The Gathering (s)

Strength comes from pressure

I have been thinking about this process for a while and am convinced that there is a lot that can be learned.  As the fruit is placed into the press and squeezed beyond recognition it releases the best it has to offer, the juice.  Once the straining is over, the dross rises to the top where it can be removed.  As the process settles, the result is the pure juice of the vine called "MUST" (pronounced moost).  Now, what's the lesson here?  We are much like the fruit.  In life we feel squeezed by trials, struggles and temptations, many of which are beyond our control.  But as we endure the extreme pressure our impurities are separated and float to the top to be removed by One from above.  And in the end, we come out in our sweetest and purest form.  This is a "MUST"!

There is strength when we gather as saints.  Dan and Mihai (center) both received the Melchizedek priesthood with the help of President Costi Darie (right) and continue to progress along the covenant path.  We couldn't be more excited for them and all that their journey has in store for them.

This week's District Council, with a few new members, Elder Bennett (forefront right) and Sister Later (back right corner) concluded with a little șaorma, which is one of the country's most popular street food.  It's meat, vegies, sauce and fries wrapped in flatbread.  They are actually really good and once consumed, last a very long time.

We love spending time and teaching with the young missionaries.  There are few things in missionary life that bring greater joy.  

We took a little adventure on P-Day to an orchard we had driven by several times but never had the time to stop.  It's the Măr de Aur (Golden Apple).  Lots of varieties of apples and other local produce to enjoy.  It's just refreshing to get out into the country and enjoy the scenes and sounds.

We had a regional conference this week.  There were members invited from two neighboring branches, Bacău (2.5 hours) and Galați (3.5 hours).  Elder Matthias Frost, our Area Authority from Germany, came to preside over the conference along with President and Sister Fowler our mission leaders and President Stoica, our District President and his family.  President Mustață, new member of the District Presidency and his family and Sister Pârnău our District Relief Society President and some of her family and friends.  It was a wonderful and uplifting day capped off with lunch and conversation.  Sister Leavitt actually got to teach Primary for the first time in Romania.

And as usual the mass of cookies was the hit of the party!

We took 120 and came home with 0.  If we had taken 220, I think the results would have been the same.