On Friday, I was in Varna and saw a giant plastic zippered
suitcase/bag made out of tarp material (a unique product here that is
mainly used to transport giant amounts of plums or onions) (plumnions)
that had on the two big sides, big pictures of Spiderman, and on the
tiny sides, "See the world see the world see the world" in a pattern.
This was probably the most moving or significant part of the week, or at
least, the one I wrote down in my planner to tell about.
So on MONDAY we had dinner and watched the full-length
Joseph Smith movie ( the one Thomas is probably seeing every Sundee in
the GremTC) with a new member named Stefi (have a told about her?
probably) who is fifteen and goes to singing school and is giggly and
very fifteen-y, which is cool in a branch that is dominated by the
elderly. And on Tuesdee we taught the Law of Chastity to Seifitin, who
it turns out is Turkish!
Also our senior couple, who is currently acting as branch president
(jointly) was present, and we had a good little time trying to explain
THAT particular commandment, in Bulgarian, to a poor bewildered but
awesome shy man.
OH! Here's a thing that happened. Last week Sister
Walch and I were walking away from the internet zala toward the church,
when I saw a woman in front of us clearly do that thing where people
notice a different language being spoken and start turning around and
staring. She was smoking and wearing a giant fluffy white hat and fuzzy
white coat and looked like a very original character. As we passed her
and continued walking along, I waited for the inevitable: "Do you speak
______ language?" called from behind us. She asked it in Italian, I
think, probably ABOUT Italian. We told her that no, no Italian.
Smiley smiley. And then she asked German. Nope, no German. Slovenian?
Nope, even less. And finally we told her we spoke English and she said,
like many people, "I speak! A little," which was actually the extent of
her English. And then, finally, in Bulgarian, asked the most important
and best question I have ever been asked on my mission (or in life?):
"Do you want me to sing you something in Slovenian?" We said, obviously,
Now? Here? On this sidewalk with people walking past? And she nodded
vigorously and then started singing a slow, operatic type song with her
eyes open SUPER WIDE and smoke issuing from her mouth, pausing for one
moment to ask, "Do you smoke?" and then continuing on with her song.
Probably for about 5 minutes or so. And then we told her, we work at
that church over there! Come by and sing with us sometime! Address, here
is a pamphlet! And ran away, trying not to laugh.
We
also had continuing awesome lessons with Seifitin (who told me that it is
a tradition in Turkey, as in Japan to sit on the floor around a low
table to eat). He gets baptized this Saturday, so we'll have lots of
that stuff to prepare this week (setting up the pool, which we dragged
from Varna in seven giant orange fabric bags, filling the font from the
toilet, heating it up with those crazy heating tongs). It's just
funny. When you know someone who's getting baptized and teach them (I
REFUSE to use the phrase "when you have a baptism" or "when you baptize
somebody". So selfish!!! THEY are getting baptized, not us!!), it is all
kind of not like you expect it to be. I've noticed this every time.
It's not like, constant joy and accomplishment and ANGELS and wooo! It's
more just like, Wow. The Lord is so merciful, even though I'm stupid
and prideful. I just realize how grateful I am to have what I have and
know what I know, and realize how little I had to do with this person
changing their life.
Anyway. I love you guys. This Thursday we're having
dinner with our district for Thanksgiving and I'm making 3 pies, so wish me
luck! I love you all.
P.S. We have been asked not
to email anyone outside of family. So sorry. I will love and receive
all emails and letters, but can't write back unless you have
Camblasplund blood. :( Write me a letter!
Sister Scrundle
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