Happy April Fools

Dearest Family,

Things are going pretty well here in Bacau. It sounds like things are going really well for you all too, huh? That is pretty exciting about the reactivated girl and her newly baptized husband. There are really few things as important, it seems, as the blessings of family gospel living. Nor is there anything more exciting than being a part of helping somebody to realize such blessings.

Unfortunately, we are still searching for those families that are willing to be led to such blessings and happiness. For the time being, we have had a hard time meeting with our current investigators and will be focusing this next week -- as we have this past week -- on finding new people to teach. We have been really enjoying, whatever the case, our time in the blocks proclaiming the gospel. I have started just asking people at the door if they have heard of the Book of Mormon and talking to them about how we want to give it to them. I explain that it has been a great blessing for me the entire course of my life and that the reason why they haven't heard of it is that Communism prevented it from entering their country until now. I explain that a man can draw nearer to God by reading and putting into practice the principles found in this book and that its primary message is that any difficulty or trial can be best resolved through reliance upon Christ. Though most people are still not interested, we have talked to a couple this past week who really impressed me with their true Christian charity.

The Lupu family consists of a husband and wife in their 70s or 80s. They have two children, one of whom died in her thirties, leaving behind a grand-daughter that they raised as their own until she married a man from Maryland, where she has lived for over a decade. The other child lives in Italy. Together they earn a pension of 250 lei a month, which is a bit less than 100 dollars. To put that in perspective, each missionary is allotted about 700 lei a month from which we pay only for food and transportation while the office takes care of and pays for phone bills, utilities, rent, etc.. The Lupu family eats potatoes salad pretty much every day. We had a first discussion with them, and they were very open and genial. We returned to have a second discussion and to give them a Book of Mormon, and they just couldn't accept so nice a book without giving us anything for it. We told them that we came from the USA for the sole purpose of giving them this book that they could have it and benefit from it. The man asked me what shoe size I wear. I said that I wasn't sure. He pulled out some new-looking sandals and had me try them on. They fit perfectly. He had Elder Rigdon try on some brown loafers. They fit him perfectly. Apparently, Mr. Lupu can no longer wear shoes due to a foot deformation that requires him to wear specially made footwear. Thus, this couple, whose monthly income we easily spend grocery shopping for two weeks traded us two pairs of shoes for a Book of Mormon. It is really humbling to behold the joy of service and giving manifest by people in even the meagerest of circumstances!

This last Saturday evening we had a really good Easter activity organized by the branch activities committee -- a big step in itself. There were games, movies, food, and a fun time had by all. It was really a rather pleasant experience to be together with a dozen and a half members who could all feel good around each other -- for the most part. The branch is starting to pull out of the minor lull it had sunk into during President Balasei's three week absence, and it is really good to see.

As for the weather, it is getting much warmer, indeed. Since conference has come and gone, we can now stop wearing our suit coats, which will be really nice. When you come in May, it will be VERY hot and humid, so don't feel even the least inclination to pack sweaters. Maybe a portable fan would be in order. I, too, look forward to seeing you, etc, etc... May 30 is for sure my release date, but if you want to confirm, the office email is 2010232@ldschurch.org -- I think. Thanks for your letters, love and support. I am savouring the blessings of service and loving being a missionary.

Much love,
Elder Walker