Walking

Our first three months of our mission have been physically hard by not having a vehicle. I feel we have been handicapped by not being able to travel the far distances to and from the Branch members homes in a timely manner. I personally have walked over 15 miles many days visiting the Branch members. Just to do our grocery shopping takes a 2 ½ miles of walking not to mention carrying the bags sometimes from over a mile away. If just walking was the concern that would not be that difficult but if you add to that the temperature from 80-100 degrees and over 90% humidity then the distance is extremely hard. Then when we arrive at the members and investigators homes we sit and give lessons with no air-conditioning or air circulating. If the Albanian saints weren’t so loving it would be unbearable.

We have the Ruҫaj family who live about 6-10 miles North from the Church. The Fetollrai family live 2 ½ miles West of the Church. The Hoxhaj family, non-me mbers, who’s son Marsel is currently on a mission in Italy is a 3-4 mile walk to their house to visit. Then there is count the Mustafaraj who lives east up the hill past the Isufi’s and the hospital about 3 miles away. If you add several more families it gets to be too great to accomplish these visits.

Sister Smith has not been able to go with me some of the time because of the distance, her body cannot do it. So I have to go and the families feel bad because she is not able to come. All have expressed concern because of her not being able to come.