July 21, 2008

Hi everyone!
Thank you all for your birthday emails...it means a lot, that you all
still remember who I am!!! It was such a good Birthday! We also got
transfer calls, & I'm getting a Mini!!!! Once in awhile, we are short of
missionaries, & some of the ysa age members serve missions for a
transfer. So, my next companion will be Romanian!!!! Which means, I'll
be Senior companion & won't be speaking any English!!! Aaaaaaaah!!!! I'm
kind of nervous, & kind of excited. I'm here in Buc, so I'll pick her up
later today. I'm sorry for another really short email again, but I have
a lot to do today, & you're probably tired of me explaining my life
anyway!!!!!
I love & miss you all.
-Sora Betham

June 23, 2008

Hey Fam,
Another week came & went...crazy how fast time flies. We have an
investigator FINALLY!!!! Aurelia. She's actually one of the gypsy girls
that comes around the church a lot, but now she's actually interested in
the gospel. We helped her find a skirt at the Second-Hand store last
P-Day, & she was so excited to wear it to church. She looked beautiful.
It makes me feel so much better about the work. Even if I don't get any
baptisms my whole mission...even if SHE doesn't get baptized...I have
witnessed, even for a moment, that I made a difference in her life. She
was that much closer to Heavenly Father.
We're hoping to work with her a lot more. This past Sunday, each of the
companionships in our district had at least 1 investigator come to
church!!! It was such a good Sunday at church.
I enjoyed all your emails this week. I'm glad you are all doing well.
I love & miss you all!!!!
Cu Drag,
Sora Betham.
P.S. Just a friendly reminder from your favorite Sora....JULY 18TH IS
COMING UP!!!!!

July 15, 2008

Hey Everybody!
Life on the mish is amazing. We just had Zone Conference with our new
Mission President, & he is so TIGHT! He & his wife have been praying so
hard & have been prepared to serve here in Romania. They've been here a
couple of times before, & have established a foundation for the orphans
here in Romania. They also have their 8 year old adopted son with them
who is ROMANIAN! He left Romania when he was young, so he's pretty much
all-american, but it's such a blessing to have him here. He is
determined to place 41 Books of Mormon throughout his mission here.
TIGHT HUH!!!!
The work is really taking off. We're working with this girl, named Ana
Maria. I'm really excited about it. But, I gotta go right now. So, I'll
write next week.
Since my birthday is this week, I went & got a PEDICURE!!! lol. & the
BYU girls here are gonna die my hair today. I'll send pics & write more
next week.
I love you all!!!!
-Sora Betham

June 23, 2008

Hey Fam,
Another week came & went...crazy how fast time flies. We have an
investigator FINALLY!!!! Aurelia. She's actually one of the gypsy girls
that comes around the church a lot, but now she's actually interested in
the gospel. We helped her find a skirt at the Second-Hand store last
P-Day, & she was so excited to wear it to church. She looked beautiful.
It makes me feel so much better about the work. Even if I don't get any
baptisms my whole mission...even if SHE doesn't get baptized...I have
witnessed, even for a moment, that I made a difference in her life. She
was that much closer to Heavenly Father.
We're hoping to work with her a lot more. This past Sunday, each of the
companionships in our district had at least 1 investigator come to
church!!! It was such a good Sunday at church.
I enjoyed all your emails this week. I'm glad you are all doing well.
I love & miss you all!!!!
Cu Drag,
Sora Betham.
P.S. Just a friendly reminder from your favorite Sora....JULY 18TH IS
COMING UP!!!!!

June 20, 2008

Hi everybody,
I have no idea who gets my emails anymore, so I'm sorry if what I write
every week doesn't apply to you...I'll try my best.
As for Sora Betham, things are good. Transfers were last week, & I'm
staying in Iasi for another six weeks. (For those of you who have no
idea what that means, every 6 weeks we have "Transfers" where
missionaries are moved around to different areas. So, as you can
imagine, my life is measured in Transfers, not Months.) Which means,
I'll still be with my companion Sora Rosenvall. As of today, we still
have NO INVESTIGATORS...but we're working real hard to get things going.
As you all know, we teach English classes every week. Saturday was the
last day of English (we'll start up again in a month)...so we decided to
have a party for our students. We decided to make it something American,
where they could use the English they learned. So, we decided to do
Karaoke. It was so much FUN!!! They all got into it...and SO DID I!!!!
...all throughout the night we had Ping Pong, Phase 10, Skip Bo, & Uno
going on. Then we ate Chili, Rice, & Root Beer!!! It was such a good
activity. We're hoping to work with some of the younger YSA age people &
get them interested in the gospel.
I haven't heard from any of you in awhile. I hope everything is going
well for you. You're constantly in my prayers!!!
Love & miss you all,
Sora Betham.
P.S. Here are some pics of random stuff...

JUne 17, 2008

BRAGGING RIGHTz!!!!
here are those pics I promised from Germany...enjoy!!!

June 2, 2008

Monday: I got bit by a dog. But we all know that. I wasn't going to
do anything about it though. I thought it was just another funny story
from the mission that I could tell people. So, I told Elder Mielke and
he told me to tell Sora Ashby. So I did. And she talked to Dr. Gardner
and that's when I began to think this might be a little more serious
than I thought. Monday night Dr. Gardner told Sora Ashby that I need to
take pictures of the bite and e-mail them to him. So I took pictures.
(It's was just a little bite, maybe the size of a quarter in the middle
of my thigh.)
Tuesday: We had some problems getting the pictures to Dr. Gardner but
in the end we succeeded and he told me he wanted me to get the shot (He
told me I need five vaccine shots that go in the arm and one major shot
that goes around the wound). (This was in the morning) So I did some
research, talked to some members and found out what the BYU girls are
told to do and the consensus was the infectious disease hospital. So we
went to check it out. The man there told me I just need one little shot
by the wound and that's it. And the room was sketch. So I called Sora
Ashby and got permission to go to Bucuresti. At 3:00 I found myself on
a train with Sora Betham.
Wednesday: The office elders took us to a hospital to see if we could
buy the one big shot but they said it doesn't exist so we ended up just
going to Dr. Hanson (who had the 5 vaccine shots) and I got the first of
many. After that we went to the Mihai Bravu chapel and listened to the
rest of zone conference and then went to the office. It was there that
I wrote you and found out that Dr. Gardner wanted me to stay in
Bucuresti because he was going to try to import the vaccine into
Romania.
Thursday: Sora Betham and I were at the Sector 5 apartment waiting for
the phone to ring because at this point I didn't know what was
happening, just that the elders were going to pick the vaccine up and we
would be heading over to Dr. Hanson's in a bit for a major shot (ewww!).
Sora Betham was in the shower when Sora Ashby called and said, "Plans
have changed. You're going to Germany." WHAT!?!? Apparently they
couldn't get the vaccine into Romania. But there was just one little
problem. Our passports were in Iasi. So what did we do? We ran to the
gara (train station) to get on a train back to Iasi. We got in about
6:30. We ran and had a lesson with a member and than got back on the
train at 11:00 at night because we were going to Germany and our plane
left in the morning. Yes, we were going to Germany!!!
Friday: We got in about 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning and the office
elders took us to the Ashby's. We showered and got dressed and left and
were at the airport at 8:00. Our plane was suppose to leave at 9:10 but
it didn't leave until 9:40. It was a nice flight too. I read in the
Book of Mormon a lot. We ended up getting into Frankfurt about 12:00
(romanian time) 11:00 (german time) and on the way to the hotel Sora
Gardner read me what she wrote her family. She said that Thursday
morning Dr. Gardner was prompted to bring us to Germany and that's why
we were there. The Spirit told him. That confirmed to me my prompting
that there was somebody on this trip that we needed to talk to. So, we
got checked in to the hotel (bling!!!) and then took us to the church
headquarters in germany for me to get my shot. yippee. Sister Bangeter
gave me my shots (she also gave shots to President Hinckley and the
quorum of the twelve). It was a huge syringe full of thick liquid. She
poked me three times in my leg and put about a fifth of the vaccine in
and then she put the rest in my hip. I was basically biting the pillow
she gave me to use and squeezing the feeling out of Sora Betham's hand.
But then it was over. It was finally over-the whole reason I went to
Germany was over in about 10 minutes. So after the shot the Gardner's
took us out to lunch at Rewe and we had a good german sandwich. Then
Sora Gardner walked with us to the cemetary-the german cemetary and the
jewish cemetary. So cool. After that I went and lied down for a little
bit and then the Nelson's took us to their home for dinner because they
live right next to the temple. Yes, that's right-we went to the
temple!!! Who would have thought that because of a freak dog on monday
we'd be in the temple on friday? I didn't but it was such a
blessing-such a blessing. The session was in german but I listened to
it in english and Sora Betham listened to it in Romanian. It was so
cool. After the temple the Nelson's drove us back to the offices and
the Gardner's took us to the hotel.
Saturday: There was an RV park across the street from the hotel so we
went for a BEAUTIFUL walk when we woke up. It was gorgeous. Then we
went and got dressed, had a bling breakfast, and got on the shuttle back
to the airport. Our plane left about 12:00 and we got in about 3:00
(romanian time). Saturday was the day of my second shot so the office
elders took us to the Ashby's and Sora Ashby gave me my second shot-the
thing was, the needle was bigger than she was used to so she had to poke
it twice. And Sora Betham had to watch so I couldn't hold her hand. So
I held President's hand. he he he. After we went and visited Sora
Gorzo and then got on the 11:00 train back to Iasi and got in at 5:30 in
the morning.
Sunday: Fast and testimony meeting was absolutely AMAZING!!! Every
member bore their testimony except 3. The spirit was SO strong and
there was no false doctrine. It was so beautiful. So beautiful. Then
we had lunch and went to the blocks (the blocks were a bit of a
challenge).
Anyway, that's my week. I went to Germany. I went to the temple. We
talked to quite a few people and I still have 3 shots ahead of me.
Stupid dog. But I'm grateful. God wanted us to do something. I hope
we accomplished it. I feel like we did. And I've learned SO much!

It's been an amazing experience, & I'm so grateful for all that I've
been blessed with. I love you all & miss you so much. You're constantly
in my prayers.
-Sora Betham.

May 27, 2008

You're so JEALOUS!!!
Hey Errebody!!!
So, this week I don't really feel like writing much...cuz nobody ever
writes back!!! Ugh. So I decided to send pics & make you all jealous
that I'm in ROMANIA!!! lol. Not really, I'm just hungry & I want to go
eat lunch already. We found this AMAZING Steakhouse...& the Creme Brulee
is only 5 RON (=$2.50)!!!! Mmmmmm...
1- There's a little gypsy village on the edge of the city with this big
open field, we call it "Gypsyland!" We went out there a couple P-Day's
ago to play Ultimate Frisbee (OMG, I'm so tight at Frisbee now...lol.) A
member here has a four-wheeler, & came out to the field & met us so we
could cruise for a lil bit. OMG!!! It was so much fun!!!
2- This is my district here in Iasi. L-R Stinson, Mielke, "THE tightest
Sora in the mission", Armstrong, Rosenvall, & Barclay.
3- We had Zone Conference last week Lacul Ciric...YES, ON A LAKE!!!
4- Here's our Zone Pic. You can't really see me, but it's prolly better
that way!!!
So anyways, I hope you guys are doing good. Say your prayers, read your
scriptures, AND GO TO CHURCH!!!
Love and miss you guys,
Sora Betham.
P.S. For my mission fam that gets this...I would've called or emailed
you individually, but I'm trying this new 100% OBEDIENCE thing (right,
Gehmlich?!!lol)...& I'll have you guys know that I'm wearing PROS
CLOTHES AT INTERNET!!! it sucks. But anyways, I'll be in Buc on Tues
night before transfers. I already worked it out with Rosey. I'M COMIN'
HOME BABY!!! spen' mah money lay low & chill...THIIIIIIIIIS,
IIIIIIIIIIIIIS THE WAY I LIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!

May 22, 2008

Dumb Computers!!!
So, I was really excited to check my email today because I thought you
all would have written me back from last week, but I checked my Sent
Messages, & I don't think my email from last week got through to you
guys!!! Ugh. I hate when this happens. It was such a good email too!!!
Well, I guess that's life huh?!
Anyways, I'm doing good. Things here in Iasi are going well. We dropped
a couple of our investigators because they weren't making time for us.
But, our less-actives that we're working with have been coming to church
the past 2 Sundays, & have been staying for the full 3 hours! So, that's
good. As far as the language, things are getting alot better. There are
BYU girls here who volunteer at the Hospitals & Orphanages, & a couple
of them have been coming with us to the Blocs. Last week, I went on
splits with one of them, & I was suprised that I could actually hold my
own!!! I've been Junior companion for awhile & have gotten really
comfortable, but I'll probably be Senior soon, so it was good practice.
Otherwise, everything is going well. I am really happy I got a chance to
talk to you all last week. I miss you all so much!!! I've been praying &
fasting that everything will get better in our family...and I know they
will. I love you all very much & can't wait to hear from you soon!!!
Cu mult drag,
Sora Betham.

May 5, 2008

Happy Mothers Day!!!
I have a lot to write, but as usual...no time!
I'm in my 3rd area now, Iasi (yah-ash). It's a beautiful city in the
east. So pretty. My new companion is Sora Rosenvall from Layton, Utah.
This is going to be an interesting transfer.
Anyways, I'll be calling home this week (wow, time flies). Plan on
Sunday morning at around 9 or 10. I'll call Mom & Dad first & then the
Utah crew. So, I hope you guys can all be together when I call. I know
alot has happened since the last time I talked to you all, so I'm really
excited to hear from you guys!!!

April 29, 2008

PASTE FERICIT!!!
...that means HAPPY EASTER!!! this past Sunday was Easter here in
Romania. it's been really crazy around here lately. i told you guys that
Elder Christofferson was here last week, & my companion & I made him
DINNER!!! we were so nervous...they invited us to stay & eat with them,
but the office elders were waiting to take us out to eat at the new
Burger King that just opened. we made Hawaiian Haystacks. i've never
heard of them, & i grew up in HAWAII!!! it's just rice, with chicken &
gravy...& alot of vegetables on top! they seemed like they liked
it...Sora Ashby told us later that Elder Christofferson said that it was
the BEST GRAVY HE'S EVER HAD!!! lol. he was probably just trying to make
us feel better...but oh well!
later that week, we ran into a man on the street who swore at us & said
some really bad things in english. this kind of thing happens kind of
often, but this time i just couldn't ignore it. so i turned around &
walked back to say something to him. i got all up in his face, & i
wanted to hit him so bad. but something just told me to walk away. so i
did. i kept walking & realized that my companion wasn't with me. i
turned around & SHE was up in his face too!!! we both just started to
walk off. we were on our way to the elder's apartment for lunch. after
lunch we came back with the elders to our apartment, & when we got there
the lock on our door was jammed. some one tried to break in!!! i knew
from that moment that it was the man from the street. then, i realized
that he's one of the 6 men that get drunk outside in front of our
building. then, i realized that this is the same man that offered my
companion a dead flower 2 weeks ago on the street. i cannot tell you how
mad i was! the elders didn't dare say anything to me...i was THAT mad!
we called our landlady, & that was no help. we called a couple other
people, & worked it out for us to stay at one of the elders apartments,
& the four of them would stay together. so we started to walk out to the
street again...& we ran into the same man, except he was with one of his
friends. the both of them were drunk. we decided to walk right up to
them, & neither of them said anything. until we passed, & he stuck his
middle finger out at my companion when she turned around. right when he
did that i went back to hit him. our district leader came right behind
me ready to hit some one too. when we got up to them, the man's friend
came up to us & said in Romanian to keep going, that they didn't want
trouble. we wanted to beat them up so bad, but the elders said it would
be better if we just left, so we did. we had plans that night with our
zone for easter, so we went. the whole night we got calls from president
& every other leader of ours if we were okay. so since then, we've been
packing because president doesn't want us living there anymore. the
elders walk us home most nights. & since he's seen them with us, he
walks away when he sees us. i'm not going to lie, it did shake me up a
little bit. but i'm okay now. what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger
right??!! i don't mean to make you guys worry. i'm really okay. i just
wanted to share a little bit of the experiences that really strengthen
my testimony. i'm here on the lord's errand, & i know that he will take
care of me. i'm running out of time, but know that i love & miss you so
much!!!
write me!!!
love,
sora betham
p.s. i get to call home in 2 weeks!!!

April 22, 2008

Hi Everyone,
I'm sorry for not writing much these past couple of weeks. Things here
in Romania are a little crazy. We had Elder Christofferson come here to
Bucharest for our District Conference. The members from the surrounding
cities came on buses...I've never seen the chapel so full!!! I wish it
could be like that EVERY SUNDAY!!! Elder Christofferson has been called
as the newest Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve, and Romania was his
first assignment!!! How blessed are we that we had the chance to be
taught by an APOSTLE OF THE LORD!!! He promised so many blessings to the
Romanian people if they make the sacrifices the Lord asks of them like:
Tithing, Fasting, & Prayer. He promised these blessings to the members &
non-members alike. He talked alot about the Gospel culture. He even
talked about Polynesians, & how 1 in every 4 Poly's are members! I was
so proud. & then he talked about how beating their children is accepted
in our culture, & then I was so MA!!!! lol. He went on to say that the
Gospel should come before the traditions of our culture. I was really
glad he said that, because many of the members here still hang on to
their Orthodox traditions although they know it's not consistent with
the gospel. I think these same things apply to us all! We know the
simple principles of the gospel, & sometimes we think too lightly of
them, that we don't live them. I encourage you all to find the little
things that we do every day & work to try to do better. So that was
that. My companion & I are cooking for Elder Christofferson on Wed, so I
hope I paid enough attention to Mom in the kitchen!!!
Anyways, Romanian Easter is this Saturday. It's a pretty big
deal...everyone cooks these BIG Romanian meals, & goes all out with
everything!!! As missionaries, we're going to eat dinner at the Marriott
Hotel & then go to Midnight Mass Sat night-Sun morning. I can't wait.
This transfer is almost over, we have 1 more week. I'm pretty sure I'll
stay here in Buc, but again you never know where the Lord needs you. Oh
yeah, I almost forgot! So, we've been working out at this gym by our
house every morning...& I got on the scale this morning...& I LOST 10
LBS!!! WHOOP, WHOOOOOOP!!! hahaha...I was so happy!!! Even though you
probably can't even tell, I feel healthier, which is all that matters!!!
Well, you guys...I think I wrote enough for the week. The work is going
slow as usual, but I'm still trying my best. My companion & the rest of
our district are doing well. We're all really united, but people just
don't seem to give us the time of day. But hearing from you guys every
week really helps me to keep working hard.
I hope things are well for you all with work, school, & everything else
you have going on. You are all in my prayers & I know Heavenly Father is
watching over you while I'm gone. I love & miss you all!!!
-Sora Betham.

April 4, 2008

Hi Everybody!!!
Here are a couple of pictures from Conference. All the districts in our
Zone had a different color...so, we spent a whole P-Day shopping for
ties that matched our tops...so cute ya?!! Conference was amazing.
Everything seems to apply to missionary work, especially when you're a
missionary! It was so good to see all the members gather together to
hear the prophet. Elder Christofferson, who was just called as an
apostle, is coming here to Romania next week, for District Conference
(like Stake Conference), & everyone's really excited about it.
This past week has been a little harder, simply because it's been really
hard to meet with our investigators. This coming weekend is the Orthodox
Easter which is a really big around here...which then, becomes a really
big excuse!!! But, we have been seeing a really big change in the
branches. Which makes me feel alot better. This past Sunday, the
Victoria Branch & Cotroceni Branch had a combined choir practice for
District Conference next week. Guys, I almost cried! They all stood on
the stand & sung "I am a Child of God." ALL of them!!! My heart was
full. I watched the members reach out to our investigator, Doina & other
less actives we've been working with. It was amazing.
Sometimes, it feels as though the branches are on the shoulders of the
missionaries. Which can be really stressful at times. But, it is so
comforting to see them serve & really care for one another.
As you can see, I'm keeping busy. But, not a day goes by that I don't
think of you all. I am constantly reminded of all the sacrifices you
make for me to be out here. I am forever grateful for loving &
supporting friends & family. I hope that you are all doing well. I can't
wait to hear from you!!!
Love,
Sora Betham

april 7, 2008

Sora "Bitam" & Sora "Lumbart" are having so much fun here in
Bucuresti...here are some for the Scrapbooks!!!

March 24, 2008

Subject: Queens of Buc
Here are a couple pictures of Sora Betham & Sora Larsen: the self
acclaimed "Queens of Buc!!!" lol. We gave ourselves the name, & saved it
on all the Elders' cellphones...so every time they call, they KNOW WHO
RUNS THIS!!! lol.
Pics of some members...in Alexandria...& our Bloc-Knocking Area!!!
Enjoy:)
-Sora Betham
P.S. & don't tell us how FAT we are in your emails...or else you won't
be getting anymore!!! lol.

March 24, 2008

Happy Easter!!!
It's easter for you guys, right?!! Well, here in Romania they celebrate
Easter on April 27th...So I still have a while...I hope the Easter Bunny
visits me this year!!! ;) wink, wink...
Well, this past week my companion was still really sick. Everyone
wonders why I haven't got it from her yet. I think it's because Mom
nursed me until I was 5!!! lol. Well, that's Dad's explanation for
everything...so that's what I told my District, & they laughed so
hard!!! Since then, it's been a big inside joke...Anyways, things here
in Romania are good.
We started using a questionnaire when we contact in the Blocs & on the
streets. It's been working for us. More people are showing interest, so
we're pretty excited to be teaching new investigators.
Thanks for your emails. I think I'm going to stop sending pictures,
because I don't want to hear about how much weight I'm gaining!!! lol.
It's not fair!!!
I was so excited to hear that Aunty Katie sent me TWO PACKAGES!!! I
can't wait!!! I think you should all follow her example!!! lol. jokes.
Many of you might not have my address, so here it is:
Sos. Pipera Nr. 41 Et. 7
Sector 2 COD 014254
Bucharest
ROMANIA
I love & miss you guys so much!!! Hope to hear from you soon!!!
-Sora Betham

March 17, 2008

Hi everyone,
I'll make this short & sweet...this week, we got to go to Alexandria
(look it up on the map.) It's this really cute little city outside of
Buc. Right now, there are only two Elders there. They have an
investigator they're working with, & they needed us to come & teach her
the Law of Chastity. Her name is Mihaiela & she's really nice. She took
our lesson well. The Elders are helping her to quit smoking, & it's
going well. I'm sending some pictures we took when we were there.
Other news...we got transfer calls this morning, and I'M STAYING IN
BUC!!! I was sure that I would be transfered out, but I'm glad that I
can stay & keep working with Doina & Virginia. So, I'm really excited
about that. This is transfer week, so it's going to be a little crazy...
As usual, I love & miss you all!!! Keep reading your scriptures & saying
your prayers!!!
Cu drag,
Sora Bitam (I even got a new tag with it spelt that way!!!)

March 10, 2008

Hi everyone!!!
Thank you for all your letters & emails. It's nice to hear from you all
every week. Especially all those Mom just added to the email list. I
hope you enjoy reading them, because I have fun writing them! I know
sometimes, their a little redundant & maybe even boring. But, I'll try
to be a little more entertaining!
This week, we had a lot of activities at the church for Women's Day or
"Opt Martie." The Romanian traditions are so fun. This old lady got on
the piano & played an old Russian song, "Calinka." Hilarious. I'll try &
send the video later. We had another activity with the Cotroceni
Branch(Ward.) A few members in the Branch are constantly fighting, so we
felt like we needed an activity to try to bring them all together. What
better way, than to talk about the Savior! We had a few rooms set up,
each talking about service, charity, & sacrifice. The last room, we made
doughnuts, & offered each person a doughnut. For each doughnut, one of
the Elders had to do 10 push ups. Some of the members didn't want one
after seeing him do the push ups, but he had to do them anyway. He ended
up doing 180 push ups!!! We did this to show that the Savior gave his
life for us all, regardless of whether we accept him in our lives or
not. The activity went really well. I feel like alot of the members are
really trying to have that love in their hearts for one another.
I'm running out of time, as usual. But I really want you all to know
that I miss and love you so much. I can't wait to hear from you all!!!
Cu drag,
Sora Bitam.

March 3, 2008

LA MULTI ANI!!!
Here in Romania, they celebrate Martisor...which is like Women's Day.
It's March 8th...so HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY!!! I was happy to hear from all of
you today. I was laughing when Aunty Katie said that she wants to lose
weight before they come to Romania...that's MY goal too!!! lol. Batman
Abs are working...really slowly...but they're working!!! OMG, my
companion spoils me...this morning she made CHOCOLATE PANCAKES!!! & the
other day she made hashbrowns & eggs...mmmm...so that's why I'm gaining
so much. but whatever. lol.
As far as the work, everything is coming along. We teach free english
classes at the chapel every Tues night, its one of the finding tools we
use. At the end of every class, we have a spiritual thought (ie:
Restoration, Book of Mormon, etc.) & they are welcome to set up for us
to teach them at their homes or at the chapel. So, this past week, alot
of our students have been showing interest. We're really excited about
that this week. Next week is our last week & we're gonna have a party &
teach them the Electric Slide or the Chacha...you know the songs that
all the FOBs play at church dances!!! lol.
But anyways, the work is going really good. I think I told you guys
about Doina last week...well she hasn't been feeling well, so the
Elder's gave her a blessing yesterday. Oh yeah, & yesterday, one of the
less active members we've been working with blessed her baby in church.
Her husband gave an amazing blessing for baby Sara. It just made me feel
so blessed to have the priesthood in my life. & it's even more amazing
to see the Priesthood at work here in Romania. Phew, talk about being
SLAPPED with the Spirit!!!lol. Just a little inside joke...
Anyways, I'm glad that you are all reading your scriptures...& thank you
Aunty Katie for the Pop Quiz. Keep it up. I know that he will bless us
for our willingness & desire to draw closer to Him. If we will do that
with a constant prayer in our hearts that He will to continue to watch
over us while we are so far from each other. I love & miss you all so
much!!!
In one of our District Mtgs, our Get-to-Know-You (Facem Cunostinta)
Question was: "If you could go home & were released as a missionary for
just ONE day, what would you do?" & without hesitating, I told them that
I would have all the FAM & all my friends come to the Park & have a BIG
BBQ!!! I would play with all my BEBEz & kick it with all the Aunty's &
Uncle's...& have Dad close the store FOR ONCE...& just have everyone
there TALKING STORY & playing Volleyball...& staying late at night to
drink KOKO SAMOA & FRENCH BREAD!!!
Anyways, that's how much I miss you guys!!! Take care & keep writing!!!
Love,
Sora Bitam.

February 24, 2008

Ugh, once again...I get so excited to come to internet, & guess what???
NOTHING IN MY INBOX!!!! :( WRITE ME!!!!!
Anyways, things are going well. Our investigators are progressing &
getting really close to Baptism. We had a MASS FAST with them & with the
Elders, & I think it really helped them to get the answers they've been
praying to receive.
Our Districts are doing really well. We're the only Sisters in our Zone,
so we work with two Branches: Victoria & Cotroceni. Victoria has a lot
of young families & they have a full functioning PRIMARY!!! Cotroceni is
where all the CRAZY's are...& when I say CRAZY, I mean THEY GOT
ISSUES!!! There's always drama, EVERY Sunday. But we try to set a good
example for them & try to have the Spirit. Some times it works &
sometimes I just want to bang my head against the wall!!! lol.
Anyways, that's whats been going on with me. I've been reading alot in
the Bible this week. I've been really interested in the 12 Tribes of
Israel lately. I wanted to study from the Bible a little bit more,
because a lot of Romanians claim that the Bible is all we need, but they
don't even really know anything about it!!! I've just been connecting
alot of dots between Abraham...Moses...Lehi...etc. It's all so tight!!!
Anyways, so I challenge you all to read in Genesis...& then write me
about it next week!!!
I hope you are all doing good. I'm sure you're all keeping busy. I love
& miss you all!!!
-Sora Bitam

February 18, 2008

Hi Everybody!!!
Wow, it's been such a long week. Before I forget, Happy Belated Valentines Day!!! We had an activity here for V-day, & it was hilarious!!! We made homemade Doughnuts & played games. Some of the members are CRAZY!!! Like for real, they have issues. LOL.
As far as the work, one of our investigators, Marina, was reading anti-Mormon books, & had a whole bunch of questions that I couldn't answer. It made me doubt a little, so I've been praying & studying really hard to find answers. I've been reading all of Joseph Smith's History & comparing the Bible & BOM. How blessed are we that if ever we struggle, that we can open our scriptures & find the answers!!! My testimony of Joseph Smith has been strengthen through these simple verses & I am so excited to meet with Marina this week & share these things with her!!! I challenge all of you to read JSH this week!!! I know that it'll help you with whatever you're going through!!!
I love you all so much, & hope that you continue to stay strong in the church & remain close to the Lord.
For those of you in Seminary, PAY ATTENTION!!! There are so many things I wish I had learned in Seminary, if only I had listened!!!
Love & miss you guys!!!
-Sora Betham
P.S. I'm adding to my list from last week:
Chocolate Chips, Cake Mix/Frosting, Victoria Secret Lotion & Hair Products (I gave mine away to the members for Christmas.)...& the list could go on!!!