Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Shane standing on pond near his apartment in Pitesti, Romania

That's right, mom's birthday is the 29th of January. I know I've had 20 years to get everyone's birthday down, but I still don't quite have it. Numbers have never been my forte.......Sorry! I remember asking mom before I left on my mission everbyody's birthdays and I have them all written down in my address book but obviously it hasn't helped that much, sadly. La mulți ani!!! You're 50!! That's half a century!

Sounds like you all had a good time down in the bay area helping Nana and Papa Graham with their house. I thought that was interesting what dad shared about working in synergy. I've definitely noticed big differences between some companions and others and how well we worked together.


We only have 2 weeks left in the transfer!! This Saturday one of the other elders' investigators, C--- is getting baptized! He has been doing so well, and changing so much. He's come to church every Sunday, and he's quit smoking in just a couple weeks and over the course of the past couple weeks there has been a visible change in his countenance. It's been something really special to see. As for our investigators, this past week we have found 4, and 3 of them came to church yesterday! So here's who we have:


D---. He is 34, in the military, married, and is friends with someone in the ward. He's been really busy with work the past couple weeks so we haven't been able to meet up with him very much, but his member friend keeps in close contact with him and thinks that he is ready to set a baptismal date. He's been studying from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and yesterday was his second time coming to church. He seemed to really enjoy it.


H--- This is the guy who called me last week while I was writing my email to you! We had a lessons with him on Wednesday and Friday. Fratele Negrici sat in on both the lessons and was a huge help. H---is a really humble guy, humbled it seems mainly due to his life up until now. He works construction and doesn't make very much money. He has 3 kids and is really searching for a way to help unify his family. He wants that way to be faith in God and Jesus Christ, and he told us he felt like God led him to find us. He's been reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it is true and he has been receiving answers! He told us that he feels God's love and peace whenever he reads from it and whenever he talks with us, and he thinks this is the path that he needs to take. In our second lesson with him, he accepted a baptismal date of February 18 which is the first Saturday of next transfer. Yesterday was his first time at church, and he enjoyed it a lot.


T---. He is my age and has been coming to our English classes for the past couple transfers. He's a really nice guy, kind of quiet but a really spiritually in tune person. Last transfer he took a Book of Mormon and he told me that he reads from it and form a Liahona he has when he feels down or upset. We had a lesson with him about the restoration, and invited him to read from the Book of Mormon every day, to pray to know if it is true, and to come to church, and he's done all three of those things! We also asked him that if he receives an answer that it is true if he will be baptized and he said yes. It was a really good lesson, and the Spirit was strong. He told us he had a question, and asked us why does God let bad things happen. We read out of 2 Nephi 2 about the fall of Adam and opposition in all things, and he immediately understood. It was incredible!


W---. He is an older man we block knocked into one night. Very very intelligent, knew some English, said that he had studied theology in college. At the door we asked him if he believed in Christ, and he said that he wants to believe, but hasn't gotten to that point yet. We told him that what we have to share will help him develop faith in Christ and he let us in. He told us that he had a question that for his entire life he has never found the answer too. His question was essentially the same as T---'s, but his reaction was completely different. He presented the question in a much more complicated way, saying that if God is all powerful, why does he let Satan take control? He used examples of a drunk violent parent beating a child to death, or natural dissasters killing thousands of people - good and bad. We talked about how man has the freedom to make his own choices and how without opposition in all things life would have no purpose, but he wouldn't accept anything we said. In the end we assigned him some chapters from the Book of Mormon to study and to pray specifically about and he accepted. He is a very calculating and logical man which seems to hinder him from being open to the Spirit, but has a true desire to develop faith in Jesus Christ.


K---. She is 18 and a senior in high school. We contacted her two weeks ago, and our first lesson with her went really really well! We talked about the Restoration, and she just ate it all up. She understood all of it, from the need for priesthood authority to praying to find the truth. She said she would read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, and come to church as often as she could. She wasn't able to come yesterday though, because she was out in the countryside taking care of her Grandma. We think she would get along really well with Ani, and want to have her at the next lessons.


So that was pretty much my week in a nutshell. Add in some really cold weather and snow, and you've got it. This morning we went to Curtea de Argeș with Elder Bateman's biological uncle. Oh yeah, I don't think I ever told you. Elder Bateman is Romanian, born in Pitești! He was adopted just after his birth by an Americal couple who are members of the church from Utah. He grew up knowing that he was Romanian, but knew nothing about his family. Since he's been on his mission he found his biological family here in Pitești! They're all really really nice, and a bunch of them actually came to church yesterday, and all want personal copies of the Book of Mormon!!! It has been an incredible experience for Elder Bateman serving here.

Oh yeah, also, on Wednesday, we went to the wedding of an investigator of the other elders!! My first Romanian wedding!!!!

Well that's my time, wish I could right some more, but here's some more pictures. Love you all!!


Elder Myers

Hey All !

Well it's finally starting to get colder. So far this has been a really warm winter compared to last year. During the day it will usually be anywhere from 5-10 C and now a cold front is just moving in. As I walked to internet this morning the temperature was around -2 or -3 C and from what I've heard it's supposed to snow this week. Finally!!!

I'm glad my SD card came in the mail. I've actually been wondering when it would arrive, and I don't remember ever telling you when I sent it. I'm glad you enjoyed the song. You were right that I wrote it in Romanian and then translated it to English. It was kind of weird doing that. I have the lyrics done from the second song I wrote and I'm working on the music. I can translate those lyrics too and send them to you.

Thanks for the pictures, man Taylor's beard......haha! I just got an email from him today, it was really good hearing from him. And Jodi had another baby!! Wow! I'm sure you had told me she was pregnant, but I had just forgotten about it until now. He looks like his brothers. I'm sorry to hear about your big mix up with the staples and the gun dad. Stuff like that always really gets me, but in hindsight it's just one more thing to laugh about. It gave me a pretty good laugh when I read it!

I'm am most satisfied to say that this week has been my busiest week in Pitesti! We have been working a lot with less active members, and it's beginning to pay off. All of the less active members we've been working with came to church this Sunday! They are: The V-----family, a mom and her 14 year old daughter. The father is an international chauffeur and is only home for a few weeks out of the year. Then there is the branch president's wife, Sora (sister) G-----, and Fratele (brother) S------We've been working really closely with Fratele S----, teaching him English and having lessons with him. I have never seen someone who is so devoted to his family. He would give up his life for any one of his kids or his wife without a second thought, and he makes so many sacrifices to make sure that they have the things they need. And now he's doing everything he can to bring God back to the center of his life and let me tell you Heavenly Father has been pouring down the blessings to him and his family.

The last week he worked almost 7 days straight driving the taxi, and has only been home 2 or three times. He goes out to work, works all day and most of the night, and then gets a few hours of sleep in the car, and then goes right back to driving. On top of that he makes time to meet with us to study English and to have gospel discussions. The effect that our discussions has on him is miraculous. When he first comes in he is exhausted, coughing,  but by the time he leaves after our lesson his whole demeaner is changed. He has more energy, he smiles and laughs, and is at peace as he goes back out into the world. I've also noticed that any time he talks with his wife on the phone it has the same effect on him.

As for investigators, we had a lesson with Fratele B---'s friend, D--- on Thursday. It went really really well! D--- is a truly prepared person. He pretty much told us his life story, and how for the past 4 years he's been going through a process of changing himself. He's been improving everything about himself. His diet, his family relationships, and his outlook on life. As a part of this process he seems to be searching for God as well. For the past two months Fratele B--- has been sharing things about the church with him. He already has a Book of Mormon, and he's read from some Liahona issues as well. He's very open and humble and committed to reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it. He even said the prayer at the end of the lesson! He also said that if he recieves an answer from God that this is His true church then he will be baptized. He is married and lives with his inlaws, and he's not really sure how they will react to the church. However, he really wants them to be included, and told us that he wants his family to take the same passes along with him. We are scheduled to have another lesson with him on Thursday and we're thinking about asking him if he would be willing to bring his wife.

The branch is doing well. We're going to be having some changes here in Pitesti pretty soon. A member of the district presidency came and spoke at church yesterday and announced that we will be receiving a new branch presidency. Also, one of the members here, R--- is getting married to a return sister missionary at the end of this month. She came up this weekend, and apparently she's staying until the wedding and then after that.......as far as I know they're going to live here in Pitesti. She had served in Pitesti, and actually just got home about six months ago. I think they're planning to be sealed in the Kiev Temple.

Last week we also had interviews with President Hill, and as usual they went really really well. I love President and Sora Hill so much, they are perfect for this mission. They're the kind of people who always make you feel good about yourself. Whenever I have an interview with President Hill I always go out feeling encouraged, loved, and supported. So, things are going pretty good. Elder Laherty and I are working hard, but I'm also glad to say that he's one of the funnest companions I've had so far. He's someone who really knows how to work hard, but also to enjoy himself. I think we both help keep each other laughing and smiling through the day. That's all for this week. Sorry I haven't sent any pitures in a while, I promise I'll send somthing next week.  I love you all, and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Myers

New Transfer

Elder Myers in Pitesti, Romania, Dec. 2011

Well, transfer week is over and I everyone's getting settled in. Serving with Elder Laherty right now is proving to be the biggest blessing ever. He's a really energetic, easy going, funny guy, but also his attitude and committment to the work, and the experience he's gained on his mission has proved to be exactly what I need right now. He's someone who knows how to work hard, but to have fun doing it and not being too hard on himself.

As we've been talking more about our experiences on our missions I've realized that we've had a lot of similar experiences, and he has lots of great ideas of things we can do to help the members here. We both feel really good about this transfer. Elder Staheli's new companion, Elder Bateman is an absolutely awesome missionary as well. He's in his 14th transfer and it shows. He's got such an amazing attitude about being here in Pitești, and is really fun to be around. 

City Plaza   Pitesti, Romania

Yesterday was probably the best service I've seen here in Pitești! We held a fast and testimony meeting, and there was not a single moment of silence during the testimony meeting. All of the time was taken up by members bearing their testimonies of how they have come to know that the true gospel was restored. Usually fast Sundays are full of long silences and no one really gets up to bear their testimony. Also, the less active member who we've been meeting with and teaching English came to church with his wife and two kids, and stayed for the first two hours. He bore his testimony, and it was the first time I've seen someone get up in front of the congregation and show the true fruits of repentence. He was humbled and strong in his conviction of the truthfulness of the gospel as he asked forgiveness from the members for mistakes he's made in the past and as he stood and witnessed to them all that from then on he and his family would put God first in their lives.

There was another less active sister and her 15 year old daughter that we have weekly lessons with that came to church too! The Pitești branch seems to be going through a rebirth right now, and you can feel the renewed hope in the members and especially in the branch presidency. If this branch keeps up its momentum, and if us missionaries do everything we can, this branch will grow very quickly.

In fact, on Friday the four of us missionaries along with President Georgescu and his 1st councelor Brother Bâldea and Marius met up at the new church to clean it up and finish organizing everything. Afterwards, Brother Bâldea had a friend of his who he had been talking to about the church for a while stop by and get to know us. His name is L---, looks like he's in his late 30's, married with kids and doing well for himself. He was very friendly, and told us that Brother Bâldea had told him about us missionaries, and he was very interested in learning more about our church. We exchanged phone numbers and set up to meet with him the next Thursday!

Things are looking good for this branch. I remember when I first got into Pitești and just thinking, "Oh great, here we go again." I was not looking forward at all to serving in another branch that seemed to be falling apart. Now I've been learning to love and appreciate the people who are here. This branch has some very acceptional and chosen leaders and potential leaders that are such a huge blessing to the members of the church here. Sure it's got its problems and setbacks, but what place doesn't? I've come to decide that there really is no "good branch" or "bad branch" to serve in, just different ones and I'm learning how to really appreciate all the blessings that can be found by serving in Pitești.  I actually hope I have the opportunity of serving a fourth transfer here after this one. Wherever you go, being a missionary is going to be a hard thing. I'm understanding now better and better that your attitude really is the deciding factor of your experience. When last transfer ended I decided that I was done being a "victim of circumstance" and that I was going to make the best out of every day that I have and try to enjoy all of my time here. It's not worth it to reach the end of my mission, look back and realize that my experience could have been so much better.

Thank you for your words of advice. I knew there was a reason that you are my parents. ; ) You always help me realize the good that I've done and am doing here. As far as the whole faith thing and what direction to focus it, you really gave me some good perspective mom. You're absolutely right. There's no sense in praying for something specific if you don't know that it is what God wants for you. Better to always be asking Heavenly Father to guide you in all that you do, and to be able to perceive the guidance when it comes. Then you will be more prepared for the specific problems when they come.

When I think about it, it's the same principle when we teach investigators. We're told to teach to their needs and not worry so much about whether we cover all the lesson material. The first time you meet with someone, you know nothing about them, so it's impossible to teach to their needs; so, you have to take some time and get to know them, then the Spirit guides you in knowing what specific things you can teach them to help them bless and enrich their lives.

I love you all soooooooooooo much! I hope you have a good phone call with Heather mom, tell her "hi" and that I love her. Good luck with seminary, and congratulations Eli for the new calling! I'm sure you'll be an awesome Teacher's Quorum President. Have a wonderful week everyone!

          Elder Myers 

La Multi Ani!

Happy New Year everyone!! I'm not really sure where to start today. It was so good seeing everyone on Skype, and talking with you face to face. The timing on that was such a blessing for me. I don't think there has ever been a time on my mission when I felt a greater need to talk to people who knew me and loved me the way you do. It feels like forever ago. This has probably been the longest week of my mission, and a real rollercoaster ride. I've done a lot of reflecting and self examination and have figured out some things I need to do differently.


Things are better now with the other elders, and especially my companion. This last week has probably been the best one I've had as far as our relationship goes. On Thursday I talked to President Hill, and he gave me some great advice about being a more effective leader.


I really appreciated everything you both said in your emails mom and dad, and this next transfer will be a fresh start. Elder Martin and Elder Ekins are both being transfered out, Elder Martin is going to be district leader in Timisoara and Elder Ekins is going to be serving in Bucharest, and will still be in my zone. My new companion will be Elder Laherty!! He was one of my roommates in the MTC, and is a really fun guy, I'm really looking forward to serving with him. Elder Staheli's new companion will be Elder Bateman, who is an awesome missionary as well. 

Now I'm starting a new year, a new transfer, a new district, the branch has a new building, and a renewed faith and hope for the future. Speaking of the branch, yesterday's service was one of the best I've been to in Pitesti. There weren't very many people there, but those that were there were filled with a love, energy and hope of a new beginning. The branch presidency has a renewed urgency to get things moving and make the branch grow. 

On New Year's Eve we spent the day visiting members, and we talked with Brother Baldea, one of the councelors, President Georgescu, and Brother L---, an older man in the branch. Brother Baldea told us that there are a few families that he has been talking with about the church and told us that after the holidays he will give us their phone numbers and addresses to start having discussions with them! And Brother L----, who never really lets anyone visit him, let us right in when we knocked on his door. Lately he's seemed to be in a bit of a dark place in his life, and our visit seemed to just make his day. He was more talkative and cheerful than I've ever seen him! And now that the holidays are over we have several potential investigators that we will be able to start meeting with and hopefully get things moving for this branch. The Pitesti branch has a lot of potential, it just needs more quality members who will help support it. On Sunday Brother Baldea took a few minutes at the end of sacrament meeting and talked about how we need more than "members" but we need to be converting disciples. People who are committed to a life of serving God and fellow man, and I couldn't agree more. 

Thank you for sharing the story about Renzo, dad. It really helped give me some perspective. There's always been a part of me that has felt like there has to be some magical connection or miracle that happens for me to really effect someone's life, but that's not necessarily true. Your story of teaching Renzo and helping him later on after your mission helped me understand better the scripture that says by small and simple means great things come to pass.

Thanks for telling me about Jeanette's sister too, mom. I have to be constantly reminding myself of that to remember that nothing I do here will go to waste. Sometimes I just find it hard to know how to direct my faith. Should I have faith in finding someone that will accept the gospel, or should I have faith in knowing that in the end what I do here will serve a purpose, whatever that purpose may be? I guess when I put it that way the answer's pretty clear. I have always told myself and other missionaries around me that we need to always focus on the eternal perspective of things. It's kind of silly for me not to be taking my own advice.    

Well that's about it for my time. I love you all so incredibly much. That's too bad that Heather was sick when she came. At least she was in good hands. Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Myers