July 5, 2010

Dear Family,

I had a really amazing experience on Tuesday. It was small, but it was an enormous testimony builder. By small and simple means, great things really do come to pass. We visited Nënë on Tuesday. It was the First time that we had seen her since her confirmation. I don't know if I can really describe what happened, because visually, nothing did happen... it is all what we felt. Anyway, when we walked up to her house, I had the unique feeling that I was walking into a member's home. That is really the only way to describe it. The feeling was completely different from how it had been in times past. We didn't have to bring the Spirit into the home...the Spirit was already there! Nënë was SO happy, and she had felt great for the past several days. It is a testimony to me of the power of the Priesthood and specifically, the reality of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

On Friday I was somewhat frustrated, and nervous, during lunch. I was scared because this transfer was coming to a close, and we simply didn't have any good investigators. I was afraid of taking over this area, that has been slowly falling apart over the last couple months....So I went and prayed, and I poured out my soul to God. I told him my concerns and worries. Then I asked, if it was possible, and if it was his will, if he could send me just one investigator that was ready for baptism, that just needed to be taught, someone that would progress. I left it at that. about 30 minutes later, we walked out the door and headed in the direction of the Church. A miracle happened: randomly, we ran into Rudi, who was a former investigator that we had about 3 months ago, and RIGHT before we were going to extend the commitment to be baptized, he told us that he was going to Greece in 3 days. Well, when we met him on this random/inspired occasion, he told us that he had just returned from Greece about 2 or 3 weeks before, and that yesterday he gave his phone number away and got a new one (therefore, we wouldn't have been able to follow-up on him in about a year like we were thinking). He was happy to meet us and we sat down and talked. We invited him to Church, and Family home evening, and he said he would come if his work would allow it. He is an honest person so we knew if he didn't come it would be for good reason. I felt like my prayer was answered with this occurrence. But this is not all, later that evening, we finally caught another former investigator home, which we had been trying to see for the last month. His name is Genti, and he also had a baptismal date a few months ago but disappeared. We met with his family, and they all love us, and Genti came to Church yesterday. Again, another Miracle. And finally, last night we decided to follow-up on a family that Sister Karlson showed to us while she was here. They were all home, including the Father which has been in Greece for a While. We had heard that he was Muslim, but nonetheless he was very nice and respectful, and he didn't mention anything personally about being Muslim. They also had neighbors over. Well, we were talking and the muhabet came around to the topic of why we were here. We both testified that we were here to serve and we serve best by teaching people about God so that he can better help them in their lives. The spirit was so strong, and they turned down the television for our testimonies. That was a changing point in our lesson. In the end, we shared a spiritual thought (we didn't have much time) and then we asked if we could leave with a prayer. They said that was fine, but immediately before we began, other family came over to visit, and we were not sure if we could do the prayer...but then the Father said," Hey, the boys are getting ready to leave, lets have a prayer everybody!" We were astonished! They are a family of 2 parents, 2 daughters and 1 son, all above the age of 8. Also, when we had visited previously, the mother had said that her daughter dreams of marrying a christian so she can go to church. It seems that they recognized the spirit that was with us as we taught from the Book of Mormon. Afterwards, as we were leaving, the neighbors called out to us and asked if they could have "that book" to read. I think the spiritual thought sparked an interest, and those neighbors know a local member family. So we have 5 new investigators, and 2 potential investigators from that miraculous occurrence. I know that it is all in answer to my prayer. God is truly merciful, as we humble ourselves ( or are humbled) before him.

We had transfer calls on Saturday. Elder Foulk is leaving, and is going Assistant to the President for his last 3 months in the country. It was a big surprise to both of us. He really is a Good missionary. I on the other hand, am staying, and transfers are going exactly as I expected. I am going to be senior companion, and my companion is a mini-missionary from First Branch name Renato (Renaldo?) Morava. I knew him in First Branch and I admit I am kind of nervous. For some unexplained reason, he really likes me, and actually requested to be with me... I figured it would be him, but I am scared because I am not a strong willed person. There will be a leash connecting us, and either I will be pulling him away from thing, or he will be pulling me towards things. One of us will be master, and the other following....and I don't know which is which yet... I have the feeling it will be a hard transfer.

Well, I have definitely improved on my cooking this week. First of all, Friday I made an entire terriyaki chicken dinner, complete with teriyaki vegitables, noodles and steamed rice! It was just like the restaurant.....however, we ran out of soysauce. Luckily we are going to Tirana tomorrow, I will have to buy it out. Also, Nënë taught us a DELICIOUS Albanian soup/ stew. We made it yesterday and it was so good it didn't even need sirachi sauce! It was with onions, choped beef, tomatoes, pepper, a bayleaf, and this...it looks like a homemade fruit roll up she made from sour plums...anyway, we desolved it in the soup...and IT WAS GOOD! I will definitely have to make my oun plum fruit roll up things and freeze them for soups in the winter! I am thinking about beginning to compile an albanian recipe book which I will call "The Nënë's Cookbook". I think it will be really cool, and delicious!

Lets see, what else....I think that is about it. Transfers are tomorrow morning, and then I will not be speaking hardly any english for the next 6 weeks, which will be a plus...I don't know, I am just kind of nervous. I could be wrong....but I don't know....

Anyway, I love you all! I am glad you enjoyed the letter Brother and Sister Rawlings. Dad, I am praying for you. I hope you start feeling better soon and that you can find work. Thank you everybody for your constant support. I love you! Zoti ju bekoftë! Kalofshi një javë i mrekullueshëm! Ju dua shumë!

Mirëupafshim!

Elder Fredi

June 28, 2010

Dear Family,


Well, first off, Nënë is officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! She was baptized on Saturday by my companion, and I was given the opportunity to give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost and confirm her Yesterday! It is really awesome, because when we saw her in her white baptismal jumpsuit, that was the first time I had EVER seen her in ANYTHING but pure BLACK! It is a cultural thing. When a woman becomes a widow, she typically wears black for the rest of her life. Also, they wear black for a long time after a death in the family, and her son died exactly a year ago. It was so amazing to see her dressed in PURE WHITE! And she only had to be baptized once (which was something we were really worried about!). She was confirmed the next day. I was really nervous about doing it. Luckily the actual branch pianist came and I was able to pray for a few moments before the meeting to prepare myself. It was a miracle. I know that things came to mind as I was pronouncing the blessings, that I hadn't thought before. It was given especially for her. She has so much faith. She KNOWS that the church and God has healed her. In the investigator class yesterday, she was sitting next to one of the other Elder's investigators and said," You know Zana, you just need to get baptized! I have been in a lot of pain lately, but last night and today, I haven't had any pain at all!" The God has healed her through her absolute faith that he can heal her! She is such an amazing woman, and I am with my companion in this saying, if I was called to go home right now, I would consider my mission a success JUST because of her. I look forward to being with her in the Celestial Kingdom.

So, Algert isn't ready for a mini-mission. He has been having family problems lately...so now is not a good time. He is a great young man though!

Thank you for your prayers. I know they helped. I was nervous before I gave the blessing, but I was calm right before hand. It was a miracle.

So Transfers are upcomming. We know we will be separated this transfer. I admit, I am kindof nervous for next transfer....I know I am going senior companion...

Today we went to a fshat of Elbasan named Gjinar. It is where Algert is from. It was beautiful, and we made a campfire and cooked "hot dogs" on the hot coals. It was a lot of fun....though it was mainly me building the fire....I used those skills I learned from fire building a home in the fireplace...we all kënaqed!

Another Miracle happened. We have an investigator named Eneda...and she cannot comprehend even the simplest things. We even gave her the scripture Mosiah 3:17 (we thought there was no way to misunderstand that)...she didn't understand salvation. Well, the day before, during a lesson, I thought an example, comparing the gospel (faith, rependence, baptism...etc.) with the process of washing your hands. I think it was the Spirit teaching it to me, and I thoug, that could be useful, so I wrote it down. Well, I decided to use it in the lesson with Eneda, and it was a miracle. She understood nearly everything. WE began with faith, and how we must first have faith that the fauset will have water come out if we TURN THE KNOB (faith withou works is dead...right?). Then we compared soap to repentance, and sometimes we must scrubb HARD, but nonetheless, it kills all those mircobes! And when soap is all over our hands, the natural reaction that we have is to wash it off with baptism! Then, our hands are wet, and clean, so we dry them off with a towel (Baptism by Fire). It went really well, and I know I didn't come up with it myself...I had obvious help!

Well, thank you everyone for your continued support. That is mainly what has happened this week. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,
Elder Fredrickson

P.S. I got new tags....I am officially Elder Fredi now! IT is alot easier for the Albanians to say. I will try to send pictures!

June 21, 2010

Dear Family,

Well, The first big news is...NENE IS GETTING BAPTIZED! She had her interview on friday and her baptism is this comming saturday ant 6:30 pm. She has chosen Elder Foulk to baptize her and me to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost! It is kind of scary to think that I will be giving it in Albanian and that the ENTIRE congregation will be watching. Well, I just will have to pray REALLY hard and hope the Spirit takes over.

I think that is really cool that you had the opportunity to see Elder Howard. He was an excellent missionary. I still consider him to be a model missionary that others can follow. I wonder how much time he has left, because I know that he is comming up on his 2 year mark in a few months....its so wierd to hear about old companions going home. I feel like he should be out for at least another year like me! Well, if you see him again (any of you) give him my regards and tell him how much I respect him and appreciate the help he gave before my mission in teaching me how to be a missionary. He is a fantastic missionary.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! I hope you had a happy fathers day, even though you are out of work. God will provide...he always does!

Tell Brother Mitchell that I appreciate his regards. I am happy to hear that I am remembered and that I just didn't disappear... I am thankful for the thoughts of others. Maybe it means I made an impression.

Algert told us on Monday that he is thinking about serving a full-time mission! He would be an Amazing missionary. He kind of reminds me of me (only better). He comes with us a lot to help us with missionary work....not to the extent that I did, but I probably tried too hard. He is a good person.

Well, right now it is raining and my companion is in Saranda for his "End of mission trip". so he will be back in a couple of days. I am with the other Elbasan Elders right now.

We had interviews on Sunday. President told me that I am probably staying here in Elbasan. I asked him a question that had been on my mind. In my second interview in the country, he told me that he thought that I will be a really good missionary at 9 months in the Country....I asked him (because my 9 month mark relentlessly approaches) if I am what he expected me to be....he said yes. He said he wished he had a mission full of me....but I think that is pushing it a little bit, in my opinion. Nonetheless, the interview went ok. He is a very good person with a very strong testimony.

Oh, by the way, Elder Shields was with us a few days ago to do Nene's interview and he saw the picture of the McDaniels that I had. He especially liked seeing Margaret. Anyway, he asked if he could write her....and personally I think that is kind of wierd, but nevertheless Margaret has a fan here in Albania. She should be flattered because the entire district wanted to talk to her...I thought it was funny.

Well, I am not sure what more I can say. The transfer is over in about 2 weeks and I am kind of nervous about my new companion. Well, I guess I just need to take what the Lord gives me....it is for my good.

I love you all. I hope everyone enjoyed the letters. I am still trying to write but I don't think I will get many done today. Anyway, I love you and hope you all have a great week!

Love,
Elder Fredrickson

June 14, 2010

Dear Family,


Well, to begin with, a quick update on that young man that we helped last week. His name is Algert Karaj. Well, what we didn't know at the time that I wrote you last week, is that because of the mental trauma he went through, he had amnesia. He couldn't remember anyone, anything, or anyplace...except for himself and I think his mom and sister....I think. After we left the hill, we invited him to family home evening, and he didn't know when or where it was (and he of all people would have known that.) When he arrived, he was extremely quiet, and he didn't know who Nene was (again, something he knew well). That was when we realized that he didn't remember anything. I thought it was simply because his brain was fuzzy after the breakdown, but he doesn't even remember the breakdown or what caused it. At the time, he didn't know ANYTHING before monday. Throughout the week we have been helping him get his memory back. On Tuesday, we were walking together and we met a friend of his...and he didn't have any idea who he was. Wednesday was a cool day though. We were at the church, and while my companion was in the Branch Presidency meeting, we were in the chapel together and I was helping him piece together what happened at church on sunday, and it was a miracle that he started remembering so much. He Half remembered that he was supposed to go on a mini mission in a few weeks, and then he remembered a lot. His memory is still not all the way back, but if he sees a person, he is starting to recognize them. The miracle of it is, that he forgot very little about the gospel. He said he would be crazy if he didn't remember Jesus Christ, and Wednesday we showed him a picture of Thomas Monson, and he was one of the first people that he remembered by looking at him. It took him a few moments, but he knew his name better than people he interacted with. It really is a miracle.

Nene is still VERY excited to get baptized! We had to move her date back for scheduling purposes, and we think we have found solution for the Tithing problem. She was having some health problems but nonetheless, we arranged everything and she was able to come to church on sunday for all 3 hours! She such a wonderful woman. She really wants to meet Mom and Dad someday. She would do her best to treat you like a king and queen!

Other than that....we don't really have anything. Zone Conference was this week. It was really good. We have mainly been helping Algert and Nene.

Tell sister Holden thanks for the Letter, along with Sister Nevins of course. I sent the letters I had ready so they should be there in a couple weeks.

Well, I love you all! I'm not sure what more to say. Transfers are coming in a few weeks. I am probably staying and there is rumor that I will be with an Albanian as my companion...scary!

Oh I made Peach Cobbler this week, and I tried that other stir fry recipe. They were delicious (but I could use more practice on the cobbler).

Anyway, I am rambling. It is good to hear about Lucas...40 credits! I hope I can see him when I return...though truthfully I wonder if he even remembers me. I am proud of him though.

Well, I will let all of you go. I love you all!

Elder Fredrickson

June 7, 2010

Dear Family,

Well, I guess I will start with my investigators.

Nene (by the way, it is pronounced nuh-nuh) still has her baptismal date, but we may move it. We taught her tithing, and she accepted it, and she really wishes that she could pay it, but she feels like she can't. She lives alone and is on pension. she recieves 120 dollors a month to live on, and after paying water, electricity, and the woman she pays to sleep with her (to watch over her at night because she is old), and medicine bills, she has only 30 dollors a month for food. She can't see how she could possibly pay 12 dollars a month in tithing! It is so sad, becasue she is a WONDERFUL woman. She says that she could pay 2 or maybe 3 dollars (remember how poor she is...that is a lot for her!) but 12 is not possible. If I could, I would pay her tithing the rest of her life! Most members don't pay a full-tithe, and she is honest enough not to get baptized if she feels she can't keep her covenant. We are working with her, slowly but surely. We have a member at every lesson, and all the members love her, and she loves the members! She is just a GOOD woman!

We met with Valbona and Kozeta and they didn't even start the Book of Mormon....Kozeta did read Alma 32 as we asked though. She read it and made sure that she understood it, and I was pleased with that. They say that they are working 16 hours a day, and thus literally had no time to read. Considering they work at a very tourist restaurant as cooks, I think their excuse fits considering it is tourist season. I admit that I was dissapointed that they didn't finish the Book of Mormon, but there is nothing we can do. Kozeta enjoyed that chapter, but Bona is a bit more stubborn and closed minded. They said that they won't have time to meet with us for another Month, so we will see what happens. I hope they will feel the power of the Book of Mormon.

We were tracting last night and tracted into a good family. They are Muslim and the father's name is Sadik, and his son's names are Besmir and Armando. They were SMART and they like to read, but who knows if they will change.

So it has been an interesting 2 days. Last night, we received a call from the mother of an awesome member named Algert. He is my age. She asked us if we could give him a blessing. We arrived at his house and he was...well, kind of like I was when I had a mental breakdown. He wasn't asleep, but he wasn't awake. I was weeping and talking to himself. He was unresponsive to sound and touch. We tried to "wake him" but to no avail. We gave him a blessing and hoped for the best. This morning we went by because we wanted to see if he would run with us. We brought our scriptures and a sheet so we could run up a hill near the church that is covered in olive trees. We were going to do studies there with him to take his mind off things. It was calm and quiet and we read the scriptures together and I think that a felt a bit better. I know how he feels. It is first: physically exhausting, and he didn't get up for some time, and second: embarrassing, and it takes a bit to recover. I just wanted to help him any way that I could. He is such a good person.

I finished the Book of Mormon in Albanian for the First time on Saturday! I was SO HAPPY! and I also gave the first blessing I have given in Albanian that day too, to Algert actually. He had asked for a blessing of comfort and council. I truthfully struggled with what to say, but I do know, that there were a couple of things that I wasn't expecting to say that I said. I can also see the council I gave him was what he needed because the next day he had that breakdown. I basically told him to rely on the Lord, read the scriptures, and pray. There were other things I said, that I will not mention, but again, I wasn't expecting to say them. It was an interesting experience. It is awe inspiring to see the power of the Lord at work.

It is interesting. A lot of people have been commenting on how good I speak albanian. I don't think it is as much me, as it is the gift of tounges, but if it gets the job done, I am happy regardless.

Well, Thank you sister rawlings for the E-mail. I really appreciated it. I hope all goes well with your work transition. I know you are in the Lord's hands.

I love you all! I hope everyone has a great week!

May 31, 2010

Dear Family,


Well, this week we have excellent news...Nene has a BAPTISMAL DATE! We brought a member to her house and we talked about her baptism, and she said that she wanted to be baptized....so we set a date! We hope she will be baptized June 19.

Well, we have lost about half of our investigators... We met with Ana and Aida on Tuesday. Actually, Aida brought another friend! Her name is Elona also...but all of them are leaving to their respective cities this week. I don't know if we will meet them again. We ran into Ana last night in the road. She stopped and talked to us. They are in the middle of final exams right now so it is very busy, and then they leave. On Tuesday we gave them a semenary student manual to help them in their Book of Mormon reading over the summer because we won't be able to answer their questions....they are in the Lord's hands now....

I'm not sure what more to say about this week. Tell Grandma Nevins that I got her letter and I hope her leg feels better. Also tell Sister Jensen that I wrote a letter and it will be sent shortly. I was able to write 4 letters last week and I am probably going to try to send most of them at the same time...because I have anothe 10 letters to write! I am trying to get them all written but it may take a couple of weeks. I typically only have a couple hours on P-day to do that kind of thing, so It will be a slow process.

Anna, I am so proud of you! You have worked so hard and now it is all working out! Congratulations! Thank you for the audio recordings last week. It is always good to hear your voices. It would be nice if all of you got a chance send a recording sometime and upday me on how everything is going.

My companion says that my Albanian is improving a lot. another missionary in the district gave a talk yesterday. He was in my MTC group. My companion said that I have surpassed him now, and that now he is kind of worried about his albanian... I don't know, but I think my albanian has gotten better. For the most part, my companion and I simply speak Albanian with eachother. We have gone nearly the entire day without speaking any english...it has been helping a lot.

Congratulations on the Baptism. It is great news to hear!

Well, I love you all. Thank you for all of your continued support. It is hard sometimes, but I am doing all that I can...what more can I ask of myself than that? Well, have a great week!

May 24, 2010

Dear Family,


Well, first off, those expecting letters, I wasn't able to write last week. We hardly had a p-day because of things that came up. So I plan on getting a good chunk of those today.

So, as for the work here, it seems to be slowing down. Ana, Aida and Elona are preparing to return to their respective homes for the summer. So this week will be that last week we can meet with them until october unless something changes and we can visit them in pogradec and divjaka. They continue to read (despite the fact that the word used to describe the Great and abominable church of the devil as a nasty woman is as strong as a few choice profanities in English. It is interesting because we thought about it, and we realized that the word in English must have been equally as strong in the time of Joseph Smith, but we have been desensitised over time to the strenght of the word. Albanian is a REALLY ancient language...) Anyway, they are about in 1 nephi 20 right now. we are thinking about giving them the semenary student manual as a reference over the summer because we will not be there to answer questions and resolve concerns. I hope they gain a testimony.

Other investigators hae simply dropped off the face of the Earth or have decided not to continue meeting us...it is too much of a comittment for them.

Bona and Kozeta accepted the challenge to read the Book of Mormon. They read A LOT (sometimes 6 books a week!) so they will probably be finished with it by the time we meet them next tuesday. They reminded me of Melisa in the way that they read so much. They are good girls. They have read the Bible...but nonetheless are still very Muslim. It will be hard, it may take time, but if they join, they will be strong. I hope they gain a testimony.

Nene is amazing! We had a lesson and we brought a member...or 4! We had 4 members at this lesson and mainly we just talked about her getting baptized. 2 of them gave their experience of baptism and testified that is was one of the best things they have chosen to do. One of them even had a Muslim background (which helped because Nene professes to be Muslim, but comes to church every week). She is getting close to baptism...if she feels that he health can handle it. If she decides not to, we are thinking of getting her information and a written permission to do her work for her after she goes to the other side of the vail.

It is good to here about the Miracles back home. It is good to see how the Lord is taking care of my family.

Thank you for sending those audio files Anna. I look forward to listening to them. I always love to hear my family's voices. I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Week!


Love, Elder Fredrickson

May 17, 2010

Dear Family,


Well, transfer calls have come and gone. My entire district is staying. No one is getting transferred...and I am very content with that. We are all staying in elbasan.

Well, I'm trying to think about what to write... I'm slightly overwhelmed with the success we have been having. We are teaching about 10 investigators regularly each week, multiple times a week. They all have their individual needs and circumstances, and sometimes I admit I am at a loss as to what to do. On top of that we are teaching an additional 7-8 less actives regularly, again, each with their needs and desires (or the lack thereof). All of these people have great potential in my eyes, and I don't want to drop any of them simply because I don't have time for them. They are all precious in God's eyes. On top of that, I have caught wind that I had better be ready to take over the area next transfer... well, it's all in God's hands. If he thinks I can handle it, I can. God qualifies those he calls.

Nene (nene isn't her name, but it means older woman (respectfully). It is a term of endearment.) is our focus right now. She considers herself Muslim, but she loves to come to church each week. We have even talked to her about baptism, and she seems to be open to the possibility, but she is afraid for her health (she is 65 with a pace maker). Anyway, I will send an audio recording of her telling all of you how great I am! I will try to get around to translating it for you sometime.

Ana and Aida and Elona seem to be doing well. They continue to read, but they seem to be slowing. We aren't sure what to do, and we are thinking of explaining the implications of what we taught them. We are dealing with exaultation here!

We also met with a young lady named bona and her twin sister kozeta. They are HARD CORE MUSLIM! They do not believe that God can be our loving Heavenly Father, because they believe we are simply his creations. They think God can't have children because he is only one (he is the only God) so he can't have a wife, and if he did have children, they would have the potential grow up to become like him. They told us that after they read the restoration pamphlet, and we were shocked at the conclusions they came up with...we just moved on and did our best to stay out of those waters. I think they have potential, and I simply feel like I need to trust in God, and His Promises, especially the Promise of the Book of Mormon. There is a lot of power in the teachings and testimonies contained in that sacred volume of scripture.

Well, thank you for wishing me a happy Birthday! I actually haven't told anyone that my Birthday is tomorrow...I kind of wanted to keep that to myself. Thank you for the birthday gift. As for restaurants, my cooking is usually better, and it is many times less expensive to eat out than it is to cook at home...and far less work! But I got myself a couple BEAUTIFUL ties with the money you sent so I will send you pictures. Ties are gorgeous here and typically inexpesive. We get the ties from italy, so you know they are nice!

Well, tell Sister Jensen that I am in process of responding to her letters. She sent her e-mail address to me in her last one, but you know that I can't send anything directly to her. Today I plan on getting caught up on letters ishalla.

I love you all! I hope you all have a glorious week!

Love, Elder Fredrickson

My companion translated it for you. Here you go!


On Mon, May 17, 2010 at 2:19 PM, Geoffrey Thomas Foulk wrote:

Starting from Nena talking

Good evening. It’s my pleasure to talk with you, Elder Fredrickson’s parents. You have a great son, and we have a very very good missionary, wonderful. Boys like this are rare, together with his companion, Elder Foulk. It’s been 2 months since they came here, and I have the best impressions ever in the world. So you should be very happy that you have a son that wonderful. An extraordinary missionary. I congratulate him a lot. May the Lord bless him. May the lord be with him, and give him all the best in his life. He’s done a wonderful job here at church, together with Elder Foulk. They’re great missionaries, and may they have good luck in their life. Should I keep going? They come about every other night to my house, and we worship the Lord, Jesus Christ, we talk, and they’re really excited because of me, because I more or less am… should I say muslim or not? No problem? Ok, I’m muslim, but I really like this religion, because I’ve been really sick for a little while, and they’ve spoken really well for me, and I would like to get baptized! (chuckle) I’m not baptized, but maybe I can get baptized later, and I’m really grateful to these boys. I send you greetings as their parents, that you have raised a very educated boy, for as much time as I know him. Your boy is gold, really great, together with his companion Elder Foulk. Good night a lot from me, and I would love to meet up sometime somewhere, at your son’s wedding. Good night. (Did I do a good job? Yeah, really really good. Awesome!)

May 10, 2010

Dear Family,

You are right, I don't have much time. I just got back from Korca. We went to a big orthadox church, and inside there were HUGE wooden chandeliers! Then we went and visited the Oldest Masque in the balkins, and the others wanted a Koran. I already had one in Albanian, so I asked I I could have one simply in Arabic. They happily gave it to me, and the other missionaries left with the red albanian one that I already have, and I have the Green one that is according to the muslim religion, LITERALLY the word of God. In many ways, they almost worship the Koran in Arabic. Then we went to Pogradec and ate a fish that ONLY lives in two lakes in the WORLD! In the lake over by macedonia and another lake in Russia thousands of miles away! It was delicious, the fish is called, ironically, a koran. that is the name of the fish. Anyway, that was our trip...and I gave away a Book of Mormon in Pogradec. It was good.

I really enjoyed talking to all of you on saturday. I don't have much time but I love you all! Have a great week!

Your Son in the Service,

Elder Fredrickson

May 3, 2010 Pictures

This is my companion and I in ALBANIA!

May 3, 2010

Dear Family,

I think I told you about Ana and Aida. Well, I am sending an Audio File of their story. It is about 30 minutes long ( much has happened with them) so listen to it when you can. It is really amazing, and words can't describe all that has happened.

Guess what! I got a letter from PASTOR WHITE! I was surprised because I didn't think that she would write (she hadn't written this entire time). My companion was in Awe at how beautiful her handwriting is. Admittedly, she has beautiful handwriting. Anyway, I was pretty surprised.

So I had quite a busy saturday. We left the house at 8:00am to go to a fshat named Rril to visit the family of Cehu. It is beautiful, and they fed us. They are the ones i think I told you about that other time where they make everything they have on their farm. Anyway, we were there all morning, and then we walked the entire way back (on the way there we took a van). It is a 12Kilometer walk....in a river bed! The Zaranika river dries up in the summer and they use in like a road into Elbasan, but even so it is not completely dry and we had to fjord a few streams....it was quite the adventure, but we didn't get home into the house untill 9:00pm, so we were exhausted!

Lets see...what else...I told the events with Ana and Aida in the audio recording, and that is most significant.

Melisa, I am so proud of you. I love you, but I want you to be careful...I don't want you to get hurt again. I am all for whatever decision you make.

Ammon, I hope you are ok. I guess you just wanted to follow your brother's example...but falling into a manhole was NOT a good example, haha! I hope all is well with school. Good luck!

Anna, I am stoked to hear that you are going to be attempting Rachmoninof! I MUST have a audio recording of THAT! I hope your AP tests go well!

Thank you for your words of encouragement brother Fellows. Thank you for your advice. The Priesthood is truly a blessing, isn't it?

Well, I think that is everything. I will talk to all of you at 9:00am (4:00pm my time) on Saturday. If Anything happens talk to the mission office. I could possibly be a couple minutes late, becuase we will be walking the zaranika again on the way back from Rril that afternoon. but it shouldn't be too late.

Love you all and I hope you have a great week!

April 26, 2010

Dear Family,

Spring is in full bloom here in Albania. I love being able to drink in the abundant smell of Flowers...It really reminds me of home.

So I'm not sure what to say this week.Truthfully, off the top of my head, Ana and Aida have been the main focus of this week. We met with them 3 times. The first time was tuesday, and then we met wednesday in the morning and Ana had read her reading assignment...even though we had givin it to her less than 24 hours before. That is nearly unheard of. I was on an exchange with Elder Loose on Saturday, but the others met with them and they said that Ana at first wouldn't pray in fromt of people, then convinced herself to pray and gave the best prayer they had ever heard in Albanian from member or nonmember. They eat up the English and the Religion. I hope they get baptized because they would be some of the strongest members I could think of.

My testimony has been like a fire for the last week. I have been frankly telling people EXACTLY how important the Book of Mormon is. In my mind, and according to much scripture, one of the main role's of the Book of Mormon is PROOF! THAT is why we need the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is hard evidence thjat God exists. The Book of Mormon is Proof that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World. It was given for the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is The CHRIST. The Bible is Good, but it is NOT Proof. I Told a Musli the other day,'How can I know the Koran is true?" He tried to say something but I bust out the Book of Mormon and told him that it was proof that Jesus is the Saviour of the world that that there is a Promise at the end. You can know from the source of all knowledge and truth that this book is true and that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ , is God's church. The Book of Mormon is Proof that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, it is Proof that this church is true. I have been telling people this frankly and openly, and the Spirit has testified in full force. It is true, and I cannot deny it.

Thanks for the recipe Elisa, and tell Jeff congrats on being so popular. Also, give my regards to Adam and Mckay!

Thank you for your e-mail Melisa! I loved remembering all the good times we had together. Do you remember that day at Red Lobster where I got my first Lobster and couldn't Break it? I miss those pepperjack sandwhiches, but it will be a while before I can make another one. Bacon and Pepperjack are nearly nonexistant here.

Good Luck with everything dad!

I love you all! Have a great week!

Love
Elder Fredrickson

April 19, 2010

Dear Family,


My health is good now. I am doing a lot better.

Congratulations Anna on your OUTSTANDING ACCOMPANIST!!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU!!! Tell Mrs. Grubbs that I said hi. Tell her thank you for everything she taught me...especially considering my companion and I are teaching a young member piano lessons. We just started this week and we are doing 5 finger patterns. We have really begun to appreciate our musical knowledge.

Emily HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for your e-mail last week. I have read it several times over the week, along with the others. I really appreciated your works of support (especially about imagining that the glass is too big. Its true, it is easy to imagine that. Thank you). I hope you had a happy birthday.

And of course, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I guess you are looking forward more to mothers day, but enjoy your birthday regardless. Speaking of, I don't need a birthday box. I know how tight the strings are. But if you insist on a birthday box, I don't want any food....I never eat it! It is so precious that I save it like Melisa's halloween candy, and it just doesn't get eaten. so send pictures of the family, of me growing up, etc. Send sheet music, send letters from the ward. I don't need treats...they just come and go. Anyway, truthfully, you don't need to send ANYTHING. I am fine. It is just another day.

Thank you for the recipes, I can't wait to make some reall potatoe salad. but could you send a recipe for soft pretzels. I think I mentioned that my companio is from new England. It would be good for him to have a taste of home.....pretzels and mustard!

Give my reagards to Sister Nevins. I hope she is feeling better. Also say hi to Sister and Brother Johnson for me, and Sister Jensen. Tell them I am thinking about them. Tell MAtt and Clarrissa that I love them and hope they have a safe journey.

As for me this week, it has been a good week. We had a really amazing lesson with a couple young ladies named Ana and Aida. It was a miraculous lesson, because you could see the effects of truth right in front of you. We started off teaching them some English, and it was the first time we had met with them. We teach half english and half religion. We met in the library, and some of the topic of conversation, especially from Ana, was basically why are we here. She said that normal people wouldn't give up two years to come to a place like Albania. I basically told her that I know what we have to share is true. We are here to serve in any way that we can. We can serve people by teaching them english, and that is good, but we know that the best way we can serve them is by teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ so that God can help them more in their lives. We are here simply because we love you, and we love God. Simply, that is it. As we were teaching them religion, we decided to begin by teaching them about prayer. We explained how to pray, and I started telling them that the interesting thing about prayer that a lot of people don't realize is that it is 2 way communication. I told her that not only can we speak to God, he can speak to us as we pray as well. Ana immediately said, wait a minuite, explain that! we started translating it into Albanian (they speak really good English, so we expressed several things in english) She said, No, I didn't say translate, I said explain that last part. She wanted to know how to receive answers to prayers. I share a personall experience and we both testified, and Ana opened up like a book, and told us how she is bitter with God because she prayed that her Grandpa wouldn't die, and he died anyway. She just opened up and by the end she was nearly in tears. The Spirit was so strong and we just testified and taught. By the end, she committed herself to read the restoration pamphlet! It was an amazing experience.

Well, I'm out of time, but I love you all! Have a great week!

Love, Elder Fredrickson

April 12, 2010

Dear Family,


I admit that I am surprised that you thought something was wrong after the last e-mail I sent....I admit, my state was worse that I made it out to be, but I know for a fact that your prayers have helped. All is well right now.

I have been sick for the past few days with a nasty cold, and now I got my companion sick just as I have been getting better. Ironic isn't it? I am good now so everything is fine.

I Am in Elbasan now with Elder Foulk. He is from Tabernacle New Jersey! So He actually knows what birch beer is! We were chatting about pennsylvania dutch and real new england pizza the other day. It is fun to be with someone that is familiar with places I know.

Elbasan is fantastically beautiful. The chapel here (yes we have a chapel!) is surrounded by olive trees. Everything is a glorious green! It is so beautiful with the white chapel there with blue sky and olive trees everywhere....so beautiful!

Congratulations Josh about being ordained an Elder! I am so Proud of you! You will be a great missionary!

Well, as for the investigators we are teaching right now, mainly we have one. Her name is Oli. She was in Fier a while back (she lives in Berat but is in Elbasan for school) and on the ground she found a plan of salvation or restoration pamphlet. She read it and wanted to learn. She went to the missonaries in Fier and they gave her a Book of Mormon to read, but couldn't teach her because she lives in Berat. She has almost finished it and has a baptismal date. She is very smart and is going to school for English to be a translastor. She is good, but in the summer she will move bck to berat and the closest church is in Fier (an hour away). so, we will see.

I;m not sure what to say this week, but thank you for all your prayers and letters....I really needed them. This week has been great, and my companion Elder Foulk is a great missionary and in many ways reminds me of Elder Anderl. I know it is a great blessing to be with him. It will help me a lot to be with him.

I talked to President the other day....I find it ironic. I think I told you about how I questioned whether or not I prepared to hard for my mission. After truly understanding the extent of my missionary efforts before my mission, he did admit that it was a possibility. When you try to hard, you miss the mark. Well, I guess I'm glad that I was overdone rather than underdone.....you get sick from undercooked chicken, not overcooked chicken....it just kind of tastes bad, lol!

Well, I love you all. I hope all is well at home. Sorry I haven't given a recording in a while. I will try to fix that. I love you!


Elder Fredrickson

April 5, 2010

Dear Family,

Well, it has been quite a week. Tomorrow I will be transferring to Elbasan to be with Elder Foulk. I know he is a good missionary. I was in his district the first transfer. We had President's interviews on Friday but transfer calls were different from what president told us would happen. God is at the wheel.

I'm not sure what more to say. I have been somewhat under the weather lately, so there really isn't much to say. Wednesday evening we had exchanges and I had a good time with Elder Klein. I have made two of the best batches of fried rice this week that I have made in Albania (thanks to the rice cooker!) One was Chicken, the other was a bit of steak....mmmm.

Thank you for the pictures. I don't have my audio recorder right now with me so I probably won't get to hear easter until next week...I should have remembered. HAPPY EASTER!!! I was thinking about Easter baskets lately, and realized I wouldn't have one this year...oh well. I'm in Albania.

Well, love you all! Thankyou Brother and Sister rawlings for the Pictures of ZEUS! He looks adorable! Congrats on Driving Ammon! Congrats Anna on Piano and everything. I am praying for you Dad. Melisa, you are looking so great! Thank you for your E'mail emily. Tell, Grandma Nevins Good luck on the knee replacement. Tell Sister Jensen thanks for the letter. I will try to respond, but due to current events, I will be pretty busy. I hope all is well. I hope Mira got in touch with you Clarrissa. I am sorry if she didn't, she is pretty busy as a translator.

Love you all! Have a gerat week.


Love,
Elder Fredrickson

March 29, 2010

Dear Family,

Sorry, I didn't have time to make audio files today, because we went on our district trip to the castle in shkoder. It was REALLY COOL! it is amazing how old things here are!

Tell, Clarissa that I can't send the information she wants by deadline, but I will try to get her in contact with an Albanian Sister named Mira. She actually speaks extremely good English because she went on a mission here in Albania so you will be able to communicate.

Thank you everybody for the E-mails! Thank you dad, mom, Clarissa, and Melisa! I don't have much time to respond to everything but I will try to do my best. It has been a busy week.

Oh, and Melisa, you look FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for the pictures.

So as a summary for the week, there were a few Miracles that happened. There is an investigator that another Elder is teaching that I had the opportunity to teach and talk to quite a bit named Vanina. She has been investigating the church for about a year, after having investigated the Jehovah's witnesses, catholics, Muslims, Orthodox...she has been around. She is 17 years old, and she looked up the church on the Internet (you being from Alabama know exactly what that means!...anti Mormon websites...) Anyway, she has read a lot of this anti Mormon literature dealing with deep doctrine that she can't swallow right now, so she has been stuck for a while. But they set a baptismal date to test her faith....And she received an answer Finally! She had a miraculous dream basically telling her that she knew what church is true so just JOIN IT! it was amazing!

Also, yesterday was Julja's confirmation, but because of the daylights savings time change, we almost missed it. I actually had a dream that evening kind of warning me about it, and also that morning we miraculously found out that the time had changed and we were almost late for Church. It was definitely a miracle!

Well, on a more humorous note, while tracting, we knocked on a door and immediately a completely naked old man opened the door (except he had a thin shirt on...that didn't cover the open underparts...) Then when he realized it wasn't who he thought it would be he hid behind the door, and we told him why he were there....lets just say he wasn't interested. It was kind of funny, but then again, I was on the side of the door where I didn't see much. My companion had a full view and it was not pleasant!

We are working with another investigator named David. We hope he will be baptised on April 25. He is from a part member family and is 11 years old. He is extremely curious!

That is about it for me. Other smaller things happened but those were the most interesting. Saturday is transfer calls....who knows what will happen. Chances are I am staying and getting a new companion, but we don't know. Interviews with president are on Friday, and of course I am looking forward to GENERAL CONFERENCE (what I get to watch of it...)

Well, say hi to President Draughn for me! I'll do what I can for you Clarissa, but with such short notice I can't make promises. LOVE YOU ALL!!! Zoti ju bekofte!

Mireupafshim,
Elder Fredrickson

March 22, 2010

Dear Family,


Well, We had our baptism yesterday! Julja was baptized in Freezing water! (The Water heater was broken...c'fare me bo?) We also had Zone Conference on Thursday. It is ALWAYS one of my favorite meetings! President Neil gave an excellent doctrine and I had the opportunity to hear my trainer's outgoing testimony... that was kind of sad...

As for conference here in Albania, we are going to the mission president's home for the morning sessions only (they begin at 6:00 pm for us, so if we stay for the entire conference, we will miss our curfue) That evening for the first session is transfer calls as well, so it will be an exciting day.

as for the pictures, the first ones are of my "new look" and the next one is my previous companion elder shields, and then it is Elder vance and I with Julja on her baptism day!

I love you all. Good luck dad on your job search. Good luck in school anna. Keep up the good work anna. Melisa, I hear you are looking very good! I need to get a picture of you so I can see exactly how GORGEOUS you look! Love you, and have a good week!

Love, Elder Fredrickson

March 15, 2010

Dear Family,

The First 3 files are from last week, and the 2 others are this weeks.

Well, it has been a busy week getting Julja ready for baptism. We are able to teach her everything she needed to know and she had her interview yesterday...she is getting baptized March 21!

Oh, CONGRATULATIONS JOSH ON YOUR MISSION CALL!!! I AM SOOO PROUD OF YOU!!! IT WILL BE ONE OF THE GREATEST EXPERIENCES OF YOUR LIFE!!!!

So, I'm not sure exactly what more to say. Life is hard here sometimes. I don't think I would live here, though I love it. It is beautiful, but the people here are very corrupt. You have absolutely no Idea how corrupt everything is here...

I guess I can answer your questions:

Well, as for my perspective...before my mission I had a pretty good Idea of what to expect missionary work wise, and purpose wise. Actually, during my interview with President Draughn, he seemed somewhat surprised or ...in awe for lack of a better word, when he asked me why I want to serve a mission. He told me that he hadn't heard a better reason than what I gave, which was basically this: I know it is true, the gospel is true. I want to share it so that people can experience the joy that I have felt. I can't look at a young couple happily married without thinking how much happier they could be with the gospel...etc. It is true, and I want them to feel the joy that I have felt. I admit, there have been times on my mission where I have lost track of this purpose, but nonetheless, people need the gospel. It changes lives. It is true. (as you know...I was pretty wierd before my mission in comparison to a lot of the boys my age...)

Hair...well, right now it is kind of long but I want to get it cut TODAY! We have zone conference on thursday, and it is in desparate need. We have barbers we go to. Men typically cut mens hair, and women typically only cut womens hair (with rare exeptions).

Actually, I accidentally left my vitamins in Fier, so right now they are kind of low, but I wasn't really using them much anyway.

That is super cool to hear about Lucas. I really wish I could write a letter to him, but I don't know anyway to contact him. I am proud of him for graduating. He has been working hard.

Well, not sure what more to say...I love you all. I hope the rawlings enjoy the new dog! Hope all is well at home. Love you!


Elder Fredrickson

March 8, 2010

Dear Family,


Sadly enough I left my voice recorder connecting cable at home so I don't know if you will get my recording or not...I will have to see if my companion will allow me to stop by and just send and download the recordings...?

Well, as a summary, we have a baptismal date! Our investigator Julja is getting baptized on March 21 and we are pushing as hard as we can to get everything that still needs to be taught in the next week. It has been quite an ordeal and I can't help but think that as the date approaches, more will happen.

I did get a letter from sister Johnson a few months ago...I'm not sure if that is the one that she is referring to. I don't think that it had the return address on it so I couldn't send a reply, but I think I remember mentioning it in a previous e-mail...I know that I meant to. Please apologize for me...It is really hard to keep up with replying to people because I only write on p-day... please send my regards and thank her again for the letter. I was excited to hear about her and her husband and how they are doing...is her husband's health any better?

Give my condolences to Sister Rawlings about little guy. I know how much they loved him and he was a very good dog. Things definitely change while on a mission...

So I am trying to loose by southern albanian accent...it is somewhat distasteful here in the north. My companion is helping me eliminate it...he HATES the southern albanian dialect.

Well, I love you all. I pray for you and hope everyone is in good health and I hope dad gets better. Tell Anna Congratulations!!

With Shume Love,


Elder Fredrickson

March 1, 2010

Dear Family,

Thank you again for your package and support!

Well, here I am in Tirana e Re. Elisa, It was so awesome to hear from you! I will definitely mention the chattfields to President Neil. That is really cool that you had the opportunity to meet them. It really is a small world.

Mom, as for suggestions on Clothes....I'm not sure. If he leaves in April, he will be here during the summer HOT season, but the winters usually get pretty cold. so, I'm not sure what to say.Weather is somewhat rainy, but pretty warm and comfortable...kind of like spring. Just like Alabama, who knows how the weather will be next week though.

Tirana is good. At church yesterday, it was strange going to church for 3 hours instead of 2, and having a congregation of about 70 people I think. It is interesting, because I don't think we will have a chapel in Tirana for a LONG time...especially since I heard that real-estate and costs for land here are more expensive that New York City. I mean, half of the population of Albania lives here!

Sorry to hear about your cousin mom. I hope all is well.

Thank you for the recordings anna! I am definitely going to listen to them during the week so I will be able to repy this next monday.

I LOVE THE NEW TABERNACLE CHOIR CD!!! OH IT IS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE NOW!!!

Thank you for the e-mail brother Fellows and thank you for the advice. It is pretty hard here, especially speaking a crazy foreign language, but I know it is possible.

I love D.D. I was thinking about you the other day. Thank you for those times I kept you up talking about my mission and other stuff. I appreciate it.

Love you all!


Elder Fredrickson

February 22, 2010

Dear Family,

Thank you for your letters and support. I'm sorry to hear about Dad, but I will be praying for all of you.

Well, I am getting transferred. I am going back to Babylon (Tirana) and I will be in 2nd branch with Elder Vance. We will be co-senior so it will definitely be an experience. I will miss Fier...a lot...

Just so you know....it might not be the best to ask about my health... right after you asked last time, President also asked in interviews, and the day after I told everyone that I was as fit as a fiddle, I started feeling sick (it passed thankfully). Then, as I said in my recording, I fell in a manhole on monday! I am doing good; I just have a few bruises, thats all...but it was hard to sleep that night...

Anyway, good for you ammon about being able to work. I hope all is going well for the investigators back home. I hope Elisa's investigator is doing great too. Love you all, and I think about you often. I am praying for you!

Love,
Elder Fredrickson

Oh, by the way, we have gmail now too!

February 15, 2010

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for telling me about your missionary efforts Elsia! It is really wonderful to see the miracles that God has in store for us! I understand how busy life is, but thank you very much for your letter!

Thank sister Jensen for her letter. I really enjoyed the picture of Decatur she sent. I will try to write her as soon as possible but this coming week is transfers so I don’t know how many letters I will be able to get out.

Thanks for sending elder gustin’s address I will definitely write him as soon as I can.

Also, I feel bad that you are sending the expensive package. I am half a world away so itmakes prices unnecessarily high. I’m sorry it is so expensive to send things to me. All is well here. It is good to hear the updates about Ashleigh and her mother.

Transfers are coming… I really love fier…a lot. I have mixed feelings about fier. I want to stay, because I love the people, but on the other hand, I feel it might be time to move on… in interviews this week, I told president that I love fier. He said that was good, because there have been a LOT of missionaries that have said that they would go anywhere BUT fier. He said that fier has had a bad reputation…but I can’t help but love it.

I love you all. I pray for you. I can’t wait to hear anna’s piano hands again, but this is where I need to be. I love you all, and hope you all have a great week.

Love
Elder fredrickson

February 8, 2010

(Most of John's letter information was in his audio files. If you do not recieve them, please let us know.)

My audio files for the week. If you would rather I write more, please tell me. I am assuming everyone receives the audio files.

OH! I remembered what I was thinking of about the package. So, I was thinking the other day about data storage. My camera cards will not last for two years so I was wondering about a portable flash drive or something with a good amount of data storage. So you can forget the goldfish crackers, because this is a bit more important...but it isn't mandatory immediately, it would simply be nice.

Oh, and by the way, out of curiosity, what happens to my letters, and the letters you send me? Do you keep both? I need to know so that I can know whether I can delete messages sent and received or not, because my mailbox is getting full (I don't have massive storage space...).

Well, I don't know if there is much more to say... Thank you Sister Nevins for your letter. I hope you start feeling better! Tell the Rawlings and Sister Jensen that I said hi. I love you too Grandma! Thank you for everything! I am glad I took notes in Zone conference because I actually used one of the doctrines that President Tate gave in our District meeting. Everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I do actually reference those notes quite a bit, so if President Tate receives this e-mail, thank you.

I really have come to love Fier. The people here are so great, and the small town feel makes it feel a lot like Decatur. I am in my comfort zone here. It helps that we are the only missionaries in the city, because that is what I was used to in Alabama.

If you have any questions for me, I will do my best to answer them. And don't worry, I am in perfect health for now.

Oh, and tell Carl Holden I had a dream about him the other day. It was interesting, because he was a great missionary and gave a libri i mormonit to a nene (older woman). I thought it was cool.

Love you all!

Me Dashuri,
Elder Fredrickson

February 1, 2010

Dear Family,

Sorry for the short e-mails lately. Most of what I need to say is in the audio recordings.

As for your questions mom, my eating is ok... I don't really have time to cook much anymore so it is usually somethink quick like a sufllaqe or fruit or yogurt or something. Thats really why I asked about the rice seasonings...it would be quick and easy...and I don't want to eat simply white rice and thats it. Vegi's don't take long to cut and throw in if that is part of it, but something really QUICK, or something I could microwave after I make a big batch you know?

I don't think I need anything. I stay warm; winter is almost over. I haven't replace my watch yet, but I know I can find something. I have been looking at a couple watches so its not a problem.

Sister Licaj says to send you he regards!

Tell Emily that my companion did know katie fellows. We will talk more about it after we finish our e-mails.

Love you all! I'm praying for you dad! I hope all is well with the family and with missionary work in the ward!
Congrats on your patriarchal blessing Ammon! Good luck in Allstate Anna!

LOVE SHUME!

Elder Fredrickson

This week's letter and a letter to the mission president

January 25, 2010

Dear Family,

Attached are a few audio files for you to hear about some events in my week. I will also send my Dear President from this week to give a different perspective. HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYBODY!!!

I am so proud of you Ammon for being such a missionary. If every young man were to prepare for a mission by being a missionary, the church would grow at an alarming rate.

My rice cooker is doing good, but if you could send be some quick rice seasoning recipes that I can just throw in the pot, that would be really appreciated….I don’t cook very much anymore…
Dad, I hope you get better.

Oh, Sister Gjika made me a scarf! She found out that I didn’t have one and started croqueting one that day! It is a beautiful blue…

I think I covered everything in the audio attatchments… I am not really sure what to say… Elder Shields is a good companion. Miracles are happening here in Fier. My companion is from southern California. He has been in the country for 1 year. I’m not sure what more to say about him…

Today we plan on playing Chess in the Xhaxhi park! It will be fun to see all the Old men swarm and help us play the game. The play chess a little different here: you have to say when the QUEEN is in check as well (makes it a bit more difficult).

Love you all! I hope everyone is doing ok.

Love,
Elder Fredrickson

(I'm still trying to figure out how to attach audio files in blogger. Sorry to those who are keeping up with this! If you know how to...PLEASE tell me!--EK)


Dear President Neil,
This week has been a busy week. We have been doing our best to always be finding however we are far from perfect. Nevertheless, we have been getting new contacts. We contacted a man on the street and set up an appointment at his stand for last Friday. We arrived, and it seems he had laid a trap for us. There before us were 3 Jehovah’s Witness missionaries along with the man we contacted. Thankfully we had a civil conversation and simply exchanged pamphlets. Because of this experience, we had questions about their doctrine, and decided to go to a member who was a former Jehovah’s Witness. We met her with her Grandmother, who is a current Jehovah’s Witness, and ended up teaching her (the grandmother) more than she taught us. We gave her a restoration and plan of Salvation pamphlet and she read them! I believe she is a very potential investigator. I don’t think we would have attempted such a meeting had it not been for that experience always finding.
Emili came to church yesterday! I firmly believe it is a miracle. She was able to convince her boss to switch her schedule and work in the evening instead of the morning yesterday. I pray she will see the blessings from it throughout the week and work towards coming more frequently. Her mother is almost officially active again too! She just needs to come a few more consecutive times, and she will be officially active. She has made up her mind to come to church each week. As I mentioned, President, miracles are happening in Fier.
President, I had a question for you: what should I do to become a great missionary like Elder Anderl? I saw how great Elder Anderl was. I saw how much you trusted him, and how much the Lord trusts him. I desire that for myself and I am willing to work for it. I just need to know what to do. Please, tell me what I should do to accomplish this desire. What can I do to gain the trust of the Lord?
I came to a somewhat troubling realization the other day. I feel that I have been looking at specific aspects of my mission (for example: the MTC, my time with Elder Anderl…etc.) like a giant treasure trove, full of gold and jewels for me to obtain. However, the catch in each of these instances is that I can only take what I can carry, and I only have a limited time in the cave to find exactly what I want or need. Looking back on the experiences, I can’t help but think of all the precious jewels lying there, which were ready to be taken, but my opportunity has past, and they are gone; I missed my chance. On top of all of this, I feel like there is a hole in my pocket, and my precious jewels are slowly slipping away. I fear that I will look at my mission in a similar light. I do not want to have any regrets about my mission. I will never get this chance again.
Thank you President for all that you continue to do for us. Thank you for your continued support and the support from Sister Neil. Thank you for all that you have done for me personally as well; it is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Elder Fredrickson

Last week's letter...

January 18, 2010

Dear Family,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!!! I AM SOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Well, I am really excited to hear about Ashley’s mom! I hope that all is well. The Gospel is truly a precious thing.

Well, as for my week, we met Algida on Tuesday. She was disappointed to hear that Elder Anderl is gone, but that didn’t stop her curiosity and desire to learn. She had more questions for us. We gave her Preach my Gospel to read; we figured that it explains things simply and shows that out goal with all investigators is baptism. Next time we meet, we are going to specifically bring up baptism.Yesterday was an interesting day at church. We had 9 members, 2 nonmembers, 2 missionaries, and a random crazy man that walked in. The random crazy man, we have seen around Fier, and I think he is a former investigator (but I am not sure how accountable he is. FIER IS FULL OF CRAZIES!) This man walked in, said hi to everyone, and sat down. Then, right when church was about to start, he started yelling to Elder Shields on the stand “hey boss, come here, I want to have a word with you.” So Elder Shields went to him and he was like “Is this all the people that come? You’ve got to go on the streets and start talking to more people.” Elder Shields had never met him before, so it was interesting… I had met him before and knew he was crazy. Anyway, Elder Shields went on the stand and started the meeting. Then, right as Elder Shields went up to the podium to announce the sacrament hymn, the crazy man stood up and said, “Ok everyone, I’m leaving. Bye! Oh, but first before I go…” And he walked over to Sister Licaj and offered her a cigarette! Right before the Sacrament! Sister Gjika in the back was like “Sir, we are having sacrament meeting. Please, stop.” (Sister Licaj did NOT accept the cigarette by the way) So he left, and sacrament meeting was reasonable normal after that (with exception to Majlinda, another crazy. She is legitimately crazy, but she at least was not disruptive this time. She is one of the nonmembers.) Sister Gjika gave a great talk on Forgiveness, something this branch really needs. Any way, church was good.
We hope that Edi will gain the faith to stop smoking. He tried the stop smoking program once before, but he couldn’t do the first step of crushing his cigarettes. I hope he will try again. We were on exchanges and my temporary companion bore strong testimony about overcoming vices and weaknesses. He was inactive before his mission for several years but turned his live around and is now a fantastic missionary.

We haven’t been able to meet with Florjan. He is busy with work. We hope he will understand the blessings of baptism.Sidorela is progressing. All she needs to learn is Tithing and Chastity. However, her parents will not let her come to church. Her parents are traditionally Muslim. I’m not sure how her sister received permission to be baptized, but then again, she lives with her Grandmother who is Jehovah’s Witness.

Emili, a less active member really needs a lot of prayer right now. She is a single mother (divorced, her husband is a really, really horrible person. He is evil…) She has 3 wonderful children and is doing everything she can to provide for them. She works practically every day but she is going to try to get Sunday’s off to get to church. That would be REALLY good for her if she could come. She needs that.

Ylli is another less active member that could use your prayers. He has a very strong testimony, but he needs help to quit smoking again. Smoking is such a tenacious habit here.

Brother and Sister Gjika could use your prayers as well.

I love the branch here in Fier. These people are such good people, but pride is a very bad plague here. It has infested nearly the entire branch, and so people are having difficulty coming and staying. I hope that we can help. Most of their problems would just disappear if they lived the gospel.

I love you all. Melisa, I hope you start feeling better! Ammom, good job on taking over for Dad. I am sure he really appreaciates it. I really appreaciate the voice recorder. I need to get around to sending an audio recording of me. Give everyone my love.

The gospel is true. I cannot deny it.

Love,
Elder Fredrickson

This week's letter...

January 11, 2010

Dear Family,

Sorry about the e-mail last week. The computer was giving me trouble and apparently it didn't send... Though It did inform you that p-day is on tuesday at the 3 month transfer so it would not have come on monday anyway....But is didn't get sent according to my sent mail, so I will try to salvage it, or some of it, if I can. Please apologize to Sister Jensen for me. I haven't really been able to send more than I think 1 letter and 2 or 3 post cards. I'm going to try to write a few letters today, but I'm not sure when they will get sent. Please tell sister Jensen that I enjoy and appreciate her letters. It is great to be able to hear from people, especially since I get mail about once a month. I will try to do better about it. Also thank Sister Nevins for her letters and also the maloneys, the browns, the Sheas, and...there are a couple others that I got Christmas cards from. I wrote thank you's in my last letter but it apparently prished. Well, New years was fantastic, but I wrote about that in the other letter and i will try to recover that. I'm really sorry it didn't get sent.

Well, I didn't get transfered. I am here with my new companion, Elder Shields. He is the new Branch President, so I have spent the last week kind of training him in his new duties. He hasn't been with a branch president companion before, not to mention be branch president, therefore I teach him about proceedure, and how to do tithing, and various other responsibilities which he has inherited. Also, could you send Brother and Sister Lowman's address so that I can write them. I don't have a lot of addresses to write to. I have been improving in my piano skills. I typically am able to play prelude and practice while my companion is in an interview. Elder Shields is from southern California and he has been in Albania for a year. I really miss Elder Anderl, but it is time for us to go our separate ways. I don't really know Elder Shields very well, because we were in a 3 person companionship for the first few days we were together while the third person was waiting for his trainee. It is funny, because the day after the 3rd person, Elder Flack, received his new companion, Elder Walentine, Eldr Flack and Eldr Shields were required to go to Tirana for half a day for a Branch President's meeting, so I was with a companion who had only been in Albania for 1 day. It was kind of fun actually. Elder Walentine is going to be an excellent missionary I think.

Well, it has been a somewhat crazy week. Lots of random events have occured. Siderella (the girl who had given back her book of mormon then asked for it again) wanted to meet with us again! She hasn't wanted to meet with us for 3 weeks! Also, while we were heading back for lunch one day, a random person walked up to us and asked for a pamphet and to ask where the church is. Later that day, we were waiting for an interview at the church, and he walked in and said, I found the church. While we waited, we gave him a first lesson. It was strange. Then a few other things happened. Sister Gjika closed the stand to come to church (her husband stayed a home because he was upset with her...don't ask...)! That just shows how powerfully she has reactivated! It is truly a miracle. Now we need to work with her husband...Brother Gjika seems a bit like the brother of the prodigal's Son. Anyway, interesting week.

Well, I love you all! I am going to try to get that e-mail out...or atleast what I can. I love you dad and I hopee you get better. Good Luck Anna! I know you will do great! It is awesome to hear about Ashely's mom. I hope Amy gets better. I love you all and I hope everything is okay at home!

Love,
Elder Fredrickson

A lost letter!

Last week, causing great worry in my mom, we did not recieve a letter from John. Knowing it was transfer week and that the electricity can be flaky out there, we tried to not worry too much about it. Well, with John's letter this week he sent last week's that did not get sent somehow.

So, here's the letter for January 4, 2010.

Dear Family,

I'm sorry I couldn't write yesterday. I found out that on the 3 month transfer week, P-day is on Tuesday. Well, I am in a 3 person companionship for the next few days. One of my companions will be training and they don't arrive until thursday. The other will be taking Elder Anderl's place as branch president. I, however, must give my new companion, Elder Shields, a slight tutorial on some of the branch president stuff.

I was feeling rather empathetic of dad the other day. Specifically speaking, I am the branch clerk, and so filling out tithing reports and all sort of paperwork reminded me of the fact that dad was ward clerk for a while. However, I am sure it was a lot different because we don't have computers. Everything is done by hand.

Well, Elder Anderl is gone. I really enjoyed serving with him. He was one of the greatest missionaries that I have worked with. I simply wish that I was better at learning things, because it if frustrating that I cannot remember every detail about our time together. I know that I could have learned more, but I am thankful for what I have learned and what I remember.

I have had the opportunity to use your voice recorder. It has been busy today with transfers, so I wasn't able to grab it but I have a few things to send to you. The Gjika family says happy new years. I recorded that for all of you, but it is in Albanian so just know that they are wishing you well. I will send that next week.

Sister Gjika is officially an Active member now! She is a great woman. We hope that her husband, who is less active and used to be the branch president, will see how much the gospel is blessing her life, and will desire to become completely active again. They did, however, come to church as a family on Sunday! It was a precious sight to see.

We have not heard from Algida since she has returned the gospel principles manual. I expect a call any day now.

Florian, we have determined, is not at the moment ready for baptism. He still has much to learn, even though he has been taught nearly everything.

Oh! And New Years was AMAZING! I got some video of it, and I have a few pictures from another Elder who was in Lushnje. I mean, the world was BLOWING UP AROUND US! I can’t help but think that the Rawlings would have really enjoyed it. It reminded me of the time we went to their house on the 4th of July, except like, with 10,000 times more fireworks! We came in at 4:00pm, and we stayed up till midnight (with permission of course). We went on the top of our palati (apartment) and we saw the world begin exploding! People were shooting fireworks out of their apartment windows, shooting roman candles out of their windows! A man lit a GIANT BATTERY of FIREWORKS RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! Elder Anderl said that his thoughts when that happened were, “you know, I could probably die right now…” Big fireworks were exploding like 10 feet away from us. And it all got more spectacular as it approached midnight! It was spectacular! There is nothing like an Albanian New Year! That was more fireworks than I have ever seen in my entire life, not to mention in a single moment!!!
Well, we continue to work with Edi on his smoking problem. He has everything down except for that.

Well, the Gjika family invited us over for new years lunch. It was good. We had Qofte, stuffing, salad, turkey (which we saw her kill the day before. My companion got a video of her chopping off his head with a knife! It was flapping about with its head cut off for about 3 minutes, and her five year old daughter was having a hoot and a holler, laughing at it the entire time. Then she tried to cut off a leg, and it started flapping everywhere again and she couldn’t cut it off all the way yet. Eventually, it was dead.) It is a tradition to kill and eat turkey on new years. It is like out Christmas. She put some of the turkey stomach in the stuffing. It wasn’t bad, but knowing it was stomach made it difficult to eat. Then on Sunday she cooked us grilled fish. She took the fish, sliced to and cleaned out the guts, then grilled it over charcoal (scales, head and tail and all!) Then she served it to us, with lemon too. It wasn’t too bad, but it took a bit to get over the fact that it was looking and smiling at me. It also took a bit to get over the fact that I was eating the scales too!

It will be interesting training a new branch president. Elder Shields has been in the country for 1 year now. He is Branch president and District leader. It is interesting because 6 of out group, because of how large it is, it going co-senior this transfer, at 3 months in the country! Also, Motra Hiland is TRAINING the new sister at 3 months! I know they will have special experiences.

Well, I love all of you. It was wonderful to see you on Skype and talk with you! Ihope you get better Dad! Congrats Anna on your …productive night at work! And cool beans Ammon for being able to get through New Years! I just got the Christmas card from Linda, Grandma Nevins, The Browns, Sister Jensen, The Maloneys, and The Family. Thank you all for your kind words…And I’m sorry that I took away from your Christmas…. Thank you for the Package, I know that you sacrificed for that. Love you all, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love, Elder Fredrickson