16 October 2017 - Week 28

Zone Conference happens once per transfer.  It is a time for the Mission President, his wife, and assistants to help the missionaries to refocus their missionary efforts.  This week we were able to enjoy the spiritual uplift of Zone Conference.  The Arad Sisters and Elders hosted the Elders and Sisters from Sibiu as they were traveling to the conference.  Among other things, a huge game of double "Bang" broke out.  The cards are all written in Romanian, so Elder Andersen has a struggle knowing which cards to play.  It also was Sister Alger's birthday.  At Sister Alger's request, Elder Wagner used his culinary expertise to create a delicious potato cake. Yummy!

Left to right: Sister Alger, Elder Wilstead, Elder Gore, Elder Paul

Left to right:  Elder Andersen, (not shown Sister Folsom, Sister Sterrett), Sister Castaneda, Sister Alger, Elder Wilstead.

Tuesday we all went to Timisoara for the conference meetings.  Elder Ennis and Elder Custer were the hosts at their branch building.  They also were in charge of preparing lunch for the group of 24.  They made Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Penne Pasta, Green salad, and Pumpkin Cake.  We had some difficulty getting the oven to work so we could heat up the pasta, but we used the microwave to supplement and were able to serve the meal on time. I was a little slow getting the picture, but you get the idea. 

L to R:  Sora Gubar (Ukraine), Sora Castaneda (Mexico) , Sora Folsom (Seattle) , Sora Moir (Australia)

A most delicious pumpkin cake.  Thank you, Elder Custer.

L to R:  Pres. Hettinger, Sora Hettinger, Sister Sterrett, Elder Kramer, Elder Dixon, Elder Wilkes, Elder Wilstead.

We had a great conference beginning with Sora Hettinger teaching us about how the Sacrament can remind us that we are as individual as the pieces of bread that are broken to help us remember him.  We are known individually to Him.    President Hettinger taught us that the Book of Mormon is the Great tool of the Harvest.  We need to study it and use it to convert the people who we meet.   We must thrust in our cycles with MIGHT.   Casualness will not bring the desired harvest.   We watched an awesome Ted talk about turning rejection into an opportunity.  Here is the link:   https://www.ted.com/talks/jia_jiang_what_i_learned_from_100_days_of_rejection

It is worth your time to watch.  

After we were taught by the Elder Trainers and the Sister Trainers, we enjoyed a musical number by Elder Davis and Elder Wilkes.  

On Saturday, we traveled to Oradea to attend a District training for Branch Presidents, Relief Society, and Elders Quorums.  We got up early and drove 2 hours to arrive in time.  I couldn't help but notice the vapor trails in the sky.  So many planes flying over us.

The training taught about focusing on those who have joined the church but need help advancing in the priesthood and continuing to be active.  President Geambasu encouraged us to fast and pray for them.  We also stayed for a wonderful fireside by Izabela Geambasu which we enjoyed very much.  She has a way of speaking and singing that really brings the Spirit.  

We had a break between the training and the fireside so Brent went out to see if there was anything exciting happening in the town square and he found this wedding procession. 

We drove the Timi elders to their apartment and returned to Arad by 11:15.  It was a big, inspiring day. 

Sunday, we watched Elder Ballard speak at a meeting for all Europe area adults.  The take away from this meeting was that the saints in Europe need to be building the church.  Inviting their friends in inspired ways, to investigate the gospel.  He invited us to beware of apathy and to take notice of what we are spending our time on.  He encouraged us to take time to ponder and feel the glories of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He reminded us that this life is a  journey.  It is not the beginning nor the end. 

I just had to include a photo from the local grocery advertisement featuring American Week.  They advertised marshmallows, hot dogs, and hamburger fixings and other American goodies. The prices probably look a bit high, but they are Leu.  About 4 lei equal one dollar.