Dedicating the Well in Odobesti

On May 23rd, on our way home from Moldova, we stopped in the village of Odobesti to dedicate a well of fresh clean water the church dug and supplied equipment for, to provide water for the people in this area. These people all lost their homes during the flooding of the Danube River last year. The government built them small little houses to rent but did not provide clean water. Elder and Sister Johnston began this project but finished their mission before seeing the well completed. Today we participated in a ceremony where the mayor, 120 children and other dignitaries came to dedicate and thank the church for this gift. Unfortunately, we were stuck in a road detour and missed the first part of the ceremony but made it there to dedicate the well and meet some of the villagers. These people were very sweet and greatful for this gift. The children were all excited just to meet "the Americans". Our new Humanitarian missionary couple, the Jacobs, were with us to visit the project. Elder Jacobs gave the dedicatory prayer. Elder Facer was there and has also been instrumental in making sure the project was completed.

Headed to Moldova!

This is a typical road we drive on as we make our zone tours and travel through out the country. Summers are beautiful here and except for the occasional wild driver, we really enjoy the travel. Last week we held a couples conference in Moldova and had a wonderful time meeting, teaching each other and getting to know the branch members in Chisinau. One of the highlights was a fireside we held on Sunday night where Elders Watson and Lund spoke about their careers as a rocket scientist and an airline pilot and how you can keep the standards of the gospel and still be a part of the world. A very special part of the evening was when President Ashby presented Serghei Nicolae Covali with his mission call. He cheered as he opened it and found out he would be serving in the Italy Catania Mission. The photo of all of the sisters was our Relief Society meeting that day. The room was full and it was wonderful to be among so many sisters for Relief Society! We were speaking English, Russian and Romanian (and singing all three languages at the same time!) but the spirit was strong and we rejoiced in our sisterhood.

Visiting the Hill where the land of Moldova was dedicated

Our mission couples had a wonderful experience on Sunday, May 20th when we had the opportunity to visit the hillside where Elder Ballard dedicated the land for the preaching of the gospel. Branch president Verlon was with Elder Ballard that day and he and his wife took us to the exact spot of the dedication. Some of our missionaries walked and hiked to the spot while others came in cars. We ate a small lunch of sandwiches and then had President Verlon talk about the experience after which President Ashby read the dedicatory prayer. It was a very touching experience and renewed again our joy at being finally recognised by the Moldovan government.

 

 

 

 

The couples in Moldova

 

 

 

Old Orhei in Moldova

The couples got to take a Preparation Day together and travel to the countryside. This country is beautiful with a lot of history behind it. Many of the houses and gates are painted green and blue. The blue represents the fact that God made Moldova a little piece of "Heaven on Earth" and the green represents the rich land.

 

 

 

Down into the cliff....

Elder and Sora Facer enjoy their walk along the cliff. The Facers are our Office couple. I think this is the first time I have seen them in Preparation day clothes!
Sora Lofgreen leads the way for us to climb down the stone stairs leading into this century's old monastary. There is still one monk who lives here and takes care of the caves. At one time it housed at least a dozen monks but today it is used as a small church for the village behind the cliff.
This monk was very nice and made us welcome in his sanctuary.

Today is Mother's Day!

A few good wishes....

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

I wish I could put every missionaries photo on here for mother's day but I can't, so here are a few of them sending our love and wishing you the best! Without good mothers none of this is possible! (well, good dad's too!)

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

 

We're Still Here!

Yesterday I got a message from someone asking me what happened to our Blog site....no postings for a month! Just wanted to say sorry! We have been super busy and are on the road right now. Except for the last few days of this month we will only have been home for two days! Here are a couple of road photos....the one shows the peasant farmers are working hard in their fields, the storkes are in their nests tending their eggs and last of all, the girls in Romania are still darling! Especially our faithful members!
As soon as we get back to Bucharest I will add an update! In the mean time....Happy Mother's Day! Our missionaries are all calling their mom's today and they are excited! A few have even called me and I love it when they do that!