Marrëdhënie

Here's your cool Shqip word for the week!  Ok, so in Albanian, we have past participles that we use for certain things. "Marrëdhënie" is the word for relationship. The past participle for "to receive" is "marrë" and the past participle for "to give" is "dhënë". So in Albania, the word for relationship literally means, more or less "a giving and receiving". Think about that! You can pretty much apply that to any of your relationships you have right now, whether it be a marriage, a friendship, with a boss, with a coworker, or most importantly with Heavenly Father. We have a relationship with Heavenly Father. It's easy to think about and to name things that Heavenly Father gives us. They are infinite. It's easy to think about, but not easy to list them all. But what about what we give to our Heavenly Father? We cannot repay Him for everything he has done for us, and we know that after we have spent all our days in His service, we would still be "unprofitable servants." But we know that still, our Heavenly Father wants a "marrëdhënie" with us. Think about that a bit :) I don't have a lot of time, so I'll keep going with the rest of my email, but yeah! Isn't Shqip the coolest!? 

So before I forget, I have some songs that ya'll need to look up! 
First, "Seeking what's good" -EJ Molitalo   It's by this polynesian singer, and he rocks. I know Conrad will like it for sure. and "Nevoj për ju" -Filio Isofaj    It's in Shqip, but it's got a cool beat! And then another song by some polynesian singers called "I will lead you" -Sammy J, Aotea Beazley, Niu Ta'Ala   It's so pretty. Their voices are insane. My companion listens to a lot of poly music, because that's popular in New Zealand, and I really like some of it! Ok, Lauren, Daniel, and everyone else! I say Lauren and Daniel, because I know Lauren likes Christian Rock type music, and Dan likes One Republic! There is a band called Stars Go Dim, and I'm pretty sure it's actually One Republic with a different name. From what I've seen, all their songs are gospel related, but they're incredible! Dan, look up "Walking Like Giants" and check out their other songs! They're so good.

This week was awesome! We had a dinner with a member family, and one of her daughters just returned from BYU-I! Her last name is Arseda Cenollari. She's super cool! Keep an eye out for her when she returns, Conrad! She's cool! Also, I had an exchange this week with Elder Benson who is another "fringo fare." Fringo fare is a nickname we use for missionaries are completely new. It was just me and him in Durres and it was so much fun! Also, we went to a colloseum today, and it was stinking incredible. It felt crazy just to be there!! I felt like I could almost hear these people from thousands of years ago like screaming and watching me battle someone. Wow, it was so cool. Also, we met someone named Floriani this week! Remember female bruce wayne? He's a referral from her, and he's so cool! On a side note, Albainan babies and children are super cute. He's got a baby, and he's a super hard worker, really good guy, and we've got a lesson with him soon, so I better go! Also, I was a little bit sick this week, and we had to stay inside for a day so i could sleep and get over it, and the sister missionaries in our area were talking with one of our investigators named Armand, and he asked the sisters if they could all say a prayer together for me! Wow! That was so cool! And they did! I'm better now, and I gotta go, but i love you all! Be sure to follow the instructions for sending packages if you haven't already. Make sure you don't set the value too high, or I might not receive it. USB, sour patch kids, tortilla chips, gardettos, goldfish, jelly beans, and letters from friends and family is all I desire! Momma, and Conrad HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope Conrad will get his video, and Mom, I was a little bit mixed up with being sick, but I will take a video for you too! IO love you all!
Elder Shnajdër