Thank you so much for the wonderful letter! It sounds like Spring is in full swing--here we are still enjoying some windy and chilly weather, but (in my opinion at least) it is much better than the dead, sweaty heat that we were going through last year in Sofia at this time. Maybe it is just my Northwestern-ness peaking through. I am always filled with joy when I read about your going and comings, and read of your testimonies.
Христос възкресе! (this is when you then answer back--воистина възкресе!). This Sunday was Orthodox Easter, and (as I told you last year), Christians go around all day saying that to each other. Sort of a neat echo still bouncing around the birthing ground of Christianity--it takes me back to those first apostles, excitedly and sometimes doubtfully spreading the news one to another of the miraculous and unprecedented miracle of the Resurrection. It is just as true now as it was then--He is Risen, the tomb is empty, He is risen as he said. Great stuff.
On another note, it was also Fast Sunday, so it was a great test of temptation resistance skills, because everyone was giving each other boiled eggs and traditional Easter sweet bread after Sacrament meeting. On a positive note, I endured! This week really was a meaningful fast.Yesterday, as I was fasting, I really saw the Lord answering my prayers, and I really truly felt as if I had made a step forward on not only making good judgement, but on being more humble. For maybe the first time I believe I really understood the power that fasting can have in giving us additional connection to our Father in Heaven, in being more in tune with the quiet voice of the Spirit by excluding, even for a short time, the dependence on the temporal. Very eye-opening. In other news, we went on a bunch of exchanges this week, which was great. We had the chance to work with Elders from Plovdiv and Varna, and it was insightful to work with them both--I loved listening to Elder Abbot's conversion story, and feeling his calm energy and faith, and I really was uplifted as I talked with Elder Woods, and got his take of the Mission Goals--he really is great example of thorough thinking and quiet strength. I have been working on being more calm and collected, and it was a great blessing for me to get to work with both of these wonderful Elders this week.
Mother; most people here just grow things in their house, or out in front of their Blocks, and a LOT of people have some land out in a village outside the city, where they grow lots of different things. Bulgarians eat TONS of fresh vegetables, and share a common hatred for fruits or vegetables that are laced with preservatives. They pretty much just love anything that grows in general, but especially their cucumbers and tomatoes. MOTHER'S DAY: I can get on Skype Sunday at 5:00 PM (1700) my time, which I believe translates to 7:00 AM your time, Sunday Morning. Will that work out? The call is going to be 45 minutes, so you should have time to still get to church on time. If there is anything that changes that, just email the Mission, and they can notify me. Looking forward to seeing you all!
Father: I am doing great, and so is my companion--he has had some heath issues this week, but he has not complained once, nor let it slow him down in the slightest. Great man. My Mission President is from Manti, but he lived in Idaho for a long time as well--he is a welder by trade (though he is more like and inventor and businessman, but he always insists he is just a welder). They are wonderful and humble and full of the Spirit. Sister Barclay taught piano lessons, and they are the parents of 7 children and 23 grandchildren. His brother is actually coming to serve a Senior Mission here in July, for the SECOND time serving in Bulgaria--I was in Sofia last year when Elder Barclay (President Barclay's Brother) left! Time sure flies. My Journal is pretty good--I have improved recently. I love you Father!
Jordan; do you remember when you fell off that tree bridge? That seems like ages ago. I love you so much!
Rees; I am still waiting for a response about that joke. I thought it was pretty good! Also, I think you are forgetting one of the key elements of yard care--children! If you have 8 or 9, you can just direct traffic and pay them allowance for their work. It's a flawless plan! I love you Brother.
Paige; congratulations! I am proud of you. I know that you will do great things this coming year. A Senior...wow! I love you so much.
Ronnie; don't worry a bit--I was pretty disappointed when I didn't get in the first time as well, but it all worked out for my good in the end--the Lord has a plan. Go score a few touchdowns for me!
Lizzie; I love you so much! I remember not wanting to go to Orchestra as well...make your choice with prayer--the Cello sure is great, but you have a lot of other talents as well. I love you so much little Sister!
I love you all so much, see you on Sunday!
With a smile,
Elder Hardy
 |
| The Red Egg is Orthodox tradition--then they hit the eggs together, and whichever egg doesn't crack, wins! This was a gift from a member. |
 |
| 2) Who came first... |
 |
| Bulgarian Laundry. Notice the dilapidated (though very powerful!) fan. One gets used to using towels with the texture of sandpaper (washing AND drying is an experience in scrubbing! I am sure it actually makes us cleaner at the end of the day). |
No comments:
Post a Comment