Week 23!

SO. My week.

On monday, Elder Montoya and I caught the 18:15 Auto bus for Bucharest and made our way to the city of joy. (K, I guess that's not really funny to you- but the word bucuresti literally means the city of joy. Haha?) The office Elders then picked us up and took us back to their place with a lot of other kids from Montoya's MTC group. We got to the visa office the next day at 10ish and started the slow process of application. ( I had already done this, so I just had to sit back and wait) Then we found out that the office I needed to receive my visa from opened much later in the day. So after everyone finished their stuff, Montoya and I went on splits with the office Elders so they could accomplish all they needed to that day. It was pretty sweet! Just pretending to work in the Office for a day, riding around Bucharest in Big Blue (Just like our van but a VW and manual transmission) And that day also happened to be when the new russian Elders were coming in (It's a little off from transfers because their still in the MTC for 9 weeks. So I actually got to go to the airport and welcome them into the country! Pretty sweet ;)

Funny story; 

So you kinda know how it is here- sometimes it feels like if someone's not begging you for money, they're probably trying to devise a plan to relieve you of it some other way.. But the other day, we were going to a service project after visiting a family in the branch. As I was getting on the bus a man yells "don't get on that side!' (there are three doors that open on every bus) so I followed him to the middle of the bus and we talked for a minute. I found out later there were a couple smecher gypsy kids back there he wanted the foreigner to avoid. But he turned to me and said "you're chinese, right?" Maybe I had been squinting into the sun? but I just laughed and told him I was a missionary from the US. We talked a little longer but we had to get of the bus soon after that. as we were descending he reaches out and tries to hand us a 10 lei note. Elder Baielli quickly thrusts it back into his hand, and I do the same when he hands it to me. This all happened in a couple seconds while we were stepping off, but he was a dirty, probably very poor old man, so determined to give us money! he was yelling "please, please please!" super funny. I mean. He was probably trying to pay tithing and we just denied him his salvation, but that's not something you see everyday in Romania.. ;)

I'll explain the picture really quick;

So- we have a nice little collection of Book of mormon's in different languages in my apartment. I had been messing around with a german one a couple days ago and I left it on the table.

We were in a rush somewhere, and a lady contacted us, asking what problems we solved or something like that. Of course we jumped all over that. Elder Baielli threw open his book of mormon and with the goofiest expression, turned to me and said "this is in german!" one of those stories where you needed to be there, but I laughed for 10 minutes after we walked away. and then this picture is from when we told the sisters about it, they needed a picture of it ;) 

Oh, and really quick! they do eat meat here! all these tiny shacks in downtown constanta have roosters crowing in them all day long. They eat mostly chicken, but all of their soups are from sheep or beef stomach. I really like it!

 Have I mentioned the cockroaches to you yet?? I guess I've gotten used to them.. our apartment's pretty nice, there are only a couple and you only really see them during middle of the night potty breaks. other apartment- if you walk around the house with the lights off, you're going to step on them. annnnd we have bed bugs. and fleas. but every one here has them so it's super hard to keep the house free of them. I've sprayed several times. No biggie though, I can take it for a couple more years :) 

Love you all so much! Thanks for emailing me! 

Week 22

Hey Mom and Dad!! I'm doing pretty awesome ;)

Man, I'm so excited you guys are all getting into this running. I wish I was part of this getting healthy movement! Everyone seems to be loving it and getting pretty fast. I've been able to play a lot of soccer in the morning for exercise and we play ultimate Frisbee every friday night. Plus I'm walking every day all day and my legs are constantly sore. So I'm really hoping that once I get home I'll be able to jump right in!

The summerset stampede is such an awesome trail! I can't imagine pushing a stroller over all the roots and everything.
Dad! You can run 13 miles! dang that's far.. I'm so proud of my papa!

Just so you know: I read Matthew's email first about Gabriel losing an eye and I believed him and that is not cool!!! 50 lashings I say..

I love you guys! your letters are so legit! I so look forward to mondays and being able to hear about your weeks and your advice and testimonies ;)

My weeks been pretty good, just the same treaba as usual- contacting and English classes. Actually- we almost had a lesson this week! I mean, they bunged us and it didn't happen- but that's the closest we've gotten so far! 

Our branch President Alin gave us a list of names he wanted us to look up. These were tons of people he had files of but had never heard of them, had no idea if they were still alive or around, so He wanted us to try and find these people.
A lot of them lived in the little villages surrounding Constanta, and there was one in particular gypsy he warned us about and recommended all four elders go together. On thursday we all went together, and by then- we were terrified! haha, everyone we talked to- "oh my goodness, do not go there" or "don't carry anything on you, go dressed in rags, don't leave each other's side." We had at least 20 people give us warnings and we were sure we were going to die. But of course by then I was SO curious and ready for the adventure, and it was our duty- so we went. We found the bus that would take us all the way out there and started asking around for directions.
k, so on the bus- we meet Ion and Gabi, the two nicest Romanians I've met. They got on the bus at the same time as us- and they were worried for our safety so they stayed with us for the whole 3 hours we were looking for this person! They had lived in the village all their lives so they basically went door to door with us, asking all their friends and family if they had ever learned the name we were looking for. We found out later that the guy had moved to spain a year earlier, but I am so glad we went there. At one point the rest of the group was up a ways and I was just in the back, talking with Ion. We had an awesome - 30 min. conversation- In Romanian! I love those moments, when I can look back and see that I have learned a bit of the language.. haha, those don't come every day

But it was super cool. We had been so scared and expected a lot of evil, and for that day I was only surrounded by the nicest people- it was way cool.

Today, Elder Montoya and I are going to Bucharest. (The trip didn't work out last week because it turned out that the day we were supposed to get our visa's was some Saint day and it was closed) So our p-day is cut a little short, but we get to go take a 1 day vacation to Buch. Hooray! haha

Love ya!

Elder Collison

Week 21

This week has been great. I really don't know where the time's gone or what I've accomplished. Most of my time is still just spent trying to find people; I'm determined to teach at least one lesson this transfer! English classes are back to the bottom again. we're back down to öur regulars"- just 10 old people that've come for years, and one old guy we blocked knocked into that's very atheist. 

As far as adventures go.. hmm.. haha.

So we're trying to come up with a better way for advertising for English, right? So we come up with a plan to advertise on the buses cause the whole city passes through there in the course of a day. (I think I gave you the story of trying to track down that number..?) So. We went through all the hassle of trying to find that number, (which never worked) Finally got the address, and then friday we went to hunt it down. We finally found the bus by asking around; according to maps and the bus route it didn't exist. after a half hour bus ride way out of the city, we get off where we were told to in the middle of nowhere. The only directions on the paper given to us were "between the beer and oil factories." 

So we're two missionaries, trying to find our way into this beer factory. after a while of waiting and a couple of phone calls made for us, we're told they have no idea what we're talking about. So we tried the oil factory, where they DID know what we were talking about, and directed us just a kilometer down the road to a huge bus garage. We finally get there, explaining our cause to first the security guards, then the main office- assistants- several other offices -then the advertising department, where they directed us to their website.. We'll let the next set of Elders here work with the advertising ;)

That's really all I can think of for my week.. This next week should be pretty awesome though!

This morning we all went down to the Gondola's down at mamaia. just a little capsule that rides on a cable waaaay up in the air for about 15 minutes. It was pretty sweet although all it was was basically a slide show of every unobtainable thing as a missionary (and some things as a disciple of Christ.. mamaia really isn't the place to be this time of the year)

And this week Elder Montoya and I are heading up to Buc to pick up my visa (hopefully. did I tell you they messed up with my visa so I'm now an illegal immigrant? haha, I probably shouldn't put that on the internet..) and start his visa work. So I'm excited for that, it always feels like a vacation, going up to Buc. A nice time to change things up a bit.

Thank you for the updates! Thank you for the Letters!

Week 20

'Ello Mum and Dad! 

My week's been pretty good; a lot of highs and a lot of lows.

I'm craving that 65 degree weather! that's my prime time right there.. It's been about 34 degrees Celsius here. I don't actually know the conversion ratio between the two, but that's what I see on all the advertisement thermometers and stuff. Way too hot for me. Seriously, I've never had such a hot summer and believe it or not, it is sooo much more humid than michigan. I am sweating just buckets each day.

We haven't had the chance to teach anyone together yet. (With new companion.)  I think I've had about 5 lessons since I got in the country. But we're trying to find people to teach every day! Actually last Monday Elder Montoya and I were outside waiting for our companions and a guy contacted us.  He spotted us out as foreigners and we started talking and he asked what made our church different. It's moments like that where I have to try really hard not to appear over excited and I'm like, "Let's talk about a loving Heavenly Father!" 

So all of that is to tell you; it's possible that we'll have a lesson this week after English if he comes.. Hurray..? haha ;)

 

Just so you know-We had interviews on Saturday and those went great, I love seeing the Hills. And I mentioned to Sora Hill that my shoulder's getting worse. (I guess I haven't really mentioned that..? it's just been separating frequently, and i was washing dishes the other day and it was bugging me way too much and I'm like "k, I should probably mention this..") Anyways. So an elder just got back to the mission field this transfer that was sent home to fix the same problem I have. For now we're just going to keep my arm in a sling and I'm just going to try not to use it. It's killing me though! I'm going to come back without a lick of muscle on me. 

Haha, so nothing to worry about- I just figured you'd like to know what's going on with that. 

So my weeks been pretty good, most of our time has been spent English contacting-  Elder Baielli is willing to work with my adventurous spirit so we've had some fun ;) We've gotten lost so many times trying to cut through different areas. But I seriously love it. We tried to get to the gara but we ended up one street over, so we tried to cut through the valley where all the train lines go. As soon as we crossed the line and climbed the stairs we were in an entirely different world. We were in deep woods in some secluded gypsy village, every road was a dead end and we were being followed by a bunch of dogs, and being watched by a bunch of silent people (Which is really weird because any other time I'm in a gypsy side of town all the kids are chasing us down; either trying to hit us, relieve us of some money, or show off their english skills). We eventually just turned back to the main road, but I kinda want to go back there soon and knock all those doors..

The last time we were at the internet cafe, a lady saw us and pulled us aside. She knew we taught English and was wondering if we would be able to come in a couple times and meet with some kids from some organization (to be honest I don't know what..) who all wanted to improve their English. So we got permission to go a couple times and we went on wednesday. it was actually pretty fun! Once we got in the room I wasn't allowed to speak Romanian. I brought my juggling balls along and actually taught them all how to juggle all in English. by the end of it there were actually a couple kids who could do it pretty well- they picked it up a whole lot faster than I did. But the whole thing was kind of a big deal. There were photographers and everything. So once I started showing off my skills they got a bunch of pictures of me juggling with the kids laughing in the background. So I was thinking.. maybe I should drop the whole doctor idea and just be a clown! ;)

Week 19!!

Mom! Dad!

 

Quick update on my week; It's been pretty sweet! Elder Baielli is a way cool guy; we've got a lot in common, he's a hard worker, and this "get to know you stage" hasn't been awkward at all. Like the beginning of the other transfers, we're spending most of our time English Contacting. We started doing something called bloc knocking. You know how I told you how all the people here are in huge cement buildings built to urbanize everyone during times of communism. So the missionaries here go through and knock all the blocs. but When you're just contacting for English it gets kind of exciting. As soon as they open the door you have to yell "free English!" or else they slam it in your face. They're usually about 10-15 stories tall, you run up the stairs and start at the top, then work your way down. They're super sketch! like the stairways are very rarely illuminated and sometimes I truly feel like I'm in azkaban walking through them. But It's perfect! Because if they were nice blocs they would have air conditioning. If they had air conditioning they wouldn't have the front door propped open and there would be no way for us to get in. It all works out ;)

 

Going up for transfers is always fun, seeing all the missionaries and spending a day in Buc. We went to a resturant called "care cu bere"..? That's what it sounds like at least.. Hands down, NiCest resturaunt I've ever been in- 4 course meal- soup, salad, steak, and cheese cake. Probably some of the best food I've ever had, and it came to about 8 American Dollars.

 

Haha, funny story..

 

So, you all know how great I am at playing the piano, especially when it comes to hymns.. So I never advertise the fact that I play a bit. But at church yesterday they needed someone to play the hymns and elder Montoya volunteered me. Of course I tried! and the best part is; I played the hymn perfectly for the first time!

Just kidding.

So I got up there, cracked my knuckles, and tried to work out some kind of intro to "for the beauty of the earth." we got about half way through the song before I was politely invited to retake my seat.

 

But hey! that's a whole half a song more than I've ever played at church before! haha

 

 

Ooh, before I forget- can I have your pineapple/zuchinii bread recipe?? My body knows it's stuff. I randomly started craving it last week and then I realized "hey, this is probably the time of year when mom starts making all her sweet breads!"

 

The Powells came down from Brasov to clean out the vila appartment. there's going to be a big singles conference for the church here in Constanta and they're all staying in the apartment I used to live in, so we spent this morning trying to get it presentable(haha, so in English we say "single adult" in Romanian it's "Necăsătorit" so it's "conference for the unmarried"). They're so great. They told someone in charge of this conference that they would get the apartment cleaned out, then they got the news that they had to move to brasov and got caught up in moving. They drove 6 hours yesterday so they could keep their word and get it tidyed up. crazy right?? Then they took us out for lunch and left.

 

It sounds like both your weeks were crazy! Dad, I can totally relate to that kind of week. We plan so much into a week; then everything falls through, no one wants to meet, then we make it to the end of a day and it's like "what can I say I accomplished today"? Time on the mission moves so weird, because we're always busy, always doing something- but there's always so much more to do and sometimes it's hard to see any progress made.

 

Were you able to work on the garage at all? Maybe one day it'll sparkle.. I'm glad you got some weeding done at least! Mom, I can't wait to here about your adventures out west!

 

Love you both so much! I've got letters to send as soon as the new month rolls around and I get money for stamps ;)

 

Elder Collison

 

 

Oh, and this is us on 4th of July (hence the fours)

and the cel mai sick graffiti you'll ever see; it's all over and I love it!

Week 18!

Mom, Dad- Those pictures just made my life! seriously, the one where your faces are swapped just about killed me, I was at the point of a hiccup laugh, muffling my face in a place where you're supposed to be silent. not good! haha, and then the pictures of Gabe and manny were doing pushups were soo cute! thanks for sending those! and the picture of you two together is priceless, and you're both looking really good! 

Transfer Boards!!

Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Daaaaah!

I'm staying in Constanța! haha

Elder Cobabe is leaving to become a zone leader in iași, Elder Taylor is going HOME (watch for his friend request, will you?) Then Elder Montoya, Sora Rivera, and Sora Pilatis are all staying here. An Elder Ralph is going to finish Elder Montoya's training, and I'm receiving Elder Baieli! Oh I'm stoked.

Elder Baieli actually nașed me when I first got into the country. (Naș means godfather) Just a missionary term here, basically the guy you stay with the first night, then they take you out contacting the next day while you're waiting for your trainers to get to Bucharest.
Annd. He goes to BYU. In Idaho. He was there last fall. In ALPINE CHALET! how crazy is that?? he doesn't look familiar at all, but it's possible that we walked passed each other every single day. weird right? He's Italian but his English is really good and he's a way cool kid!

Ok, Elder Whitehead is AWESOME. That's so cool! and he's my zone leader now! I'll see him tomorrow for transfers, next week for zone training meeing, and then he'll be here for exchanges sometime later too. That is legit! 

I'm sorry to hear about Aunt Jean. I'm so glad you get to go out west though! now you get to experience all that I experienced and tried to tell you all about! I know that no matter what I say you'll still freak out, but flying is sooooo much safer than driving. as little as you trust even that.. haha. you'll love it though, just picture me next to you- laughing like a crazy man as the plane takes off ;)

Please tell everyone there that I love them! give out my hugs like candy!

This week's been really good. We went up for exchanges with the zone leaders and that took a big chunk of time. I love Buc and it's great to go up there, contact, and just experience a day of the buc life. I don't even know what to compare it too.. I guess evolution is the word I would use, fast paced, changing all the time, so many new ideas and things to do.. i like it ;)

Is it weird that your son has been on a mission longer than the missionaries in your area?? haha, that's weird to me at least. ;) Btw, as far as I've been able to find out so far- 3 transfers in and I'm still the youngest in the mission! haha

Please feed those guys! I haven't been fed once this transfer, I could use a lot of proxy meals..

Hopefully I have a nice long email for you next week with all the updates of transfers, sorry this week's kinda dry!

Love you both so much, thanks for the pics and the stories! Dad, have fun with work and the Fam. Mom, have fun with traveling and seeing MOre fam!

Elder Collison

Week 17!!

Hey Mom and Dad!

 

I loved your insights and thoughts about your scripture studies! I wrote them down so I could join in during my next study.  I'm already mentally commiting myself to read it EVERy single day when I get back. We need it because without the reminder from the book of Mormon we have absolutely nothing to back up our testimonies. I wish I had appreicated family scripture studies more while I had the chance!

 

Can you believe we get transfer boards on Friday?? Ive almost been in the country for 3 months! My training officially ends next week and I'm about to start running out of excuses for not knowing Romanian ;)

This week's been a mix of the good and the not so awesome. We had some awesome service oppurtunities and I loved being outside, chopping wood and digging; it felt like home. But it's just kinda weird cause we have NO-one to teach now. It's hard to go contacting for a week and not get a single person even remotely interested. All the numbers we got last week resulted in nothing.

I'm not really discouraged, it's just weird. It's sad to see how many people are unwilling to turn their lives around when the oppurtunity is presented. I guess that's their own problem though! all I've got to do is offer :)

 

Elder Montoya and I were on exchanges the other day (kinda interesting because we're both so young in the mission) we were heading to the city mall for some lunch and we decided to stop at the book fair to try and find the English-Romanian grammar book we'd been looking for. So we were the only ones under the canopy at the time, and I was walking down one of the aisles and I saw a guy crouching down pointing his big TV camera at me, and I made a face at it before I could stop myself. Then we were in the next aisle in the language section, and the Reporter (Reporteress..?) comes up from behind and starts interveiwing us. I buried my head in my book, and she turns to Elder Montoya and in Romanian she's like "do you like to read?" and he says "uhhhh.. I don't speak Romanian very well" and she's like, "doesn't matter!"and keeps asking him questions that he can't really come up with the answers for. Then she turns to me and asks if I speak any better and I was like "uhh, nope!" then they cut the camera and walked away kind of awkwardly. Super Funny, but that was one of those times when I have to curse my slow wits, because I was kicking myself later for not introducing "my favorite book"while on camera. how cool would that have been??

 

That's my week right there.. This week we're heading up to Bucharest for exchanges with the zone leaders, hopefully setting up a couple lessons, then contacting. Nothing too exciting :) Today is Elder Taylor's last P-day ever, so we're going to go to the mosque and around the city for a little photo-shoot kinda thing. oh, and paintballing last week? I Rocked! (of course) but it was awesome and I was totally in my zone and I cannot wait to fling some paint at you all once I'm back home ;)

 

So you know how baking is like, my one allowed solace so I've been doing that in most of my free time. and this week I've been experimenting with sourdough bread! (proud of me dad?) but that's been a lot of fun. I'm trying to make some kind of english muffin thing now.. wish me luck! I also made some plum suc! (Sook?) I guess it's like juice but different. suc is suc. and it's GOOD. ;)

 

Love you all so much! hope this next week is spectacular!

 

Elder Collison