It started pouring rain and we got drenched!Church is held at 10:00 am on the second floor of the Villa, a beautiful three story building that functions as a factory, a church meetinghouse, and an apartment all in one. It only took us about ten minutes to walk to church, and needless to say, we somehow managed to get a little muddy in that short of a time. On the way over, we were greeted by three adorable and friendly street dogs who decided to follow us the entire way to church.
Sacrament meeting was a whole new experience. The branch is very small; only about ten members plus three sets of missionaries. I am curious to find out why they have so many missionaries in such a small branch. During fast and testimony meeting, a couple of the missionaries sat by us and translated the meeting so we could understand. I wanted to bear my testimony really bad, and the missionaries said they would translate for us if we wanted, but I really wanted to bear it in Romanian. I almost built up the courage, but decided to wait until next month when I’ve practiced and can remember how to say a little more.
I was so touched when President Popovich stood and bore testimony of his gratitude for us girls who traveled so far to serve his people. This man has so much faith! He has been branch president for ten years now, and although the numbers aren’t growing and retention is nearly zero, he has so much faith in the branch. I was so impressed when he said, “Someday, we will be like the U.S. and there will be so many people here, there won’t be enough time for everyone to bear their testimonies. That will be amazing!”
The relief society women are so strong! During the lesson, most of them expressed how their husbands are not members or are not active in the church. In Romania, men are dominant and the women are much more submissive to the men than you would ever see in the U.S. One sister explained how she never bears her testimony to her husband with her words, but she reads scripture stories to her family and sometimes he listens. She also expressed her love for her children and how her husband looks down on her for playing with her boys. Here, they believe that parents should play the role of a discipliner and a teacher, and not a friend. Her husband told her, “They can feel love when they sleep.” As difficult as it is for the sisters to raise their families in such a society, they seem so faithful.
There are only two active youth in the branch, a brother and sister. I was so sad when their mother told us, “My children have no friends. They live a very isolated life. Maybe someday they will, but not for now. All the kids smoke and drink. I always tell them that they must live one life or the other; that they cannot be on both sides.”
I am in such awe of the members here. After seeing the faith of these members, I realize I had it so easy growing up as a member of the church. Even when I thought I had it so hard, the challenges I faced now seem so insignificant compared to what these youth deal with every single day. They have willingly sacrificed so much for this Gospel, and it is so evident by the different light they have in their eyes.
As we started walking back home, it began pouring rain! We tried to stay dry, but our efforts were worthless. We got soaked from head to toe! Without a clothes dryer, getting wet is a huge pain, but we decided it was just another adventure to add to our Romania experience. Slipping in puddles and covered in mud, we laughed hysterically the whole way home.
