Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

Well ladies and gentlemen, frații și surori..

It's a losing battle out here in Romania. Somehow everyone I know and love has turned on me.

My dear friend Ana, who is a fantastic member of Sibiu, calls me her little sister. I thought this was so cute, until I learned that big sister was a synonym for BULLY.

Simeon, Satan's spawn from my last email made a reprise, and again challenged me to a math race. I found multiplication wasn't the problem.. it was something much more complicated.. addition.

Went through step 13 of preach my gospel and my comp called me a pathological liar. Listen how am I supposed to tell you I don't like a meal after you've slaved over it for an hour. Anyway, not sure what that's about.

Alice, a Jewish woman who attends our sacrament, and who is the most flamboyant woman I know taught me to not be ashamed if you flash somebody. In front of the elders. It was very awkward.

I've decided my answer to all this foul play is a lesson I learned a long time ago. STRIKE FIRST. STRIKE HARD. NO MERCY. It turns out, all I need to do is destroy them all with my epic karate skills. Thanks William Zabka.

Despite all this, I've had many miracles and blessings throughout the week. We had senior conference in Sibiu and we got to see the Ruckers one last time before they leave! I will miss them and their leadership so, so much. It was such a blessing to see them again.

The Epure family visited our branch this past Sunday. I love this family with all my heart! Sora Epure is the epitome of grace and apparently Danny is going to be an anime akido master street racing marine biologist.

We made sarmale, a traditional romanian dish comprised of meat, rice, and spices all wrapped up in pickled cabbage. We broke our fast at Sora Dancus house with a 3 course meal, as the Romanians do.

I know this week was a sillier email, but in all seriousness, the work here in Romania is amazing. The members here inspire me constantly, and I am always taken aback by their faith and diligence. I am so eternally grateful to have the opportunity to know them, and serve beside them. I love them and this work with all my heart. We have met amazing new friends who are so curious and are really making changes in their lives as they come to know their Savior. It's such a privilege to be here.

I sincerely hope you all have an amazing week. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air! I love you all. Ciao