Getting Caught Up!

As you can tell, I'm not always caught up on this blog. Some of our days and weeks are very, very busy for me. Weeks pass at a time without me putting anything on the blog. However, I do try to remember to get some pictures during those times. This week, my husband is out of town and things are quiet for a day or two in the mission (at least at the Mission Home, knock on wood) and I am starting to get caught up. So, I am sorry that things come all at once. You will need to push "older posts" at the bottom of this blog to see all I have added this week. And again, if you never see your missionary on this blog, let me know and I will do my best to get a picture or two of him or her. Love, Sora Lundberg

Senior Missionary Conference--April 13-15, 2009

I tried to make this picture large, and it would not work. You will have to click on it a couple times if you want to see faces! These are our senior missionaries. They are a wonderful group. They are serving in various places throughout Romania and Moldova. Everybody was excited for the opportunity to get together for 3 days for workshops, sharing testimonies, sightseeing, and eating. We stayed in Sibiu and visited historic sights there. We also travelled to Sighisoara and visited the town and more sights there. It was a wonderful 3 days.

Senior Missionary Conference in Sibiu--April 13-15, 2009

We had lots of fun activities while attending the senior conference. Joshua was grateful to have been included!

Joshua talked his good friend, Sora Turner, into sitting in the back

of the bus with him when we went sightseeing.

One of the doors of a big church that we visited had many, many locks to keep things safe. Joshua thought he could probably have figured out how to get through!

Joshua was glad to see Dracula and to compare fangs!

Who knew we would find the Easter Bunny in Sibiu! (and a strong Easter Bunny at that!)

A favorite past time of many of the older men in Romania is to play chess or cards in the park. We saw this group and stopped to take pictures and talk with them. We even found somebody who said he would talk with the missionaries!

Sights from our Trip! April 13-15, 2009

I've included a few of the pictures of things I saw on our trip. Some sights are wonderful enough to make the tourist brochures. Other things are just beautiful to me. They all remind me of the deep history that is found here in Romania and that everybody has a story!

Clock Tower in Sighisoara

Lutheran Cathedral in Sibiu

Joshua in fountains in centru in Sibiu


Tower near centru in Sibiu

Village of Biertan taken from location of fortified church

Fountains in park in Sibiu

Village street in Boiţa

Approach to Boiţa

Entrance to church in Boiţa

Side street in Boiţa

A Most Touching Sight!

I absolutely love the beautiful sights of Romania. The amazing architecture, the quaint churches, the cobblestone roads, the hills covered with sunflowers, and many other sights take my breath away. What a joy it is to be here. However, their is one sight I love that brings tears of joy to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I saw it on our trip to Sibiu. Outside our hotel, in the town square, I saw two cleancut, stalwart young men, walking amongst the people. The dark pants, white shirts and ties, and the manner in which they walked gave them away. They were ours! Our missionaries! We called to them and they came over and visited a few minutes. Elder Sorensen shared an amazing story with us about an investigator. (Read it on the miracle blog.) Before long, the elders were back on their way, searching for people who wanted to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

Elder Sorensen and Elder Martineau visit with President Lundberg in the town square of Sibiu!

"I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand."
D & C 31:7

April Interviews at the Mission Home!

Interviews at the Mission Home are always fun. We sit around the bar, or the table, and eat, drink, and be merry---in a good way! It's fun to visit with the missionaries while they wait for their interview. We have great conversations about missionary work, language study, music, faith, Minnesota, etc. What great missionaries we have here in Romania!

Elder Campbell, Elder Jensen, Elder Nightingale, Sora Ostler, and Elder Hardman

Elder Bird, Elder Campbell, Joshua Elder Hardman, Sora Campbell, and Sora Howard

Cristina Comes to Town!

Cristina Catuna, our "Romanian daughter, " spent half a day and one night with us on her way to Barlad, Romania, to visit her family for Easter. It was good to see her again. There was a big craft fair in town at the peasant museum with vendors from all over Romania. We had an enjoyable evening as we wandered through the booths, bought a few souvenirs, listened to music, and ate good food. A week later, Cristina stayed another night with us before she flew back to Utah.

Joshua and Cristina---happy to be together again. Joshua lived with Cristina's family in Romania from the time he was 2 years old until he was 3 1/2. The Catunas are special people in our lives.

We watched wonderful "donut" type things being made. I'm sure they have a name--but I don't know it. These tubes of dough are deep-fried and then you can have them with sugar, cinnamon, or cocunut on them. They were yummy!

I LOVE the tradiational Romanian costumes. I really feel that I am turning somewhat Romanian because I get so excited about some of their traditions and the culture. I decided that I really wanted a Romanian native costume. They wear these for special occasions. The little ladies started dressing me and quite a crowd gathered to watch. I wished that I had brought a stack of Books of Mormon to hand out to all the people who gathered around me.

The finished product---over the top of my other clothes!

I loved this hat and tried it on. I then found out that this is a man's hat. Oh well, it was cute! (Sora Dillon and Cristina are taking pictures of me in the background!)

This was really fun. This man was playing his accordian while his son played his musical instrument made from a ghord. They had all sorts of instruments for sale that were made from various ghords---and they sounded really good. It helped create part of the fun atmosphere that was there at the fair. (I keep hoping to find a shirt that is Joshua's size like the boy is wearing! )

Wires, wires, wires!

I had to take a picture of one of the funny sights I often see---extra wire left on electrical poles. I'm not really sure why all the excess wire is just bundled up and wrapped around the pole, but you see it often. I've warned Joshua not to touch those that are on the ground when we walk by. (I'm guessing that they would not electricute anyone!)

Sora Dillon and I had been out on an errand and I told her we needed to stop and get a photo of this sight!
I love it!

Elder Stefan Vizante is a Missionary!

Anyone who serves in Bucharest for any length of time knows Stefan! He is an amazing young man who speaks English very well and has been a great help to the missionaries and saints in Bucharest. He flew out of Bucharest on the morning of April 10, heading to England, where he will serve the next two years as a full-time missionary.

Stefan and his dad, his buddy, Ilia, and Sora and Gabi Petrisor were here for the setting apart. It was a special evening as we had at our dinner table two young Romanian men---one returning from the mission field, and one leaving.

Long time buddy, Ilia, says good-bye to Elder Vizante!

Elder Maddock and Sora Gabi Petrisor visit before Stefan leaves. Elder Maddock is our doctor over several European missions, and we enjoyed having him visit the mission.

Mr. Vizante and son

Pres. Lundberg, Sora Petrisor Elder Vizante, Elder Hardman, Ilie, Elder Campbell

A fun last night together!

Elder Demitrescu Returns From England! April 9, 2009

April 9 was a very fun and busy evening at the Mission Home. We had a huge crowd for dinner and for some special events. In addition to the departure of Elder Stefan Vizante for his mission to England, Elder Demitrescu from Ploiesti returned from his mission to England. Elder Demitrescu was met at the airport by his father, grandmother, and a member from the branch. They all came to the Mission Home where Elder Demitrescu met with President Lundberg and was given a release. Although Elder Demitrescu is no longer a set-apart, full-time missionary, we know that he will continue in the great service he has rendered the past two years and will help in the missionary work here in Romania.

Brother Demitrescu, friend from branch, Elder Demitrescu, Grandmother, Sora & Pres. Lundberg

WELCOME HOME, ELDER!

Joshua Turns Ten! April 8, 2009

April 8 was Joshua's 10th birthday. He is getting old much too quickly! Joshua had a fun day at school, and a famous illustrator, visiting from England, drew a special picture at the school assembly for Joshua. His name is Korky Paul. The office staff, Elder Campbell and Elder Hardman, and Joshua's friend, George and his cousin, Connor, joined us for dinner, games, and present opening. Everyone had a great time! We love you, Joshua!

Many thanks to family at home who send cards, gifts, and made phone calls. Joshua enjoyed it all!

Joshua opens new books from George and Connor. Mom and Violetta look on.

Joshua received a violin for his birthday from his mom and dad. He's excited to start lessons.

Sora Rees and Violetta stand back as George and Joshua work on blowing out the candles!

Parks in Bucharest

One of my very favorite things about Bucharest is the beautiful parks. The parks are huge and have many areas of walkways, flowers, trees, lakes, and playground equipment. The first weekend in April was absolutely gorgeous, and the parks were full of people. I took Joshua and his buddy, George, to the park near our home so they could ride their scooters. We had a great time. We're glad to enjoy spring!

George and Joshua slow down on their scooters for a brief moment!

The flowers were beautiful. The boys were handsome!

Joshua cranked the wheel while George held on for dear life!

Mission Council! April 2, 2009

Mission Council always follows Transfer Day. We had a few new zone leaders this time. We also have two of the sister missionaries participate. One of the new zone leaders said in the opening prayer, "Please help this meeting to not seem so long!" (I'm sure his mother will know which missionary that was!)

Elder McKinlay, Elder McBride, Elder Bennett, and Elder de Guzman

Elder Eliason, Elder Smith, Elder Castro and Elder Holmes

President Lundberg with assistants, Elder Hardman and Elder Campbell reviewing presentation.

Sora Howard, Elder Richey, and Elder Mielke

Elder Burch, Elder DeGuzman, Elder Smith, Elder Mielke, Elder Eliason, Elder McBride, Elder Holmes

Transfer Meeting! April 1, 2009

The missionaries love Transfer Meeting. Not only do they get to hear about the new changes and assignments in the mission, but they receive their packages and letters from home, get some time to mingle with former companions, and receive motivation to be diligent in their missionary efforts.

Sora Simkins is excited to receive mail, and Sora Shepard is excited for her!

Elder Anderson visits with Sora Kiss, while Elder Barclay pulls his typical "photo face."

I asked Elder Barclay to just this once, give me a decent picture. Believe it or not, he did.

See how nice he looks when he isn't sticking out his tongue!

Hello and Good-Bye!

April 1, 2009--Transfer Day. We sent four wonderful missionaries home early in the morning to be welcomed by their waiting and excited families. Their time of service as full-time missionaries had drawn to an end. We love them all and will miss them greatly.

We also were able to welcome a new group of arriving missionaries. We look forward to having them here in the mission and know they will love it! Elder Harwood, Sora Betham, Sora and President Lundberg, Elder Divis, and Elder Hruska

share time together the last night in the mission field.

Sora Turner, Elder and Sora Lamreaux, Sora Katrina, Sora Lundberg, Sora Hardy, President,

Sora Larson, Elder Ott, Sora Kiriyama, and Elder Bernier.