A real highlight this month was the historic all-Mission Conference held in the mountains near Brasov on August 17-18. I say historic because the circumstances that allowed this to take place (no missionaries coming or leaving, relatively few internal transfers and the prospect of nice weather) will not likely happen again during the 3-year tenure of our mission president. He and his wife generously funded a large portion of the expenses to create a unique and lasting experience. They certainly succeeded.
The logistics of bringing together all 100 junior and 20 senior missionaries from both Romania and Moldova are complicated, and went smoothly with the exception of a late bus and the delays caused by some very impressive rainstorms. We were blessed Monday afternoon with an opening in the weather large enough to allow the group to take a hike up the mountain behind the hotel to a beautiful waterfall. We stopped just before the falls to hear two of our favorite junior missionaries share their feelings about what had been accomplished as the mission worked hard for the last few months to prepare for this conference. At some moments during their talks, the sunlight poked through the clouds, creating a very memorable moment.
The logistics of bringing together all 100 junior and 20 senior missionaries from both Romania and Moldova are complicated, and went smoothly with the exception of a late bus and the delays caused by some very impressive rainstorms. We were blessed Monday afternoon with an opening in the weather large enough to allow the group to take a hike up the mountain behind the hotel to a beautiful waterfall. We stopped just before the falls to hear two of our favorite junior missionaries share their feelings about what had been accomplished as the mission worked hard for the last few months to prepare for this conference. At some moments during their talks, the sunlight poked through the clouds, creating a very memorable moment.
Across the valley, with an incredible view of the mountains where we hiked, is a castle where dinner was hosted. There are many here, but it is still amazing. One of the missionaries serenaded each table with his violin. Afterward, there was a short musical program put on by the junior missionaries. It was very rewarding just being all together, and to be in that setting, the feelings were magnified.
We met Tuesday morning for a short devotional and then drove to the Brasov building for the main conference meeting. The subject was renewal followed by sharing. The source of strength is the scriptures. We were taught well and made commitments to reach new heights both personally and in terms of helping others. We were blessed with a great spirit of energy and unity.
We met Tuesday morning for a short devotional and then drove to the Brasov building for the main conference meeting. The subject was renewal followed by sharing. The source of strength is the scriptures. We were taught well and made commitments to reach new heights both personally and in terms of helping others. We were blessed with a great spirit of energy and unity.
Since we were in the “neighborhood,” the day ended with a short trip to Bran Castle, the home of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula. It was the only opportunity many of the missionaries would have to visit Romania’s most famous landmark.
After every mountaintop experience such as this, there are plateaus. This has been one of the first weeks in many months where we had nearly complete control of our time. There were no major conferences to plan, books to print or programs to create. We have had time to re-group and schedule activities that will help us to grow and develop. That has included thoughtful study, reviewing our Romanian, writing letters, resolving some issues that have been nagging at us, and thinking deeply about what is really important in our lives.
After every mountaintop experience such as this, there are plateaus. This has been one of the first weeks in many months where we had nearly complete control of our time. There were no major conferences to plan, books to print or programs to create. We have had time to re-group and schedule activities that will help us to grow and develop. That has included thoughtful study, reviewing our Romanian, writing letters, resolving some issues that have been nagging at us, and thinking deeply about what is really important in our lives.