RENDERING SERVICE IN ROMANIA

This past week has been a very busy one with many events that have reminded us of our blessings.

As I have mentioned previously, I (Eileen) play the piano for primary on Sundays. This is the children’s organization at church. A couple of weeks ago I talked with one of the Moms regarding her family. She mentioned that her son was high functioning autistic. I have observed him in primary and have suspected that he was autistic. I told this Mom that we have a family member who is also high functioning autistic and then proceeded to talk with the boy about his love for computers. Last Sunday, this young man approached me to talk after church. He spent about 15 minutes talking about school, his favorite computer games and how many languages he speaks.  This interaction made me very happy, as I know this young man really struggles socially. I hope that he feels like I am someone “safe” to talk with.

Monday evening we had a Family Home Evening with Elder and Sister Swenson speaking. They are the Young Adult leaders for the Europe Area. We heard about all the great programs available for Young Adults (ages 18-30) in Europe. 

Tuesday we left for Romania to train the Shurtleffs.  They are serving as the humanitarian couple in Bucharest.  Elder and Sister Shurtleff are from Illinois and the below freezing temperatures with significant humidity and wind didn’t seem to faze them.  Russell and I struggled to keep warm as we moved from one appointment to the next via metro and walking. 

There has been a lot of snow lately in Bucharest

Russell training the Shurtleffs

The crowds getting off the metro

What do you do with all those clothes to keep you warm when you are finally on the metro?

 Tuesday evening we went to one of the chapels to have a meeting with President Doru (the leader of one of our church’s congregations in Bucharest), his wife and three representatives of an NGO that offers assistance to refugees with their integration in Romania.  Mr. Rifai left Aleppo twenty years ago, came to Bucharest and married a Romanian woman.  He and two other Syrian women work to assist Syrian refugees who have fled the wartime violence in their own country and traveled to Romania.  Unlike most other refugees we have encountered, these are not on their way to Western Europe but rather waiting until the war is over and they can return home.

In April 2016 Elder Patrick Kearon, who is the Europe Area President of our church, gave a remarkable talk in General Conference.  It was entitled “Refuge from the Storm” In this talk he said “There are an estimated 60 million refugees in the world today, which means that 1 in every 122 humans…. has been forced to flee their homes,” and half of these are children. Shortly after this time our church started an initiative entitled “I was a Stranger: the Call for Relief,” This initiative invites individuals of all ages to give to service to refugees in their neighborhoods and local communities. 

After hearing Elder Kearons’ talk and reading of the refugee initiative, President Doru (a branch president in Bucharest) determined that his congregation needed to do something to help the refugees. He sent out calls and emails to organizations trying to determine where assistance would be most beneficial.  After contacting Mr. Rifai a friendship was formed and a “Christmas party” was organized at our church building.  Close to 100 people attended this party, most of whom were not members of our church.  Food was served, music was offered and gifts given to the children, courtesy of the branch and President Ivory of the Romania/Moldova mission. 

As we talked with the representatives of this NGO we recognized the good feelings that were created with the refugees as they participated in this event.  President Doru wanted to know how best to help the Syrians who have left the awful events in their homeland.  These are the needs as the representatives mentioned: 1) activities for their children so they could experience music, art and get help with homework; 2) language classes to help learn both Romanian and English; 3) help with skills training for some of the adults so they could work; and 4) have future interactions with the Romanian members of our church so that the refugees and members can have the opportunity to get to know each other as friends, rather than as Christians and refugees.

The meeting was a real emotional and spiritual high for me.  President Doru explained our home teaching program and the importance of having someone aware of individual needs. He discussed the importance of families and I showed them Family Search where my family line is traced back for hundreds of years. Mr. Rifai said that genealogy is important in his culture also and that he knows his lineage for several hundred of years. 

Chapel in Bucharest

Missionaries teach English and Romanian lessons

Looking at the NGO's blog

Discussing potential projects

We discussed possible projects for the future. In February there will be a movie night where members of the church and the refugees can enjoy a movie together with some snacks.  March there will be an international night where everyone will bring a favorite food. Attendees will be able to learn more about each other’s cultures. In April a talent show will take place.  It was amazing to see the interaction between two groups of people from such different backgrounds working together for a common cause, to help the refugees integrate into Romanian society.  At the end of the meeting I thought about the fact that we all believe in God, we are truly brothers and sisters.  He wants us to care for each other and show love and kindness to one another.

Here is a link for the newscast shown on the NGO's website regarding the Christmas party.  Place your mouse on the link. It is rather dark, but it will take you to their website. Scroll to the bottom where it says DIMA TV, it is the 1st and 3rd video under DIMA TV.

                                                          syria.ro

Thursday we met two NGO partners. In the morning we went to a “safe house” operated by the group Solwodi. We met with two lovely nuns, one of who is an attorney and one who is a social worker, along with another woman who is a social worker. They told us about the great work they do with trafficked and abused women and children.  Not only do they provide a safe place for them to live, but they also help them on a long-term basis to try and become self-reliant. They have counseling services to help the women develop better mothering skills, and to try and boost their self-esteem.  At one point a young Roma girl who has been abused walked in and met us. Both Russell and I thought she looked like one of our granddaughters.  It was quite emotional for me to think of all that has happened to this girl in the past, and what brought her to the shelter in the first place.  As we left the shelter, one of the sister nuns showed us some origami greeting cards made by the women and children of the shelter. I tried to buy some, however was told the cards I was shown were only for display. They let me choose one that I will give to the missionaries in Germany who just had a daughter pass away. I loved the cards and would be glad to pay to buy some. My thoughts were if they could produce a large quantity of these cards I would think they could really bring some income in for the women.  Soap and candles are also being made as a fundraiser. We appreciated the efforts of this organization to help move the families in a direction of being self-reliant, something that may take years to accomplish.

                                                         Website for this organization
                                                                    www.solwodi.ro

Elder and Sister Shurtleff, Healy and Sister Adina

Women are taught to bottle vegetables for the winter

Sister Adina with craft project done by one of the women

Origami cards are made by the women

They sell these homemade cards for $1.50/a piece. I think they could sell for much more in the U.S.

Thursday afternoon we met with Ian Tilling and other workers from the NGO Casa Ioana. Ian is a retired police officer from the U.K. He came to Romania 20 years ago to help the people here. He started out with a desire to help the many disabled children of Romania. Now he has created a shelter for the homeless.  He has two social workers on his staff that do counseling with the families in the shelter. Others offer direction as they teach budgeting and life skills.  Ian was thrilled about the fact that a Japanese foundation has offered him 25,000 Euros to renovate his shelter.  As we walked around the shelter I could see that the shelter was in desperate need for renovations.  Once renovated, the plans look like it will be a warm and inviting place for the homeless to reside in.  LDS Charities has provided a refrigerator and washing machine for the shelter in the past.  Elder and Sister Shurtleff are excited about the possibility of assisting and are already creating plans to implement a project with this group.

          Website for this group-the language can be changed in the upper right hand corner.
                                                         www.casaioana.org

Ian showing us the new plans for the shelter

A bedroom, sorely in need of renovation

I love this "we can do it" plaque from WWII

Friday we met with Dr. Romanescu with the Regina Maria Foundation.  We visited a medical clinic where services are offered for the poor and homeless in Bucharest who would not have an option for medical care elsewhere. We were told that if someone has a medical condition and does not have insurance often they would go to the Emergency Room for care, as that would be covered by the government.  Unfortunately many of the homeless have conditions that require a long-term care plan i.e.: diabetes, asthma, heart problems, frostbite, and tuberculosis.  Dr. Romanescu has a staff of volunteer doctors to assist with each specialty to give medical care to recipients. His colleague who is a psychologist helps evaluate the needs of the homeless to see where they are emotionally and if there is a way he can help them connect with programs to meet their needs.  LDSC has offered assistance in the past by donating equipment for this organization.  Again we were very impressed with the work that is being done to help the truly needy of Romania.

Eileen meeting with Dr. Romanescu and psychologist

This is the sterilizer donated by LDSC to sterilize instruments

I came home with a bad cold but a wonderful feeling seeing all the good that is being done in Romania.  I appreciate being able to serve with my best friend and companion.

HUMANITARIAN WORK IN HUNGARY

This past week we went to Budapest, Hungary to train Elder and Sister Moser.  Even though it was very cold there (-6 degrees Celsius average daily temperature) this is the part of the missionary work we both love.  The senior missionaries assigned in humanitarian roles have such a wide variety of talents and personalities.  It is interesting to work with each one of them and see them develop their projects using humanitarian principles. During our week of training we also visit some of the past NGO partners. We get a feel for each organization and what kind of future projects they would like to pursue.

Russell, Eileen and Elder and Sister Moser (The women did not plan the matching outfits)

Elder Moser is a CPA and Sister Moser has had many years of helping him in his private practice. Both are very adept with computers, which is a very beneficial skill to have as a humanitarian missionary. At one point we had their 2 personal computers, the welfare computer, my Ipad and Russell’s welfare computer all going at the same time. Technology can be a challenge and also a marvel.  My job (Eileen) is to make sure all the computers are syncing together with all the appropriate programs on every computer. I would not say I am particularly good at computers, but during our 3 missions I have learned a lot.  It can be humbling when you realize how much you don’t know, but a wonderful “yes” moment when all the programs work on every device.

The Mosers have been asked to live in Miskolc, in the northeast section of the country. When they arrived the previous week at their house they did not have any hot water.  I think they were glad to come to Budapest and stay in a hotel with us for their training at the mission home.  It also was very convenient for us as we visited 3 NGO’s based out of Budapest.

On Tuesday morning we met with Melinda Kassai from ProCserehat. Our previous humanitarian couple had set up a few projects with this organization.  Melinda is a psychologist who saw a real need to help the poor, many who don’t fit socially into their small communities.  She has developed a gardening project where participants can not only reap the benefits of the produce from the garden, but also develop social skills as they learn to work with others.  In one community we visited last summer, the mayor said that individuals who came to her for welfare subsidies were encouraged to work with the ProCserehat gardening project.  The numbers of those on welfare had been reduced dramatically.

Melinda Kassai with Elder and Sister Moser

On Wednesday we met with two other NGO partners.  The organization SOS has a program to reach both vulnerable children and refugees.  Their focus is to strengthen families, provide foster homes for children who have lost parental care, and to assist as adolescents move from being teenagers into adulthood. They also work closely with the refuges that are stuck at the Serbian-Hungarian border providing assistance as the refugees wait, hoping to be let into the country.  We heard a well-organized presentation regarding their work. LDS Charities has made donations towards foster children and also with refugees.  Both Sister Moser and I were extremely touched by the wonderful programs SOS has developed to help children in need.  We both loved the idea of helping vulnerable children.

SOS presentation on vulnerable children

SOS works with refugees in the transit zone between Hungary and Serbia

Receiving goods funded by LDS Charities

We also visited Menedek. This organization is involved in promoting the social integration of foreign citizens migrating into Hungary. LDS Charities recently provided over a thousand hygiene kits which were given to refugees. We were told these kits were greatly appreciated as the refugees arrive with just what little they can carry along their journey.

Menendek

We had significant problems finding this NGO

Wednesday afternoon we attended Zone Conference. There were about 16 young missionaries and 3 missionary couples attending this conference. President Szbadkai presided.  There had been 3 previous zone conferences that week and this was the only one conducted in English. President Szbadkai said he felt inspired to do his presentation in English rather than his native tongue of Hungarian. I am assuming he probably did this for our benefit and that of the Mosers.  The Mosers are trying to learn Hungarian, but it is a difficult language to master.  It was enjoyable to be with the young missionaries.   I was very impressed at the quality of the questions during the women’s breakout session. Considering the female missionaries are only 19-22 years old, they seemed to have maturity far beyond their years.

Zone conference

On Thursday we did some more training and then at the end of the day went on a quick tour of the beautiful parliament building in Budapest. We also tried to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Budapest. We knew it was nearing the closing time, but we didn’t realize that we would only go a few stops and then find out the tour was shutting down and we would not be able to go back to where our car was. Considering we had already gotten one parking ticket earlier in the week while visiting SOS, we determined it would be best to get off and take a cab back to our car. Budapest is a lovely city. Most of what we saw of the city was as Elder Moser was driving from one location to another.  We appreciated his willingness to drive in a foreign city.  It kept us from having to take public transportation, and we were able to enjoy some of the beauty of Budapest.

Photo of the Parliament building taken out of car window-ice floating on Danube

Night Photos of the Parliament Building

Looking across the Danube

Budapest is lovely at night

Museum in Budapest

We travel to Romania this coming week. We came home just long enough to catch up on our work in the office and do the wash. I would like to say that for the first time in my life I am loving doing the wash. A couple of weeks ago we were given a dryer for our apartment.   Even though our washer and dryer are only made to hold a small amount of clothes, it is a wonderful blessing to not have our clothes hanging for several days trying to dry.

FEELING THE LOVE OF THE LORD

This week marks the halfway point of our mission.  Yesterday as I (Eileen) was looking at Facebook, a posting I wrote three years ago came up.  It was written after my first day serving as a nurse in the Missionary Department of the LDS Church.  As I look back at the last three years I am struck by the ways in which the Lord has had a hand in the course that our lives have taken.

After returning from our mission to Indonesia I was not interested in pursuing another mission.   Russell wanted to stay busy and became a volunteer in the Perpetual Education Fund Department as a church service missionary.  Church Service Missionaries are usually part-time and are not living away from home.  One day while he was gone the phone rang. It was Elder Davidson from the Church Service Missionary Department stating he was returning my call. I kept insisting I had not called him.  I finally realized that Russell had probably called and since the phone was in my name the caller ID probably had my name listed.  I was ready to hang up when the words came out of my mouth “do you have a need for a nurse?”  I was surprised as soon as I said it. I had been looking at part-time nursing opportunities but had not interviewed yet. Within 24 hours, I was visiting with Sister Turner in the Missionary Department and decided this would be something I would enjoy doing a couple days a week.  After serving for several months in that role my manager approached me and asked if Russell and I would become full-time missionaries doing recommending for senior missionaries. My first reaction was not a chance!  It hadn’t been long since we had returned from Indonesia and I wasn’t ready to serve again. Within a couple of days the spirit had worked on both Russell and I to the point where we thought we should say yes to the position. I served six months as a nurse in the Missionary Department and then Russell and I served 18 months together.  We are now serving our third full-time mission together in Germany; a mission I decided to pursue.  The Lord has a way of making the seemingly impossible become possible.

I am grateful for my husband and his patience with all of my faults. He has been a wonderful companion to me.  I believe our relationship this mission has become stronger than ever, despite the challenges that have come our way.

Last Monday we had the opportunity to listen to Elder Joseph Sitati of the Seventy talk to our FHE group of senior missionaries.  Elder Sitati grew up in Kenya and is a convert to our church.  He focused on President Monson’s directive of reaching out and “rescuing the one.”  He related an experience while serving in the Area Presidency of West Africa. He said every Sunday they would go visit members who were struggling spiritually.  It was one of the most enjoyable experiences that he had. He also stressed the importance of an education.  We enjoyed the video clip below regarding his efforts to get an education.

After his talk he opened it up for questions.  I asked if he would relate the story of the rotating fast leading up to the recognition of the LDS church in Kenya.  He told me this story a few years ago after hearing that I had done medical work in Kenya with Operation Smile.  

In 1989 Dr. Craig Merrell visited Kenya as a physician with Operation Smile. He was aware of some of the political challenges the LDS Church was facing in Kenya, particularly the difficulties with the Church gaining legal recognition. Dr. Merrill initiated a plan having members of his Stake Presidency and others from his stake who wanted to become involved to fast on a rotating basis for 40 days for the Church and its members in Kenya.

Touched by the faith of Dr. Merrell and the members of his stake in the U.S. fasting for the Church in Kenya, Elder Satati organized a similar rotating fast among the Church members in Kenya. Each day a member would fast until the Church received official recognition, which it did on February 25, 1991. 

As Elder Sitati related this story I was reminded of the strength and power that can come through fasting with faith.  Last week a family member asked if we would fast for her family.  Although I have fasted for her on a regular basis over the years, I was happy to be invited to fast again.

Tuesday we were invited to have a personal interview with Elder Sabin of the Seventy.  We were touched by his interest for not only the progress of the welfare program within the Europe Area, but also our family situation.  His questions were thoughtful and his comments seemed inspired.  We were grateful to have had this unique opportunity of being tutored by a man who has been called to help lead the Church in Europe.

It was with sadness that we learned this week of the passing of the daughter of one of our fellow senior missionaries. Their daughter is the same age as one of our daughters. It made the news even more tender to us as we thought of our family and how saddened we would be if it were one of our own children.

Today we have been praying and fasting for our daughter, for the couple who’s daughter passed away, and for our fellow missionary who is in the hospital recovering from meningitis. We recognize that there is little that we can do to affect the outcome of any of these three situations, other than to show concern and offer faith and prayers on their behalf. We know we have a wise Heavenly Father who watches down on each of us. He is aware of our trials, loves us and wants us to be happy. While He may not always remove our trials or do things on the timeframe we would prefer, He can both strengthen us to be able to bear our trials and, as in my case over the last three-and-a-half-years, heal us.