Hello Family,
Wow, that is super cool that the couple from our ward are going to be coming to Bucuresti! My phone number is 331.70.69, and I can be called before 11:00 AM or after 9:30 PM. I live by the Tineretului Park in Sector 4. As for things that would be nice to receive -- the usual peanut butter (I am almost out of the Jiff that you sent), Reese's, red licorice, and, if possible, a digital camera. I have been thinking that the only real regret I have about my mission preparation is the lack of a digital camera, with which picture taking would be a lot easier and cheaper here. If you can't find one that is fairly inexpensive yet of decent quality in time, then don't worry about it; but if you can, I'm pretty sure, after much deliberation, that it would merit having. Don't kill yourself looking for one on such short notice though.
As for mom's eye problems: that is pretty astounding that she has cornea difficulties resulting from the prolonged use of contacts. I am sorry to hear that, but glad that she will now be porting some styling new specs. Likewise, I am excited to see Courtney's new eyewear, and I am even more excited to hear that she is pleased by the chance to see things better. As for Belle, it is fun, but not too surprising to hear about her crazy adventures and demonstrations of over-developed willpower and independance. Dad: Keep plugging!! I'm sure you are holding everything together really well. (Oh yeah, and know that I am certainly very happy!!)
As for my end: Bogdan is going to be baptised on Wednesday. We changed the date from Sunday so that Elder Pluim and I can both be there even in the case that one of us is transferred. We found out this morning that, in fact, neither of us is transferred, meaning that we will stay together in Sector 4 of Buc for at least another 6 weeks. But the baptism will remain for Wednesday. We still don't know, however, who will perform the baptism. Most people will be working, but we will keep searching for available priesthood holders. It could possibly end up being either Elder Pluim or myself.
So here is kind of a funny missionary story: Elder Meono is my District Leader, and I report my numbers to him at the end of every week. He is going home in two days, having fulfilled his time as a missionary, and is, understandably, excited to return home. He has proven to be just a tad "trunky" (mission lingo for home sick) in the past little bit, so last night when reporting to him my numbers I made up some fake numbers to make it look like we hadn't really done very much at all in the past week just to see if he would say anything or if, having a foot in the US already, he would just let it slide without saying anything. At first, he didn't mention it at all, but towards the end of the phone call, he finally said, "OK, I have to ask: What happened to you Elders this week?" I asked him what he meant. He said that our numbers would still be pretty bad if we tripled them. I gave him a lame excuse, and he was about to give us a bit of a chiding until I said, "OK I guess I'll give you our real numbers now." He, hilariously, was completely taken in and just kept calling us sneaky tricksters. He was much more satisfied with our actual numbers.
Also, one of those language fox paus that you always here about: Two weeks ago, when teaching Sunday school, I was trying to say that God's purpose is to bring about the "immortality" and eternal life of man. What I actually said a few times, before the laughter of those in the class made me realize my mistake was that God's purpose is to bring about the "immorality" of man. This, is not true.
This last week, I also made my first major purchase in Romania, shelling out about $100 for a Romanian suit. I like it a lot. It is dark blue, stylish, and European. What's not to like?!?
We have been meeting with the Avram family as well. The father and husband is the first counselor in the branch presidency. Nobody else in the family is baptised. The wife has read the entire Book of Mormon, believes that it is true, but just feels too comfortable in the traditions of the Orthodox church to change. She is friendly, however, and they invite us over weekly. She is also an author, writing for a major newspaper here in Bucuresti, and having also published about 10 books. She gave us a short story book that she wrote, and I was surprised to find that they are actually pretty well written and very entertaining. We had a very good discussion last night in which we talked much about the Atonement of Christ and there was a very powerful spirit. She seems to like me in particular, I think because I take an active interest in her books. After all, it is kind of neat to know an author.
Well, I've used up all the available time. I will write you all again next week.
Much Love,
Elder Walker
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