Transfers - Moving on

Well hello everyone!

I had a really good week. We had an incredible exchange in Sibiu, the weather was beautiful, the work enjoyable, and I managed not to stress too much until the transfer boards came out. I can't believe I am going into my 7th now!

So, this transfer, since I have already served in the amazing cities of Constanta and Cluj, I figured it was my time to go to one of the small out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere branches. That seemed to make sense to me. But, I was rather surprised when the board came out on Saturday.

I will be going to Braşov! Nestled among some of the most beautiful mountains in Transilvania, this is widely known as the most envied area in the mission. Not only that, the branch has a real chapel, and the area is by far the highest baptizing in the mission. Even now there are 4 investigators with set baptismal dates.

I will be serving with Elder B, also from my MTC group! He will be doing his 5th transfer in Braşov, which is also a surprise. He says it's his home now.

Oh, and another thing. I have been asked to be District Leader there! What!? I'm a little anxious, but I know that the Lord will help me. This is where he wants me to be. I think I will learn even more this coming transfer than I have learned during the last couple. Growth doesn't come easy, but it sure is great to look back and see how I have begun to change over the course of my mission. I feel so much more confident and steadfast in my desires. This has been an indescribable experience so far, and it just goes up from here.

Gee, talking about the other stuff that went on last week seems so much less important now, but I'll go back. I'm having trouble thinking about anything other than the coming transfer right now.

The exchange with the zone leaders in Sibiu was the best exchange I have had yet, and I learned so much! Sibiu is a beautiful city. It truly is. And Elder C is a great companion to work with, and I really enjoyed serving with him again for the day. We had some great experiences contacting, then ended with a very spiritual lesson we taught to a member. Originally the plan was for us to do a roleplay investigator lesson on the member, but then, as guided by the spirit, we tossed the whole roleplay thing and focused on his real needs. It was a great experience.

We had a pretty fun experience today for P-day as well. We went out to a castle about 30 minutes away from Cluj! It's called Baffny castle, and though it isn't in the greatest condition, it was really cool to see. After the 30-minute maxi-taxi ride, we had to walk another 3 KM to get there, but it was really worth it.

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That's it for the highlights of the week. The work has also been going well, with some new potential investigators, a lesson with an internationally famous tenor, a successful branch missionary work contacting activity, and two random walk-ins at church on Sunday! It was a good last week for me in Cluj. I do love this city, but it is time to move on. I am ready to start a new batch of experiences in Braşov.

Scripture for the week: Alma 28:14

"And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life. "

This is truly a work of both sorrow and rejoicing, but the rejoicing makes everything worth it. It is why the call for diligence is so great and important. I truly feel blessed as a missionary.

Thanks for reading this long letter! And thank you for all your love and support!

Elder Lybbert