Kosovo Kids Update!!

(Note: See previous post for the whole story.)
So exciting!! Here is little Merlinda in her new white dress that my Activity Day girls sent her! She is holding the picture of our girls holding the dress, before we sent it off. I knew the dress would be big on her, because she is tiny. But I figured that way she could wear it for years. My mother-in-law said they were so, so happy and excited. She said it's likely the only dress Merlinda has ever owned!

Here she is with her mom. The don't usually smile in pictures in Kosovo, so I think they tried not to. But they were just too happy and had to smile!

Here is her twin brother, Mirlind. He is wearing the CTR tie we sent, and holding the letter from Logan. I didn't even think to send a white shirt. Marilyn (my mother-in-law), said the missionaries are going to get him a white shirt so he can wear his tie the right way. 

The missionaries translated the letters. Melisa, the older sister, was the most excited to get a letter and the YW value colored jewelry we sent. Hard to imagine being the ONLY LDS young woman in an entire country. And the only LDS family to have four members of the church in the same family! We take so much for granted here. It's amazing to hear about the struggles and sacrifices that these church members experience in other parts of the world. They are truly modern day pioneers, living in fear of persecution from family and friends. 

And here is Sister Jones with this little family. Thank you to her for helping us do these fun little services for people on the other side of the world. Thank you to the RM going back to visit, who packed the gifts in his luggage for us. Thank you to Lisa B. for the fabulous idea of sending the dress in the first place. And thank you to my sweet little activity day girls for being excited to share with this little girl, who does not get to experience activity days.

 

Wish we could do more. I think I need to come up with some ideas for Melisa......how can we help her feel a part of the YW program and experience a small part of what that is like. If anyone has a great idea, let's do it! We are so blessed to live where we live among so many others who share our faith.