Hey Everyone!
Not a ton of things happened this week, but it was still good. Iasi Days have been going on. It's a week(and some) long celebration in which there are tons of stands and booths everywhere, people selling everything from souvenirs to blankets and slippers to jewelry, winter coats and lots of food. It's pretty crazy, tons of people come from outside the city and lots of these booths are set up right outside our apartment and there has been a constant crowd. Going anywhere takes twice as long as usual. I bought a few things that may be going your way for Christmas : )
Last Monday, we had a FHE with the family. It went really well. We started with a prayer, we shared a spiritual thought on families. We talked about strengthening families through 3 things. I got this from one of the 70's that spoke at General Conference. The things are family prayer every day, family home evening every week and family scripture study every day. The last one is especially hard, because the children are young and don't know how to read. So, we came prepared. We had the children's version of the Book of Mormon and that was kind of our activity. We went around the room and took turns reading and we helped the kids to read just like I used to do with you guys. It was a really good time. Then we finished with dessert. I made banana bread beforehand and it was a HUGE hit... they loved it! Unfortuneatly, they didn't come to church this week. We visited them again Saturday night and they said they were coming, but for some reason it didn't happen. It's hard to set up with them, because their phone doesn't work a lot of the time. Hopefully, it does soon. What I think we really need with them, is to go over there with a member. But to do that I need to be able to set up a specific time, so that the member doesn't lose his time if they're not home. Hopefully, that happens this week. That'd be great.
I don't know why we are having problems with phones but we are. Alina's phone hasn't been working either. We have tried a bunch of times. I think we're going to stop by tonight. They probably have a house phone, I only have a cell phone number. And Ferman has been really busy and lives outside of town. He said he can meet this Thursday, so we'll talk to him then.
At ZL/DL, just like the name says, the zone leaders meet with all the district leaders in their zone. So it was the zone leaders and then four of us district leaders, one of them being Elder Selck. My presentation went alright, I think. I talked on the weekly planning meeting, why and how.I learned a lot in the meeting and it got me excited for this transfer. I still haven't had to have a district meeting yet, but that's the others' fault, just because they were out of town a lot doing exchanges. We'll have one this Wednesday so hopefully that goes well.
Man, J I know exactly how you feel. I got really sick this week and didn't work for two days, Thursday and Friday. It was super lame and I was pretty discouraged, too. No details, but I had serious bowel problems, lol, and so the doctor in Germany told me to go on an all liquid diet. I had to do that for 2 and a half days; I thought I was going to die, I was super weak from not having anything to eat. Saturday morning I felt really sick, but I was just tired of doing nothing and I forced myself to go a lesson. I felt even worse as we were going there, but afterwards I started to do better. It was after that when I ate my first food since Wednesday night and from then on I get better. I'm really glad I didn't have to go to another city for medical attention. Doctor Gardner said something about a tube the size of a garden hose getting shoved somewhere, yikes! Good thing I got better! Just hang in there, J. I'm praying for you. It will all work out.
Pass that on to Heidi, too. I am praying for her. That's rough that she has to go through all of that. Sounds like she is being taken care of though. I still don't know why I got sick and had to go through all that I did and miss two days of work, but I'm sure there was purpose in it and maybe I'll realize that later. One thing is for sure, I'm way more excited about getting out and working. I'm also humbled. I used to kind of brag when I'd say I haven't missed a single day of work on my mission, thinking I was a little better because of that. But of course I wasn't and now I know that better. Our trials are blessings in disguise.
This Sunday Nicu got confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He also received the Aaronic Priesthood and is now a priest. He is a stud. He and his wife have two kids. No, I don't think it's always Italy, but a lot of Romanians do go there. I think it's easier to find work there and the pay is better. President Popovici's wife is actually in Greece,I was wrong when I said Italy.
Training is going really well. It's not a hard thing or a burden, the opposite I think. I mean he doesn't speak as well so I have to speak more in lessons, but that's not a problem and isn't any different than last transfer. Elder Hardman has a great spirit and loves to work hard. It's truly heartfelt everytime he bears testimony, which is something that's hard to hold onto after time. I'm going to learn a lot from him and hopefully he's going to learn a few things from me, too.
Well, I need to go now. Sounds like everyone is busy and working hard. Good luck on your games, S. Get better, J. You, too, Heidi. Dad, you're going to do great on the high council. Thanks for always being a stellar example for me. I'm glad you're enjoying your business, Mom. Keep up the great work. I love you all! Have a great week.
--Elder Ross
P.S.
For christmas or my birthday, I'm going to need a new camera. Mine's on the fritz
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
A Baptism and a Crazy Transfer Meeting
Well, everyone, the new transfer starts! It was a crazy transfer meeting! I am now a district leader and if that's not enough, I'm also training...nuts, huh!? I didn't expect that at all and I don't know if I'm ready. But it's a comfort to know that the Lord qualifies those He calls. There is a lot of responsibilty as a district leader and I still don't know I lot of it. I work a lot with the branch and meet with President Popovici every Sunday. I also am in charge of the missionaries in Iasi, but that's not as big of a responsibility right now, because there are no sisters(yeah, I do miss them, but they should be back next transfer) and the other companionship is the zone leaders. I have to prepare a presentation for ZL/DL this Wednesday, not really looking forward to that, lol. Or to running district meetings. It'll all go well, though, I'm sure.
With my new comp, I didn't break the cycle yet. He's from Utah. 6 for 6. Elder Hardman is his name. He seems ready to work hard and he's really happy to be out here in the field now. He has a really good spirit and definitely has that boboc fire. We're going to tear it up this transfer and try to get a couple baptisms, too. Actually, we already got one! I performed my first baptism ever yesterday! Nicu has made the step and next week he'll join the Church with the receiving of the Holy Ghost. It was a really great experience and it was great to be the one that did it. I guess with all these events; finishing last transfer really strong, becoming DL and trainer and having the baptism, I'm kind of on a high right now. There are ups and downs throughout a mission, but it's these times, especially the baptism, that make it all worth it.
A little update of other events at transfer meeting. Elder Jepsen, you probably remember, my last companion in Timisoara, is training, too. And so is Elder Selck, my trainer "dad"! I have a "brother," now, and best of all, he's black! The family really grew this transfer with two new additions. Also, three other Elders from my MTC group became district leaders: Elders Rigby, Rigdon and Sumbot. A lot of my group is now senior, only 2 elders out of us 12 aren't and we're only in our 6th transfer! That's super young, but that's kind of how the mission is now. To put it this way, lol, we haven't even spent 1/3 of our time out in the field yet! Craziness.
The family is doing really well. They came to church this week and stayed the whole time, even for the baptism. We're going there tonight to have family home evening with them and to show them how it runs. They are awesome and I think they will continue to progress towards baptism. Hopefully, we give them a date this week. That'd be way exciting!
We also started working with Alina, a gothic 15 year old girl. She's really cool and knows the Book of Mormon is true and feels happy when she reads it. Her problem is that she loves some really crazy music and can't even leave the house without it. It's become another idol in her life. But I think as she realizes her worth in God's eyes she will begin to change, which is something she's afraid of right now. We are going to teach her the plan of salvation next and I think it will be awesome.
Ferman is another investigator. He's come to church the last two weeks and really wants to change his life. We haven't talked to him recently, but we are going to talk with him and with President Popovici next Sunday before church. I think he will get baptized, too. We have a lot of good investigators and more than those I've talked about. There are a lot I haven't met yet, because they were the sisters' and I haven't set up yet. So hopefully I have a good update next week. : )
The Stoica family is great. The mom is the Principles of the Gospel teacher, the class for the investigators. Andreea is 17 and plays the piano for sacrament meeting and Radu, 14, is just a stud. He's super short and has a mexi-stache. They're all really active and solid.
Some of the best news ever: we're getting cell phones!! You don't even know what a huge help they will be to the work. I can't wait. We should get them by zone conference which is the 18th. When Elder Jepsen and I were companions, we would point out every situation when a cell phone would have saved us from a situation or saved us a lot of time. There were many!
So yeah, I'm pretty stoked for that.
I guess this last week I passed my 9 month mark. Not a huge deal, but it does mean my sisters are halfway done with their missions now. That's kind of a crazy thought.
Dad - Thanks for your email and the update on things. Oh yeah, I actually did get to watch the Saturday and Sunday morning sessions. The Wrights have internet and so we went there and watched it live. The other sessions were too late at night for us. I got a lot out of them, though, and it was my first time in a year.
Mom - Your emails are always very informative and thanks a lot for asking questions. It helps me to know what to write. I'm definitely the busiest I've ever been out here. I have to use exercise time in the morning to get caught up on stuff. It's good, though. A lot of my busyness comes from trying to meet with the people that the sisters used to visit. Once I get farther in there should be a better pattern and I should gain a little more time.
J - Sounds like you tore it up in the football game. That's too bad you guys lost, though. You'll just have to come back with a vengeance this week and dominate. I'm glad to hear that your leg is doing better. That's a huge blessing.
S - Don't worry about losing those volleyball games. Just have fun and play a little better every day. I'm sure you are a help to your team, too. Sounds like you had a really good time at the temple, I'm pretty jealous. Have a good week.
E - That's sweet, E, two goals is pretty impressive. Have you done your derby yet? I hope # 5 wins! What does that mean, you learned how to do better gimp? You're a stud.
A - Wow, you're learning how to type better. It shows. Your team definitely dominated at that soccer game, 6 -0. I hope the other team didn't cry. You're right, I'm having lots of fun in Romania. I miss you guys, though.
W - Hey buddy! I'm glad you like how I'm on a mission. I like it, too. It's going really well and I must be doing something, because I have a lot to do now. The food out here can be really, really good, but yeah, sometimes it's pretty gross. Overall, I like it, though. I wish I had a bike or a car. I walk everywhere or take a tramvai, a street trolley I guess you'd call it. Have a good day, Wesley!
L - I hope you have a lot of fun meeting Heather(Sora Beck). I told her to only say good things about me so we'll find out.
Alright all, I hope that was a decent update. I'm doing really well, a little sick today, but I'm sure it won't get me down. Haven't missed a day of missionary work yet and I don't plan on it. I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
--Elder Ross
With my new comp, I didn't break the cycle yet. He's from Utah. 6 for 6. Elder Hardman is his name. He seems ready to work hard and he's really happy to be out here in the field now. He has a really good spirit and definitely has that boboc fire. We're going to tear it up this transfer and try to get a couple baptisms, too. Actually, we already got one! I performed my first baptism ever yesterday! Nicu has made the step and next week he'll join the Church with the receiving of the Holy Ghost. It was a really great experience and it was great to be the one that did it. I guess with all these events; finishing last transfer really strong, becoming DL and trainer and having the baptism, I'm kind of on a high right now. There are ups and downs throughout a mission, but it's these times, especially the baptism, that make it all worth it.
A little update of other events at transfer meeting. Elder Jepsen, you probably remember, my last companion in Timisoara, is training, too. And so is Elder Selck, my trainer "dad"! I have a "brother," now, and best of all, he's black! The family really grew this transfer with two new additions. Also, three other Elders from my MTC group became district leaders: Elders Rigby, Rigdon and Sumbot. A lot of my group is now senior, only 2 elders out of us 12 aren't and we're only in our 6th transfer! That's super young, but that's kind of how the mission is now. To put it this way, lol, we haven't even spent 1/3 of our time out in the field yet! Craziness.
The family is doing really well. They came to church this week and stayed the whole time, even for the baptism. We're going there tonight to have family home evening with them and to show them how it runs. They are awesome and I think they will continue to progress towards baptism. Hopefully, we give them a date this week. That'd be way exciting!
We also started working with Alina, a gothic 15 year old girl. She's really cool and knows the Book of Mormon is true and feels happy when she reads it. Her problem is that she loves some really crazy music and can't even leave the house without it. It's become another idol in her life. But I think as she realizes her worth in God's eyes she will begin to change, which is something she's afraid of right now. We are going to teach her the plan of salvation next and I think it will be awesome.
Ferman is another investigator. He's come to church the last two weeks and really wants to change his life. We haven't talked to him recently, but we are going to talk with him and with President Popovici next Sunday before church. I think he will get baptized, too. We have a lot of good investigators and more than those I've talked about. There are a lot I haven't met yet, because they were the sisters' and I haven't set up yet. So hopefully I have a good update next week. : )
The Stoica family is great. The mom is the Principles of the Gospel teacher, the class for the investigators. Andreea is 17 and plays the piano for sacrament meeting and Radu, 14, is just a stud. He's super short and has a mexi-stache. They're all really active and solid.
Some of the best news ever: we're getting cell phones!! You don't even know what a huge help they will be to the work. I can't wait. We should get them by zone conference which is the 18th. When Elder Jepsen and I were companions, we would point out every situation when a cell phone would have saved us from a situation or saved us a lot of time. There were many!
So yeah, I'm pretty stoked for that.
I guess this last week I passed my 9 month mark. Not a huge deal, but it does mean my sisters are halfway done with their missions now. That's kind of a crazy thought.
Dad - Thanks for your email and the update on things. Oh yeah, I actually did get to watch the Saturday and Sunday morning sessions. The Wrights have internet and so we went there and watched it live. The other sessions were too late at night for us. I got a lot out of them, though, and it was my first time in a year.
Mom - Your emails are always very informative and thanks a lot for asking questions. It helps me to know what to write. I'm definitely the busiest I've ever been out here. I have to use exercise time in the morning to get caught up on stuff. It's good, though. A lot of my busyness comes from trying to meet with the people that the sisters used to visit. Once I get farther in there should be a better pattern and I should gain a little more time.
J - Sounds like you tore it up in the football game. That's too bad you guys lost, though. You'll just have to come back with a vengeance this week and dominate. I'm glad to hear that your leg is doing better. That's a huge blessing.
S - Don't worry about losing those volleyball games. Just have fun and play a little better every day. I'm sure you are a help to your team, too. Sounds like you had a really good time at the temple, I'm pretty jealous. Have a good week.
E - That's sweet, E, two goals is pretty impressive. Have you done your derby yet? I hope # 5 wins! What does that mean, you learned how to do better gimp? You're a stud.
A - Wow, you're learning how to type better. It shows. Your team definitely dominated at that soccer game, 6 -0. I hope the other team didn't cry. You're right, I'm having lots of fun in Romania. I miss you guys, though.
W - Hey buddy! I'm glad you like how I'm on a mission. I like it, too. It's going really well and I must be doing something, because I have a lot to do now. The food out here can be really, really good, but yeah, sometimes it's pretty gross. Overall, I like it, though. I wish I had a bike or a car. I walk everywhere or take a tramvai, a street trolley I guess you'd call it. Have a good day, Wesley!
L - I hope you have a lot of fun meeting Heather(Sora Beck). I told her to only say good things about me so we'll find out.
Alright all, I hope that was a decent update. I'm doing really well, a little sick today, but I'm sure it won't get me down. Haven't missed a day of missionary work yet and I don't plan on it. I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
--Elder Ross
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Transfer Calls - Staying in Place
Craziness!!!! So we got transfer calls this morning and guess what happened?! The whole city of Iasi is transferred except for me!! Elder Magleby and Elder Davis are whitewashed out and the sisters are too, but they're also closing their apartment down. There aren't going to be sisters here next transfer : ( And then Elder Platt is transferred, too. So no pressure on me, lol. I don't even know the city that well and I'm going to be the one showing all the missionaries that come in around. And I also need to take on the sisters investigators and work with their members. Of course I can divide that with the other set of elders, but it's still a lot of work to be done. Crazy! I wonder who my next companion will be. I'm really excited for transfer meeting. It's a special one and the whole mission will be there, even people that aren't transferred. It'll be great to see all the people and friends I know.
This last week was pretty good. We had some pretty good numbers. Like we had 118 contacts in one day! I've had weeks with less than that. That was helped by a bloc knocking exchange we had, where I went with Petru and Elder Platter went with Mihai, so we had double the force. Sora Beck, my mission mom, is gone! We took her to the train station last night and so that's that. Oh man, Sora Rappleye wasn't told that she is transferred until this morning, so she went to Bucharest last night without her baggage and now she has to come back(she'll get here at 2am tomorrow morning) and pack and then she'll go down again with us.
Thanks a lot for asking a lot of questions, because I don't really feel like writing a lot today. So I'll respond to your questions and hopefully that covers a lot. Btw, this crazy mass pullout of Iasi, we decided, is because we did so well this last transfer. I think we were the best district in the mission actually. So the strategy is to take all of us and spread us across the whole mission and then everything well grow. Lol, just our thoughts.
Oh, how the transfer call works is that after it's all figured out, mostly between President and the AP's, then the AP's call all the Zone Leaders and then the Zone Leaders call their District Leaders and their District Leaders call everyone in the districts.
The family came to the picnic, with the exception of the husband, and I think they had a really good time. Tina wouldn't leave me, lol, and I was playing with her like the whole time. She's a way cute little girl. All the kids are actually. Maybe I'll send some pictures at one point. No, I never used the flannel boards. Young kids are so rare I never had a chance and it wasn't worth carrying them around.
There are families that are close to complete. The Stoicas are all members except for the husband. And the branch president's family is all members, but his wife is in Italy most of the year. Outreach is going alright, not too good as of late, but a lot of that might be kids starting school and getting into the new schedule. No, we're not teaching any young adults now.
Gabriella sounded really good when I talked to her on the phone. She was really glad I called. Yeah, I think there a members to fellowship her, but to be honest she's a better member than almost all of them and probably knows the gospel a lot better. She's a really smart, classy lady. I don't know if she has a calling yet.
I'm really glad things are going really well for all of you and especially that J's hairy leg isn't doing too bad. Thanks a lot for trying to write me S. You are the awesome and I don't even mind that I didn't get the email. It means a lot to me that you just tried.
I'm way excited for this next week. I have a lot to do to get ready to go down to Bucharest and I really hope I'm up to running the city of Iasi for a little while, at least until the others, whoever they are, learn the members and the area. Woohoo, can't wait! I hope you all have a fantastic week and I love you all.
--Elder Ross
This last week was pretty good. We had some pretty good numbers. Like we had 118 contacts in one day! I've had weeks with less than that. That was helped by a bloc knocking exchange we had, where I went with Petru and Elder Platter went with Mihai, so we had double the force. Sora Beck, my mission mom, is gone! We took her to the train station last night and so that's that. Oh man, Sora Rappleye wasn't told that she is transferred until this morning, so she went to Bucharest last night without her baggage and now she has to come back(she'll get here at 2am tomorrow morning) and pack and then she'll go down again with us.
Thanks a lot for asking a lot of questions, because I don't really feel like writing a lot today. So I'll respond to your questions and hopefully that covers a lot. Btw, this crazy mass pullout of Iasi, we decided, is because we did so well this last transfer. I think we were the best district in the mission actually. So the strategy is to take all of us and spread us across the whole mission and then everything well grow. Lol, just our thoughts.
Oh, how the transfer call works is that after it's all figured out, mostly between President and the AP's, then the AP's call all the Zone Leaders and then the Zone Leaders call their District Leaders and their District Leaders call everyone in the districts.
The family came to the picnic, with the exception of the husband, and I think they had a really good time. Tina wouldn't leave me, lol, and I was playing with her like the whole time. She's a way cute little girl. All the kids are actually. Maybe I'll send some pictures at one point. No, I never used the flannel boards. Young kids are so rare I never had a chance and it wasn't worth carrying them around.
There are families that are close to complete. The Stoicas are all members except for the husband. And the branch president's family is all members, but his wife is in Italy most of the year. Outreach is going alright, not too good as of late, but a lot of that might be kids starting school and getting into the new schedule. No, we're not teaching any young adults now.
Gabriella sounded really good when I talked to her on the phone. She was really glad I called. Yeah, I think there a members to fellowship her, but to be honest she's a better member than almost all of them and probably knows the gospel a lot better. She's a really smart, classy lady. I don't know if she has a calling yet.
I'm really glad things are going really well for all of you and especially that J's hairy leg isn't doing too bad. Thanks a lot for trying to write me S. You are the awesome and I don't even mind that I didn't get the email. It means a lot to me that you just tried.
I'm way excited for this next week. I have a lot to do to get ready to go down to Bucharest and I really hope I'm up to running the city of Iasi for a little while, at least until the others, whoever they are, learn the members and the area. Woohoo, can't wait! I hope you all have a fantastic week and I love you all.
--Elder Ross
Monday, September 24, 2007
An Amazing Week
Hey Wonderful People!
This last week was amazing! It was a week set apart by our zone leaders in which to work extra hard and get done all that we possible could. They called it "Ninja Turtle Week." We had a lot of success and it was shown in our weekly numbers. Even though numbers aren't the important thing, people are, it was good to make almost all of our goals(which we had set really high) and come really close on the others.
We are teaching the coolest family in the whole world!! The family of the guy that stopped us last night. This week we tried to go back on Friday and we met him, but he had an emergency at work and had to leave. He told us to go and talk to his wife, but when we went there she was the only one home and so we couldn't have a lesson, because of the rules with that. But the kids were all outside the bloc playing and we talked to them for a while. Then yesterday morning we went to their house and went with them to church. Btw, the husband and wife are Sebastian and Monica and the kids are David, Tina and Andrada. Almost right away David grabbed my hand and held it all the way to the church. Then Tina grabbed my other hand. Elder Wright said it was a really cool scene to look out the window and see us walking up with this great family, while we're all holding hands. They only stayed for the first hour, but they really enjoyed it. The kids loved it too and as soon as they got home, Monica told me later, they asked when they were going to go again. Then last night we had a really good lesson with them, and one of Sebastian's friends, and gave them a Book of Mormon. It was so cool, they are a bomb family! President Popovici gave them a personal invitation to a branch picnic this Saturday and they really want to come. I'm sooo excited! It was the perfect end to a really great week!
And guess what?!? Gabriella got baptized yesterday!! Woohoo! Elder Woodhouse called me Saturday night and told me, then I called Gabriella last night. She is incredible, it was good to talk to her. Sounds like Timisoara is doing really good. A younger girl got baptized, too, Didona. I don't know if I ever wrote anything about her. It's great to see the work progressing. I think all of Romania might be getting close to breaking out. A lot of places are starting to pick up.
Not a whole lot else happened, we just worked hard. English is pretty good. I invited some of our students to our sport activity and four of them came. That was pretty sweet. We played capture the flag, except that you don't tag people. Everyone has a ball with flour(cut-up nylons with flour in them) and you're out when someone hits you. It was way fun and we had about 20 people there. That's a really good turnout.
Man, this transfer has gone by so fast! Next week we get transfer calls. I really have no idea what will happen. I'm really hoping that I stay here. It could be me or Elder Platt or we could stay together for another one. Or I could train or I could go District Leader or I could stay normal senior. It's crazy, either a lot could happen or absolutely nothing could happen. We'll find out next week.
Whoa, that's crazy about J's leg. I hope it gets better soon. That's cool that more colleges are starting to pay attention. Keep me updated.
I won't lie, as my mission has gone along, it has been harder and harder to write good emails. Sorry! It seriously feels like I'm always here at internet writing letters, like all the weeks blend. It's hard to have the motivation to write well. Hope I do alright. Thanks a lot for the updates on the family, from Mom's work, J's football, the little kids' soccer, S's activities, Dad's working hard, everything.
Oh, thanks for asking. I am good on clothes and socks. Just g's. My church shoes(normal shoes for me) are doing alright. My pday shoes are pretty worn, but it'll be a lot easier to get a pair here. Ok, I'm done, I need to go now.
You guys are awesome! I love you all! Have a great one!
-- Elder Ross
This last week was amazing! It was a week set apart by our zone leaders in which to work extra hard and get done all that we possible could. They called it "Ninja Turtle Week." We had a lot of success and it was shown in our weekly numbers. Even though numbers aren't the important thing, people are, it was good to make almost all of our goals(which we had set really high) and come really close on the others.
We are teaching the coolest family in the whole world!! The family of the guy that stopped us last night. This week we tried to go back on Friday and we met him, but he had an emergency at work and had to leave. He told us to go and talk to his wife, but when we went there she was the only one home and so we couldn't have a lesson, because of the rules with that. But the kids were all outside the bloc playing and we talked to them for a while. Then yesterday morning we went to their house and went with them to church. Btw, the husband and wife are Sebastian and Monica and the kids are David, Tina and Andrada. Almost right away David grabbed my hand and held it all the way to the church. Then Tina grabbed my other hand. Elder Wright said it was a really cool scene to look out the window and see us walking up with this great family, while we're all holding hands. They only stayed for the first hour, but they really enjoyed it. The kids loved it too and as soon as they got home, Monica told me later, they asked when they were going to go again. Then last night we had a really good lesson with them, and one of Sebastian's friends, and gave them a Book of Mormon. It was so cool, they are a bomb family! President Popovici gave them a personal invitation to a branch picnic this Saturday and they really want to come. I'm sooo excited! It was the perfect end to a really great week!
And guess what?!? Gabriella got baptized yesterday!! Woohoo! Elder Woodhouse called me Saturday night and told me, then I called Gabriella last night. She is incredible, it was good to talk to her. Sounds like Timisoara is doing really good. A younger girl got baptized, too, Didona. I don't know if I ever wrote anything about her. It's great to see the work progressing. I think all of Romania might be getting close to breaking out. A lot of places are starting to pick up.
Not a whole lot else happened, we just worked hard. English is pretty good. I invited some of our students to our sport activity and four of them came. That was pretty sweet. We played capture the flag, except that you don't tag people. Everyone has a ball with flour(cut-up nylons with flour in them) and you're out when someone hits you. It was way fun and we had about 20 people there. That's a really good turnout.
Man, this transfer has gone by so fast! Next week we get transfer calls. I really have no idea what will happen. I'm really hoping that I stay here. It could be me or Elder Platt or we could stay together for another one. Or I could train or I could go District Leader or I could stay normal senior. It's crazy, either a lot could happen or absolutely nothing could happen. We'll find out next week.
Whoa, that's crazy about J's leg. I hope it gets better soon. That's cool that more colleges are starting to pay attention. Keep me updated.
I won't lie, as my mission has gone along, it has been harder and harder to write good emails. Sorry! It seriously feels like I'm always here at internet writing letters, like all the weeks blend. It's hard to have the motivation to write well. Hope I do alright. Thanks a lot for the updates on the family, from Mom's work, J's football, the little kids' soccer, S's activities, Dad's working hard, everything.
Oh, thanks for asking. I am good on clothes and socks. Just g's. My church shoes(normal shoes for me) are doing alright. My pday shoes are pretty worn, but it'll be a lot easier to get a pair here. Ok, I'm done, I need to go now.
You guys are awesome! I love you all! Have a great one!
-- Elder Ross
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Street contacts and teaching families
Hey Everyone,
This has been a pretty decent week. Because of zone conference and travel times, we didn't get as much done, but that's alright. We have spent some time both in the blocs and on the streets contacting. On the street, it is different with everyone person. Sometimes I try to talk about any number of gospel topics(having more joy and direction in life, the Book of Mormon, a prophet today, etc) or talk about Outreach or about english courses. We've had some success, too.
On Saturday, we decided to street contact in between our english classes, which we've never done before. We ended up meeting a guy, talked to him for a little bit, showed him the church and then he came the next day and stayed all 3 hours of services! We're meeting him tonight and giving him a book of mormon. Then yesterday on our way to the blocs, a guy stopped us. At first I thought he was just saying crap to us because he didn't talk until we were almost past him(a lot of people make fun of us and swear at us) and I almost kept walking, but for some reason, well, probably the Spirit, I stopped. We talked to him for a little bit, then went with him to his house. He has a beautiful family; a wife and three kids. That is rare! The lesson went really well and he really wants to bring his whole family to church! I'm super excited! We're going to meet with them probably Thursday and give them a Book of Mormon. Then the last door we knocked last night, a guy opened the and said he was really busy, but really wanted to meet with us. So we gave him a pamphlet and got his number and info and he has 3 or 4 kids too! Craziness. So we have a lot of people we could really work out. Oh and on our way home last night 8 people contacted us! I don't know why, but yesterday was blessed.
Ok, my companion, Elder Platt. He's 19, hasn't gone to college yet, a huge paintballer. He actually did a ton of tournaments and made about $13,000 in the last season. Nuts, huh? He's a good guy, very willing to do the work and cares about the people. The senior couple here is pretty cool. They feed us once a week, too.
The branch leaders are great, especially the branch president, Popovici and the branch mission leader, Petru. They are way funny, especially when they make fun of each other. This is a pretty good branch, it functions well. I didn't have to do any translating this last Sunday, but I wish I could have. I helped Sora Rapley, though, when she did it in Sunday School.
Man, what studs! A and W scoring goals and E being a brick wall! That's way impressive. What athletes! And Aaron passed the bar, that is impressive. I'm sure that is a really nice relief after a lot of hard work! Man, a transcript release, huh? That's sweet that a couple of colleges are looking at J. That's sweet!
Dang, I can't believe Dane is coming home! It doesn't seem that long ago since he left. Of course I still feel like I've only been out a couple of months tops. Tell him hi for me. He was always a great example for me.
Thanks for the emails J and S! That prank was hilarious, haha. Can you send me the video?! [Ask J or email us and when we get it on a site, we will send the link.] That would be sweet! Sounds like things are going good, S. That's the perfect attitude for sports. Just have fun and get better and don't be too serious. And that was a really good poem. I liked it a lot! Can't wait to hear more from you guys.
Thanks a ton, Mom! You are amazing! I love you!
Thanks everyone for all that you do and all of your support. I am a super lucky guy and I have a way awesome life. I can't complain. This next week, Elder Platt and I are calling Bomb Week or Week of Miracles. We're going to tear it up hardcore. I hope you all have a great week, too. I love you all!
--Elder Ross
This has been a pretty decent week. Because of zone conference and travel times, we didn't get as much done, but that's alright. We have spent some time both in the blocs and on the streets contacting. On the street, it is different with everyone person. Sometimes I try to talk about any number of gospel topics(having more joy and direction in life, the Book of Mormon, a prophet today, etc) or talk about Outreach or about english courses. We've had some success, too.
On Saturday, we decided to street contact in between our english classes, which we've never done before. We ended up meeting a guy, talked to him for a little bit, showed him the church and then he came the next day and stayed all 3 hours of services! We're meeting him tonight and giving him a book of mormon. Then yesterday on our way to the blocs, a guy stopped us. At first I thought he was just saying crap to us because he didn't talk until we were almost past him(a lot of people make fun of us and swear at us) and I almost kept walking, but for some reason, well, probably the Spirit, I stopped. We talked to him for a little bit, then went with him to his house. He has a beautiful family; a wife and three kids. That is rare! The lesson went really well and he really wants to bring his whole family to church! I'm super excited! We're going to meet with them probably Thursday and give them a Book of Mormon. Then the last door we knocked last night, a guy opened the and said he was really busy, but really wanted to meet with us. So we gave him a pamphlet and got his number and info and he has 3 or 4 kids too! Craziness. So we have a lot of people we could really work out. Oh and on our way home last night 8 people contacted us! I don't know why, but yesterday was blessed.
Ok, my companion, Elder Platt. He's 19, hasn't gone to college yet, a huge paintballer. He actually did a ton of tournaments and made about $13,000 in the last season. Nuts, huh? He's a good guy, very willing to do the work and cares about the people. The senior couple here is pretty cool. They feed us once a week, too.
The branch leaders are great, especially the branch president, Popovici and the branch mission leader, Petru. They are way funny, especially when they make fun of each other. This is a pretty good branch, it functions well. I didn't have to do any translating this last Sunday, but I wish I could have. I helped Sora Rapley, though, when she did it in Sunday School.
Man, what studs! A and W scoring goals and E being a brick wall! That's way impressive. What athletes! And Aaron passed the bar, that is impressive. I'm sure that is a really nice relief after a lot of hard work! Man, a transcript release, huh? That's sweet that a couple of colleges are looking at J. That's sweet!
Dang, I can't believe Dane is coming home! It doesn't seem that long ago since he left. Of course I still feel like I've only been out a couple of months tops. Tell him hi for me. He was always a great example for me.
Thanks for the emails J and S! That prank was hilarious, haha. Can you send me the video?! [Ask J or email us and when we get it on a site, we will send the link.] That would be sweet! Sounds like things are going good, S. That's the perfect attitude for sports. Just have fun and get better and don't be too serious. And that was a really good poem. I liked it a lot! Can't wait to hear more from you guys.
Thanks a ton, Mom! You are amazing! I love you!
Thanks everyone for all that you do and all of your support. I am a super lucky guy and I have a way awesome life. I can't complain. This next week, Elder Platt and I are calling Bomb Week or Week of Miracles. We're going to tear it up hardcore. I hope you all have a great week, too. I love you all!
--Elder Ross
Thursday, September 13, 2007
This week has been really good!
Hey Everyone!
This week has been really good and, as you guessed Mom, we had zone conference. The conference was awesome and I learned a lot of things about how I can be a better missionary. I think I started to get into a pattern and was doing things just to do them, but I've been jolted out of that and am focusing more on following the Spirit and stretching myself.
For example we talked a lot about contacting people throughout the day, not just going from one lesson to another, but to be finding people all the time. Then President sent us outside in the middle of the conference to go street contact for an hour and a half. I went with Elder Selck (my dad!) and it was awesome! We had a different attitude about it and had a lot of success. We only had time to contact about 15 people in that time because we had about 6 lessons from it. That is amazingly good! I learned a lot, too, from Elder Selck and how he teaches. He gets to know the people instead of just launching into a presentation, and then tailor makes a lesson on the spot for them. It's sweet and I've tried to do that more and it makes a huge difference. Elder Platt and I contacted yesterday for just a half an hour or so and got 3 lessons! So, pretty much zone conference was sweet and I learned a lot.
The conference was in Chisinau(in Moldova), which was awesome! We got to see a bit of the city and it's really cool. Transportation was horrible, though, I mean getting to and from Chisinau. To get there we took a Maxi Taxi, a van packed full of people and it was a 4 hour ride! I couldn't even sit facing straight, because my knees would hit the seat in front of me. It was one of the worst experiences of my life, lol. But seriously. Then on the way back, we took a bus. I had more room, but the first three hours were on really bumpy, windy roads and I spent the whole time on the brink of throwing up. Anyway, now I'm back in Iasi and I'm glad to be here and get back to work.
Well, we still don't have too many investigators, but there are a lot of people that we are hoping become investigators. People we've met, but haven't had two lessons with yet. I made about 10 to 15 calls last night and we have a few lessons set up so we'll see what happens. Something super exciting is that our bomb investigator Nicu is set up for baptism now! His date is the 7th of October, the first Sunday of next transfer...I better not get transferred! And then, his wife got back from Italy and her and his son all came to church on Sunday. Yay! Hopefully we can start working with her, too. We'll find out. We have a lesson with him today.
Not a whole lot else is new. The BYU girls are here now. It's actually way fun, because I get to do a ton of translating and I love it. I'm not too good, because I'm still new at it, but it's just a lot of fun for me. Man, last week I got pulled in Relief Society! They were talking about food storage and so that was way hard to translate and I didn't know what was going on half the time. The BYU girls just told me it didn't matter too much, so when I didn't understand I would just talk to them and say really random stuff and then the romanians thought I was translating what they said. It was super funny.
J, sounds like you did super well at the last game. That's sweet! Nice, too, on how getting a good rep with ladies AND their dads! lol. Keep tearing it up.
Sounds like things are going really well back home. The little ones are playing soccer, going to school and growing up. That's really sweet that W said that he was Ross-sick. I miss you, too, buddy! Christmas isn't too far away and then I can talk to all of you! Btw, I'm glad you were so sensitive to E's needs at the football game, Dad, haha. That was really funny and I know E did alright. He's a tough kid. Mom, that is awesome about your business and how it is succeeding with this huge project. I can't wait to hear more as it progresses. Also, that sounds like a great idea, having the students learn and teach from Preach My Gospel. I don't really have any ideas, just to make it a real role-play, with someone as an investigator. And they have to remember to teach it really simply because that person has never heard any of this before.
Well, I should go. I love you all! Have a great, even fantastic week!
--Elder Ross
This week has been really good and, as you guessed Mom, we had zone conference. The conference was awesome and I learned a lot of things about how I can be a better missionary. I think I started to get into a pattern and was doing things just to do them, but I've been jolted out of that and am focusing more on following the Spirit and stretching myself.
For example we talked a lot about contacting people throughout the day, not just going from one lesson to another, but to be finding people all the time. Then President sent us outside in the middle of the conference to go street contact for an hour and a half. I went with Elder Selck (my dad!) and it was awesome! We had a different attitude about it and had a lot of success. We only had time to contact about 15 people in that time because we had about 6 lessons from it. That is amazingly good! I learned a lot, too, from Elder Selck and how he teaches. He gets to know the people instead of just launching into a presentation, and then tailor makes a lesson on the spot for them. It's sweet and I've tried to do that more and it makes a huge difference. Elder Platt and I contacted yesterday for just a half an hour or so and got 3 lessons! So, pretty much zone conference was sweet and I learned a lot.
The conference was in Chisinau(in Moldova), which was awesome! We got to see a bit of the city and it's really cool. Transportation was horrible, though, I mean getting to and from Chisinau. To get there we took a Maxi Taxi, a van packed full of people and it was a 4 hour ride! I couldn't even sit facing straight, because my knees would hit the seat in front of me. It was one of the worst experiences of my life, lol. But seriously. Then on the way back, we took a bus. I had more room, but the first three hours were on really bumpy, windy roads and I spent the whole time on the brink of throwing up. Anyway, now I'm back in Iasi and I'm glad to be here and get back to work.
Well, we still don't have too many investigators, but there are a lot of people that we are hoping become investigators. People we've met, but haven't had two lessons with yet. I made about 10 to 15 calls last night and we have a few lessons set up so we'll see what happens. Something super exciting is that our bomb investigator Nicu is set up for baptism now! His date is the 7th of October, the first Sunday of next transfer...I better not get transferred! And then, his wife got back from Italy and her and his son all came to church on Sunday. Yay! Hopefully we can start working with her, too. We'll find out. We have a lesson with him today.
Not a whole lot else is new. The BYU girls are here now. It's actually way fun, because I get to do a ton of translating and I love it. I'm not too good, because I'm still new at it, but it's just a lot of fun for me. Man, last week I got pulled in Relief Society! They were talking about food storage and so that was way hard to translate and I didn't know what was going on half the time. The BYU girls just told me it didn't matter too much, so when I didn't understand I would just talk to them and say really random stuff and then the romanians thought I was translating what they said. It was super funny.
J, sounds like you did super well at the last game. That's sweet! Nice, too, on how getting a good rep with ladies AND their dads! lol. Keep tearing it up.
Sounds like things are going really well back home. The little ones are playing soccer, going to school and growing up. That's really sweet that W said that he was Ross-sick. I miss you, too, buddy! Christmas isn't too far away and then I can talk to all of you! Btw, I'm glad you were so sensitive to E's needs at the football game, Dad, haha. That was really funny and I know E did alright. He's a tough kid. Mom, that is awesome about your business and how it is succeeding with this huge project. I can't wait to hear more as it progresses. Also, that sounds like a great idea, having the students learn and teach from Preach My Gospel. I don't really have any ideas, just to make it a real role-play, with someone as an investigator. And they have to remember to teach it really simply because that person has never heard any of this before.
Well, I should go. I love you all! Have a great, even fantastic week!
--Elder Ross
Monday, September 3, 2007
Ok, ok, sorry! I forgot to tell you my new address. [Contact me!] I look forward to getting letters!!!
And I got the package! [A package brought to Romania by friends, which included his birthday present.] Thank you, it had a lot of things I needed. And thanks for the present....it wasn't wrapped separately so I saw it when I opened the box. Whoops! Well, now that I know what it is, I may as well use it. Thanks a lot! It's really nice. The one problem is that I don't know how to put more music on it.
Well, hope everyone had a great last week. It seems like it. Mine was really good. We are starting to learn the city and more importantly to know the members and investigators a lot better. I am really starting to fall in love with these people. I think a lot of it is because I'm senior now and I'm the main person they talk to and that understands them. It's awesome! I can't believe, either, how fast this week went. It seriously feels like I was here writing you yesterday. Time goes sooo fast! And today is my 8th month mark, craziness! I just started my mission and it is 1/3 over already! That is a way weird thought to me.
Well, we have a lot of English here in Iasi. Elder Platt and I have 3 classes on Saturday and another one on Tuesday. And people actually come! It runs a lot better here than in Timisoara. Teaching classes is great, I really like to have fun with my classes and joke around with them.
I've learned a couple things about myself since this transfer started. One is that I am just super laid back. Like I didn't stress out when I went senior and when stuff happens, I just think, well, if I can't do anything about it, why worry. I'd like to think that I work hard, but I also know how to have fun, just like President Trone(i think it was him) said. The other thing is that I am just really easy to get along with and I get along really easily with others. I was talking to Elder Magleby last night about all the companions I've had and he pointed that out to me, like it seems like I just get along with others. I never really thought about that before. Pretty cool, lol.
Dad- Thanks for the sport update, with the high school and with BYU. I look forward to hearing about both throughout the season. Thanks for always being such a good example,Dad. I love you- You have your priorities so straight and you know what needs to be done and you do it. I think diligence is one of many things you've really taught me. I love you.
Mom- Thanks for your support. I really am loving being senior. I dreaded it at first, but now I love it. It brings a lot of new opportunities to grow. I went from Timisoara, where all the missionaries spoke really well and I was on the lower end, but now I realize that I know the language well,we all did in Timisoara, and they pushed me to grow. Now I'm in Iasi and I speak better than everyone, except for Sora Beck. I really am not trying to brag, but I love how the Lord put me in the best situation so that I could grow. I worked really hard at the language(still do, of course) in Timisoara because I wanted to be at the same level as the others and I've been really blessed. Man, it's awesome! Anyway, thanks for always being amazing, Mom. It's true, boys don't realize how great their moms are until they are away from them, out of the house. Hopefully I didn't cause you too many problems at home! ; ) I love you!
J - Yeah, you stud! Sounds like you just ran all over the field, doing whatever you wanted. That's way tight about the radio interview, too. I'm not surprised your talk was super good. I bet it was sweet and that is a really cool quote. Nice! More than one pair of pants. Glad to hear you've stepped it up this year, lol. Don't forget to dominate at school, too.
S - Aww, and you are an amazing sister, lol. I'm sure that's gotta be nice to not have to babysit the kids as much now with school starting. Call me a nerd, but I miss school. It was great to be back in college, but of course I'm glad I'm not there now. Good luck with it1!
E - That is a sweet comment! "Well, I pretty much dominated in marbles." Haha. I love you, E.
You are a champion. Have fun dominating soccer, too!
A - Hey, are you excited for school? Sounds like you got a sweet shirt. [It says "My brother drives me bananas."] Do I drive you bananas, too? Are you excited to be in the same class as A? You two can terrorize class together! Jk! Have fun and learn lots!
W - Hey buddy, happy birthday!! Are you 5 now? That's sweet, a whole hand! Ok, just kidding, you're 7 now! Man, you're big! Are you as tall as me yet? I'm glad you got a bunch of sweet presents. And good bunch not forgetting the missionaries. They love to be included in things like that. Have a great week, stud!
Those distribution items sound like some good things to send around the holidays. Not the Book of Mormon stories, though, because those(and New T and Old T and D&C) are available here.
That's really cool that you had K over and got to see pictures of the city and the members.
Oh, and tell P I will write him letter really quick, in the next couple of days. Good to hear he's way close to sending in his papers. That's super exciting!
Well, everyone, you are amazing! Have a great week. I love you!
--Your Favorite Elder, Ross
And I got the package! [A package brought to Romania by friends, which included his birthday present.] Thank you, it had a lot of things I needed. And thanks for the present....it wasn't wrapped separately so I saw it when I opened the box. Whoops! Well, now that I know what it is, I may as well use it. Thanks a lot! It's really nice. The one problem is that I don't know how to put more music on it.
Well, hope everyone had a great last week. It seems like it. Mine was really good. We are starting to learn the city and more importantly to know the members and investigators a lot better. I am really starting to fall in love with these people. I think a lot of it is because I'm senior now and I'm the main person they talk to and that understands them. It's awesome! I can't believe, either, how fast this week went. It seriously feels like I was here writing you yesterday. Time goes sooo fast! And today is my 8th month mark, craziness! I just started my mission and it is 1/3 over already! That is a way weird thought to me.
Well, we have a lot of English here in Iasi. Elder Platt and I have 3 classes on Saturday and another one on Tuesday. And people actually come! It runs a lot better here than in Timisoara. Teaching classes is great, I really like to have fun with my classes and joke around with them.
I've learned a couple things about myself since this transfer started. One is that I am just super laid back. Like I didn't stress out when I went senior and when stuff happens, I just think, well, if I can't do anything about it, why worry. I'd like to think that I work hard, but I also know how to have fun, just like President Trone(i think it was him) said. The other thing is that I am just really easy to get along with and I get along really easily with others. I was talking to Elder Magleby last night about all the companions I've had and he pointed that out to me, like it seems like I just get along with others. I never really thought about that before. Pretty cool, lol.
Dad- Thanks for the sport update, with the high school and with BYU. I look forward to hearing about both throughout the season. Thanks for always being such a good example,Dad. I love you- You have your priorities so straight and you know what needs to be done and you do it. I think diligence is one of many things you've really taught me. I love you.
Mom- Thanks for your support. I really am loving being senior. I dreaded it at first, but now I love it. It brings a lot of new opportunities to grow. I went from Timisoara, where all the missionaries spoke really well and I was on the lower end, but now I realize that I know the language well,we all did in Timisoara, and they pushed me to grow. Now I'm in Iasi and I speak better than everyone, except for Sora Beck. I really am not trying to brag, but I love how the Lord put me in the best situation so that I could grow. I worked really hard at the language(still do, of course) in Timisoara because I wanted to be at the same level as the others and I've been really blessed. Man, it's awesome! Anyway, thanks for always being amazing, Mom. It's true, boys don't realize how great their moms are until they are away from them, out of the house. Hopefully I didn't cause you too many problems at home! ; ) I love you!
J - Yeah, you stud! Sounds like you just ran all over the field, doing whatever you wanted. That's way tight about the radio interview, too. I'm not surprised your talk was super good. I bet it was sweet and that is a really cool quote. Nice! More than one pair of pants. Glad to hear you've stepped it up this year, lol. Don't forget to dominate at school, too.
S - Aww, and you are an amazing sister, lol. I'm sure that's gotta be nice to not have to babysit the kids as much now with school starting. Call me a nerd, but I miss school. It was great to be back in college, but of course I'm glad I'm not there now. Good luck with it1!
E - That is a sweet comment! "Well, I pretty much dominated in marbles." Haha. I love you, E.
You are a champion. Have fun dominating soccer, too!
A - Hey, are you excited for school? Sounds like you got a sweet shirt. [It says "My brother drives me bananas."] Do I drive you bananas, too? Are you excited to be in the same class as A? You two can terrorize class together! Jk! Have fun and learn lots!
W - Hey buddy, happy birthday!! Are you 5 now? That's sweet, a whole hand! Ok, just kidding, you're 7 now! Man, you're big! Are you as tall as me yet? I'm glad you got a bunch of sweet presents. And good bunch not forgetting the missionaries. They love to be included in things like that. Have a great week, stud!
Those distribution items sound like some good things to send around the holidays. Not the Book of Mormon stories, though, because those(and New T and Old T and D&C) are available here.
That's really cool that you had K over and got to see pictures of the city and the members.
Oh, and tell P I will write him letter really quick, in the next couple of days. Good to hear he's way close to sending in his papers. That's super exciting!
Well, everyone, you are amazing! Have a great week. I love you!
--Your Favorite Elder, Ross
Monday, August 27, 2007
Fun Story
In Ross' letter below, he mentions Katie who just finished a four-month study abroad in Iasi, his new area. Katie is a high school friend. She is coming this evening to share pictures and stories about her time in Romania.
New Area
[Ross was on the far western end of Romania and has been transferred to the eastern end.]
Hey Everyone!!
I'm sure you're all excited for the big news and I have no doubt your lives have stopped this last week, because of all the anticipation! Well, to start I am in Iasi, where Katie just left from! Lol, pretty much all the members and missionaries know who she is.
And...I went senior. I don't really know what President was thinking on that one, but we'll see what happens I guess. The worst part is we got white washed in! Ugh. So neither of us know anyone or even how to get anywhere.But we've been doing well so far and it turns out my setting apart blessing was right, because I'm doing pretty well with the language. Like I spoke pretty well when I left Timisoara, but I think I speak even better here in Iasi, just because the Lord is helping me more and he qualifies those he calls. I'm excited for this transfer but kind of scared that I won't do well enough and live up to expectations. I went from a zone that was kind of dead to a zone that is on fire and a lot is expected out here. I've got to step it up a little.
My companion is Elder Platt and he's in his 2nd transfer now. He came from Galati and was actually one of the missionaries that got jumped and beaten up a little(nothing serious)out there. He's from Provo, Utah and still, everyone single one of my companions has been from Utah. Crazy, huh? He is a cool guy, but being only in his 2nd transfer not used to the language yet. I'm sure he'll progress a lot in this transfer. We'll see. Elder Magleby is my district leader out here and he is a way cool guy. I'm way glad he's as chill and laid back as he is, because it balances the intensity of this zone. He has a boboc this transfer, who seems really cool, too.
The branch seems to be doing really well and there are a lot of activities. Oh, there is a senior couple in this city and they are way nice and really do a good job. A lot of senior couples overstep their boundaries and try to run things, but the Wrights seem to do things right. So, we have FHE every monday night, Outreach Wednesday and Thursday, Sport Night every Saturday, a branch activity in there somewhere and English classes Tuesday and Saturday. It's pretty crazy, way more than in Timisoara, but it's really good. I've only had a lesson with a few members so far, Fratele Pitulan, the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency. He's a solid guy, with a great testimony and is willing to help out the missionaries with whatever. Sora Cristina, got baptized in May, and her son, Narcis, got baptized last week! They're very strong members. Ciprian, a less active who I think is coming around because of the great example his 13 year old sister is for him. And Florin. He is so cool! I already like him a ton. He made some big mistakes I guess and is being watched by the disciplinary council or something, but he has made a firm decision to come around and partake of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He is really doing well and is doing all the things it takes to become a regular member again. It'll be awesome watching him progress! But I've met a lot of other members,too. Mihai, a 19 year old who is getting his mission call soon. That's pretty exciting. Sora Stoica, Petru, Sora Anton, and probably others I'm forgetting right now. It's been pretty rough coming in not knowing anyone, but I can tell I am going to fall in love with these people.
A quick update on some other people. Elder Jepsen is now in Bucharest as a District Leader. Sora Harrison surprisingly didn't go senior, but did go to Constanta and opened that city up for sisters. They haven't had sisters in Constanta for a good while now, so that was a pretty big deal. And Elder Selck is back to District Leader, but he's in Chisinau in Molova, so that's way exciting. Zone conference is actually in Chisinau this transfer, yay! We got our passports at transfer meeting and I guess we might be spending our P-day up there, too. I'm really excited for that.
Oh, I forgot to tell you about our investigators. We've met with Nicu already. He's about 40 years old (i'm horrible at guessing ages) and he is ready to be baptized! He has a solid testimony and has seen so many blessings in his life since he found the church. He knows for sure that it is true and is just waiting for his wife to get back from Italy. Over the phone, she was able to tell there was a change in him(she's been gone a few months, I think..) and she wants to come to church now to see what it's like. He's waiting until then to tell her he wants to get baptized. She should be back in a week or two so we are probably getting a baptism this transfer! Pretty exciting. Then there's Ionut, a 17 year old. He is also ready for baptism but his parents are against it. We'll have to see what we can do. Then there's Mihai, I haven't seen him yet. I guess he's losing interest. And then a couple who I haven't met yet and really don't know much about.
Well, everyone, I think that is the full update. Please ask questions if you have them. It's good to hear that all of you are doing so well. Dad and Mom are both working hard and having fun. J's dominating football and pretty soon, school too, right? ; ) S just had a sweet beach trip and now looks like a lobster. E, A and W are all playing soccer. Yay! I love soccer! That's actually what we did for sport night. It was super fun and I pretty much dominated, lol, with a few goals and a billion assists.
I love you guys! Thanks so much for all of your support and prayers. I hope you all have a great day and I can't wait to hear from you next week! And you'll find out how my first full week as senior went(gulp). Jk, it'll be great. I love you!
--Elder Ross
Hey Everyone!!
I'm sure you're all excited for the big news and I have no doubt your lives have stopped this last week, because of all the anticipation! Well, to start I am in Iasi, where Katie just left from! Lol, pretty much all the members and missionaries know who she is.
And...I went senior. I don't really know what President was thinking on that one, but we'll see what happens I guess. The worst part is we got white washed in! Ugh. So neither of us know anyone or even how to get anywhere.But we've been doing well so far and it turns out my setting apart blessing was right, because I'm doing pretty well with the language. Like I spoke pretty well when I left Timisoara, but I think I speak even better here in Iasi, just because the Lord is helping me more and he qualifies those he calls. I'm excited for this transfer but kind of scared that I won't do well enough and live up to expectations. I went from a zone that was kind of dead to a zone that is on fire and a lot is expected out here. I've got to step it up a little.
My companion is Elder Platt and he's in his 2nd transfer now. He came from Galati and was actually one of the missionaries that got jumped and beaten up a little(nothing serious)out there. He's from Provo, Utah and still, everyone single one of my companions has been from Utah. Crazy, huh? He is a cool guy, but being only in his 2nd transfer not used to the language yet. I'm sure he'll progress a lot in this transfer. We'll see. Elder Magleby is my district leader out here and he is a way cool guy. I'm way glad he's as chill and laid back as he is, because it balances the intensity of this zone. He has a boboc this transfer, who seems really cool, too.
The branch seems to be doing really well and there are a lot of activities. Oh, there is a senior couple in this city and they are way nice and really do a good job. A lot of senior couples overstep their boundaries and try to run things, but the Wrights seem to do things right. So, we have FHE every monday night, Outreach Wednesday and Thursday, Sport Night every Saturday, a branch activity in there somewhere and English classes Tuesday and Saturday. It's pretty crazy, way more than in Timisoara, but it's really good. I've only had a lesson with a few members so far, Fratele Pitulan, the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency. He's a solid guy, with a great testimony and is willing to help out the missionaries with whatever. Sora Cristina, got baptized in May, and her son, Narcis, got baptized last week! They're very strong members. Ciprian, a less active who I think is coming around because of the great example his 13 year old sister is for him. And Florin. He is so cool! I already like him a ton. He made some big mistakes I guess and is being watched by the disciplinary council or something, but he has made a firm decision to come around and partake of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He is really doing well and is doing all the things it takes to become a regular member again. It'll be awesome watching him progress! But I've met a lot of other members,too. Mihai, a 19 year old who is getting his mission call soon. That's pretty exciting. Sora Stoica, Petru, Sora Anton, and probably others I'm forgetting right now. It's been pretty rough coming in not knowing anyone, but I can tell I am going to fall in love with these people.
A quick update on some other people. Elder Jepsen is now in Bucharest as a District Leader. Sora Harrison surprisingly didn't go senior, but did go to Constanta and opened that city up for sisters. They haven't had sisters in Constanta for a good while now, so that was a pretty big deal. And Elder Selck is back to District Leader, but he's in Chisinau in Molova, so that's way exciting. Zone conference is actually in Chisinau this transfer, yay! We got our passports at transfer meeting and I guess we might be spending our P-day up there, too. I'm really excited for that.
Oh, I forgot to tell you about our investigators. We've met with Nicu already. He's about 40 years old (i'm horrible at guessing ages) and he is ready to be baptized! He has a solid testimony and has seen so many blessings in his life since he found the church. He knows for sure that it is true and is just waiting for his wife to get back from Italy. Over the phone, she was able to tell there was a change in him(she's been gone a few months, I think..) and she wants to come to church now to see what it's like. He's waiting until then to tell her he wants to get baptized. She should be back in a week or two so we are probably getting a baptism this transfer! Pretty exciting. Then there's Ionut, a 17 year old. He is also ready for baptism but his parents are against it. We'll have to see what we can do. Then there's Mihai, I haven't seen him yet. I guess he's losing interest. And then a couple who I haven't met yet and really don't know much about.
Well, everyone, I think that is the full update. Please ask questions if you have them. It's good to hear that all of you are doing so well. Dad and Mom are both working hard and having fun. J's dominating football and pretty soon, school too, right? ; ) S just had a sweet beach trip and now looks like a lobster. E, A and W are all playing soccer. Yay! I love soccer! That's actually what we did for sport night. It was super fun and I pretty much dominated, lol, with a few goals and a billion assists.
I love you guys! Thanks so much for all of your support and prayers. I hope you all have a great day and I can't wait to hear from you next week! And you'll find out how my first full week as senior went(gulp). Jk, it'll be great. I love you!
--Elder Ross
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Amazing experience
Ross wrote the following in a letter to his friend dated August 6 -
Oh, I totally forgot to tell my parents about this in my email. I gave my first blessing in Romanian! It was for Sora Elizabeta, the same who is the first one I saw baptized. Crazy, huh? Anyway, she was really sick and had been at the hospital a lot. She actually thought she might die really soon, so it was a pretty intense situation to give a blessing in, lol. But I did and I did ok, too. Mostly, I just felt so good after giving it, seriously one of the best feelings ever. Then we checked back in on her the next day and she said ever since the blessing she's felt way better and a lot of her pain stopped. It was a super cool experience. Man, helping others, especially with the priesthood, is incredible!"
Oh, I totally forgot to tell my parents about this in my email. I gave my first blessing in Romanian! It was for Sora Elizabeta, the same who is the first one I saw baptized. Crazy, huh? Anyway, she was really sick and had been at the hospital a lot. She actually thought she might die really soon, so it was a pretty intense situation to give a blessing in, lol. But I did and I did ok, too. Mostly, I just felt so good after giving it, seriously one of the best feelings ever. Then we checked back in on her the next day and she said ever since the blessing she's felt way better and a lot of her pain stopped. It was a super cool experience. Man, helping others, especially with the priesthood, is incredible!"
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