Week 71

Dear Family!

We have had so much happen this last week! I was really excited to go on an exchange with Elder Montoya and get some work done, kinda "rekindle" the fire. You know, go out and just work as hard as we could. Someone else had some other plans in mind, however. We received a call from Sora M's daughter to meet up at the church with Pres. H. We thought it had something to do with financial support. When we arrived, we found out that Sora M had passed away and that her funeral would be tomorrow. Pres. H had to drive to Hungary to pick up his wife and that meant Elder M and I were in charge. Working out all the details, calling members and then preparing for the actual funeral was a very interesting experience. I believe the most stressing part of the whole process was finding out if Sora M had all the required clothes for her burial. We ended up not being able to work that out, but I believe that the Lord understands we tried our hardest.

The next day being her funeral, we finished preparations, translations and what not, and went over to the funeral. It was received quite well by her friends and family (there were so many!) and the Spirit was with us the whole way. Many people thanked us for the service and we were able to show them a part of what we believed of the Plan of Salvation. We might even be doing the No Smoking Program with one of her relatives. 

The day before the funeral, when we were at the cemetery, we saw an orthodox funeral for a young woman. It was one of the saddest things I have ever seen. They had next to no hope of seeing her again. Sora M's funeral was sad, yes, but it was also really happy. Sora L said something that shows the hope that we as members of the church have for those who have left us. "Think about how beautiful she is right now. No more pain. No more hospitals." C, her grandson, said something that stuck out to me as well. When asked how he was doing he simply replied "Grandma is with God in heaven." As if he were saying she is home, or at the store. He knows whats up. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and all that it teaches us.  What a difference it makes in our life, having that kind of knowledge.

I am doing really well. Nothing major to complain about, and a lot to be thankful for. We went over to one of the sisters' investigators' home and had a lesson with the sisters and Elder H. It was such a great lesson and they are such a great family. We shared the Plan of Salvation and I talked about my excitement to see The Love Magnet in heaven, as an exalted and perfected person. Romanians always do the same thing when I tell them TLM has Down syndrome, but by the end of my story, they see disabilities in a different light. This family loves the way we think. It was a long lesson, but I haven't had a better one in my entire mission.

Good job Secondborn on achieving his Eagle award. He will be so grateful that he was able to do that. Now, if he could only write his only big brother who is almost exactly on the opposite side of the world lol.

It is so crazy to think that before the end of this next transfer, we will be skyping again and it will be my last one. Life moves so fast!

Elder Ormsby

Sora M one year ago.  She was a wonderful person.

Helping out in Primary.

Investigator and good friend.

Romanian babies are the cutest!

Drawing "Whalvis".

Elder H tasting some of the pickle brine.

My old stomping grounds and apartment.

Leave your camera around, and you are sure to find a lot of these the next time you check your pictures lol (she is going to kill me, but put it up).  ;)

I'm a good student. 

Our district.

Creepy painting in the hotel room .

Elder M's new companion.

We carried this 100 kg behemoth

up these stairs

 for service.

Week 66

Dear Family,

Ok, that is not even fair. Telling me all these really good foods...oh well, at least I have M...oh wait....

Well, we didn't have any cupcake tins, so I tried to turn the [red velvet cake mix] into brownies and they were just soggy for some reason. The frosting was really gross looking too. Its weird, they definitely looked better last year, oh well. The cookies were great. I used them for my spiritual thought and did the "only a little bit of poop". You know, the one where I explain whats in the cookie and then have them eat it, but before they do I explain the "secret" ingredient. A tablespoon of dog poo for the whole batch. Its fine, cause it was cooked and there were a lot of cookies, so not much poo would be in them. It had the desired result, except from my comp, who tried to be smecher and "beat the system"...what a punk lol. We had a really poor turn out for English classes. Hopefully it will be better next transfer.

We aren't teaching anyone right now. One of our investigators went to Constanta for the winter and is coming back real soon. The others went out to Paris for some treatments and wont be back for 3 months. Kinda sad, but asa merge viata.

I have been trying to finish the Bible. Its a really  big part of peoples lives here (even if they don't read it) and so I wanted to better understand where they were coming from. It has been a rough journey, but I am finally in Ezekiel. I hope that I will finish the New Testament in a few months. It will be an easier read than Chronicles, that's for sure.

Romanians have 2 days that are like Valentines day. The actual day, Sfantul Valantin, and the 24th. I forget what that one is called, but its basically the same thing. Lots of commercial stuff.

So, I have literally had my heart ripped apart this last week.  Transfer boards came out. I am going to my home city of Timisoara.  I wanted to stay here so bad, to be with the people that I love The people here are just so amazing. I cant explain why Bacau is one of the greatest cities in Romania, it just is. I have four new sisters here and one of my best friends. The B family were investigators 14 years ago. Two days before they were set to be baptized, they were found amazing jobs and a decent place to stay. God has blessed them so much in the last little while. They have become so close to me, all in 6 weeks.  Its just been a great transfer. I would do almost anything to stay here. I will come back at one point. I kept that promise to the Timi members, it will happen to Bacau too.

Stay pretty,

Elder Ormsby

Week 27

Well you are all awesome. Sorry, this one will be really short. I got ET'ed to Buc to be an office elder, so I will be driving in the most dangerous city in Europe...that one was for you, Mom :) I will get lots of stuff to you later. I am with all of my MTC district here in Buc and my favorite person in the mission is also here. Along with meeting new missionaries and sending off old ones I will have a great time here. I will be here for at least 6 months. Lots of busy work and almost no missionary tracting. But I feel as if this will be a great new addition to my mission. Also, I received another letter from Uncle N and Aunt E again (go them!!!) I love the stationery that they use, possibly the greatest, especially for a missionary. I also received my first letter from my favorite relative...about time haha. Well enough mystery! I will sign off for now!

Elder Ormsby

Week 21

Thank you for the picture of my puppy, oh and the others as well! Life here in Deva has continued on as usual. We watched only the first session Saturday and the first session Sunday, both of which were at 7pm. we watched it at the church with the F family. One weird part was that it was also Fast Sunday, so we couldn't follow traditions and have a big breakfast and eat candy. I am definitely going to have to watch the other sessions though. It sounds like they were really good. 

I like this quick info thing that we have going on between the F's and us. We heard about North Korea from them as well, so I would have to say that you are right mom. But the biggest indicator that the last days are coming is the progression of the church 65,000 missionaries!!! Wow, that was a crazy thing to think about. 

Elder B is from West Valley Utah. He is super sarcastic and incredibly funny! He doesn't have a blog, but I'm sure there is an email thingy majigger somewhere out there. Unfortunately I lost my notebooks with my testimonies in them, which I was going to write in the CLM's, along with all my MTC notes and other impressions. Oh well, good thing there is such a thing as continued revelations.

In Deva wehaven't  been able to do a lot of contacting do to the fact that I am first counselor and financial secretary, there is a lot to get done at the church, along with other things. But we were attempting to go villa knocking up that hill. It is a good thing we don't live over there because that hill is really steep and walking up was a great workout. Also, I don't know if its the water or what, but people grow their dogs big here in Deva. Like massive mop dogs... Iforget what they are called, but there is a picture of a different kind that we saw as well. It was crazy!!! We meet in a villa next to the mall here in Deva. It is much nicer looking than some buildings, but relatively small. Looks like we are going to have to find a new one before I leave haha. 

I haven't sent your package because I haven't  finished a letter for you but I hope to get it out before next week, we'll see. Thats cool that Sora G wrote The Love Magnet again. I know that those sisters love TLM and really appreciate it when they get one back. TLM is a missionaries helper!!! And yes thank you so much for the crock pot. I was totally kidding when I asked for one, but it has been such a nice thing to use. If its not in the package, could you send some recipes (golden delicious chicken being number 1) by email. I know that my companion has really enjoyed it as well, as will all the future companions.

TLM,

What do you mean mom's going to California for two weeks? I am glad that you ate some candy (but not too much) I will have to send you something yummy with your package! I LOVE YOU TLM!!!

Thirdborn, 

Our branch is super cool! Did you know that mom skyped them, before she even skyped me! I think she loves them more, what do you think? If I ever go to Dracula's Castle (aka Bram's Castle) I will get you something better than a post card! I have heard there are some cool things there, like a puzzle box. Guess you'll just have to wait a while to find out what that is! We meet at church just like you do and do all of the things that you do at church. we have sacrament and then Sunday school, then its off to priesthood and before you know it, church is over!! And its all in Romanian! Crazy right? We have some restaurants here, but not as much as in Timisoara or in the USA. We do have a McDonalds, but I don't like that place anymore. So you want a shwarma huh? well, Ill see what I can do. Hopefully I will be able to make sarmale when I get home. Did you know that mom has mad a kind of sarmale before? Yep and I bet she didn't even know it either. Keep it cool Thirdborn. Oh and please stop growing, before you know it, you ll run out of room to grow!.

Dad, 

Sorry to hear that you have been having troubles with work, its too bad that you lost the St. L contract. I cant say that I fully understand because I've  never been in that situation, but I do know that the Savior does.  I  know that you both are turning to the Lord for help and advice, and that is exactly what you need to be doing. Be  ready to follow any promptings that you have and I know that you will be blessed, especially if it something difficult. I love you so much and as I have listened to some of conference, I am reminded of the love and sacrifice that you have shown to me and to the to some of conference, I am reminded of the love and sacrifice that you have shown to me and to the rest of the family. You have always been one of my hero's and I hope to one day have a strong a testimony and character has you have shown me. I love  you dad, and I want you to know that the to some of conference, I am reminded of the love and sacrifice that you have shown to me and to the rest of the family. You have always been one of my hero's and I hope to one day have a strong a testimony and character has you have shown me. I love  you dad, and I want you to know that the Lord does too. As the times are getting harder rely more and more on the family and also on the Atonement. Make sure that my siblings understand the importance of the scriptures and also the Atonement. It has been such a blessing in my life and I know that everyone has need of the power and help that comes from it. Know that you all are always in my prayers and keep a hold of the Iron rod!!!

So I just wanted to say something really quickly about Brother H. I received a text message the other night from my branch president, here in Romania, that Brother H had passed away. For me, death has always been a really hard thing to deal with. At my great grandmothers funeral I refused to look during the viewing and when I left on my mission, I thought of all the people that might pass away while I was gone. But over the past few months I have come to know of a certain truth. The Plan of Salvation is real. Sure, I could have told you before about the Plan of Salvation, and how it applies to all of us, but I couldn't apply it to myself. For whatever reason, be it that I have studied it more, or that I have tried to apply it more, God has given me a testimony of the truthfulness of His Great and Eternal Plan. After that text, I began to laugh as I thought of all the quirky little things that Brother H did. Be it playing his "hand trumpet" or the bagpipes on his thoat. Or better yet the time that we came into class and there was a light board and we was in a flatbill sideways, rings on his fingers and shades...the seminary rap. I have never met a kinder, more enthusiastic BSU Bronco fan (and that's saying something on the enthusiastic part). He was an overall amazing man. Before I left I was able to go to a fireside in his honor. The whole time he talked he was cracking jokes and being his usual self, and then would turn it around to something very serious. He talked about the pains that he had had every single night, and the love and devotion of his wife, and also the Savior and how he had come to know with all his heart about his Eldest Brother. I remember the first time I had seen him in quiet a few years. It was on Tuesday night for basketball and I saw this little skinny guy. Now, when I knew Brother H he was a little taller than me and a little bigger around the waist. So I thought, naw cant be him. Then the guy comes up to me and says Brother Ormsby, did your mom feed you miracle grow?? (something to that extent). And i said "whoa Brother H? Man you look great" He replied "thanks I have cancer". Just like that. He didn't sound like someone who had given up, he sounded like someone who had accepted something and then decided to fulfill his time here. I know that quirky man is teaching in the Spirit World, having a great time. I also know that he is watching out for his family, and they should know that they are in my prayers. I am so thankful for the time that I had to come to know Brother H, and I cant wait to see him again. His life is a great example to us all, and I know that he has influenced many people to follow the path of happiness. I say these things as one being influenced by the example of Brother H, a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and do so in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week 4

Handwritten letter home.  No email that week.

Dear Family,

Hurray!  Lucky, you, you're getting on main letter as a family.  Things here at the MTC are awesome.  We just received a new shipment of Boboci and they are turning out to be all right.

Thank you so much for the package.  It was heaven sent.  That's so cool that Secondborn and Thirdborn got ordained at the same time.  That is so cool that they will be able to administer the sacrament. 

Happy birthday, Secondborn!  I know its late, but life here is crazy and we can't write letters til P-day.  

Hey, Love Magnet, why do you think I forgot your name?  All my sisters think that you are so cute and they love how you are in hip hop class.  

Thirdborn, it is awesome that you had the chance to watch baptisms.  Now that you can go to the temple, you should go as much as you can.

Secondborn, don't worry so much about memorizing the prayers as much as thinking about what you are saying, the meaning, and how you feel when you say them.

Dad, I just want to thank you for being such a good example to us as a family and for all that you have sacrificed.  I love you so much and I always refer back to you in some way everyday.  Thank you for being my hero.

Mom, I love you.  I would refer to myself as a teenage punk.  I still refer to myself as a teenage punk, only with a little wisdom.  I am grateful for your love and support for me over my life.  I am grateful to both you and Dad for being examples to me.  . Secondborn, Thirdborn, and Love Magnet you are all so blessed to have such awesome parents.  Eat as much of the food as you can.  Hang out together as much as you can and just enjoy each other's company.

Love,

Elder Ormsby

Entering the MTC

After a morning of getting last minute important things done, it was off to Provo.

 Everyone had the same idea for pictures at the temple.

 At the MTC, there is no long goodbye.  The luggage was unloaded quickly.

 

It was similar to Elder Ormsby's first day of kindergarten:  a "lean" instead of a hug, huge smile on his face as he talked over his mom's shoulder to the missionaries helping out, then he walked into the MTC without a glance back or a goodbye.  He is so ready to go to Romania.

 

Please keep Elder Ormsby in your prayers.  The next two months are compared to "drinking out of a firehose".  The language learning is intense.

Saying goodbye

A lot of family came to the farewell (more pictures to come)

 And good friends came by the grandparents house the night before Elder Ormsby entered the MTC.

 

 Some cousins and some friends Michael had not seen since we moved out of Utah.

Uncle Ben's family and a few interlopers.

 Aunt Christie's family (recognize the interlopers?)

 Uncle Nate and Aunt Liza.

Elder Ormsby obeyed the missionary rules.  We had him back at the grandparents by 9:30. 

Yes, he followed curfew.

First baptism

On 11/10/2012, Michael baptized his sister.  The Love Magnet was so thrilled to be baptized.  It was a tender experience for everyone there.

The Mission Call