[Ross can receive email. He can only email back through the family email, though he can write letters the old-fashioned way. If you don't have his email address, write us and we will send it along. If we put it in the posting, he might get lots of spam!]
HEY! I've been in Romania for a week now! It's nuts and I love it. You probably want to know where I am, huh? ...Timisoara! [Romania is roughly shaped like a pentagon. Timisoara is in its western point.] It's way cool, it's a beautiful city, the people are awesome and my district is really cool. My dad (trainer) is Elder Selck, a pretty young Elder who hasn't even been a senior companion before. So, I'll give you a run down on my week in Romania.
After the craziness with the flights, we all made it to Bucharest, at times ranging from 1:30pm(that's when I got in) to 8pm. Once I got there, I got a physical ( I didn't have to "cough") and went to the notary office. There was a lot of sitting around and I passed out in mission office, just fell asleep right on the floor. Then Elder Sumbot and I went street contacting. It was fun, a lot of people rejected us but then we stopped to two guys coming from work and got all their information and set up a time for missionaries to meet with them. It was sweet!
That night I went to Sector 4 and stayed with Elder Coburn(?) and a mini missionary. The next day we went to the mission home and had interviews with the President, played chess, ate food and yup, slept some more. Then at transfer meeting President had us new missionaries come up one at a time and introduce ourselves. When I went up, President Ashby stepped away from me, walked to the other side of the stage, because of my height. I said, "I'm Elder L. . . .I'm 6'4." It was way funny, everyone started laughing. Then President called out the trainers and their bobocs one by one. I was the last one standing up there and he couldn't find out where or who I was going with. Haha, it was pretty special, but he found it and now I'm in Timi with Elder Selck.
That night we stayed in Sector 6 and Elder Carrol gave me a sweet tie and ordered some pizza. The pizza is definitely different and not up to par, but it wasn't bad. Thursday I got my visa which took forever. We were supposed to meet somewhere at 11 and since my companion has never served in Buch...we got there before 10. We looked at ties in the mall and I have never seen so many sweet ties and some way expensive ones, too. There were probably 20+ stores with ties, it was ridiculous. Anyway, the Office Elders ended up not showing until like 1:20, then our visas took forever so I got back to the mission office about 3...and fell asleep again. Elder Selck and I didn't have much to do so pretty much sat around until 6, when we went to go get schaoarmas(no idea how to spell that.) They were really good, a tortilla with chicken and french fries, lots of sauces, cabbage...it was an experience to remember. That night, Thursday night, we got a sleeper car and headed to Timisoara.
We got there about 6:30 in the morning and headed to our apartment. It's actually a house, it's way sweet. Needs some cleaning but I'm starting to take care of that. The last missionaries in that house left 6 weeks before we got there and there were dirty dishes in the sink! Well, what can you do? We didn't unpack much because we had personal and companion study. Then we helped the other elders move and checked in on the sisters.
On our way to the other elders compartment, we got "controlled". It was sweet! Two officials made us get off because we didn't have tickets plus we had baggage on the tramvai, which is illegal I guess....so of course we all started talking to them in english and pretended we had no idea what was going on. We ended up giving them 50 ron, which is something like 20 bucks and they left. It was great. We had Outreach that night, where we just play games and chill with young people and someone shares a spiritual thought. It's way cool. There are a lot of great youth in this area.
Saturday was my first full day in Timi. After studies, we taught english at the villa (church). We had two classes. The first was advanced so it was way easy, I just spoke english the whole time. Then the second class was medium and Elder Selck taught most of it but I helped... a little. Then we went bloc knocking, my first time. It was fun, I liked it. It's a little scary at first but way cool. We taught 3 discussions that night.
Sunday was way cool, the branch is awesome. I passed the sacrament and then Sora Harrison, another greenie, and I bore our testimonies. It went well. We both spoke pretty decently. We(the district) went to the Shaws for lunch. (Btw, there are 6 of us in the district. Elder Middleton and Elder Woodhouse, Sora Beck and Sora Harrison and me and Elder Selck.) Anywho, the Shaws are an American family that feeds us every week. They are awesome.
Then Elder Selck and I bloc knocked. We taught a return lesson to Cristiana, a lady we met the day before. We gave her a Book of Mormon and committed her to read a few different parts. It was sweet. And by we, I mean Elder Selck, haha. He did most of the talking. But then we met a lady, Maria, and went into her house and taught her. I felt the Spirit and I just started talking and teaching about how the original church of Christ is on the earth again. It was cool, because it was the first time I headed up a lesson. Then Elder Selck talked for a while, then I taught about the restoration and the 1st vision. It was so sweet! Definitely not a perfect lesson, but I felt useful at least and felt the Spirit work through me. Then later we visited with an extremely active lady, Sora Nidelcu, who is an amazing member. She fed us a ton of food, then I taught the whole spiritual thought. It was cool, I even answered her questions(she was playing devil's advocate) even though she had to repeat them a few times, lol.
Well, now it's Monday again. P-day, yes! I wanted you guys to forward my email to my teachers but I totally forgot to bring their addresses to this internet cafe. Well, now that I have email, all of you siblings have NO excuse not to write me, so I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great week everyone. I love you all!
Dragoste, Elder L
Monday, March 12, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Up and Away
Ross is on his way to Romania. The flight information in his previous letter changed when they arrived at the airport and were told that their flight had been canceled for mechanical reason. The 17 missionaries were split up into three different flights (I think) with no companionship flying together.
Ross and three others flew to Atlanta where he called home for a quick chat. Then they were flying to Amsterdam, and then to Bucharest, Romania. J and S were also able to talk with him - J had stayed home to catch up on homework, etc., and S was ill. After our phone call, he was able to call his dad at work.
Ross sounded wonderful - excited and happy. He has made great friendships at the MTC and is looking forward to working hard for the next 22 months. He has heard about the various communities in Romania and is anxious to find out where he will be serving. After he arrives at the mission home, he will be able to send us a quick email telling us he arrived safe and sound.
He has been very grateful for all the love, support, letters and packages he has received during the past two months. I am not sure if he will be able to receive emails from people other than family -- it will depend on his mission rules. We will let you know the scoop as soon as we know. He can recieve regular letters (only letters) through the pouch mail in Salt Lake. (The mailing cost is equal to sending a regular US mail.)
On the letter we received today, the last one from the MTC, the return address says: "Somewhere in Romania
Excited to find out where"
Ross and three others flew to Atlanta where he called home for a quick chat. Then they were flying to Amsterdam, and then to Bucharest, Romania. J and S were also able to talk with him - J had stayed home to catch up on homework, etc., and S was ill. After our phone call, he was able to call his dad at work.
Ross sounded wonderful - excited and happy. He has made great friendships at the MTC and is looking forward to working hard for the next 22 months. He has heard about the various communities in Romania and is anxious to find out where he will be serving. After he arrives at the mission home, he will be able to send us a quick email telling us he arrived safe and sound.
He has been very grateful for all the love, support, letters and packages he has received during the past two months. I am not sure if he will be able to receive emails from people other than family -- it will depend on his mission rules. We will let you know the scoop as soon as we know. He can recieve regular letters (only letters) through the pouch mail in Salt Lake. (The mailing cost is equal to sending a regular US mail.)
On the letter we received today, the last one from the MTC, the return address says: "Somewhere in Romania
Excited to find out where"
Photos - at MTC
Glad to arrive, happier to leave!
The sweetest pic of the temple! I'm going to be a professional photographer. Ha!
Written Feb. 28, 2007
Fam!
Five days! Oh man, I can't wait! Last night, after an exceptional devotional, President Hansen, the previous mission president of Romania, came and talked to us. He showed us a slide show and talked about the work there. It really pumped me up (not that I wasn't already).
We are flying through Dulles Airport, which is way cool. One because I have never been there and two, because it's initials are IAD. Iad means "hell" in Romanian. Soo, I'm going through hell to get to Romania. We stop in Vienna, too. It'll be a fun trip, about 20 hours.
The last time at the TRC went well again. I didn't use any notes again and I am excited to teach in real situations soon.
Last Saturday, I had the sweetest gym! Haha! I was tearing it up like crazy and someone threw me an alley-oop in one of the games. It was the sickest dunk ever! Oh, and it turns out we get to play basketball in Romania and the Romanians aren't very good players. So, I'll have to challenge people and be like, "If I beat all 3 of you by myself, then you have to be baptized." It will be sweet.
It's cool, one of the districts in my zone are going to the Portland Mission. Maybe you will seen them. I forgot most of their names but Elder Woods and Elder Eaton were two of them. Say hi if you see them.
My personal study has been going so awesome! I love the scriptures. I'm reading the four gospels since I've been here and in Alma (I started the Book of Mormon again when I arrived). I love it! Especially Acts. Paul is an awesome example of missionary work and I especially love Acts 21:13. I want to be like that.
Dad - Sounds like you have been busy and doing lots of good. You are always an example of service and I really like that.
Mom - You are very busy and active, don't forget to rest once in a while! How did the food for the play go? Ha, was J. happy? You guys should get an email from me in about a week.
J - How's the play? That is way cool about the story Dad told me about Bro S's talk with his daughter.
S - How are you doing? You are one amazing girl with lots of talents: school, music, sports and lots more. Don't buy them.
E-Sounds like you are as athletic as ever. Mom said you put many holes in the grass with the golf club . . . nice work!
A-I'm glad you're excited to be baptized. You will have to write me and tell me how it was and how you felt.
W-Thank-you. I loved your book. Mom told me about your sock combo to church - one hot pink and one orange. Can I do that on my mission? Maybe you can send me some. Keep on singing. Don't ever stop.
Well everyone, I am going to Romania! I'm nervous but not scared. I'm confident in the Lord and know I am ready. Mostly, I am stoked as all get out!! Haha, Romania, here I come. I love you all . . . and keep up all the great work you're doing. Always trust in the Lord. He is in everything.
Love, Elder Ross
Five days! Oh man, I can't wait! Last night, after an exceptional devotional, President Hansen, the previous mission president of Romania, came and talked to us. He showed us a slide show and talked about the work there. It really pumped me up (not that I wasn't already).
We are flying through Dulles Airport, which is way cool. One because I have never been there and two, because it's initials are IAD. Iad means "hell" in Romanian. Soo, I'm going through hell to get to Romania. We stop in Vienna, too. It'll be a fun trip, about 20 hours.
The last time at the TRC went well again. I didn't use any notes again and I am excited to teach in real situations soon.
Last Saturday, I had the sweetest gym! Haha! I was tearing it up like crazy and someone threw me an alley-oop in one of the games. It was the sickest dunk ever! Oh, and it turns out we get to play basketball in Romania and the Romanians aren't very good players. So, I'll have to challenge people and be like, "If I beat all 3 of you by myself, then you have to be baptized." It will be sweet.
It's cool, one of the districts in my zone are going to the Portland Mission. Maybe you will seen them. I forgot most of their names but Elder Woods and Elder Eaton were two of them. Say hi if you see them.
My personal study has been going so awesome! I love the scriptures. I'm reading the four gospels since I've been here and in Alma (I started the Book of Mormon again when I arrived). I love it! Especially Acts. Paul is an awesome example of missionary work and I especially love Acts 21:13. I want to be like that.
Dad - Sounds like you have been busy and doing lots of good. You are always an example of service and I really like that.
Mom - You are very busy and active, don't forget to rest once in a while! How did the food for the play go? Ha, was J. happy? You guys should get an email from me in about a week.
J - How's the play? That is way cool about the story Dad told me about Bro S's talk with his daughter.
S - How are you doing? You are one amazing girl with lots of talents: school, music, sports and lots more. Don't buy them.
E-Sounds like you are as athletic as ever. Mom said you put many holes in the grass with the golf club . . . nice work!
A-I'm glad you're excited to be baptized. You will have to write me and tell me how it was and how you felt.
W-Thank-you. I loved your book. Mom told me about your sock combo to church - one hot pink and one orange. Can I do that on my mission? Maybe you can send me some. Keep on singing. Don't ever stop.
Well everyone, I am going to Romania! I'm nervous but not scared. I'm confident in the Lord and know I am ready. Mostly, I am stoked as all get out!! Haha, Romania, here I come. I love you all . . . and keep up all the great work you're doing. Always trust in the Lord. He is in everything.
Love, Elder Ross
Friday, March 2, 2007
More MTC photos
A "professional" picture of me with Elder K's sheet as background.
Me & Elder C. He is a deaf elder and heading to New York. He is way cool!
Elder E. and myself. He went to Romania last transfer.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Written Feb. 21, 2007
Dear Family,
I am getting so excited to leave! Time has flown and I am leaving in less than two weeks now. It's great, for the first time, an English-speaking district came in today and we get to leave before they do! The language is coming along great. This week in the TRC, we taught the 3rd lesson, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was awesome. I didn't use any notes at all and we had a great lesson, an actual discussion, with the investigators. We only have one more time to teach, then the next week it's the real thing!
I don't remember if I told you guys, but I've been singing in the MTC choir. It's great, I love it. We've sung some really awesome songs and they are fun. I've been singing tenor, trying to increase ye olde vocal range. It's pretty crazy, I'm actually a pretty decent singer.
Sorry I never mentioned anything about the blog, Mom. I think it's an awesome idea. It's a great way to keep everyone updated. Do you put pictures up, too? I really like when you send other people's comments to me in your letters, so keep doing it.
I've been getting packages and letters from many people. I got your Valentine's package. Thank you!
Yeah, President Ashby and his wife were confused about the 17 going to Romania as well. But all of us are speaking Romanian. There aren't Russian speakers going with us.
The language really isn't too frustrating. They only thing is that I still can't roll my R's all the way. I mean, I can do it but I can't hold it yet. We're supposed SYL [speak your language] all the time, as much as we can, but our district isn't very good about that.
I did write Victor [his Russian pen pal] and he knows I am gong to Romania. I haven't written him since I got here. I need his address.
The MTC Bookstore actually sells a lot . It has everything from food and drinks to church books in different languages to laundry supplies. It's pretty useful. No, I don't have my flight plans yet but I'm sure it won't be too long now.
Well, life here is slow and fast. A week feels like a day and a day feels like a week. It's weird to think I've been here seven weeks. Well, I included some pictures. [I will include them soon.] Hope you enjoy. I love you all, Have a great week!
Love, Elder Ross
P.S. I showed off the article of J. to everyone! It was way cool and I was proud to show everyone my brother! [Email us and we can tell you about the article.]
I am getting so excited to leave! Time has flown and I am leaving in less than two weeks now. It's great, for the first time, an English-speaking district came in today and we get to leave before they do! The language is coming along great. This week in the TRC, we taught the 3rd lesson, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was awesome. I didn't use any notes at all and we had a great lesson, an actual discussion, with the investigators. We only have one more time to teach, then the next week it's the real thing!
I don't remember if I told you guys, but I've been singing in the MTC choir. It's great, I love it. We've sung some really awesome songs and they are fun. I've been singing tenor, trying to increase ye olde vocal range. It's pretty crazy, I'm actually a pretty decent singer.
Sorry I never mentioned anything about the blog, Mom. I think it's an awesome idea. It's a great way to keep everyone updated. Do you put pictures up, too? I really like when you send other people's comments to me in your letters, so keep doing it.
I've been getting packages and letters from many people. I got your Valentine's package. Thank you!
Yeah, President Ashby and his wife were confused about the 17 going to Romania as well. But all of us are speaking Romanian. There aren't Russian speakers going with us.
The language really isn't too frustrating. They only thing is that I still can't roll my R's all the way. I mean, I can do it but I can't hold it yet. We're supposed SYL [speak your language] all the time, as much as we can, but our district isn't very good about that.
I did write Victor [his Russian pen pal] and he knows I am gong to Romania. I haven't written him since I got here. I need his address.
The MTC Bookstore actually sells a lot . It has everything from food and drinks to church books in different languages to laundry supplies. It's pretty useful. No, I don't have my flight plans yet but I'm sure it won't be too long now.
Well, life here is slow and fast. A week feels like a day and a day feels like a week. It's weird to think I've been here seven weeks. Well, I included some pictures. [I will include them soon.] Hope you enjoy. I love you all, Have a great week!
Love, Elder Ross
P.S. I showed off the article of J. to everyone! It was way cool and I was proud to show everyone my brother! [Email us and we can tell you about the article.]
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Feb 14 - Pictures
Me at the Referral Center
Me with Elder P. I hated playing basketball with him; he's a big boy.
With two of the baddest missionaries that have been in my zone!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Letter written Feb. 14
Dear Family
Happy Valentine's Day! It's been a very good Valentine's for me; I got 3 packages and a letter yesterday! A small package and a letter from E. and a package from each of the grandparents. Make sure to tell the grandparents thanks. I have never been in short supply of food and I'm pretty much the envy of everyone else. People always come to me because they know I'm the man with the hook-ups!
The MTC is going well and the language is coming along great. Elder B. and I are preparing to teach the next TRC lesson without any outline. This last time at the TRC was incredible. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and were still wrapping it up after 40 mins when time ran out. Fratele Norris said it looked too easy for us so halfway in, he sent in Fratele Orme to mix it up. It was fun! He said it looked like we had been out in the field for a couple months already. And everyone who watched us said we look extremely relaxed and comfortable teaching. It's great to feel the Spirit work through me.
I had a great experience teaching district meeting Sunday. Oh it was so cool! Elder R and I were asked to teach at the district meeting this morning. It lasts an hour and we were given the topic of Jesus Christ, only the biggest topic in the history of the church. So we decided to teach on how we can feel our Savior's love and draw closer to Him. We read through most of chapters 9-11 in 3 Nephi (highly recommend you read it) and discussed and analyzed it with the district. It was so sweet, we both bore really good testimonies and the Spirit was working through us and was felt by everyone. President Cochran (the branch president) stood up after and said, "Those were 19 year old men and they just gave an incredible lesson." Then in Sacrament Meeting, he talked about how he had heard this morning the best lesson he's ever listened to and how no one in the room could deny the Spirit. Oh! I'm so excited, the Lord is beginning to work through me and use me. It's exhilarating!
So my nightly workouts have started something big! I asked Elder G. to "coach" me, just to give a good workout with lots of different muscle builders. He knows a lot about exercise. Anyway, now, like 10-15 join in his workout. It's sweet and it's pretty intense. We call it "General G's House of Pain."
Oh, I've seen Dallin [one of his best friends as a preschooler] a few times here and talked to him. It was cool, he's way excited to serve. He actually left yesterday, I think. I've seen Josh a couple times, too but haven't been able to talk to him for very long. Oh, and I've seen Andrew (Mark's cousin) and talked to him a bunch. It's crazy how many people I know here, some from last semester, too.
Peter [his cousin] sent me a letter! It was great to hear from him. I'm sure you guys have heard more so I won't give you his news, which is like a month old.
It's really cool, we have a deaf Elder in our zone again so when we go to the temple, we get to see the subtitles. It's cool to read because a lot of times I get something new out of it that way. I'm going to miss that most of all, the temple, I mean when I go to Romania. And the breakfasts we eat in the temple cafeteria after session. It's the best food we eat all week.
On Sunday night, I've probably already told you this, we get to watch a movie. Last Sunday, it was the Testaments. I love that movie so much. It means even more because I've drawn so much closer to my Savior and felt so much more of His love since I've been here.
Tell Pietr or his family to tell him to write me. He will probably need my address. I haven't heard from him yet. Get that punk to write me.
Dad - Thanks for the update on conference! It sounds like it was awesome! The new English-speaking elders in my zone (some of them) are going to Portland. So maybe you'll see them.
Mom- How are you doing? Keeping the kids under control? Haha! It sounds like you are very busy but that is good. Thanks for your "I Knows" They are seriously a help and a strength.
J - It's great to hear you've been reading "Preach my Gospel."
S - Thanks for your letters. They are great! Thanks for the drawings too. They are very cool. Man, I was thinking about it and you will be so grown up when I get back. Just stay smiley and be friends with everyone.
I would love to hear about the youngest ones. Write and tell me what you are doing, okay? Love each other and help each other out. Be good and listen to Mom.
Well, it's about that time. Have an amazing week and I love you all!
Love, Elder Ross
PS I hope you like the pics. In case you forgot, I labeled myself on the back! [I will post these in a day or two.]
Happy Valentine's Day! It's been a very good Valentine's for me; I got 3 packages and a letter yesterday! A small package and a letter from E. and a package from each of the grandparents. Make sure to tell the grandparents thanks. I have never been in short supply of food and I'm pretty much the envy of everyone else. People always come to me because they know I'm the man with the hook-ups!
The MTC is going well and the language is coming along great. Elder B. and I are preparing to teach the next TRC lesson without any outline. This last time at the TRC was incredible. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and were still wrapping it up after 40 mins when time ran out. Fratele Norris said it looked too easy for us so halfway in, he sent in Fratele Orme to mix it up. It was fun! He said it looked like we had been out in the field for a couple months already. And everyone who watched us said we look extremely relaxed and comfortable teaching. It's great to feel the Spirit work through me.
I had a great experience teaching district meeting Sunday. Oh it was so cool! Elder R and I were asked to teach at the district meeting this morning. It lasts an hour and we were given the topic of Jesus Christ, only the biggest topic in the history of the church. So we decided to teach on how we can feel our Savior's love and draw closer to Him. We read through most of chapters 9-11 in 3 Nephi (highly recommend you read it) and discussed and analyzed it with the district. It was so sweet, we both bore really good testimonies and the Spirit was working through us and was felt by everyone. President Cochran (the branch president) stood up after and said, "Those were 19 year old men and they just gave an incredible lesson." Then in Sacrament Meeting, he talked about how he had heard this morning the best lesson he's ever listened to and how no one in the room could deny the Spirit. Oh! I'm so excited, the Lord is beginning to work through me and use me. It's exhilarating!
So my nightly workouts have started something big! I asked Elder G. to "coach" me, just to give a good workout with lots of different muscle builders. He knows a lot about exercise. Anyway, now, like 10-15 join in his workout. It's sweet and it's pretty intense. We call it "General G's House of Pain."
Oh, I've seen Dallin [one of his best friends as a preschooler] a few times here and talked to him. It was cool, he's way excited to serve. He actually left yesterday, I think. I've seen Josh a couple times, too but haven't been able to talk to him for very long. Oh, and I've seen Andrew (Mark's cousin) and talked to him a bunch. It's crazy how many people I know here, some from last semester, too.
Peter [his cousin] sent me a letter! It was great to hear from him. I'm sure you guys have heard more so I won't give you his news, which is like a month old.
It's really cool, we have a deaf Elder in our zone again so when we go to the temple, we get to see the subtitles. It's cool to read because a lot of times I get something new out of it that way. I'm going to miss that most of all, the temple, I mean when I go to Romania. And the breakfasts we eat in the temple cafeteria after session. It's the best food we eat all week.
On Sunday night, I've probably already told you this, we get to watch a movie. Last Sunday, it was the Testaments. I love that movie so much. It means even more because I've drawn so much closer to my Savior and felt so much more of His love since I've been here.
Tell Pietr or his family to tell him to write me. He will probably need my address. I haven't heard from him yet. Get that punk to write me.
Dad - Thanks for the update on conference! It sounds like it was awesome! The new English-speaking elders in my zone (some of them) are going to Portland. So maybe you'll see them.
Mom- How are you doing? Keeping the kids under control? Haha! It sounds like you are very busy but that is good. Thanks for your "I Knows" They are seriously a help and a strength.
J - It's great to hear you've been reading "Preach my Gospel."
S - Thanks for your letters. They are great! Thanks for the drawings too. They are very cool. Man, I was thinking about it and you will be so grown up when I get back. Just stay smiley and be friends with everyone.
I would love to hear about the youngest ones. Write and tell me what you are doing, okay? Love each other and help each other out. Be good and listen to Mom.
Well, it's about that time. Have an amazing week and I love you all!
Love, Elder Ross
PS I hope you like the pics. In case you forgot, I labeled myself on the back! [I will post these in a day or two.]
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Letter written Feb. 7, 2007
Hey Family,
How is everyone doing? The MTC is going well, it's extremely reptitious, but its going well. I can't believe I've been here over a month now!! Today, Josh [his college roommate] is coming in so hopefully I'll see him. The MTC is supposed to be the slowest part of the mission and it is going fast! In less than 4 weeks, I'll be in Romania!
This week was the first week we taught at the TRC in Romanian. It was crazy! Elder B. and I had our lesson written down but we said a lot of stuff on the spot, making it up as we went. We understood, too, when the investigator gave us answers. It was sweet and a blessing. Afterwards, Fratele Norris said he was especially impressed with us and we were incredible! Oh, at the end of the lesson, the investigator asked how to pray, and Elder B and I hadn't practiced teaching that. Elder B, being the nice guy he is, haha, turned to me. Then I taught the guy how to pray and it was actually pretty good. It was so sweet! I want to go to Romania now!
Last night, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke at our devotional on prayer. It was really good and then afterward he wanted to shake all of the missionaries' hands so I stood in line for an hour to shake his hand.
The MTC really isn't that exciting . . . it's the same thing day after day, week after week. The language is coming along and I'm growing in the Gospel. Wow, I saw Grandma and Grandpa L. at the temple this morning! It was crazy! I talked with them for a few minutes. What a coincidence. I was shocked when I saw them at first but it was great to talk to them. [I talked with Dad L, who recently moved close to the MTC. He said the whole thing was a nice blessing. He and Mom had driven around and around the temple trying to find a parking spot, then ended up parking far away. As they were walking into the temple, they happened to see Ross leaving. They had a quick visit, not wanting to detain Ross.]
Well, not a lot to write. Have a great week everyone! I love you all.
Elder L.
P.S. Thanks for the stamps. I'll send some pics next week.
How is everyone doing? The MTC is going well, it's extremely reptitious, but its going well. I can't believe I've been here over a month now!! Today, Josh [his college roommate] is coming in so hopefully I'll see him. The MTC is supposed to be the slowest part of the mission and it is going fast! In less than 4 weeks, I'll be in Romania!
This week was the first week we taught at the TRC in Romanian. It was crazy! Elder B. and I had our lesson written down but we said a lot of stuff on the spot, making it up as we went. We understood, too, when the investigator gave us answers. It was sweet and a blessing. Afterwards, Fratele Norris said he was especially impressed with us and we were incredible! Oh, at the end of the lesson, the investigator asked how to pray, and Elder B and I hadn't practiced teaching that. Elder B, being the nice guy he is, haha, turned to me. Then I taught the guy how to pray and it was actually pretty good. It was so sweet! I want to go to Romania now!
Last night, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke at our devotional on prayer. It was really good and then afterward he wanted to shake all of the missionaries' hands so I stood in line for an hour to shake his hand.
The MTC really isn't that exciting . . . it's the same thing day after day, week after week. The language is coming along and I'm growing in the Gospel. Wow, I saw Grandma and Grandpa L. at the temple this morning! It was crazy! I talked with them for a few minutes. What a coincidence. I was shocked when I saw them at first but it was great to talk to them. [I talked with Dad L, who recently moved close to the MTC. He said the whole thing was a nice blessing. He and Mom had driven around and around the temple trying to find a parking spot, then ended up parking far away. As they were walking into the temple, they happened to see Ross leaving. They had a quick visit, not wanting to detain Ross.]
Well, not a lot to write. Have a great week everyone! I love you all.
Elder L.
P.S. Thanks for the stamps. I'll send some pics next week.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Letter written Jan. 31, 2007
Hey family,
How is everything going? The MTC is going well! Still can't wait until I'm in Romania, though. Our district is back to 17 . . . Elder D. switched to English-speaking and is actually already in the field! He's in Canada, Toronto. It's too bad but maybe the Lord knew that and so we got Elder Williams, so we are still a district of 17.
We got a new teacher, Fratele Irion. He's way cool; he just got off his mission in September. So for now, our district has 5 teachers because Fratele Orme and Sora Jensen will be helping us until the new Romanian district arrives on the 14th. Speaking of new districts, I'm excited to meet the new district in our branch that is coming in today. And next week, Josh [his BYU roommate] is coming in to the MTC. That'll be way cool to see him.
My branch president is president Cochran. He knows some American Sign Language but no other languages. His counselors are Brother Stone and Brother Yerkes, who is a convert. They're all great guys.
I've seen Katie [a high school friend who works at the MTC cafeteria] and talked to her a couple times and I've seen Doug in the techie box but haven't gotten to talk to him yet. My companion is Elder B. He's from St. George. He's a crazy guy; he keeps us all entertained.
One of my favorite things is the RC. Last Friday or Saturday, we were doing outbound calls. My first call I talked to this lady, Ruby. I talked to her, bore testimony and I felt that she would take the missionaries. When I asked if she would like the missionaries, she said no, but I had already felt she would so I talked to her more, bore more testimony and promised blessings, then asked her again. She said no, I don't know about that. So I talked to her more and testified and told her how great it would be. Finally she agreed to meet with the missionaries and even seemed excited about it.
It was great. I gave every single person multiple chanced to take the missionaries but no one else would. I want the to have the Gospel so bad but thy wouldn't open up to it. It was frustrating but I learned a lot. The Lord prepares people, not me.
Dad - uhh, there's a slight chance I might have taken your suit and left my own green one. [Funny thing - G's suit disappeared about a month ago and we couldn't find it, then yesterday, just before the letter arrived, J came upstairs with Ross' suit and asked why Ross didn't take his suit. Mystery solved! Now we just need to switch the two suits.]
The language is coming. We teaching in Romanian on Monday in the TRC so that'll be a big test of my proficiency. Fratele Norris said of all the Romance languages, Romanian is probably the hardest. It's fun though. Te iubesc (tay you-bese) - I love you (to one person); Va iubesc - I love you (plural).
J-The food isn't bad but be grateful you have homemade food. I can't wait to go to Romania. Our teachers said the food is really good, especially the bread. The MTC is a great place, I'm making friends that I'll keep for life. I'm ready to leave and do the real work.
It was nice to get a letter from Guy and Stephanie. Tell them thanks and if they are sending a package, chips and salsa are hot items here. It's great to hear from them.
Well, laundry is done. I need to go. Have a great week everyone! I love you all!
Drag (love),
Elder L.
How is everything going? The MTC is going well! Still can't wait until I'm in Romania, though. Our district is back to 17 . . . Elder D. switched to English-speaking and is actually already in the field! He's in Canada, Toronto. It's too bad but maybe the Lord knew that and so we got Elder Williams, so we are still a district of 17.
We got a new teacher, Fratele Irion. He's way cool; he just got off his mission in September. So for now, our district has 5 teachers because Fratele Orme and Sora Jensen will be helping us until the new Romanian district arrives on the 14th. Speaking of new districts, I'm excited to meet the new district in our branch that is coming in today. And next week, Josh [his BYU roommate] is coming in to the MTC. That'll be way cool to see him.
My branch president is president Cochran. He knows some American Sign Language but no other languages. His counselors are Brother Stone and Brother Yerkes, who is a convert. They're all great guys.
I've seen Katie [a high school friend who works at the MTC cafeteria] and talked to her a couple times and I've seen Doug in the techie box but haven't gotten to talk to him yet. My companion is Elder B. He's from St. George. He's a crazy guy; he keeps us all entertained.
One of my favorite things is the RC. Last Friday or Saturday, we were doing outbound calls. My first call I talked to this lady, Ruby. I talked to her, bore testimony and I felt that she would take the missionaries. When I asked if she would like the missionaries, she said no, but I had already felt she would so I talked to her more, bore more testimony and promised blessings, then asked her again. She said no, I don't know about that. So I talked to her more and testified and told her how great it would be. Finally she agreed to meet with the missionaries and even seemed excited about it.
It was great. I gave every single person multiple chanced to take the missionaries but no one else would. I want the to have the Gospel so bad but thy wouldn't open up to it. It was frustrating but I learned a lot. The Lord prepares people, not me.
Dad - uhh, there's a slight chance I might have taken your suit and left my own green one. [Funny thing - G's suit disappeared about a month ago and we couldn't find it, then yesterday, just before the letter arrived, J came upstairs with Ross' suit and asked why Ross didn't take his suit. Mystery solved! Now we just need to switch the two suits.]
The language is coming. We teaching in Romanian on Monday in the TRC so that'll be a big test of my proficiency. Fratele Norris said of all the Romance languages, Romanian is probably the hardest. It's fun though. Te iubesc (tay you-bese) - I love you (to one person); Va iubesc - I love you (plural).
J-The food isn't bad but be grateful you have homemade food. I can't wait to go to Romania. Our teachers said the food is really good, especially the bread. The MTC is a great place, I'm making friends that I'll keep for life. I'm ready to leave and do the real work.
It was nice to get a letter from Guy and Stephanie. Tell them thanks and if they are sending a package, chips and salsa are hot items here. It's great to hear from them.
Well, laundry is done. I need to go. Have a great week everyone! I love you all!
Drag (love),
Elder L.
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