Well another week of craziness. Writing lately has been a struggle because I don't really know how to explain what is happening. All of the problems, tasks, goals, meetings, conversations, are really centered on three things right now:
1. Preparing for the move to Hungary.
2. Helping missionaries.
3. Teaching the Gospel.
These are all wonderful things, and I feel so blessed to take part in the Lord's work here in Romania in so many different aspects.
So I didn't mention this last email, but when we have the mission tour, Elder Trottier and I organized all of the travel, and that was why we were running frantically moving and picking-up missionaries. I remember walking into the chapel of the day of the conference and seeing so many friends and great missionaries. My first thought was, "Dang, that is pretty cool that we got everyone here after hours of planning and buying tickets!" I really enjoyed the spirit that was present as almost the whole mission was gathered in humility to receive council from a chosen servant of the Lord.
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| One box at a time! |
In order to keep all of the important things that need to be done before the mission change, we made a timeline with all of the important tasks that need to be accomplished. For months now we have been preparing for the big month of June where all of the really madness happens. Our latest project that we undertook was moving all of the missionary resources and materials from the storage room in the basement below the office to the Panduri chapel attic.
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| So much stuff! |
Sora Despain as well as the Leavitt family have spent a ton of time organizing and moving materials on their own, and we got to pitch in this Saturday when we filled our big van up TWICE full of Book of Mormons, pamphlets, water filters, business cards, the Book of Mormon in braille (actually 8 giant binders)- you name it. we moved it! After a full-day's worth of work, along with some other random assignments that we hand that day, we got the majority of the materials moved. Hurray!
Other things... we met with a woman from Germany about our residency permit process. It was good for me to review everything and to break down each step. We had already made a administrative notebook that talks about the process of obtaining a residency permit as well as how to conduct travel throughout Romania. Both of these things will really bless the lives of future missionaries, which is a cool thought! Fun food for thought- Imagine trying to get from Spokane, WA to La Push, WA. By car, pretty dang easy, just long! Now, what about by any other means of transportation? Probablyyy not possible. What about Craiova to Galati (Romania). That has no meaning to you guys, but these cities are prettyyy far away, yet you can totally get there by (yes car) but also by train!!! Though we say the infrastructure of Romania is pretty bad, you gotta hand it to the railway system- they can get you places (not necessarily fast, but they will get you there!).
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| Piata Vicotriei and a "positive" demonstration... |
A very unique part of this calling in the office is the many ways we offer our service to other missionaries. We are constantly meeting missionaries from around the mission that come into Bucharest for many different reasons including doctor appts, exchanges, emergency transfers, etc. Elder Trottier pointed out how cool is is that we get to be so invested in helping others. He's right, we have one purpose here and that is to serve! I hope we always remember and learn from the various opportunities that we have had in our own lives to offer service to God's children. This is what life is all about!
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| Tudor and I |
We have also had some good experiences in terms of teaching the gospel. We are teaching a man that is soo cool, and very smart. He is going to by moving away for school soon, but we have had the privilege to become friends and teach this man the gospel. Over the past couple of months, Tudor's faith, as well as mine have really grown as we have committed to live the teaching of Jesus Christ. We recently just taught him the Word of Wisdom, which was a pretty big deal. He committed to do his best to start living this commandment. I admire Tudor's drive to continually make changes in his life, and his personal drive to come closer to God.
I have a lot of more stories, but I will stop there.
Love you all!! Have a great last week of school, praying for you!
Elder Ditto
What a wonderful (and exhausting) experience to be able to see the mission change geography like this. Wow! They are blessed to have you and Elder Trottier, Elder Ditto. I remember how amazed I was at the elders that helped us in the mission office when we arrived. They were so knowledgeable and we felt so comfortable and safe in the hands of those young men. I know that missionaries in Romania/Moldova feel the same about you and Elder Trottier. You remember the deer-in-the-headlights feeling you had when you first arrived, I'm sure! New missionaries have complete faith that you are going to take care of them (gulp). Will be anxious to hear about the big shift from Bucharest to Hungary. And I will see you in August!
ReplyDeleteTudor must be very tall because you're tall and he's way taller!!! He sounds like a great individual. I love the Gospel Principles chapter on Missionary Work - it's reference to the Sons of Mosiah and how they felt about all of God's children sounds so much like you and Elder Trottier. We are praying for you! Love, Sis. B
ReplyDelete...high school is officially over for another year. We had graduation last night and our farewell to Davis staff retirees today. I’m exhausted but satisfied that we, as educators, did the best we could to teach, support, comfort and influence those under our care during this last school year. I also see the hand of God in our work every day. Continue to work your hardest every single day—God has a work for you to do—even during the last hour of your mission. Love you, Sister G.
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