I am the worst blogger ever

So I kind of gave up on the blog. It takes so long to upload photos and at some point, I will do it. I am posting photos and updates on Facebook everyday. Hopefully you will see something here soon.

Albania really DOES border the Adriatic

Thanks to the tv show Cheers I already knew this but now I have seen it myself!

I arrived in Tirana on Thursday around midnight and I was so tired from the 24 hour trip. I met my partner Gernot Eberle from Austria the next morning. We were both thrilled to be going to Durres. All the other LTOs, when they found out where we were going, said, "Oh! We were hoping for Durres." I told them that one of the areas by the sea was mine before I even stepped foot in the country because 2 years ago I was in Kukes freezing my butt off during the winter with no electricity. The Deputy Head of Mission kept his promise when he sent me here.

Gernot actually lives in California with his wife who is American. Basically he acts and talks like someone from California so it feels like I'm with an American anyway. Right now we are in a hotel for a few days but our driver and interpreter are going to help us find an apartment. The hotel rooms are really small and we will go nuts if we have to stay here for 7 weeks. Besides, we are both healthy eaters (him more than me) and we want to be able to cook our own food.

It's pretty hot and humid here and that makes my hair do weird things. I'm definitely getting good use of my insect repelant and sunscreen. It was very wise to bring both.

Last night before we all got deployed, all the LTOs got together for dinner. It was fantastic--kabobs, grilled veggies, lots of fresh salads, cheese galore, and bread. The cheese here is so good. I think it's feta cheese but it is very salty and I love it. Tonight I had fried cheese which I was introduced to last time I was here. (Did I say I was a healthy eater? Well, all except the fried cheese.)

My driver and interpreter are going to help me get to church tomorrow. We have Sundays off (at least until right before the election) so I am going to attend each week if possible. The first actual LDS meeting house was built in Durres so I can't wait to see it.

We start really working and meeting with the local government officials on Monday. I am anxious to get started.

Two weeks of parties

I'm leaving for Albania today and what have I been doing for the last 2 weeks? Partying of course! Here are photos from some of the highlights:

Amy, Rob and Christy celebrating Rob's birthday and Amy's going away. We went Lindy Hopping at the Turnverein and then out for Japanese food.














Amy and Evan



















Renee' and Mauricio














I also went to a coop warming party for some chickens who were getting some fancy new digs. This is Elaine placing the chickens in their new home because they wouldn't go voluntarily.














Maci, Renee', Jason and Theresa at the coop warming party.














I also went to a Colorado Rapids game. It was my first Major League Soccer game. They played Real Salt Lake. The Rapids won 2-0 and Dave had a fun time explaining the game to me. :)














The crowd was pretty sparse because it was freezing cold and raining.














My birthday was Monday, May 4 so I made a Barbie cake for myself to take to work.














Had a fun weekend with the family celebrating my birthday and Mother's Day. This is what Megan would call the "silly picture." Melissa, Tony, Mom, Grandma, Kimball, Amy and Logan.














Amy and my boys--Ethan, Sagan and Mason.














Last but not least...one more night of ballroom with my incredibly awesome and cool dance partner John.














My ballroom dance friends: Angie, Carlene and John













Next post will be from Albania!!!!

One week to go

I got my itinerary for Albania and I leave a week from today--Wednesday, May 13th. I had a great birthday on Monday and a great weekend of fun things going on. I'll post photos later.

I have so much to get done before I leave. I am taking a very quick trip to Utah this weekend to say goodbye to the family before I go. I have to wrap up my work stuff, seminary, pack and clean before Wednesday AND be gone this weekend. Not sure how it's going to come together but it's going to have to.