could in fact send Anna playing piano. In January, I believe, the church will be using GMAIL! So then I will more easily be able to send things like audio and video, and I will try to do that then.
As for the Christmas box, Pictures of the family would be nice. Albanians LOVE pictures, so the more the better. It is an excellent topic for conversation. I'm not sure what more than that, pictures, sheet music... There isn't much more that I do want.
OH! There are a few recipes I would like in the next e-mail though. Sister Neil asked me to make a dessert, so if you could send the recipes for:
Apple Crisp
Peach Cobbler (by the way PEACH is a Very bad word also, so I need to learn to say pjeshk)
White Chili
No-bake cookies (Oh those would be SO GOOD, but penut butter, REAL penut Butter is not available except in TIRANA!)
Encheladas
Pot Pies
Various Pies(apple, cherry, and any others you can think of (lots of fresh fruit!))
The terriyaki recipe from my journals
Potato soup
french toast
pankakes
scones
a homemade tomato soup would be AMAZING
strogonoff(spelling)
scalloped potatoes
maccaroni and cheese with ham
agrotten potatoes
frybatter (for breading things)
various homemade soups
shepherds pie
lemon chicken
chicken feticcini alfredo (Oh I wanted that the other day!)
hashbrowns
ANY CHRISTMAS BAKING RECIPES!!!and anything else you think I could make that would last for leftovers for a few days that we could just heat up and eat. We have lots of bread, and soup would be easy to heat up if I had that, but I don't know much about soups
By the way, I had MARVELOUS RUBY RED GRAPEFRUIT the other day. OH IT WAS SO DELICIOUS. too bad we don't have them in Fier. We stock up on white grapefruit before we left Tirana this morning though, but Ruby was too far away for us to go get in time...So it will be A LONG time before I get another.
Well, I guess it is time to close. The people in Albania need the gospel. So many people are lost and need direction in thier lives. I know the gospel is true, and I miss the Temple dearly. It was sweet, because yesterday we were at the brach president's house, and his wife told us about her heart's desire to be a Temple worker someday. She was wondering how someone becomes a Temple worker, and she hopes that maybe she could be a Temple Worker when the Temple in Rome is finished. I was slightly surprised at her wish, because at this time it would be such a great distance for her to work, even in Rome was finished. She is a very special woman, with such a sweet and humble Spirit.
Mom, I love you. I Love all of you. Dad's idea to send that audio e-mail was so so cool. I might be able to write while I listen, but keep sending written e-mails too. Mrs. Mendenhall, thank you for your letter and your support. I have seen God's hand in many people's lives here. I know that with God's help, I can make an Eternal difference in people's lives. Anna, I really would like to hear your concerto, but that would be better on a CD or something. I really do miss that music. Ammon I love you. I want you to work hard on your schooling. Melisa, I love you. I have enjoyed the purfumed letters. They smell really good (especially better than the whiffs of the Albanian Sewer that we get walking down the street). I love you all!
Mireupafshim,
Elder John Fredrickson
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
I love you all, and thank you for your e-mails (especially the recipies, its good to have a variety in our diet). My companion, Elder Anderl, is great! It is interesting being the companion of the Branch President. I imagine that I can feel how the wife of the Bishop feels…lol! Anyway, he is an excellent missionary, and very charitable branch President. I can see his stress about the Branch and I don’t envy him at all. I went to the Fier branch yesterday. Our pianist was not there so I had to substitute on the spot… it didn’t go to well, but it was better than nothing. I need to practice a bit more, but because I must be outside the door during Branch President interviews, he suggested I practice piano during that time. I think the background noise relieves some of the stress of the interview.I was thinking the other day, while I was walking out of the apartment with my companion. We were having a conversation in Albanian. I thought for a moment and realized, “I hardly knew this language existed 4 and a half months ago, and here I am having a detailed conversation in it!” I may not be pleased with the rate of progress I have been going at, but I must give credit to God, because Miracles have and are happening with the language. There is no doubt in my mind that it is because of God that I am able to speak the language to the extent that I am able to, which is quite extensive compared to what I could speak 4 months ago. I must give glory to God, because it is a miracle.
Fier is a smaller town in Albania. Quite a bit smaller that Tirana, but it is great nonetheless. I am simply happy that I was able to bring some soysauce from Tirana with me as well as some brown sugar. I am also happy that we bought about 4 kg of Grapefruit before we left, but I am going to miss the ruby grapefruit. I think we are going to pick some up when we go up to Tirana for thanksgiving. The whit grapefruit is almost gone though, and again, that is a Tirana item. The branch is WAY smaller than the branch in Tirana. There were 4 members and 1 investigator in church Sunday! Usually there are about 10 more members that come regularly, but yesterday was a strange event. Actually, there have been many strange occurrences since I have arrived…but I will get to that a bit later. Apparently The branch in Fier used to be Booming! There were like 80 members coming regulary, and the church even purchased the land to build the first chapel in Albania! The church still has the land, but no chapel stands on that spot. Apparently about 5 years ago, there was a great apostasy among the members. They called a man named Vellai GJika to be Branch President. Apparently, there was a large group of members that were opposed to this, and I do not know why, nor does my companion, nor is it important. Vellai GJika is a good man, though at the moment he is inactive. He feels he must work on Sunday to pay off a large loan with crazy interest rates…anyway, beyond the point. This group of people went inactive, and from then the church began dwindling until it is where it is now. I heard that group tried to start their own church, but failed miserably very quickly. Anyway, there are no more hard feelings from those members, and I hear several of them feel sorry for what they did, but most are still inactive. It is sad and discouraging for the active members, because they remember the Glory Days of Fier, and it is depressing for active and inactive members alike. Anyway, that’s a little history of Fier.
As for interesting things that randomly began when I came, they are many. The first full day I was in Fier, a SUPERGJARPER that is infamous among missionaries decided to return to the scene. Her name is Morena (the name brings chills!). Apparently she disappeared about 8 weeks ago and they thought she was gone, but she showed up at English course the first full day I was in Fier. Now, the definition of a Gjarper is a beautiful woman that has no interest in the gospel but has interest in the missionaries (or more specifically, the missionaries passport, but that is reached through the missionary). She is Gjarper (Albanian for snake or serpent) in the EXTREME! She actually was Baptized…but she didn’t stay active long enough to get comfirmed. She is pretty, I admit, but she is SCARY for me as a missionary! Right when she walked in the room, accompanied by a member that apparently is a friend of hers, and right when she said, “Hello, I’m Morena” I shuddered and my mind screamed, “IT’S HER! MORENA IS BACK!”. She has been known to attempt to kiss missionaries that she likes, and …well, let’s just say she is scary! She asked me my name, where I am from…etc. She seemed rather interested in meeting the new missionary, and we think according to previous statements she made, that she does NOT like Elder Anderl. While she was talking to me, Elder Anderl was talking to another member. The member looked over his shoulder and saw me with Morena and said to Elder Anderl, “LOOK! You have got to go save Elder Fredrickson!”. He walked over and she left not long after he arrived on the scene. It has only been a week, but we have seen her twice, once from a distance. Elder Vail warned me about her. He was right.
Other strange things have been occurring as well, but slightly less significant.
Thank you so much for the Recipes! I am very excited to try them!
Sister Tate, as for cooking, it is somewhat of a necessity. I do actually keep forgetting that in out apartment, we are actually blessed to have a MICROWAVE! I almost don’t remember how to use it though… We have Albanian fast food, but that can get pricy after a while and it is not very healthy. I do cook a little bit of Albanian. Mainly a dessert recipe I got from the mother of a less active in Tirana. I also got a recipe from the investigator that came to church for an Albanian bean soup. I haven’t tried it out yet, but the times I have had it, it has been good. We don’t have dinner, but we have 2 hours to cook, eat and clean up lunch. Temperature is VERY similar to Alabama in my opinion. Winter gets Cold and Humid…just like Alabama. Everything is in Celcius, so I am not completely sure how cold it gets, but I hear it rarely snows. Just cold and Humid.
The language is a bit purer in Fier. It is also a bit more high pitched. It is a bit easier compared to the Tironc (Tironts is how it sounds) dialect I have been hearing.
Anyway, Thank you for the Christmas package. I look forward to the suprises within!!! I will try to send pictures. Love you all! I am so proud of my family!
Mireupafshim,
Elder John Fredrickson
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dear Family,
Thanksgiving was GREAT! We went to Tirana, and I made no bake cookies (i substituded a hazelnut spead for the penut butter) and they were delicious. I am in the middle now of making cinimin rolls. They are rizing now! They are looking better than they were last time. (last time, they were like the spawn of the bottomless pit rather than the manna from heaven of the first batch) Anyway, back to thanksgiving. We ate turkey, mashed potates and stuffing, and some icecream and any desserts the missionaries brought. After that, we watched UP! most of the missionaries hadn't seen in. After the movie, Elder Fahey said "Elder Fredrickson!" (because that is the main character's name) It was fun. Then, I went upstairs to get my mail, and lo and behold, I see a package from Mark Fredrickson, and another from Carol Nevins! Iwas also surprised to see how LARGE the package from Mark Fredrickson was... about 14 lbs it said...? Anyway, I figured it was the Christmas Package, and just in case there were any perishable Items, I did open it... I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SENT ME A RICE STEAMER!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW SURPRISED I WAS TO SEE THAT! I though there might be a letter that would give me instructions concerning this package, but there was not one included, so the wrapped gifts are still wrapped (except for the CD which I thought was a recording that might give me some clue as to what to do...but, I wasn't sure. I figured you wanted some surprise for Christmas. However....I have enjoyed the Christmas baking. You know those turtles and the rockey road are my favorite! Marshmellows are hard to find here, so they are a TREAT! BUT THE RICE STEAMER! HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU COME UP WITH THAT IDEA TO FIND A MINI RICE STEAMER! I have been talking about it with all of the missionaries for the last few day. I am TOTALLY kenaq (pleased)! I actually tried it, but fried 2 converters before I figured out that it is 300W (the steamer is ok though). Now I just need to find a 300w converter, but one of the Zone Leaders said he would give me his that changes from a 50 to a 1600W converter, but I won't get that for 2 weeks. OH I AM SO EXCITED TO TRY IT!!! (My companion is excited too) HOW did you think you could do it! I bet I am the only missionary in the history of the mission with a RICE STEAMER!! (uh huh, you know it!) OH I could talk about it for the entire time, but you ALREADY KNOW because you SENT IT!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!! And Anna, you concerto was FANTASTIC! I am SO PROUD OF YOU! I showed my companion, and he knew it sounded good too. By the way, MY companion plays the Violin, and he OWNS! a violin! He is very good too. I asked him if he could give me a violin lesson today, and I hope we can because we are running out of time because of the cinnimmin rolls (THEY ARE HARD TO MAKE!) BUT I'VE GOT A RICE STEAMER!!! You Must tell sister Nevins thank you for the sweater vest! It is PERFECT! It has been getting cold lately, and I know it was for Christmas, but I have used it several times out of neccessity. And the tie, it is the first stripe tie I own and I LOVE IT! It is one of the best stipe ties I have EVER SEEN! But the sweater is a great blessing. I was thinking about buying something like it because I didn't have anything like it, so it is a MIRACLE in my eyes. I also like the hand sanatizer. Perfect size. Perfect. I LOVE YOU ALL! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCHH! I haven't listened to the christmas messages though. Those are for Christmas. And also, tell grandma nevins thank you for the ornaments, we do have a tiny christmas tree we should set up soon. ok, now on to my life.
We have a fantastic investigator named Algida. She was a referral from her cousin who is on a mission. When the missionaries first met her, they of course gave her a book of mormon. She is 17 by the way. She said she would call them when she wanted to meet again (that usually means you will never see them again). However, 6 days later she called them and wanted to meet. They asked her about the Book of Mormon, and she said that she finished it. IN ^ DAYS! She then procceeded to give a 30 minuit book by book summary of the Book of Mormon. She had LOTS of questions. She knew nothing about religion before, but now knows more than most of the Christian world! He questions are DEEP for Albanians. They are questions thatI could easily have gotten in Alabama, which is NOT normal in Albania. I met her the first time a week from saturday. She memorizes the passages she wants to talk about. She then after an hour of her firing off questions, she asked if she could borrow the Bible because she has never read it before...by the way, she has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. She took the Bible, and I was slightly worried because of a lot of stuff in the Old Testament, but then realized that she read the Book of Mormon first so the Bible will be SO much easier to understand. Well, Elder Anderl and I guessed at how long it would take her to finish the Bible. I said 2 weeks old testament, 1/2 week new. He said 2 weeks whole thing....we were both wrong. SHE READ THE ENTIRE BIBLE IN 8 DAYS!!!! She came to church and she said that she had finished it the night before. She was at church 30 minutes early. She then proceeded to give us a book by book summary of the Bible, and she got halfway through exodos when we had to begin church, and she began 30 minutes before it started. She couldn't stay to finish after Church, but I can't WAIT to give her the Doctrine and Covenants! That will be some light reading for her. The only problem is that her parents are muslim, and she kind of has to sneak away to get to church and meet with us. But she is FANTASTIC!!!
We have another investigator named Siderella (cinderella in Albanian). Well....her story is interesting. He sister is a member, her parents are Muslim, her Grandmother is Jehovas Witness, and we have a slightly mentally handycapped man that is 47 years old but thinks he is 15 and has a crush on her (and for some reason he in an Elder, which I haven't figured out yet...). The problem is the crush. Everything he says reffers to her or leads to her in some way. He says he will come to her house and solve all her problems, which really scares her! Really, this man is innocent. He doesn't know better, he lives with his 80 year old mother and has to get permission from her to leave the house, and he has a curfew. But she had enough of it Wednesday at mutual, and asked to give her final testimony(which ended up being a talk sharing scriptures and then giving her testimony) and then she handed us her scriptures and walked out. We haven't seen her since, but she just called 20 minutes ago. She is not happy still, but at least she has contact. She is 15 years old.
I LOVE YOU ALL! Please give me instructions on the Christmas Package. By the way I LOVE THE MUSIC! I'm trying to learn "if you could hie to kolob" on piano, so my companion can play the vocal part on his violin. The language is comming slowly, but it is comming. It is hard, really hard, but my companion keeps telling me that whenever I speak, my Testimony comes through powefully. I just need to speak more. I Love you all. Thank you all fort everything! I am so excited about the RICE STEAMER! I am excited to learn violin! I'm excited about our investigators. We had 13 people in Church yesterday!!! Sister Gjika came! We are teaching so much that we hardly find time to find people. My companion is one of the best missionaries I have ever met. I love my companion Elder Anderl. I feel bad because I know that I only have until the beginning of January with him, because He is going home. He has had a great mission. He is from Salt Lake. I Love you All. Thank you Anna for your letter. I'm excited for you and tell Mr. Lee and Amy and everybody hi for me. OH there is never enough time to write everything. A mission is amazing and it is going by soo fast. I have been gone for nealy a 4th of my mission! WHERE IS THE TIME GOING! I love you, and miss you and pray for you all. Happy Thanksgiving and I will write next week!
October Pictures
Mission President and Sister Neil. John literally just arrived off the plane! Doesn't he look tired!
MTC group facing the monument where the mission was dedicated. Just arrived in the country.
MTC group facing Tirana.
Cool building in Tirana.
First companion in the field: Elder Vail
Tirana
Tirana
Elder Vail
October Letters
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dear President Neil (John's mission president),
This week has been quite a week. I think I am still getting adjusted to the time change, but each day it is getting a bit easier. It had been very tiring. We spend most of our time tracting and street contacting. Everyone is reasonably kind, but uninterested, so at the time we have no investigators. And I admit it is pretty frustrating being unable to speak or understand most of the Albanian language. I can understand quite a bit of where the conversation goes, but as for what is said, typically I have no idea. Despite all of this, I was surprise to find that being in Albania, where no one can understand me and (I can’t understand them), going street contacting, and tracting…etc, it all feels strangely natural. I thought it would be strange, but It feels completely natural. I take it as a sign that this is where I am supposed to be, where God wants me to be. Also, I have found that tracting here in Albania is ,so far, a bit less demoralizing than it was in Alabama. Everyone here is rather respectful, even if disinterested, so it isn’t so disconcerting. My Companion is Perfect. I could not have asked for a better companion, even if I chose for myself. I know that God knew what he was doing when he put us together. I can say, even now, that it will be a very sad day when we will be required to part. From my perspective, we get along perfectly. I can’t say that I can speak for him, because truthfully I wouldn’t want to be my own companion, but it seems perfect. I feel like we get along perfectly… I don’t know if I could say anymore. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. You have made me feel very welcome to the mission, even before I came, and I am truly grateful for that.
Sincerely, Elder Fredrickson
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ok, lets see about those questions. I had a lot of e-mails to read!
We have a washing machine but we have a solar powered dryer (namely a clothes line)
Our appartment is small, but not too shabby. our bedroom is connected to the kitchen.
LOTS of vegitables and fruit. I have made chicken fajitas twice and they were fantastic. chedder cheese is not available but the pizza cheese is pretty good on the fahitas. imagine chicken lemon peppers onions green onions garlic fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes (they taste good here!) and pita bread. good stuff!
Weather is cooling down, but not too bad yet. Its pretty humid, and it might be warmer here than there.
The mountains are BEAUTIFUL!!!
I bore my testimony before the branch today. people were amazed I could do it myself after only a week and a half in the country. I would say it is about 30 -50 people that attend.
LOTS of tracting and street contacting. Its odd, because its a lot like Alabama except instead of "I only believe in the Bible" it is usually "I only believe in the Qoran". We have taught a couple people, and we teach english twice a week.
TELL JESSICA SUPER CONGRATS!!!
Sad to hear about Elder Howard. Hopefully I will have time to get him a letter.
The food here is really good. I have not had any Albanian food that I haven't liked yet.
Tell president draughon thank you.
What other questions do you have I could answer. Sorry I didn't write more this time. My dear president letter got lost in the internet last week and I had to correct that, that I had a lot of good e-mails to read. It is always good to hear from all of you. Thank you DD. for your letter. Don't forget to introduce yourself to president Tate at Stake conference or Zone Conference. That would be good. Tell him that I said I and to thank him. I have used a lot of the notes that I took from those zone conferences and trainings.
Melisa, I love you. I am proud that you finished the Holy Temple. It was Fantastic wasn't it? Next , you could consider reading either Jesus the Christ, or the Infinite Atonement. Keep strong. You are right, the easy path isn't always the right one. just remember, following the path of least resistance makes men and rivers crooked.
I love you mom. Thank you for your recicpies. could you send me your cinnimin rolls recipe (and recipe for icing. i tryed to make it the other day, and it was a disaster!) and I got the recipe for albanian bread. I'll try to get that to you eventially. I cook a lot, I made egg drop soup, fahitas, rice (not fried yet) and a pastery recicpe that I got from a albanian. it was my companions favorite.
I love all of you, good luck Anna! I am rooting for you! I'm not sure what else to say and I don't have much time. I'l send a copy of my dear president letter too, it has other things. Love you ammon. OH! I wish I had sirachi sause. nice christmas thing...
Love you all! I have really come to feel how important the Book of Mormon is. If only people could see THAT! Miracles would happen if people really could see that simple thing. The church is true. Joseph Smith is a prophet and most importantly, Jesus Christ is the messiah, our savior!
Love Elder Fredrickson
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dear Mom (and family),
It has been so good to hear from all of you! By the way, my companion was the one taking the nap in the bed...I forgot that I hadn't taken a picture of him for you. Thank you for the recipes (and yes. I have been doing a lot more missionary work than cooking). I also bought an albanian traditional recipe book. It looks pretty good. As for foods, I haven't gotten sick yet. By the way Emily, yesterday I made fried rice! It wasn't as good as at the restaurant but it was ok. I ALSO made egg yolk sause, just like at the restaurant!!! My companion liked it, but I made a bit too much so we have leftover and can't do anything with it...lol! I like the Sufllaqes (greek gyro with french fries and ketchup and mustard in it as well) and the fasule(bean soup) and pilaf(rice) are good too. weather is a little bit rainy, but warmer...weather changes like alabama (hot then cold then hot...etc.) we had 58 people at church sunday. we are supposed to plan a special musical number for sacrament meeting the 8th. There are little stores called dyqans everywhere. There entire city has tons and tons of these little stores everywhere, very few big markets. there are also street vendors everywhere and fruit markes and vegitable markets...etc. there are no big stores (probably because it is illegal to make money and send it out of the country. all money made in albania stays in albania) Language is still hard, but on occasion I can understand people. It is a difficult language. I have no idea about transfers....truthfully, i hope not.
My companion is from utah. I'm not sure what to say about him. He is a great guy, and he has been in the field for 1 year and 7 months (he has 5 to go).
Sirachi is comming!!!! OH that will be SOOO good on EVERYTHING!!!!! Tell mr. lee thank you for me. I have learned so much from him.
That was cool that you had the opportunity to talk to Elder kichichoi and president Tate. I am flattered that Elder Tait spoke so highly of me. I should write the President and Sister Tate. I learned much from them. Many times I think back to what I leard in Zone Conferences. Speaking of, we had Zone conference thursday! It was so good, I have missed zone conference. We learned about extending commitments. It was interesting because we were split into groups and we were each given a different commitment we had to prepare to extend. We were last, and we were given the commitment to commit someone to stop smoking. I remembered something that was in the tracting with member missionary work book that president tate gave me. People who smoke won't stop because they know it is bad for them. many times they won't stop for their family either. One of the only reasons that will stop is for their love of the savior. Through the Atonement they can make a lasting change. our group included my companionship and the A.P.s (Elder Mcglothin and Elder Flack) Elder Mcglothin and I decided to be the onse to try to extend the commitment. We had to give it to one of the senior missionaries (sister shupe). Elder Mcglothin started, and told about how with the savior's help we can overcome this addiction. Then I testified of the Atonement, and asked if she loved her savior who suffered for her as an individial. The Spirit was so strong. The room was silent. Afterwards, they asked for feed back. After a few more moments of silents, one of the sisters said,"That was intense". they liked how we made it on a personal level, dealing with her personal love of the Savior, and how the Savior knows exactly what she is going through. Another commented about the testimony of the Atonement. The Spirit was so Strong, I know that is helped. It was truly an experience.
I'm kind of scared. I had a dream the other night, and I woke up in the middle of the night. I dreamed that my mission was served honorably, for the 2 years, and that I was going home tomorrow. It kind of felt like mom's over tired dreams about the children and her getting up in the night to check on them. I had to remind myself that I am only 4 months in and I still have 20 months left. I had a similar dream in the MTC, that gave me the feeling that my mission would fly by in the blink of an eye. It feels like it is going by way too fast. I feel like I am the hare and time is the tortoise. Time waits for no man. I want to savour Every moment of my mission, because every moment is precious, and fleeting like a passing dream... It is going by WAY too fast...
Melisa, I love you. Thank you for all of your letters. I hope you start feeling better soon.
Anna, Good luck in your competition. I've been bragging about you with everyone, and I know you have NEVER let me down in your musical abilities. I miss your piano hands. I love you!!
Ammon, keep up the good work. The Book of Mormon is Amazing! There is so much to learn, if people simply give it a chance. It is true, I know it is true. I know it is true as much as I know that Jesus is the Christ, The Son of God and Savior of the World. I know this. I know that Jozef Smith is a Profet. He saw what he said he saw, God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Messiah. Love you Ammon!
Thank you Elisa for your e-mail. It was wonderful to hear from you, and thank you for your support. I love you!
I love you Emily, thank you for your questions. It helps me focus my letters. Tell, Lola that i love her and miss her little doggy tail wagging.
I love you too D.D.! thank you for your letters and send my thanks for the socks.
Thank you for the letter Sister Nevins. It is always good to hear from you. I hope you can continue serving in the Temple soon!
Thank you Brother and Sister rawlings for your letter and for everything. It was good to hear from you.
Love you Dad. Thank you for your dear elder. I got it Wednesday. Good luck on the Car. It has gone through a lot.
Mom, I love you so much. I always enjoy your letters. I will try to send more pictures, but it is difficult. Thank you again for the recipes. They will help.
And if you could forward this e-mail to President Tate, That would be good. He has a right to hear about my adventures too. He taught me so much, that that is the least that I can do to repay him.
I love all of you!
Love,Elder Fredrickson.
Dear President Neil (John's mission president),
This week has been quite a week. I think I am still getting adjusted to the time change, but each day it is getting a bit easier. It had been very tiring. We spend most of our time tracting and street contacting. Everyone is reasonably kind, but uninterested, so at the time we have no investigators. And I admit it is pretty frustrating being unable to speak or understand most of the Albanian language. I can understand quite a bit of where the conversation goes, but as for what is said, typically I have no idea. Despite all of this, I was surprise to find that being in Albania, where no one can understand me and (I can’t understand them), going street contacting, and tracting…etc, it all feels strangely natural. I thought it would be strange, but It feels completely natural. I take it as a sign that this is where I am supposed to be, where God wants me to be. Also, I have found that tracting here in Albania is ,so far, a bit less demoralizing than it was in Alabama. Everyone here is rather respectful, even if disinterested, so it isn’t so disconcerting. My Companion is Perfect. I could not have asked for a better companion, even if I chose for myself. I know that God knew what he was doing when he put us together. I can say, even now, that it will be a very sad day when we will be required to part. From my perspective, we get along perfectly. I can’t say that I can speak for him, because truthfully I wouldn’t want to be my own companion, but it seems perfect. I feel like we get along perfectly… I don’t know if I could say anymore. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. You have made me feel very welcome to the mission, even before I came, and I am truly grateful for that.
Sincerely, Elder Fredrickson
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ok, lets see about those questions. I had a lot of e-mails to read!
We have a washing machine but we have a solar powered dryer (namely a clothes line)
Our appartment is small, but not too shabby. our bedroom is connected to the kitchen.
LOTS of vegitables and fruit. I have made chicken fajitas twice and they were fantastic. chedder cheese is not available but the pizza cheese is pretty good on the fahitas. imagine chicken lemon peppers onions green onions garlic fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes (they taste good here!) and pita bread. good stuff!
Weather is cooling down, but not too bad yet. Its pretty humid, and it might be warmer here than there.
The mountains are BEAUTIFUL!!!
I bore my testimony before the branch today. people were amazed I could do it myself after only a week and a half in the country. I would say it is about 30 -50 people that attend.
LOTS of tracting and street contacting. Its odd, because its a lot like Alabama except instead of "I only believe in the Bible" it is usually "I only believe in the Qoran". We have taught a couple people, and we teach english twice a week.
TELL JESSICA SUPER CONGRATS!!!
Sad to hear about Elder Howard. Hopefully I will have time to get him a letter.
The food here is really good. I have not had any Albanian food that I haven't liked yet.
Tell president draughon thank you.
What other questions do you have I could answer. Sorry I didn't write more this time. My dear president letter got lost in the internet last week and I had to correct that, that I had a lot of good e-mails to read. It is always good to hear from all of you. Thank you DD. for your letter. Don't forget to introduce yourself to president Tate at Stake conference or Zone Conference. That would be good. Tell him that I said I and to thank him. I have used a lot of the notes that I took from those zone conferences and trainings.
Melisa, I love you. I am proud that you finished the Holy Temple. It was Fantastic wasn't it? Next , you could consider reading either Jesus the Christ, or the Infinite Atonement. Keep strong. You are right, the easy path isn't always the right one. just remember, following the path of least resistance makes men and rivers crooked.
I love you mom. Thank you for your recicpies. could you send me your cinnimin rolls recipe (and recipe for icing. i tryed to make it the other day, and it was a disaster!) and I got the recipe for albanian bread. I'll try to get that to you eventially. I cook a lot, I made egg drop soup, fahitas, rice (not fried yet) and a pastery recicpe that I got from a albanian. it was my companions favorite.
I love all of you, good luck Anna! I am rooting for you! I'm not sure what else to say and I don't have much time. I'l send a copy of my dear president letter too, it has other things. Love you ammon. OH! I wish I had sirachi sause. nice christmas thing...
Love you all! I have really come to feel how important the Book of Mormon is. If only people could see THAT! Miracles would happen if people really could see that simple thing. The church is true. Joseph Smith is a prophet and most importantly, Jesus Christ is the messiah, our savior!
Love Elder Fredrickson
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dear Mom (and family),
It has been so good to hear from all of you! By the way, my companion was the one taking the nap in the bed...I forgot that I hadn't taken a picture of him for you. Thank you for the recipes (and yes. I have been doing a lot more missionary work than cooking). I also bought an albanian traditional recipe book. It looks pretty good. As for foods, I haven't gotten sick yet. By the way Emily, yesterday I made fried rice! It wasn't as good as at the restaurant but it was ok. I ALSO made egg yolk sause, just like at the restaurant!!! My companion liked it, but I made a bit too much so we have leftover and can't do anything with it...lol! I like the Sufllaqes (greek gyro with french fries and ketchup and mustard in it as well) and the fasule(bean soup) and pilaf(rice) are good too. weather is a little bit rainy, but warmer...weather changes like alabama (hot then cold then hot...etc.) we had 58 people at church sunday. we are supposed to plan a special musical number for sacrament meeting the 8th. There are little stores called dyqans everywhere. There entire city has tons and tons of these little stores everywhere, very few big markets. there are also street vendors everywhere and fruit markes and vegitable markets...etc. there are no big stores (probably because it is illegal to make money and send it out of the country. all money made in albania stays in albania) Language is still hard, but on occasion I can understand people. It is a difficult language. I have no idea about transfers....truthfully, i hope not.
My companion is from utah. I'm not sure what to say about him. He is a great guy, and he has been in the field for 1 year and 7 months (he has 5 to go).
Sirachi is comming!!!! OH that will be SOOO good on EVERYTHING!!!!! Tell mr. lee thank you for me. I have learned so much from him.
That was cool that you had the opportunity to talk to Elder kichichoi and president Tate. I am flattered that Elder Tait spoke so highly of me. I should write the President and Sister Tate. I learned much from them. Many times I think back to what I leard in Zone Conferences. Speaking of, we had Zone conference thursday! It was so good, I have missed zone conference. We learned about extending commitments. It was interesting because we were split into groups and we were each given a different commitment we had to prepare to extend. We were last, and we were given the commitment to commit someone to stop smoking. I remembered something that was in the tracting with member missionary work book that president tate gave me. People who smoke won't stop because they know it is bad for them. many times they won't stop for their family either. One of the only reasons that will stop is for their love of the savior. Through the Atonement they can make a lasting change. our group included my companionship and the A.P.s (Elder Mcglothin and Elder Flack) Elder Mcglothin and I decided to be the onse to try to extend the commitment. We had to give it to one of the senior missionaries (sister shupe). Elder Mcglothin started, and told about how with the savior's help we can overcome this addiction. Then I testified of the Atonement, and asked if she loved her savior who suffered for her as an individial. The Spirit was so strong. The room was silent. Afterwards, they asked for feed back. After a few more moments of silents, one of the sisters said,"That was intense". they liked how we made it on a personal level, dealing with her personal love of the Savior, and how the Savior knows exactly what she is going through. Another commented about the testimony of the Atonement. The Spirit was so Strong, I know that is helped. It was truly an experience.
I'm kind of scared. I had a dream the other night, and I woke up in the middle of the night. I dreamed that my mission was served honorably, for the 2 years, and that I was going home tomorrow. It kind of felt like mom's over tired dreams about the children and her getting up in the night to check on them. I had to remind myself that I am only 4 months in and I still have 20 months left. I had a similar dream in the MTC, that gave me the feeling that my mission would fly by in the blink of an eye. It feels like it is going by way too fast. I feel like I am the hare and time is the tortoise. Time waits for no man. I want to savour Every moment of my mission, because every moment is precious, and fleeting like a passing dream... It is going by WAY too fast...
Melisa, I love you. Thank you for all of your letters. I hope you start feeling better soon.
Anna, Good luck in your competition. I've been bragging about you with everyone, and I know you have NEVER let me down in your musical abilities. I miss your piano hands. I love you!!
Ammon, keep up the good work. The Book of Mormon is Amazing! There is so much to learn, if people simply give it a chance. It is true, I know it is true. I know it is true as much as I know that Jesus is the Christ, The Son of God and Savior of the World. I know this. I know that Jozef Smith is a Profet. He saw what he said he saw, God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Messiah. Love you Ammon!
Thank you Elisa for your e-mail. It was wonderful to hear from you, and thank you for your support. I love you!
I love you Emily, thank you for your questions. It helps me focus my letters. Tell, Lola that i love her and miss her little doggy tail wagging.
I love you too D.D.! thank you for your letters and send my thanks for the socks.
Thank you for the letter Sister Nevins. It is always good to hear from you. I hope you can continue serving in the Temple soon!
Thank you Brother and Sister rawlings for your letter and for everything. It was good to hear from you.
Love you Dad. Thank you for your dear elder. I got it Wednesday. Good luck on the Car. It has gone through a lot.
Mom, I love you so much. I always enjoy your letters. I will try to send more pictures, but it is difficult. Thank you again for the recipes. They will help.
And if you could forward this e-mail to President Tate, That would be good. He has a right to hear about my adventures too. He taught me so much, that that is the least that I can do to repay him.
I love all of you!
Love,Elder Fredrickson.
An Alabamian in Albania
I'm starting this blog for those family and friends who don't get my brother's emails. John is currently serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sainds. He was called to serve in the Tirana Albania mission. He has been gone since July and has been in Albania since October. I'm going to try to "catch-up" on his old letters, so there will be a couple REALLY long posts in the beginning!
-Emily Kim (EK)
-Emily Kim (EK)
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