Aug. 1st we visited a new city for Zone Conference

Brasov (pronounced Brashov) is East of Sibiu about the same distance as Cluj was North of us.  Enjoyed meeting in a building built by the church.  Brasov was the third city in Romania to receive the gospel probably 20 years ago.  The Branch President is a Romanian.

Here Sora Soelberg is bearing her testimony for the last time.  She and her husband and son go home Aug 17th.  We ran in to some of our favorite missionaries who have served with us; Elders Cochran and Jardine and Sora Cutler.

One of the missionaries being creative in inviting the locals to free English classes at the church.

Thought of Deirdre when we went to the doughnut shop.  Our favorite is the apple doughnut.  If you come to visit we'll take you here.  Leslie said it was her favorite place.

Beach volley ball competition in Sibiu.  Piazza Mica is now the beach. Two members on each team and boy were they good.

Sora Savoie and Elder Soelberg practicing their number for the program.  Sora Savoie would like to become a professional performer (movie star) and Elder Soelber's voice is just as beautiful.

Elders Soelberg, Jarome, ?  &  Soras from Brasov.  

Sora Cutler and companion who we have fond memories of Iasi and Baco 

Elder Oak has moved to office elder.  We often talk to him when we need supplies.  (pictured with Soras Savoie and Chandler)

Beautiful flower planters at the park near the Centru of Brasov

Touring Brasov city center with the Soelbergs.  Sora Soelberg was born here and we visited her home that she still owns.  

The court yard of the apartment she still comes to visit often.

The Black Church was closed by the time we got to it.  

We wondered why they called it the black church.

This sign used to say narrowest road in Europe.  Sora Soelberg thinks they took it down because someone found a narrower or longer one.

Narrow but no vehicle would fit in it.

Walked around the outer wall of the city center.  We were given lots of dates to remember so 600 yr. old is what I remember.  

When trouble came everyone moved inside the walls.

Climbed to a high point to get a better view of the enclosed area.

Unlike many cities, Brasov has a mountain close by.  Winter time is ski time for the tourists.

Saying "good bye" to the Soelbergs who will stay here for a couple weeks so Sora Soelberg can get the roof fixed on her apartment in the historic dwelling she owns and hopefully do some family history.

Our service project for a member of the branch.  Maria has a beauty salon but the weeds are camouflaging her sign and the path to the shop.

Rand found this scythe at the church and decided this was his opportunity to give it a try.

It's getting easier to see the way.

Back braking work but it was worth it.

Hope our efforts bring her more business.

While cleaning my glasses the stem that goes around the ear dropped off.  So sad, they were my favorites.  After contacting a member we found what we hoped was the best optometrist in Sibiu.  

Cleaning the church we actually had members help out this week.  

"Break the Fast" meal this week featured Sora Savoie's family favorite meal,  spaghetti and meat balls.  Do these look like the ones you buy at Costco?  They tasted good and we'll probably add this recipe to our favorites.  

The Sunday meetings started out with over 30 in attendance.  A family from Bucharest arrived first with 5 adults and two children.  Then a performing group from Mexico showed up.  Food would have had to be proportioned out but the Mexico members left after the Sacrament.  We usually plan for 15 but we had enough to feed the 21.

So glad we set up the extra table in the corner.  Our friend David Wisehart was also visiting.  He arrived Sat. afternoon and we have lots of plans to show him our "Romania".

Sunday afternoon Rand took the missionaries out to visit the Cernats and David and I toured the city center with two members, Toma and Florine giving a personal tour.

Flag of the city of Sibiu

Some curious metal works hammered into this wooden post by the Episcopalian church.  David went back later and hiked the tour.

Standing in what we now know as the elite section of town looking down on the merchants or lower class of people.

Episcopalian church view from the Merchants section of town.

Toma's family homes across the street.

Everyone tells a different story of "Liars Bridge".  We've lost track of them all but still enjoy walking under or over it.

Picture out of order from Brasov visit.  We do sometimes get together for a picture.

Time is all the capital stock there is on the earth.  . . if properly used, it brings that which will add to your comfort, convenience, and satisfaction.  Let us consider this, and no longer sit with hands folded, wasting time."  Brigham Young, in Discourses of Brigham Young, sell. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 214