Last night as Elizabeth and I were at the store to pick up some last minute items for our date night, we received some phone calls and texts about the death of two Elders from our mission.

KSL of Salt Lake first posted the story to their Web site last night:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=576&sid=9522925

All that has been announced at this point is that they died due to an accidental natural gas leak.

We didn't know them personally, but it moved us deeply to hear the news. We feel a very close connection to Romania. We feel an abiding brotherhood (or sisterhood) with anyone who has served and sacrificed for the dear Romanian people.

I do find some peace and hope as I consider the opportunity for the mission to come together in unity and testimony. Also, I hope that the Romanian members may be stirred up in their testimonies and convictions concerning the gospel. These dear elders were where they were to serve those members and the other 2.2 million people living in Bucharest.

And then their families. Oh, how this must pull at their heartstrings. I can't describe the love that fills my heart for anyone who was directly affected by this, but especially the family.

I want to share my testimony that I know God has a plan for every single one of us. He loves us and has calculated our existence so that we may be able to accomplish the most good and be in the best position to live up to our potential. I find peace in that.

I also have a testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to secure a complete victory over grief and pain.