Transfer day

We've been here 6 weeks today.  The office work is getting harder as both Krisy and I are starting to delve into our own territories rather than just working under the direction of the other office couple. Krisy's most challenging work involves making travel reservations (hotel, cars and flights).  One wrong click of the mouse can mean thousands of dollars of lost church funds.  I wish she felt that way about spending our money (she is saving money on haircuts because she probably won't need one for another 6 months; she used the word "short" to describe her desired cut and, boy, she got it - shorter than mine).  My big worries include vehicles, missionary apartments and phones.  We've had 3 wrecks in the 4 months our mission president has been here, 1 senior and 2 young missionaries (the 2 AP's and 2 office elders are the only young missionaries that drive; the rest walk or take public transportation, which is quite good).  Missionaries can't even ride bikes here because the roads are so crazy.  I feel the Romanians are much more skilled at driving than Americans; everyone acts like they're in the Baja 500 but they are far more reckless.  It's either full throttle or jamming brakes (I haven't driven yet).  I am responsible for contracting, paying for and inspecting well over 50 apartments and none of that is easy in a former Communist country.  Many of the rules they follow are hold-overs from that period so there is a lot of duplication and waste.  Phone rules are crazy, too.

We've had great experiences teaching the gospel in our apartment.  We work with the young missionary companionships.  Right now we are working with a new member from Nigeria who speaks the King's English.  I am going through Temple Preparation seminars with him.  We also have a US Embassy marine taking the discussions along with 2 Romanians (1 speaks English well and we try to keep up with the other in Romanian but working 10 hours a day in the office speaking English puts a damper on that).  We have been fortunate to have almost 4 discussions a week in our home for the past 3 or 4 weeks; it is spiritual and inspiring.

We are finding our way around the city well.  We know how to take the subway, trams (trolleys) and some busses.  I'll post some pics of what we've seen below.  It is a crazy, lovely and full of contrasts (new, old-restored and run-down); I think they are getting a handle on the run-down, more hold-overs from the Communist era.

We love the people, especially the families, members and non-members alike.  The parents are really involved with their children.  I would expect the mothers to be involved but the involvement of the fathers is also truly inspiring.

As for the title; this week was "transfers".  For those of you who have been on missions you know what it's like.  The mission office and home are crazy.  I didn't get to see the home but I can imagine what it was like.  We had two brand new sister missionaries sleeping at out place; they tried out some of our planned sleeping arrangements for the sister visit next summer.  The plan should be good.  By the way, since the date is set (I think) have our daughters started checking prices, etc.  Does Aunt Janey know your planned dates in Venice?  Back to the transfers: we must have had 3 different groups of 25 or more missionaries in our office during the day.  Most wanted money for expenses outside of their funding; all greeted their former companions and friends with laughter, hugs and lots of loud talk. Very little else got done that day.  We went through almost $8000 a few dollars at a time.  Meanwhile our brand new computers were acting up.  It was a wonderful zoo.

That's about it for now; until next time here are the pics I promised:

The old and new Romania; essentially same era one renovated and one beginning renovation

A beautiful Mormon missionary at the start of 3 inches of snow in late October

An old mansion; it is now a government building

Pretty buildings, ugly wiring.  Look at the pole.

No, I am not trick or treating; this is some of Krisy saving me more money shopping