La multi ani!

Ceau family,

La multi ani! Adica... Happy new year!
I was going to write this email all about the new year and give my insights on new beginnings and whatnot, but President Hill said it perfectly in his email, and if it's okay with you, I'm going to just share with you what he said. It's beautiful.

"Happy New Year!!  It’s hard to believe that 2012 is ending and 2013 will begin in a few hours from when you read this.  I’m sure you’ve heard about the Mayan calendar ending on December 21, 2012.  That created quite a stir in the news.  Of course, December 21 came and went and nothing notable happened.  Our neighbor and former home teacher, Professor Allen Christensen, BYU, is one of the world’s leading experts on Mayan culture.  He pointed out that the Mayan really did believe the world would end on December 21—but it would immediately be renewed and improved to move forward into the next year.  In fact, they believed that renewal process happened every year with the earth and with people. 

That’s actually not a bad way to look at things.  Paul wrote to the Corinthians that “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17) Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can, through the process of faith and repentance, “start over”, in effect, when we are baptized and confirmed.  And we can continue that process of cleansing and renewing ourselves through faith and repentance when we renew our baptismal covenants by partaking of the sacrament.  We can be forgiven and move on and “become new.”    

The New Year is traditionally a good time to take stock of where we are, where we’d like to be, what our Heavenly Father wants us to be and what we need to do to improve.  And a mission is the perfect place to make those renewing changes with the support of a loving, caring companion, at a time when we are more focused on studying the scriptures, and while we are highly engaged in following the Savior and doing His work.

May each of us pray to know, as the young rich man asked of the Savior, “What lack I yet?” (Matt. 19: 20).  He will help you know how your can resolve to be a better missionary, a better representative of the Son of God.  And then be willing to accept the inspiration you receive and go forth with a determination to grow into the person Heavenly Father wants you to become."

Enough said. How wonderful is my mission president?

Well, this week was a strange one. I found myself in a bit of a loop last Tuesday night after talking to each of you -which was wonderful, by the way. Elder Groberg kept laughing at me as we were walking home from the internet cafe and said that I looked like I was in a trans. I kind of was. And I stayed in that trans for a lot longer than I expected. I'm happy to report that I am out of that loop and back in the groove of missionary work. My poor companion and district had to put up with me being mopey for a few days. Oops. I just kept saying "Why does my family have to be so wonderful??" haha. Yes, I am pathetic. It was so beautiful to see you all and to talk to each of you. It was way too short, but so amazing. I'm so grateful for our twice a year phone calls.

Braden, congratulations on being one of the newest members of the Church of Jesus Christ! So proud of you and your decision. I have a kind of cool story to share... At the beginning of this transfer, I told Sora Rivera that I would make sure someone I loved would be baptized on December 29th.. I didn't know who or how, but I knew that that date would be a very special day. When we started teaching Cristina and Florin, I thought maybe it would be them and when they left, I wasn't sure who it would be, but I still did not doubt that it would happen. The next monday, I came to internet and heard that would be when Braden would be getting baptized. As I went home and re-read through my journal of when I had written that someone I loved would be getting baptized on that day, I felt overwhelming sense of peace. So grateful that someone I love so dearly was baptized on that day. Even though I couldn't be there, I still somewhat feel like I was apart of it as I felt that specialness of that day. He was on my mind all day. So, like I said Braden, I am so proud of you. I know Heavenly Father is too. You are so special and I hope you never forget all you felt on that sacred day.

Have I ever told any of you how much I love communication?? Because I do. So much. This week, my companion and I had a much needed conversation and I feel so much more love for her. I love  the opportunity to express myself, my thoughts and feelings, and listen to others and strive to understand their points of view. As I seek to understand those around me I feel so much more of a pure, sincere love for them.Sora Rivera and I strengthened our companionship and grew even closer together this week as we opened up and communicated with each other. It's beautiful!

I have eaten more food this week than I have the entire time I've been here. (Probably not that much of an exaggeration.) We got fed SO MUCH food. I would not be upset if I never ate sarmale again (don't quote me on that.) We went caroling to all the members throughout the week (caroling is done well after Christmas here) and at every home, they fed us a full on meal. And we couldn't NOT eat it because they had prepared it specially for us, not knowing that every other member did also. SO much food. And so much dessert. And not all of it was the most delicious either. That's okay though. It was so kind of them all to take the time to prepare the food. How much they sacrificed just to feed us is one of the only reasons that I kept putting the food in my mouth. They people here are so kind and so hospitible. I love Romanians.

We went and saw The Hobbit this last week as one of our Christmas movies. Not too bad. The sound effects were a little dramatic. We may or may not have put our own commentary to the entire movie. I usually hate "commentators" but Elder Benson is hilarious. At one point when the orches (sp?) are talking in their really ugly language, I turned to Elder Benson and said "That's a really pretty language, let's learn it." and he said "I think it's spanish..." Okay all you spanish speakers, don't get upset. Spanish is a beautiful language, but that comment was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing. And every time the orches started talking after that, we all just laughed. It's a good thing we were some of the only ones in the theater.

Funny false doctrine moment in church yesterday... one of the members (our last branch president) raises his hand and says it's okay to drink coffee when you're tired if you put milk in it... because the milk just cancels out the coffee! Good to know! ha. I love false doctrine moments. Unfortunately, they happen often and it's sometimes awkward to raise your hand and correct it. 

We were able to meet with a few potential investigators this week. One of them being a little girl of 10 years old, the neighbor of one of the families in the branch. Her name is Alexa and she is beautiful. I love her with all of my heart. We met with her last night and the Sofroni family (the members). A few weeks ago, Alexa showed up at the Sofroni's home on a Sunday morning all dressed in her sunday clothes to go to church with them. Unfortunately, Fratele Sofroni wasn't feeling well that week and they couldn't make it to church. However, she comes over to the Sofroni's often and they read the Book of Mormon with her and pray with her. Our goal is to get a lesson with her and her parents. She lives in difficult situations and her family could truly use the gospel. She cried to us last night in our lesson as she told her family situation and how hard it is for her and for her mom. I am so excited to get to work with this precious little girl and hopefully bring the comfort of the gospel into the life of her and her family. 

Our other new investigator is Andrea. She is very open and accepting. She is very strong in her orthodox religion. Which is a good thing. I think the people who are strong in their current religion are the people we are searching for. We want people who dedicate themselves to their Heavenly Father in the best way they know how. She could be such a great addition to the branch. She was very kind in inviting us over for sarmale and dessert and we had a lesson with her. She may or may not have blessed us and had us meditate with her at the end... it was interesting! I love all the things we get to experience as missionaries here in Romania! She does have a lot of potential. She has so much desire to do what Heavenly Father wants her to do; she just needs a little direction and help from the spirit in getting there.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful New Years. I can't believe this year is over. Where has the time gone? Has it really been a year since I sat at James's house with all of you and opened up my mission call? Life has been good these passed 12 months. I've changed a LOT. I have had hard times and I have had great times, and of course, made a lot of mistakes. But it wouldn't be life if I didn't. I have learned so much from the great times, but even more from the hard times. I am so grateful for all I have experienced this year. I'm sad it is over, but so excited for the future and what this new year will bring and for the opportunity to grow and better myself. 

mi-e dor de voi,

Sora Alyson Cook

ps...If you're interested, the branch here has a facebook page. It's called 'Ramora Arad' I think. Our branch mission leader, Edy, keeps it updated. You should check it out. I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure it's awesome. Or something.  

Craciun Ferecit

Merry Christmas family!

What a beautiful time of year it is and what a beautiful week it has been! I don't even know where to begin. The Lord continues to bless me far beyond what I deserve.

I am happy to say that the package you sent me made it to Arad in time for Christmas! The Assistants to the President made their way to the west for a special exchange just to deliver all the packages that arrived late. They were very sneaky about it. Thank you all for the package. I may or may not have opened most of it already. :) I just couldn't wait until Christmas. The Calendar!! SO impressed! It is beautiful. All of it was beautiful but I especially love the letters and pictures. Thank you all so much. Mari, did you make that scarf? Very well done. It's beautiful. I am so blessed; My family is wonderful.

Because it is Christmas, we have been doing an excessive amount of caroling. I love it. We ended each night sharing the Christmas spirit through song to all of Arad. (well, some of Arad.... and trying to share it... sometimes it's hard to share Christmas spirit with a door that won't open, that doesn't stop us from trying though.) It was beautiful nonetheless.

The highlight of my week and possibly of my mission was when we went caroling to a retirement home here in Arad. My testimony grew that night. Sometimes, our testimonies grow and we don't even know it and then we look back over a period of time and we see the growth that has taken place. And sometimes, in one event, our testimonies grow right before our eyes as we feel the Spirit strongly testify to our hearts. Singing to some of Heavenly Father's precious sons and daughters who live in that retirement home was one of those moments for me. I felt how dearly God loves them and has care over them. Tears filled their eyes as they sang along to the carols they recognized. As I sat next to many of them and held their hands as we sang together on their beds, my heart was overcome by the spirit. It bore powerful witness to me that Christ is the Savior of the world. He was born in the most humble of circumstances, lived a perfect life, suffered all the sins and pains of the world, and died on a hill for all to see. God loves us all so perfectly. It is beautiful how tenderly He takes care of us. I know I say this every week, but my testimony grows each week as I see the hand of the Lord in my life and in the lives of those around me.

One lady at the retirement home, who everyone told me not to talk to because she couldn't hear, sat and talked to me and told me of a dream she had had and in that dream, she saw our faces and she has kept our faces in her mind. I told her how much God loves her and how He is taking care of her. I know she heard me as she cried in my hands and nodded her head saying "I know He loves me." Despite her challenges of losing all seven of her children and being alone for most of her life, she still knows God loves her. I so admire her faith.

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for that experience and that I got to celebrate the birth of my Savior through song with some of my very special brothers and sisters. 'O Ce Veste Minunata', a Romanian Carol, means so much more to me now as it reminds me of these beautiful people singing the words along with us with such love and gratitude for their Savior.

Saturday night, we had a branch Christmas Party. It was wonderful. Mos Craciun (Santa Clause) made an appearance and came with gifts. A tradition here, at least I think it's a tradition, is you have to sing a carol to Mos Craciun when you sit on his lap in order to get your presents. All the children in the branch went and sat on his lap, sang a song and received their gifts. And then Sora Decsy (coordinator of the Christmas party) announced that Mos had presents for the missionaries, so we had to go up and sing a carol for Mos and get our presents. Mos Craciun was terrifying. Definitely wasn't the real Santa. I'll send pictures.

I've already talked about this with some of you so please forgive me for repeating but something that I have come to understand even more this week from every study, every meeting, every lesson, is how much Heavenly Father wants to bless us with gifts and how much He wants for us to receive those gifts. It's okay to receive gifts. Sometimes, I have a hard time receiving gifts for a number of different reasons but mostly because I don't feel worthy of them. I realized how much that must hurt our Heavenly Father when He blesses us with gifts and we don't accept them because we don't feel worthy of them. My goal is to accept every gift He gives me, expressing my gratitude and love while striving to live in a way that helps me feel worthy of those gifts.

I've also learned how much Heavenly Father sincerely cares about our desires and how He wants to bless us according to our desires. I love in the scriptures when it says "What desirest thou?" Heavenly Father cares so much about what we want. God truly does want to bless us according to our desires. It's okay to express our desires to Heavenly Father. It's okay to ask for things. Of course, it is so important to remember that as we do, we must recognize that the answer is always "yes or something better". Sometimes, that "something better" doesn't really seem like something better, but of course it is. Heavenly Father cares so much for his children.

Anyone want to hear my extremely embarrassing story of the week? Oh gawl, it was awful. So, the other day, I was at the store with my companion and Elder Groberg and Elder Harrison (Assistants were doing exchanges with our Zone Leaders) and after about a half hour of us walking around shopping for secret Santa presents for a member in the branch, a nice, sweet lady comes up to me and tells me my skirt is tucked in to my tights in the back... and NO ONE TOLD ME!!! Everyone I was with claims they didn't notice but I don't know if I believe them. So embarrassing. Luckily, it's getting to the point where I have to wear a 2-3 pairs of tights because of how freezing it is so it's not like anything was seen, but still. We had a good laugh and I am now very conscious at all times about my skirt and making sure I have zero wardrobe malfunctions.

I feel like I had so much to write but now I just can't think of what it was. Maybe my brain is wanting to save it for tomorrow's conversation :) So excited to see all your beautiful faces and tell you face to face how much I love you. I hope you have a very wonderful, merry, happy Christmas. I hope it's snowing where ever you are. I hope you have all watched Elf and The Grinch at least three times each. I hope that you get absolutely no sleep on Christmas Eve (that's today!) because of your excitement for Christmas. I hope that you leave cookies and milk for Santa Clause. I hope that you get to feel that warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart as you spend these days with people who are closest to you. And most of all, I hope that you recognized how our lives are affected on a daily basis because of the birth of our Savior. And I also hope you know how dear you are to me and how much I love you.

Merry Christmas family. Sarbatori fericite.

Va pup,
Sora Cook

PS for Christmas, President Hill gave us voie (permission) to watch two movies, one of which can be in theaters as long as it is G-rated, animated, or The Hobbit. So, we will be seeing The Hobbit this week. I don't really care to see it, but my district is all dying to see it. Ce sa fac...

'Tis the Season

My dear family,

Is anyone else shocked at how fast the time is going? I am absolutely blown away every single week as I sit in this same internet cafe that I've been sitting at every Monday for the last 6 months. Whoa.

I'm sorry that last week's email was lacking in details of what has been happening. I'll try to include details from what has happened this week and what I learned from those experiences.

Last week, we met two of my favorite of people that I have yet to meet since being on my mission. Their name's are Florin and Cristina. I actually met them back in July from english classes when I was serving with Sora Remsberg, but unfortunately, we never got to meet with them because their work randomly called them out of the country. They said they were expected to return in November. Not thinking I would be here, I left a note in the Area Book (I capitalize "Area Book" because it is a very sacred book to me!), but I left a note in the Area Book to call this amazing couple in November when they returned and as I was flipping through it a few weeks ago, I found my note and decided to give them a call. Because we're not holding regular english classes over the holidays, I called and invited them to do a private english class and they were very eager. We met with them Monday evening of last week. At the end of our english classes, we always do a spiritual thought. We finished our english portion and began our spiritual thought with a prayer and began introducing the Book of Momon. I asked Cristina if she had ever heard of the Book of Momon and she said she had and that she has wanted one for a while but didn't know where to get one. She was thrilled to receive one and she clung onto that book the entire lesson. As we read the introduction together, they had some beautiful questions about Joseph Smith. Because the spiritual thought is usually only 5-10 minutes, I asked if they had time then to talk more about their questions. They were so excited at the thought of learning more. We explained who Joseph Smith was and the role he played in the restoration of Christ's church. It was one of the very neatest lessons I have had the privilege of being in. The spirit was so powerful and it was so neat to watch them openly accept everything the spirit was testifying to their hearts. Although we had brought up baptism, we knew we couldn't extend a baptismal invitation until authority was discussed more and understood better. We both wanted to extend the invitation that night, but knew it wasn't the right time. We invited them to read the Book of Momon and we set a return appointment for Wednesday night.

Although I would have loved a member to come with us for the lesson on Wednesday night, it just didn't work like I would have wanted. But the lesson was beautiful, nonetheless. They had read from the Book of Momon together from 1 Nephi 1 and 2. We went over the restoration in greater detail starting from the beginning. (Monday we just talked about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.) We talked a lot about authority and how it was lost and has been restored. Cristina mentioned that she knew the Book of Mormon was the word of God and didn't need to pray about it to know (I love her faith). We testified that even though we might already feel it is true, it is so important that we show humility by placing our faith in God and ask Him to testify of the truth to us through the Holy Ghost. We re-read the last few paragraphs of the introduction and pointed out what it means if she knows the Book of Mormon is true. She promised to pray about it before our next lesson on Saturday. Still not feeling quite right about extending the invitation of baptism, we invited them to keep reading together and to pray about our message.

At this point, I was a little annoyed that I hadn't felt right about extending the baptismal invitation. I so badly wanted to, but Sora Rivera and I both just didn't feel right about it.

Saturday, a member was able to come with us and it was beautiful. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and incorporated the five steps in with it. (Faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.) We knew that as we explained the five steps that we would gain a better understanding of how much they understood about priesthood and the need for proper authority in baptism. We came up with a graph to better explain the steps. I wish I could draw this graph for you. It's beautiful. Basically, faith leads to repentance which leads to baptism (or partaking of the sacrament if you've already been baptized) which leads to having the Holy Ghost with us and the repetition of this cycle is enduring to the end. All of this done with the love of God in the center; that being our motivation for our actions. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Florin explained that when he is with us, he feels peace and sees the love of God that he feels is lacking in the world. We testified to him that that is the Holy Ghost testifying to him of the truth of our message. As we explained the role of the Holy Ghost and how it works in our lives and how we can feel of it's influence before baptism but it is only after baptism and confirmation that we have it with us as a constant companion, he was just smiling and nodding the entire time. (He actually does this throughout all of our lessons. I love it.)

They hadn't prayed about our message or the Book of Mormon specifically before our lesson on Saturday, so we invited them to have a kneeling prayer with us and invited one of them to say it. We knelt and Cristina said the prayer. It was beautiful.

They came to church and every single meeting was exactly what they needed and addressed every one of their concerns that they had brought up in lessons. It was perfect and beautiful. I love the way the Lord watches over his children so tenderly.

After church, they informed us that they received the call that morning in which told them that they would be leaving for Italy again for work this Thursday. Their job pulls them away with only a few days notice. We knew this the whole time teaching them and I had expressed to my Heavenly Father that I wanted to teach them and see them be baptized, but more than that, I wanted Heavenly Father's will. I prayed that I would be at peace with whatever happened and that I would be exactly what Heavenly Father needed me to be in their conversion process. As Cristina told us of their leaving, I knew that it was Heavenly Father's will and they are in His hands. I felt complete peace knowing that this is exactly what is supposed to happen.

She gave me their information in Italy and asked me to help her find the missionaries there. They will. Or they will come back in April and continue learning with the missionaries here. Who knows...maybe I'll still be here! :) ha

After church, a member visiting from Bucuresti came up to Florin and asked him if he was a member. Florin's response? "Inca, nu." Translation: "Not yet." They know it is true. Now it is just a matter of what they choose to do with that knowledge. I trust that the Lord will continue to take care of them.

I'm grateful for how much I got to see them grow in just one week and that Heavenly Father allowed me to meet two very prepared people. It gives me even more hope that there are people who are so ready for this gospel to bless their lives.

Plus, Florin would like us to start meeting with his sister (she used to come to our sports nights with her two sons, she's amazing.) So, we intend on meeting with her and her family this week. Her name is Claudia.

Stefan... I've talked about him, yes? He is the boyfriend of one of the members. Yep, I have talked about him. I remember now. Well, Stefan was passed over to the Elders for them to teach. It just felt right. Besides, it doesn't matter who teaches him, just as long as he gets taught. We all know it's the spirit that does all the teaching anyway. Well, yesterday the Elders met with him and the branch president and had a beautiful lesson (so I hear) and he will be getting baptized on January 12, 2013. I'm so proud of him for his decision and all that he is willing to sacrifice to be apart of our church. I knew he would get to this point. It didn't take long. He has so much desire and pure intent. I love his spirit.

We have a few potential families that we are hoping to meet with this week. I'm really excited and pray that Heavenly Father will lead us into the home of a prepared family who can be blessed by the beautiful knowledge of the gospel.

We had our Christmas Party last week. It was fun. Good to see all the missionaries around the zone and so good to see President and Sora Hill. I love President and Sora Hill so dearly. I know I say it in every email, but my love and appreciation for them grows every single week.

We have started caroling!!!! Our district goes around with the guitar and carol inside all of the blocs (big cement buildings... kind of like apartment buildings, but not really.) A lot of doors get slammed in our face right as we start singing, which actually just makes me giggle a little bit. For some reason it's always when we sing 'Joy to the World'. We usually just get out "E bucurie" and then SLAM!, the door closes... And then we go to the apartment across the hall. It's quite enjoyable. Although we get a lot of doors slammed on us (apparently it's too early to go caroling here), there are a lot of people who are very receptive and try to pay us money (a tradition here, you pay your carolers). Instead of taking the money, we invite them to our Branch Christmas Celebration that is this Saturday. However, if we did take the money, we would be filthy rich right now. Just saying.

I love our district. We get along so well and enjoy each others company. Maybe a little too much. We have to remind ourselves often to stay on task when we get together as a district. But don't worry, I promise we're all being obedient missionaries! I make sure of it. :)

Most of our caroling evenings end in a district snowball fight. An intense snowball fight, Elders against Sisters. We have no mercy. It's enjoyable... until you get a huge, ginormous pile of snow thrown into your face. Yes, that happened to me many a times, compliments of Elder Groberg. I love winter.

We got voie (permission) from President Hill to go to the Elders apartment and help decorate their tree. We did that this morning. No worries, pictures will be included. They have a massive 10 foot (and kind of skimpy) tree in their massive apartment. How they scored that apartment, I'm not sure. So big.

Romanian Christmas Traditions.... FOOD!! Good food, too. Sarmale... which is cabbage stuffed with questionable meat. And Stuffed Peppers. That's my favorite. Basically, Romania just likes to stuff their vegetables with questionable meat. Luckily, we don't eat at members homes too often. It's not the healthiest of food. Surprisingly, we've been able to dodge all the unhealthy eating this holiday season. Kind of a bonus.

Other traditions.... in the Orthodox church they have "saint's days" where there are certain days in the year that they celebrate different saints and if your name is the name of that saint it is called 'your name day'. Basically they get two birthdays, I think that's brilliant. December 6th is Saint Nicoli and as a tradition, all the children put out their boots at night and Saint Nicoli comes around and fills their boots with presents. I think it is adorable. I want to do something like this with my children. Who says you have to be orthodox to celebrate orthodox holidays? Too bad there isn't a Saint Aly. I would totally be celebrating that every single year.

Last week, Sora Smith and Sora Atkins (the traveling sisters until they leave tomorrow) came and did exchanges with Sora Rivera and I. It was beautiful. I hope and pray that our mission continues to do traveling sisters. That was one of the things that Sora Hill and I thought would be a good way to have some kind of sister leaders in the country. Each transfer, we have a companionship of responsible sisters who go around the country doing exchanges and leadership training with the sisters. So brilliant. This was a trial run with Sora Smith and Sora Atkins. I hope they continue to do it. I got to serve with Sora Atkins for a day. She is beautiful and so wonderful. I learned so much from her. I feel like these exchanges were so much more effective than the exchange system they've done in the past where you just pair up with a random sister in a nearby city. We'll see what happens in the future.

Sora Rivera is doing wonderful. I am learning so much from her every day. Training isn't easy, but it is very enlightening as Heavenly Father shows me how to be a better missionary every day by relying on Him for strength instead of just relying on myself.

I miss you all and I am more than excited to see all of your beautiful faces next week.

Have a merry Christmas season and know they I love you dearly.

Be safe. Have a snowball fight.

Love you,
Sora Aly Cook

A bit blury, but it was the only Chirstmas tree I got to decorate this year. It must be posted.

Exchanges with Sora Smith and Sora Atkins

The beautiful Primarie (City Hall) all decorated for Christmas

President and Sora Hill at our Christmas Party

A week of learning

Family,

Sadly, another week has gone by. Don't get me wrong... I miss you all dearly -especially as Christmas approaches, but the fact that the day that I will no longer be a full time missionary in Romania is coming closer and closer with each quickly passing day just make my heart a little sad. Is there any way I can combine the two worlds of being a missionary and having my family close? If so, please, sign me up.

Although I'm sad another week is over, it most certainly was one that I am grateful for. Quite the adventure, really. So much change from this monday to last monday. I could go into great detail of all that happened and I'm sure it would actually be pretty entertaining to do so, but rather, I think I will just write to all of you what I have learned from those experiences. After all, what we learn from our situations is much more valuble that the experiences themselves.

Is it okay if I do it bullet-point-style?

• President and Sora Hill are exactly who i am supposed to be serving under. I saw a different side of both of them as I spent the evening at their home with my district waiting for my train to leave Bucuresti. They are quite incredible -this I already knew. My love for both of them grows with every weekly email, every hug (or handshake), every bit of advice and counsel, and with every "va iubim!" they give us. Although there are many wonderful mission presidents and mission president's wives in the world, none are quite as wonderful. I'm sure of it.
• Heavenly Father continues to bless me far beyond what I am worthy. As I recognize this, I attempt to give even more to repay Him and in return, He blesses me even more. I will always be indebted to Him. As He blesses me with more, He expects more of me. My greatest desire is to give my whole heart to Christ, holding nothing back.
• I have so much to learn from the people around me. This isn't a new realization. It's something that I've always known. It just gets reaffirmed with every new companion.
• As we are called to do things that sometimes we feel like we can't do, Heavenly Father and our Savior are there supporting us and sustaining us and giving us strength to fulfill what they already know we can do. As we give ourselves to Him, He makes us enough. 
• I happen to love snow. It's cold. It's wet. It makes my nose read and my hair a mess. It is beautiful. There's something that is so serene and calming about watching the snow fall to the ground. Especially when you are doing it from inside your apartment, curled up in a blanket, with a hot chocolate in your hands. It's times like this that my heart is full of a feeling that can't be described in words. It's a feeling that gently reminds me where I came from and who I am. That I am not from this earthly existence.
• There are so many wonderful things we get to experience in this life. So many sensations and so many feelings that we wouldn't have the opportunity of enjoying were it not for the wondeful bodies that house our spirits. Including some sensations that may not be so exciting -freezing fingers and toes being one of them. However, I am grateful for it all. As I am walking down the street with the cold wind blowing in my face, I try to remind myself of how wonderful it is that I get to experience all the experiences of this mortal life. 
• The Holy Ghost speaks Romanian, who knew? I received many promptings in the Romanian language this week. So neat. Sometimes a word comes into my mind that I don't know, and as I look it up, I find that it was the spirit whispering to me that word as an answer to my prayers. 
• Train rides are fun. I love riding trains in Romania. I will be sad when I go back to America and have to take a car everywhere.

Christmas spirit is in the air. Although this is a Christmas unlike any other I have ever experience, and probably ever will, I can still feel the light of Christ and the rememberance of His birth and the feeling that Christmas always brings to my heart.

Although far away, I feel a deep and sincere connection to all of you. I pray that I will continue to feel that connection, especially as this week approaches and all the memories and reminders of eternal families that this weeks brings. I pray that you will all feel my love this Friday as you are all in my thoughts and as I express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for our eternal family. Jared is oh so close. So much closer than we could possibly realize. I'm so grateful I have my older brother watching over me. Not many missionaries get to say they serve their mission alongside their brother, but I know I am. I know he is alongside each one of us. Our family is so blessed. I love you all so much more than I could possibly describe in words. Who am I that I am this blessed? I am very humbled at the blessing of my family that God has given me. 

Thank you for your examples and your prayers. I have felt an overwhelming amount of peace from my Heavenly Father this week and I am convinced that is because of the prayers from my loved ones. Va multumesc pe voua.

Remember our promise,
Sora Alyson Cook

ps...I know I said I couldn't write until tomorrow, but they changed the schedule and our Christmas Party is actually tomorrow, so preperation day stayed the same.

pps... Happy Birthday yesterday Bekah. I love you and I hope you had a wonderful, cake-filled day!! Sa cresti mare!!!

Goodbye to Sora Smith was a hard one. I love her and all that she is. So grateful I had the opportunity of serving with her for those short twelve weeks.

My new, beautiful companion. She has so much desire to do missionary work. I am so grateful for her.

When will the time slow down?

Well family,

Another week has gone by. Can you believe it? Where is my time going?? Please, slow it down. Just a little bit. Okay... a lot.

This week was an exciting one in Romania. December 1st is not only Little Lancito's birthday, but also Romania's birthday. It's a big deal here. I love the way they celebrate their country. In centru (downtown) they have a bunch of little shops set up in front of the primarie (city hall) and they put up a big christmas tree and they have concerts there every night. One December 1st they had the band 'Smiley' play, which might not be a big deal to you guys, but Smiley is huge here. (sidenote: the drummer's dad is in our branch, pretty neat.) Anyway, we went and had our dinner break out in front of the primarie and enjoyed the cultural experience. It was packed. I felt like I was in Time Square on New Years eve all over again. Okay, not that packed, but there were a ton of people.

On top of all of that, some of our adorable English students invited us over to celebrate and fed us sarmale (a popular Romanian dish. Basically it is stuffed, pickled cabbage. It tastes a lot better than it sounds.) They fed us SO much. I'm so grateful that we don't get fed more often. I couldn't do that on a regular basis. It was wonderful to hear from them about the history of Romania and the way they view it. I asked as many questions as I could conjure. It was fascinating. I just love history and Romania is full of history. They live in a legit home. Not a block (apartment), not a vila (townhome) but a house. I haven't been in a house in... I don't remember the last time I was in a house (that wasn't a gypsy mansion). It was beautiful. It was a good time. I feel like these three women (they're all neighbors and best friends) have a lot of potential. I'm excited to work with them more.

Stefan is doing wonderful. He is progressing and keeping all his commitments and coming to church. It's beautiful. I love watching him and his testimony grow. It is such a neat opportunity to witness someone's growth in the gospel. Who signed me up for this?:)

Natali came back to Romania!! We got a text Wednesday morning from her saying that she wanted to meet with us. We cleared our schedule and met with her that afternoon. Where do I even start? She is getting married on December 22 in Utah. Sadly, that means she will be moving to Budapest with Kenton but she is so sincerely happy and I couldn't be more happy for her. After asking her if going to the temple in one year is something they are striving for, she very adamantly answered that it is most definitely going to happen. So happy for them.

As we met with her, she said that after her baptism she felt incredible, but that she knew something was missing and that was the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I'm so grateful she recognized this and was aware of the importance of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Because she was leaving for Italy (to buy shoes for her wedding) that weekend, we set up her confirmation for the next day. It was beautiful. Her parents came as well as some family friends. They were all so open and receptive and very proud of Natali for the decisions she was making to follow what she believed to be right. I think both her parents have a lot of potential. We are keeping them in my prayers and hoping we can meet with both of them soon. However, we might refer the Elders to her father, seeing that they are divorced. I'm just so thrilled that Natali has the Holy Ghost and that she is on the path to go to the temple. I know how proud of her Heavenly Father is. I have felt his love for her and as I have, my love for her has grown. I love her dearly and I am so grateful I was able to play a very small role in this part of her journey.

Well, transfers are this week. Want to hear where President Hill has assigned me?? Arad:) How exciting, right? Want to hear the more nerve wrecking part? President Hill has asked that I train this transfer. We have one sister coming in this transfer. Her name Sora Rivera. She is from London and went to U of U... I only know as much as her mormon.org profile will tell me:) It's like facebook stalking for missionaries.

I am incredibly nervous but so very excited. I haven't slept hardly at all since President Hill called me last Thursday night. The first night I found out, I couldn't sleep at all so I rearranged our entire apartment. The bad news is I'm incredibly exhausted but the good news is our apartment looks great and is so much more organized now. It was actually quite a blessing that I couldn't sleep that night because I have been wanting to do that for months but unfortunately, "rearranging furniture" doesn't qualify as missionary work and I haven't had any time to do it.

President Hill has also asked that I come to Zone Leader Council again this transfer. Two in a row. How did I get so blessed? I am incredibly excited. Find a word that is stronger than "incredibly"...that's how excited I am. Elder Harrison has informed me that the entire meeting will be on goals and datorita (the positive form of "because of") my passion for goals is why they have asked that we come this transfer.

We are going down to Bucuresti tonight on the sleeper train and I will meet Sora Rivera tomorrow, go to Zone Leader Council on Wednesday and head home Wednesday night. We should be back in Arad by Thursday afternoon.

My heart hurts to say goodbye to Sora Smith. She has been such a delightful companion. I have come to love her with all my heart over these short twelve weeks together. President Hill has asked her to serve as a "traveling sister" for the last two weeks of her mission. She will travel around the country with another sister, who will also be leaving in a two weeks, doing exchanges with sisters in the surrounding cities of Bucuresti. What a neat way to end her mission. I am so grateful for the time I have had to serve with her. She is beautiful and a wonderful missionary. Goodbye will not be easy, but I am grateful that in these twelve weeks she has become more than a companion and has become one of my dearest of friends. It's a good thing Lindon and Sandy aren't too far from each other:)

Din pacat, Elder Taylor will also be leaving Arad to serve as Zone Leader in Bucuresti. Our new Zone Leader/District Leader in Arad will be Elder Groberg. I've only had few interractions with Elder Groberg, but from what I do know about him, he is a great missionary. Everyone loves Elder Groberg! Can't wait to serve with him.

Sorry this email isn't so spiritually enlightening. It has been a wonderful week. I'm excited for this next transfer and all that it will bring.

Just so you're aware, we will be having a mulit-zone Christmas Party next Monday so our preparation day will by on Tuesday and will be writing home then. :)

I love you all. You are in my prayers. Daddy, I hope you get feeling better.

cu drag,
Sora Alyson Cook

in case you want to missionary stalk as well:
http://mormon.org/me/2WBG/Jessi

At Natali's confirmation

Our district in front of the Primarie one December 1st (Romania's Independance Day).

I found Pixar movies in Romanian. They were too good of a deal not to buy. It was 2 for 6 american dollars. Don't worry, I'll be sending them home