Monday, November 28, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!!
It was a great week this past week. Started off great with a nice Thanksgiving celebration mainly the McFaddens, we helped with a broccoli salad and ice cream dessert and the sisters with a fruit salad. It was great, even if it was chicken instead of turkey, great mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and wonderful company. Thank you so much Elder and Sora McFadden for your cooking abilities and hospitality. I do appreciate it so much. One of my most memorable Thanksgivings ever. Although last year was pretty dang exciting on a train from Brasov to Bucuresti for my first Zone Conference. I can't decide which one was the best...Then Monday night we had a goodbye good lesson with our baptismal candidate, Ghita. Elder Schanck told them he was leaving that next night and they were both really sad. I loved all of our crazy lessons we had at their house, at the church, with Cristi (a 6 year old) running around everywhere. It was a good lesson. Then we had a last Distict Meeting. District 9. Me, Elder Schanck, Sora Moulton, and Sora Hickman and the McFaddens. Then we packed up. Called investigators and visited one member before leaving Tuesday night. We had plenty of time to find our seats on the train. But the sisters, oh my goodness! They almost missed the train. I tried calling them and it seemed like 5 other people were also calling them at the same time and they barely made it. Then at the first stop they got off and moved over to the right wagon. It was pretty intense. Brings back some great memories. I hate missing trains! haha Fun times with every single one of my companions (not in Bucuresti) but while we were in Brasov. Timisoara. And here in Arad and then when we took trains for exchanges. Every one is different and I just don't want to miss a train. That's that. haha Moving on. Wednesday. All day in Bucuresti. After 3 months of missing it! Got to visit Sora Gorzo and we had a meal there. The office Elders didn't do visa work because they mis-scheduled times for the incoming sisters. Plus the sisters plane was delayed coming into the country. Might never get my visa...we'll see. Fun time talking to all the new elders around the mission that I don't know at all. And seeing friends and former companions. I haven't seen Elder Bateman forever. He came and left and never got to see him. Nearly all the people in my MTC I didn't see because they stayed in their city for another transfer. Just saw Elder Pettit and Elder James. But it was good. Got some mail, supplies, and a package from Taryn. Thank you. :D Then Wednesday night, back to Arad with my new companion, Elder Olson, from Holiday, UT just like Elder Newton and they actually knew one another before the mission and Elder Newton is just a little younger than him in the mission. By a little bit. Then Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving! It snowed the first time here in Arad! YAY! Super cold and freezing. Visited Ghita that night and Friday night. And we had his baptism on Saturday! Friday night, we tried to fill up the basin with regular water, let it sit and warm up to room tempature, then Saturday morning we would have come and filled it up with hot water so it would have been at least a little warm for the baptism. But Friday night, soon after starting we found some leaks! AH! And so we just drained it and left a little water in it over night. Then Saturday morning, went and bought some duct tape...which in the end would really do nothing, but that's ok. Went to the church about 4.5 hours before the baptism. And taped it up as we could. And then started filling it up. And in the end it wasn't too bad. Just lukewarm and perfect! And everything was all ready to go by 3 o clock. Just a few other problems that kinda worried me. Our baptismal candidate Ghita, was late!!!!!!!!! Luckily he was close and on his way. He arrived about 3:05 and also At 3 o clock at the time we were supposed to start only the 6 missionaries were there. And the Branch President, his wife, and their granddaughter who is a member. Then it seemed right as Ghita arrived about 15 other members all came in and it was a good turnout of members and even their relatives, not really investigators, but nonmembers also came. Yay! The ceremony went smoothly and all was well. It was a great baptism. I am so happy for Ghita and his wife (who was baptized earlier this year). They are going to be so great for the branch. They need that support and love from them. Then yesterday at church, he received the Holy Ghost from the Branch President, Banatean and other men were in the circle, me included and it was a great feeling, when we gave him the Holy Ghost. It is amazing to see the change in his character and even his life, since when we first met out in the foyer of church after a Sacrament meeting. Some weeks he would come to church even when his wife wouldn't come. He is a great guy and I love him. He'll be a great member.
It was a great week for me. There are lots more waiting for me so I should be going now. I love this work so much. And I love the change it brings in peoples' lives. All for the better. The Gospel is such an amazing thing. Study it and learn about it and it'll make you a better person too. I know it's true. I love you all.
Work.
It was a great week for me. There are lots more waiting for me so I should be going now. I love this work so much. And I love the change it brings in peoples' lives. All for the better. The Gospel is such an amazing thing. Study it and learn about it and it'll make you a better person too. I know it's true. I love you all.
Work.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Another one in Arad! YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I basically assumed I was staying either way with Elder Schanck leaving or staying because he only has 3 more weeks in his mission. And that is crazy! He will not be spending his last days with me but will be leaving to Galati for 3 weeks and he'll. be. homeeee for Christmaaaas. I love Christmas music. I will be receiving another older missionary with 2 more transfers left, who'll probably be finishing his mission here in Arad. Elder Olson. He is a great Elder and have been able to talk to him a little bit down in Bucuresti at transfers, mission council, and when he was office elder talked to him on the phone a couple times. It's going to be a great transfer. It'll be us two. And it's super crazy Sora Moulton who was trained this transfer here in Arad, will be leaving to Ploiesti (lucky) and serving with another second transfer! Craziness! She speaks the language so so well for a boboaca and she will have no problems. I have no worries for her. And Sora Hickman, this will be her 3rd here like me in Arad and she'll be training another boboaca right out of the mtc. Craziness. I am hoping of going my whole mission without training but we'll see what happens. ;)
It was a great week for me this past week. I can't believe November is coming to a close. I have really loved my zone here in Arad. There are 16 total missionaries with the McFaddens. And 6 are leaving on to other zones. It'll be a good transfer and I am excited to try and get some of these investigators progressing and committing to make the next step to baptism, but we'll see what happens. I will miss Elder Schanck, it was a good two transfers here in Arad. Had some really tough days, but looking back on it I just see the good days. I can't help it. I am positive and it is so important to be positive. All about attitude of gratitude and positivity. Try it some time. It helps, it really helps.
One of our investigators is doing super well. He wants to be baptized this Saturday and we are making all the preparations for that and that'll be super good. Ghita is ready and has the right desire, I am super happy for him. And hopefully next year to go with his wife (baptized this year earlier) to the temple. And hopefully their 7 year old son, nearly 8 will also be baptized. He says he wants to and I might still be here for that. But I am thinking I will have three here, this'll be my last transfer and then I'll be going somewhere else. We'll see.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Today we are celebrating with the McFaddens and I believe having a chicken meal because turkeys are too small. Not too sure. We made a really good broccoli salad and an ice cream dessert/elder schanck made them. I supervised. haha.
Yesterday at church, it was super good. I gave a talk and it turns out, I chose my subject, and also Sora Hickman spoke who was assigned her subject and we spoke on the same thing! Supunere/Obedience. It was a great meeting and first hour. Then we also started a class for investigators, 1st time since I have been here, oh and I taught that too, but hopefully that will be a one time thing. It went really well. Sisters are really doing well and have lots of investigators, we had a lot of ours promise they'd be there but never showed up. Sundays are the best and the worst. Translating seems so much like a breeze for the Mcfaddens. Did that for two of the talks. Didn't translate for mine though. haha. I love all the members here so much in Arad. So many solid ones and just awesome people where you see the difference the gospel has made in their lives. I love it and it inspires me. This past week we were able to visit a lot of them and Elder Schanck got pictures with all of them.
Also this past week we had a good exchange in Oradea and a good district meeting with them. I went with Elder McCombs, they first did an exchange and then we came and did another exchange. Usually it's Barney and Taylor together and Eckersley and Mccombs. But when we went, it was Barney with Mccombs and Eckersley with Taylor. So I went with Elder Mccombs and Elder Schanck went with Elder Barney. haha Kinda crazy but it went well and we got some good work done and met some really people in the park, and in the blocs.
I love Arad so much. The city. People. Culture. Way of life. Members. Investigators. Success. And everything else.
Always looking forward to the future. Learning from the past. And living today and making the future possible. I love you Mom and Dad. Happy Anniversary.
And my gift to the Hill's for their anniversary this coming saturday, a baptism. :)
Work.
It was a great week for me this past week. I can't believe November is coming to a close. I have really loved my zone here in Arad. There are 16 total missionaries with the McFaddens. And 6 are leaving on to other zones. It'll be a good transfer and I am excited to try and get some of these investigators progressing and committing to make the next step to baptism, but we'll see what happens. I will miss Elder Schanck, it was a good two transfers here in Arad. Had some really tough days, but looking back on it I just see the good days. I can't help it. I am positive and it is so important to be positive. All about attitude of gratitude and positivity. Try it some time. It helps, it really helps.
One of our investigators is doing super well. He wants to be baptized this Saturday and we are making all the preparations for that and that'll be super good. Ghita is ready and has the right desire, I am super happy for him. And hopefully next year to go with his wife (baptized this year earlier) to the temple. And hopefully their 7 year old son, nearly 8 will also be baptized. He says he wants to and I might still be here for that. But I am thinking I will have three here, this'll be my last transfer and then I'll be going somewhere else. We'll see.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Today we are celebrating with the McFaddens and I believe having a chicken meal because turkeys are too small. Not too sure. We made a really good broccoli salad and an ice cream dessert/elder schanck made them. I supervised. haha.
Yesterday at church, it was super good. I gave a talk and it turns out, I chose my subject, and also Sora Hickman spoke who was assigned her subject and we spoke on the same thing! Supunere/Obedience. It was a great meeting and first hour. Then we also started a class for investigators, 1st time since I have been here, oh and I taught that too, but hopefully that will be a one time thing. It went really well. Sisters are really doing well and have lots of investigators, we had a lot of ours promise they'd be there but never showed up. Sundays are the best and the worst. Translating seems so much like a breeze for the Mcfaddens. Did that for two of the talks. Didn't translate for mine though. haha. I love all the members here so much in Arad. So many solid ones and just awesome people where you see the difference the gospel has made in their lives. I love it and it inspires me. This past week we were able to visit a lot of them and Elder Schanck got pictures with all of them.
Also this past week we had a good exchange in Oradea and a good district meeting with them. I went with Elder McCombs, they first did an exchange and then we came and did another exchange. Usually it's Barney and Taylor together and Eckersley and Mccombs. But when we went, it was Barney with Mccombs and Eckersley with Taylor. So I went with Elder Mccombs and Elder Schanck went with Elder Barney. haha Kinda crazy but it went well and we got some good work done and met some really people in the park, and in the blocs.
I love Arad so much. The city. People. Culture. Way of life. Members. Investigators. Success. And everything else.
Always looking forward to the future. Learning from the past. And living today and making the future possible. I love you Mom and Dad. Happy Anniversary.
And my gift to the Hill's for their anniversary this coming saturday, a baptism. :)
Work.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
My Clean Sheet Broken, Shattered, and Demolished Within an Instant. Sad Day.
I'll dedicate this one again to Sam Williams.
Alright, well I never told you, but two weeks ago, we get home one night coming back inside. And we see on the car right outside the apartment, a nice little parking ticket. But for the past two months, we have had no trouble at all. There were no signs saying we had to pay parking, nothing! And usually there will be a place to buy parking stubs/receipts saying you bought it to park there, there was nothing of the sort by our apartment and we thought we didn't have to pay. But we have went about 2 months not paying anything and happily parking the car there. To find a nice parking ticket that one night. The next day we were down in Bucuresti and couldn't pay it within the 48 hours. So we go then late, find the place and not only is it one ticket, but it's two! (the 48 hours rule luckily had no effect or extra fine) The day before we got the ticket on the windshield, we supposedly were fined with another ticket. So we paid for 2 tickets. I took the hit and gave them my license and what not. Not a big deal, because this did not shatter the perfect record of mine of no tickets, no trouble or anything. It wouldn't be a big deal. But little did I know what would happen driving over to Deva.
I receive my first speeding ticket in my life and it's a joke people! I hated that day. I was going 6 over in a town. and I am converting this to mph so it appears smaller than the kmh (those are bigger numbers) haha. So going about 37 in a 30 mph zone. This country needs a freeway. They set up the roads just so they could get tickets and pull people over. I was probably the most scared I have even been in my life, when the cop came to the window. Last year at this time I entered the country November 9th. My visa had a mistake and it expired November 8th of this year instead of 2012. I get pulled over November 9th, a day after my visa expires. It would have been no problem because I had my passport with me with a sheet in it saying my visa is still good, just need to pick it up in Bucuresti. But oh oh wait. I didn't have my passport with that little sheet in it. My heart was beating alright! But I live to tell another day, the cop never asked for it thankfully and I was blessed, technically illegal but with that sheet that I now carry with me at all times, I will have no problems. I am sorry Sam, I used to be perfect. "Even the best fall down sometimes" are the only words that come to my mind. But it makes for a great story. So for km it's 50 km in a village and there are tons of villages on this road, normally I think it's 90 or 100 outside of villages. They had me clocked at 67. Everyone speeds. Right after I got pulled over I am driving through another village and a big semi is behind me with another 6 or 7 cars, I am going 50 for about halfway through and then he is flashing his lights at me and honking, not too happy that I was following the speed limit, so I speed up the later end of the Sat. ugh.
DUMB! haha everyone speeds, even through the villages. but I knew I would get a ticket some day and it had to happen on my mission. I'm not mad. Find joy in the journey.
It was a great week. I love Arad. I love my mission. Ghita will be baptized next week. I love my zone. I love my companion. I love this gospel. I love my family and my friends. I love you all and hope you have a great week. Never forget to read your scriptures. It'll make the difference in your day. I promise.
I love life.
Love,
Elder Schroedter
Drive safe Sam and get to the building. ;)
Alright, well I never told you, but two weeks ago, we get home one night coming back inside. And we see on the car right outside the apartment, a nice little parking ticket. But for the past two months, we have had no trouble at all. There were no signs saying we had to pay parking, nothing! And usually there will be a place to buy parking stubs/receipts saying you bought it to park there, there was nothing of the sort by our apartment and we thought we didn't have to pay. But we have went about 2 months not paying anything and happily parking the car there. To find a nice parking ticket that one night. The next day we were down in Bucuresti and couldn't pay it within the 48 hours. So we go then late, find the place and not only is it one ticket, but it's two! (the 48 hours rule luckily had no effect or extra fine) The day before we got the ticket on the windshield, we supposedly were fined with another ticket. So we paid for 2 tickets. I took the hit and gave them my license and what not. Not a big deal, because this did not shatter the perfect record of mine of no tickets, no trouble or anything. It wouldn't be a big deal. But little did I know what would happen driving over to Deva.
I receive my first speeding ticket in my life and it's a joke people! I hated that day. I was going 6 over in a town. and I am converting this to mph so it appears smaller than the kmh (those are bigger numbers) haha. So going about 37 in a 30 mph zone. This country needs a freeway. They set up the roads just so they could get tickets and pull people over. I was probably the most scared I have even been in my life, when the cop came to the window. Last year at this time I entered the country November 9th. My visa had a mistake and it expired November 8th of this year instead of 2012. I get pulled over November 9th, a day after my visa expires. It would have been no problem because I had my passport with me with a sheet in it saying my visa is still good, just need to pick it up in Bucuresti. But oh oh wait. I didn't have my passport with that little sheet in it. My heart was beating alright! But I live to tell another day, the cop never asked for it thankfully and I was blessed, technically illegal but with that sheet that I now carry with me at all times, I will have no problems. I am sorry Sam, I used to be perfect. "Even the best fall down sometimes" are the only words that come to my mind. But it makes for a great story. So for km it's 50 km in a village and there are tons of villages on this road, normally I think it's 90 or 100 outside of villages. They had me clocked at 67. Everyone speeds. Right after I got pulled over I am driving through another village and a big semi is behind me with another 6 or 7 cars, I am going 50 for about halfway through and then he is flashing his lights at me and honking, not too happy that I was following the speed limit, so I speed up the later end of the Sat. ugh.
DUMB! haha everyone speeds, even through the villages. but I knew I would get a ticket some day and it had to happen on my mission. I'm not mad. Find joy in the journey.
It was a great week. I love Arad. I love my mission. Ghita will be baptized next week. I love my zone. I love my companion. I love this gospel. I love my family and my friends. I love you all and hope you have a great week. Never forget to read your scriptures. It'll make the difference in your day. I promise.
I love life.
Love,
Elder Schroedter
Drive safe Sam and get to the building. ;)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Humbled and Tired
Well. This week has gone by all too fast and too slow at the same time. I felt like we were always doing something this past week. And I think with a trip today to Lipova kinda stretched out the week for some odd reason. I spend too much time on trains. But yeah, today it was a good turnout, some crazy things happened with Timisoara Elders and they uh kinda, missed their train, unfortunately so they were not able to make it out to Lipova. But all Arad made it with the McFaddens (glad they made it! :)) With Oradea, and Deva too. It was a good stay. I love the cetate(fortress) there in Lipova/Radna. Also called the "Cetatea Soimos" It was my third time going, but it was a lot of fun. It was Elder Schanck's second time. And that was our Preparation Day. Now we have to hurry to shop and then try and meet with some investigators!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday, was so great at church! Ghita was there with his fam, they stayed for two hours. They are in the middle of trying to move. Not the best living conditions, he is so humble and such a great guy. Recently lost one of his jobs. His wife was baptized earlier this year. He was not interested at all and this past week, Elder Schanck and I had two really good lessons with him. He has awesome potential....meaning he wants to be baptized, we didn't even invite him. Another cool and great story. Two members got together one day and they themselves a couple weeks ago had a lesson with them. Missionary work, it's all about the members! Don't take my word, take Pres. former Elder Gii Bii Hinckley! Missionary work NOT EQUAL tracting. Therefore, I refuse to knock another door. It's all about the members. haha just kidding. Romania is not ready at all for just member work and finding people through the members. Someday though. I know it. I'll be knocking on my fair share of doors. Don't you worry. (I feel bad Not Gii, but President Gordon B. Hinckley) Ghita is a funny guy, his son Cristi is a tough one and he has so much patience with him. He will be a great member here soon.
And another family that I have met with a couple times, mainly the husband and the sisters have worked with the Mom and Daughter. They are relatives of members, son of a member and they will also be getting baptized soon! I am super excited for them and can't wait. He is a great guy and we have done service over there a few times.
Oh yeah, me and Elder Schanck went down to Bucuresti. Not a big deal. I'll spare you train details. I was so dumb though, real quick, I'll share. We go to a place near our house that deals with trains where you can buy tickets and I ask for 1st class...I simply fail to mention that we want sleeping carts 1st class. And I don't understand, I thought the lady would have at least helped me out a bit! So we ended up just buying 1st class, wonderful normal seat tickets! :S So then it works everytime, we just go to the sleeping cabin, 2nd class and we ask the conductor if there are any seats/beds open, people don't always show up and we got two beds for the night going down and did the same thing going back up to Arad. They need some new trains! It should not take up 12 hours to travel 600 km. My opinion. Maybe I am wrong and have my distances a little off, but I didn't think it took that long. Yes, for those who did the average 50 km/hr. I don't judge. I will come back graduated and build some railways? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I was wrong, usually about 11 hour train ride, but consistently an hour delay will happen, changing that to 12 hours, usually a little more than 600, I am being generous. So yeah, still 50 km/hr. haha. You probably think I hate this country and its public transportation. but actually this country has changed me. I say things how they are. Haha, Captain Obvious is my new nickname they call me. But seriously, don't hate me. I give facts. I got sites, photos, time trackers, tickets, and money as proof. Anyways.
I think every night of this past week I was not able to get a full night's sleep but I am surviving and loving every second of it. Two nights on the train. Last night. It was a good night, just didn't quite get much sleep. But other than that, I'll be sleeping well tonight and this coming week. Planned for an exchange to Deva so that should be good! :D
For every week in my mission (nearly every week) we have district meetings as a district, 4, 6, 8 missionaries, depends where you are. This week Elder Schanck gave an awesome district meeting. Really probably one of my favorites. I love that kid. He is so much more humbler than me and it makes me even more humbler. I don't judge, but I do. And I am trying to be better. It really has been great being companions with him. He knows so much. And he has taught me so so so much. I really do love him.
Two weeks ago. I was upset, but don't worry. I am not anymore. I get over things pretty quickly. Don't judge others when we stand imperfectly. Everyone is trying to be better. Be humble and don't judge. It's about love for others.
Everyone have a great week. I love you all.
Heart. Might. Mind. Strength.
Work.
Yesterday, was so great at church! Ghita was there with his fam, they stayed for two hours. They are in the middle of trying to move. Not the best living conditions, he is so humble and such a great guy. Recently lost one of his jobs. His wife was baptized earlier this year. He was not interested at all and this past week, Elder Schanck and I had two really good lessons with him. He has awesome potential....meaning he wants to be baptized, we didn't even invite him. Another cool and great story. Two members got together one day and they themselves a couple weeks ago had a lesson with them. Missionary work, it's all about the members! Don't take my word, take Pres. former Elder Gii Bii Hinckley! Missionary work NOT EQUAL tracting. Therefore, I refuse to knock another door. It's all about the members. haha just kidding. Romania is not ready at all for just member work and finding people through the members. Someday though. I know it. I'll be knocking on my fair share of doors. Don't you worry. (I feel bad Not Gii, but President Gordon B. Hinckley) Ghita is a funny guy, his son Cristi is a tough one and he has so much patience with him. He will be a great member here soon.
And another family that I have met with a couple times, mainly the husband and the sisters have worked with the Mom and Daughter. They are relatives of members, son of a member and they will also be getting baptized soon! I am super excited for them and can't wait. He is a great guy and we have done service over there a few times.
Oh yeah, me and Elder Schanck went down to Bucuresti. Not a big deal. I'll spare you train details. I was so dumb though, real quick, I'll share. We go to a place near our house that deals with trains where you can buy tickets and I ask for 1st class...I simply fail to mention that we want sleeping carts 1st class. And I don't understand, I thought the lady would have at least helped me out a bit! So we ended up just buying 1st class, wonderful normal seat tickets! :S So then it works everytime, we just go to the sleeping cabin, 2nd class and we ask the conductor if there are any seats/beds open, people don't always show up and we got two beds for the night going down and did the same thing going back up to Arad. They need some new trains! It should not take up 12 hours to travel 600 km. My opinion. Maybe I am wrong and have my distances a little off, but I didn't think it took that long. Yes, for those who did the average 50 km/hr. I don't judge. I will come back graduated and build some railways? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I was wrong, usually about 11 hour train ride, but consistently an hour delay will happen, changing that to 12 hours, usually a little more than 600, I am being generous. So yeah, still 50 km/hr. haha. You probably think I hate this country and its public transportation. but actually this country has changed me. I say things how they are. Haha, Captain Obvious is my new nickname they call me. But seriously, don't hate me. I give facts. I got sites, photos, time trackers, tickets, and money as proof. Anyways.
I think every night of this past week I was not able to get a full night's sleep but I am surviving and loving every second of it. Two nights on the train. Last night. It was a good night, just didn't quite get much sleep. But other than that, I'll be sleeping well tonight and this coming week. Planned for an exchange to Deva so that should be good! :D
For every week in my mission (nearly every week) we have district meetings as a district, 4, 6, 8 missionaries, depends where you are. This week Elder Schanck gave an awesome district meeting. Really probably one of my favorites. I love that kid. He is so much more humbler than me and it makes me even more humbler. I don't judge, but I do. And I am trying to be better. It really has been great being companions with him. He knows so much. And he has taught me so so so much. I really do love him.
Two weeks ago. I was upset, but don't worry. I am not anymore. I get over things pretty quickly. Don't judge others when we stand imperfectly. Everyone is trying to be better. Be humble and don't judge. It's about love for others.
Everyone have a great week. I love you all.
Heart. Might. Mind. Strength.
Work.
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