Hey everyone!
Happy birthday S! I thought about you, I know I actually remembered, on your birthday. I'm going to get a few small things to send you soon. I was thinking I was going to do it today, but I had absolutely no time. Hopefully I send it off next week. Who knows how long it will take though?
Sorry I didn't write before, but it was because I had zone conference in Arad yesterday and didn't get back until about an hour ago. It was really great, I needed the boost and I learned lots(you should see my notes!). It started with President telling about what is going on in the mission. You probably have heard but two elders got beat up in Galati by 12 guys. One of them is in Bucharest now. I guess a lot of elders have experiences like that but not as bad. Lol, sorry, I'm not trying to scare you.
We had three workshops with the topics of faith, working with branch leaders and pink eye/hemorrhoids. The last one wasn't my favorite but I guess those two things have been a problem. Anyway, the other two were awesome and I learned a lot, especially the one on working with leaders. A branch president from Oradea taught it and it was really good.
Then after those workshops we ate. That was a highlight, tons of food and it was all(most of it) really good. Then dessert was extremely good, too. All these dishes were made by missionaries and they did well. When conference started up again we had talks by two missionaries(everyone prepares and two are selected). After that the AP's talked to us about tithing and how we can better teach it. Then President talked about accountability. Both presentations were really well done. At the end, all the bobocs(greenies) bore their testimonies as did the one elder in his last transfer. It was a long day but I came away with a lot. It was incredible!
So then today was P-day. We got permission to go to Lipova, a small town outside Arad. We went and saw a monastery and then we all(my zone) sang a hymn inside it. It was sweet because of the reverberations(no idea how to spell that). Then we hiked to a castle, well, ruined castle. It was fun to walk around it and would have been more fun to climb but its against rules :( I got a ton of pictures today, more than I had for the 3 weeks prior since I've been in Romania. I will probably try to download those next week.
We are teaching some cool people right now. The coolest investigator is this 17 year old guy who is ready to be baptized and has been taught everything like 3 times. He comes to church, FHE and Outreach every week. He's a stud, but his mom won't let him be baptized so he is waiting a year until he is 18. We are teaching a lady Maria who has come to church twice now and is ready for the Gospel. We are giving her a baptismal date on our next lesson. Ciprian has a date for April 15, he is a younger man (late 20's?) and is a baptist so he loves to learn doctrine. Our biggest challenge is getting him to understand the simple parts of the Gospel and their importance. He is great, though. Those are the main ones, I will tell about their progess and others that are progressing well.
Dad - One thing I've learned since being out here is how I want to be when I get back, as a normal member, and I've started a list. Being a member missionary is definitely on there. Keep me posted. It's nice to hear about your going to the temple and the good feelings and experiences there. I am pretty jealous but I will have many years ahead of me to attend the temple. Keep up the good work, dad. You are an awesome example for me.
Mom- Sounds like you are keeping the family under control and have great hikes and activities for them! It's nice to hear what everyone is doing. That is exciting about the WWII photographer. I'm sure he has very interesting stories. It sounds like your business is staying pretty busy and that's good. Thanks for all your love and support(this is for Dad, too). I love you!
J - Thanks a lot for the email, that was really nice to get. That's cool you met Elder E. [a recently returning missionary. Is he way cool? Where'd he go again? It's good to hear you are excited for a mission. They are definitely hard, but I have already grown so much, it's sweet! I hope my personality hasn't changed, just that I have learned more about this Great Plan and I guess, changed my priorities. I'm certainly more humbled...still can't speak the freakin' language, lol!
That is way sweet how you asked J. to prom. [J.had our youngest go to his "friend's" class and ask her to the prom. In front of the entire class, W said, "Will you go to the prom with J? If not, will you take me?" It was pretty funny!]
Well, bro, take care. I miss you, too. I tell people how good friends we are and how I hope I get a little time to chill with you before you take off. Have a good week.
S - Happy Birthday! Again! I already wrote a little up top but here's some more. That's way sweet you got an iPod. Now you and J have them and I never had one! :( lol, it's ok. Maybe I'll get one when I come home, haha. How was your birthday party?
E - What's up, E? I got a letter from you yesterday! I get mail from the pouch only at zone conference and transfer meetings. Yesterday I got two letters from you guys and one from Guy and Stephanie. I think there were two letters inside from you, E. Thanks! It was nice to have mail. You are an awesome little brother and pretty much a stud! Keep being a champion.
A - How are you doing? I think I got a letter from you, too. Thank you! You are a very sweet little sister. Are you and the other kids excited for the hike on Friday? Are you excited to go to that fun toy store? I remember that store, it's very cool. How many beans do you have saved up? Have fun there!
W - You little stud, you! J told me how you went to school and asked J out to prom for him. Someone has to be the man, and it's you! What else have you been doing? I bet you are a champion reader now, huh? You can read to me when I get home, ok? I'll be too tired! Have a good week, W!
Well, everyone have a great week! I love you all!
--Elder Ross
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
March 19, 2007
Hey everyone!!
I am doing great and the work here is exciting. It's been really sunny and beautiful here, it's nice. It's hard not to just love every day and to appreciate all the beautiful things that God has given us. Lately I have been filled with a deep gratitude for all the many, many things that I am blessed with. I really feel like the luckiest guy on the earth!
Not too many exciting things, I guess I should say things out of the ordinary, have happened so hopefully you get lots of information from my answers to your questions. [I asked several questions in my letter. Part of the letter is in direct response to my questions.] Bucharest is a very cool city, it's huge and there are tons of people. I liked it but it's dirtier and bleak I guess than Timisoara. I'm not sure how the people are in Bucharest but here in Timisoara a lot of the people are very warm and friendly. Of course, some still slam the door but many are open and we've had decent success in the blocs.
There are 6 missionaries here, 4 Elders and 2 sisters. The Elders are all sporting European fohawks today as part of blending in with the culture. I'll take some pictures and eventually I'll send them. There's one branch here and they are awesome. There are a decent amount of young people in the branch and even more that come to Outreach. The youth in this city seem way cool.
Our house...it's hard to explain, but it's really pretty small. Whenever I send a memory card, it'll have a video of my house. It's still not to clean...a lot of clutter that was there when we got there. No, lol, our dishes weren't beyond saving. Just took a little elbow grease. I haven't seen any cockroaches there yet, but I saw them when I was in Bucharest, staying the night in the sector 6 apartment. There's just myself and Elder Selck in the house. The other Elders' apartment is sweet! It's bigger...has two bathrooms! I'm jealous...We get around our area by taking the public transportation or walking. Bikes aren't used in this mission.
Yeah, I've had the bread since I've been here and it's good, but not amazing. I'm slightly disappointed because it was so hyped. The food is decent here. We have cereal for breakfast, usually sandwiches for lunch and then maybe eat some crackers or whatever other food we happen to have when we come in at 9. Sometimes we get lunch at a restaurant, though. There a lot of really cheap ones and we've been scoping some out. We found a pretty good waffle place that wasn't bad at all...about those lollipops...I still have them, I kind of forgot about them. There are a lot of beggars around, though, children included.
The language is coming, slowly, but it's coming. The hardest thing for me is understanding people, I can usually say more or less what I want but then when I have to listen I struggle more. Well, I just keep trying and I'm sure I'll get better. It's a fun thing, though, to be able to teach and talk to others in a different language and have them understand you.
I only get to check my email once a week. If you wanted to send regular mail, the pouch is the way to go. [Write me and I will send you the address.] It's slower but cheaper. well, everyone is waiting on me. I really wanted to write something to each of you individually but I guess I am too slow. Hopefully next time. I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Elder L
I am doing great and the work here is exciting. It's been really sunny and beautiful here, it's nice. It's hard not to just love every day and to appreciate all the beautiful things that God has given us. Lately I have been filled with a deep gratitude for all the many, many things that I am blessed with. I really feel like the luckiest guy on the earth!
Not too many exciting things, I guess I should say things out of the ordinary, have happened so hopefully you get lots of information from my answers to your questions. [I asked several questions in my letter. Part of the letter is in direct response to my questions.] Bucharest is a very cool city, it's huge and there are tons of people. I liked it but it's dirtier and bleak I guess than Timisoara. I'm not sure how the people are in Bucharest but here in Timisoara a lot of the people are very warm and friendly. Of course, some still slam the door but many are open and we've had decent success in the blocs.
There are 6 missionaries here, 4 Elders and 2 sisters. The Elders are all sporting European fohawks today as part of blending in with the culture. I'll take some pictures and eventually I'll send them. There's one branch here and they are awesome. There are a decent amount of young people in the branch and even more that come to Outreach. The youth in this city seem way cool.
Our house...it's hard to explain, but it's really pretty small. Whenever I send a memory card, it'll have a video of my house. It's still not to clean...a lot of clutter that was there when we got there. No, lol, our dishes weren't beyond saving. Just took a little elbow grease. I haven't seen any cockroaches there yet, but I saw them when I was in Bucharest, staying the night in the sector 6 apartment. There's just myself and Elder Selck in the house. The other Elders' apartment is sweet! It's bigger...has two bathrooms! I'm jealous...We get around our area by taking the public transportation or walking. Bikes aren't used in this mission.
Yeah, I've had the bread since I've been here and it's good, but not amazing. I'm slightly disappointed because it was so hyped. The food is decent here. We have cereal for breakfast, usually sandwiches for lunch and then maybe eat some crackers or whatever other food we happen to have when we come in at 9. Sometimes we get lunch at a restaurant, though. There a lot of really cheap ones and we've been scoping some out. We found a pretty good waffle place that wasn't bad at all...about those lollipops...I still have them, I kind of forgot about them. There are a lot of beggars around, though, children included.
The language is coming, slowly, but it's coming. The hardest thing for me is understanding people, I can usually say more or less what I want but then when I have to listen I struggle more. Well, I just keep trying and I'm sure I'll get better. It's a fun thing, though, to be able to teach and talk to others in a different language and have them understand you.
I only get to check my email once a week. If you wanted to send regular mail, the pouch is the way to go. [Write me and I will send you the address.] It's slower but cheaper. well, everyone is waiting on me. I really wanted to write something to each of you individually but I guess I am too slow. Hopefully next time. I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Elder L
Monday, March 12, 2007
First Letter from Romania
[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
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 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.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)