Thankful and Joyful

Buna buna!!

I gotta say, I have a lot to be thankful for after this week! Elder Jacobson and I have been focusing on learning and using the scriptures better this week. We find a reference each day and try to use it in a teaching scenario. I have really enjoyed diving in a little deeper into the scriptures and I have also realized how much more knowledgeable I am in the scriptures than a year ago. Many people tell me that reading a book can't help you increase your faith and that they would rather find God themselves, or that they just act how they think God wants them to, and pay no attention to the stories found in the scriptures. 

Arcul de Triumf! Commemorating the three parts of Romania uniting together.

I love the passage in 2 Nephi 25:23

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

Anteneul Roman... where they hold some fancy concerts or something 

I love the architecture!

A great way to spend a pday

Of course! God gives us guidance through the scriptures. He commanded the prophets to write the revelation that they receive so that they might know to what source they can look to for salvation... and to teach us what "all we can do" really means. This is the same reason as to why God has commanded us to worship him at church every week... to learn about the Savior, to feel of His love, and then to receive inspiration as to how we can improve our lives and come closer to Him.

D&C 19:23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

I truly do feel this peace that the Lord has promised us as I try to do my best to live the way that he has commanded through heeding the voice of his holy prophets. In President Hettinger's [mission president] email this week he talked about being a consecrated missionary, and how often success comes after a trial of our faith, or after "all that we can do." This is a pretty cool principle because we do our part, and the Lord will always do his. We can always do more so this permits a plethora of blessings that we can receive! 

Yesterday we had our weekly zone contacting activity, and we decided to do it at the entrance of Cismigiu Park. It was by far the coldest day so far, and not too many people were out. Elder Jacobson and I did our best and met some cool people as our toes were freezing. Just before leaving, Elder Krieger asked if they could join us for the rest of the evening. We decided that we would do some block knocking and then have sweet and sour pork for dinner. 

Amazed by how big this thing is and how little they use the inside.

As we traveled on the metro, we challenged ourselves to talk to at least one person on the metro about the gospel, and that ended up with us giving away two copies of the Book of Mormon. After that, we went home, grabbed some more copies, and set out for a good one hour to find someone to teach. Elder Jacobson and Elder Ward went out and ended up finding a roommate of an investigator who was super interested in strengthening his faith of Jesus Christ. Elder Krieger and I went out together just like old times. We first tried to visit a guy that I had met a week ago, but to no avail. Our back-up plan was to carol, so we got right to it! The third door that we knocked was a nice lady who allowed us to sing to her. We sang Angels We Have Heard on High. I had just learned the alto part so I was giddy to sing! The lady loved it and we introduced ourselves and quickly refused the money that she offered us. (In Romania, it is tradition to give the carolers money or food). We continued to talk, and she opened up about her religious beliefs and how one of her sons had just converted to the -Seventh-day Adventist church as he learned that the Sabbath day should actually be on Saturday... and that she wasn't really even sure what to think! By some miracle, she let us in to her home to hear our message. Elder Krieger and I were speechless! 

Thankful that I am serving around one of my best friends!

Smecher

We walked in and there were her two other sons (28 and 29 years old) and her husband. They were all so welcoming, and we chatted for a little. They were so impressed that two boys could learn Romanian so well and that we would spend two years here away from our family. We asked if we could begin with a prayer and turn off the soccer game. They quickly did so and we began to teach them the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were listening so intently and as we showed them the verse that Joseph Smith read in their giant bible that they were so proud of, they pondered deeply. They were beginning to understand that this verse in James was indeed to persuade them to believe in Jesus Christ. In fact, it was an invitation to act! Oh how humbling it was to see this family having their souls awakened to the fact that God still loves us, and has revealed more truth to us in this confused world! I could tell that the parents truly raised their children with love and the God inspired them. What a marvelous opportunity to bring this prepared family the gospel of Jesus Christ... the exact thing that has brought our own family so much peace and hope in our own lives.

Potato on a stick is what I like to call it.

Notice the giant Cathedral they are building next to the Parliament Building... crazy!

This experience came after not just a long and cold day, but after much fasting and prayer and hard work. I know that the Lord is preparing his children here in Romania to accept the blessings that come from taking upon themselves the name of Christ. My joy comes from being apart of this great and marvelous work! 

Spending some time with Fratele Gabi and his friends Cristi and Iona

Teaching them how to play Rummykub

Thanksgiving with the bros!

So, yes Thanksgiving was incredible and I had the opportunity to eat two feasts with great people.

Daniela graciously received us for a thanksgiving meal.

Enjoying some incredible homemade pumpkin pie!

We even had sweet potatoes and marshmallows!!!

Making the peach cobbler

Missionary Thanksgiving feast!

And yes, we spent all of pday exploring Bucharest and enjoying each other's company, and yes our house is all decorated for Christmas and it is exactly how I was imagining, but my real joy comes from helping others strengthen their faith in Christ and His atonement. I love being a missionary!

We bought a start today to complete the look!

We are decked out!

The classic mirror companion picture... lucky to be serving with Elder Jacobson!

I am thankful for you guys... and I am so glad that Oregon was awesomeness.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Elder Ditto

Cheesn'

We went to the international food market thingy. Elder Kreiger was in heaven!

He wouldn't tell me how much he paid for this ice cream!

Kaufland is the store of choice for groceries

Notice how happy Elder Jacobson is to have some Haagen Dauz!

Elder Ward.. stand out guy!

Four peas in a pod

Busy Busy Bucharest

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Crazy to think I was in Romania last year when Thanksgiving rolled around. 

TURKEY BOWL 2017 ROMANIA (even the mission president, Elder Hettinger played)

Reflecting on the past year, I really do have a lot of things to be grateful for. Most of all, I am grateful for the Savior and his perfect example. I feel like I have come to know him better in this past year as I have tried to treat others as he did. I feel peace and happiness knowing that because of Him, we can go forward with faith and a vision. As President Hinckley said, "Don't doubt, only believe!" When I was writing mom earlier, I told her that many aspects of missionary work and life have gotten easier since last Thanksgiving, but at the same time, other parts have gotten harder! 

Elder Jacobson eating a giant heel of bread with a full package of salami... our week summed up in a picture

Elder Jacobson are both in our "Black-out year"... 365 days of being full-time servants of the Lord. We are a great team and have faced some unique challenges that we have gotten to solve together. This week we had several of those which meant not so much time to clean our apartment or make food. The Lord has blessed us with just enough stamina to make it till 10:00 pm and then it is lights out! I can't really go into detail about the events that happened, but I had many opportunities to be a leader and minister as the Savior would. Doing this has exposed new weaknesses and solidified strengths. I think this is the truth behind the idea that missionary life and work gets easier with time, yet harder. I think this is also the secret to life! I am really grateful to be serving with a phenomenal missionary like Elder Jacobson who has so many incredible qualities that I don't have. Lucky me that I get to serve with him and strive to acquire these attributes myself. We just work so well together and compliment each other's strengths. He has taught me a lot about being a true leader. 

Amidst the many adventures that came our way this week, we had some great lessons and did our best to invite all to come unto Christ. I also gave a talk about the importance holding our light up in every moment of our lives... and how the sacrament helps us with this journey of holding our light up. I felt blessed with the gift of tongues as the spirit guided my words. The members loved it! Vio received the priesthood at church this week. I was very happy and proud of him. The gospel really can change anyone's life, that is for sure!  

Vio was ordained to the office of a Priest at church!

I went on a little exchange yesterday with Elder Ward, Elder Krieger's trainee and we shared the gospel with some really really amazing people. It was humbling to see the Lord qualifying one of his servants and affirming his simple testimony of the Book of Mormon by the power of the spirit. No matter what kind of day you are having, testifying of truth to someone can always make it a little better! And it is even sweeter when they want to hear more!

Sorry for the short letter, but hope that you got something out of the things that I have learned this week!

I love you guys!

Elder Ditto

PS... Sorry for the lack of pictures- that is evidence of the busy week that we had! 

The week where my joy was full...

Hey all!!!! 

This week's email is kind of a special one... for many  reasons. Right now I feel like Alma as he returned from his mission from the laminates...

Alma 26:30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.

31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.

37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

Can you spot the church?

Now, in my scriptures I have written in the margins, "was my joy full August 2018?" This is when I go home, but I realized that this joy doesn't have to just be at the end of my mission, but is something that I can continuously feel. Sure a lot of days are filled with "all manner of afflictions," but everyday we have opportunities to help someone come closer to Christ, even if it is just a simple act of kindness! This week, I will be honest, I could more tangibly feel the joy that comes from saving souls!

George, Vio, and Elder Ditto

The Brinaru family... they are wonderful!

Phase one of Armor of God lesson...

Mirela Minunata (I baptized her in June 2017) made an incredible step forward in her progression in the gospel. Her along with some of the other people that we have been fellow-shipping in our own branch, went to the Madrid, Spain Temple for the first time!! When I heard that she was going, I couldn't help but get giddy, knowing how far she has come, and that she has gone to the Lord in her own afflictions. 

The selfie gang back together!

Being that we live in the capitol with a sweet international airport, it was destined to cross paths with sweet Mirela. We met her in the train station to send her back off to Craiova. It was wonderful to listen to her experiences that she had, and her testimony of the temple... truly my heart was bursting with love for her and joy that she has found hope and peace through living the gospel.

Mirela Minunata

Mirela Minunata is a living testimony to me that God is mindful of every people, and he numbereth each one!

Welcoming these smecheri back to Romania after their trip to the Madrid, Spain temple.

Do you remember Vio? Ya, Vio from like June! I haven't really talked much about him recently, but we have not forgotten about him, and he surely has not forgotten about us these past five months. If you recall, he was very receptive to the gospel and quickly obtained a testimony of Joseph Smith and the restored gospel. Vio's problem was the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Tithing! Elder Bontempo and I met with Vio about once-a-week in the time that we were together, and Elder Jacobson and I have continued to do so. Vio loves soccer and would come to our soccer nights and be all-time goalie... he was definitely the best one we had! In these past five months, I have really come to love and appreciate for who Vio is. He has a big heart, always ready to help someone who is in need. I remember one night we were taking the tram home and at Vio's stop he didn't just get off, but helped a struggling mother get her stroller off the steps. He is an example to me of service without "any thought of reward." 

About two weeks ago, we had a lesson with a member and Vio, and there we again extended the invitation to be baptized. Vio was ready to say "yes." I knew he was serious this time. He had been working so hard at stopping to drink coffee and finally stopped! He had been diligently reading the scriptures everyday and coming to church. He was doing everything that the Lord had asked of him, which resulted in coming closer to the Savior and understanding the beautiful and simple promise that if we keep the commandments, we will "prosper in the land."

Botezul lui Vio!

Vio getting ready to be baptized.

This Saturday, we held the baptismal ceremony for Vio, and the next day he was given the gift of the Holy Ghost! 

The chapel getting full as the baptism ceremony neared!

Vio and I... best buddies

The chapel was filled - SEVENTY people came to support Vio's decision to take upon himself the name of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding authority, following the example the the Savior had set. The ceremony was incredible, but the highlight was hearing Vio's testimony of the restored gospel. This man is ready to embark in a life long adventure and service as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Like Alma, I felt the joy that comes from witnessing someone make this eternally important step.

Finally, we met with the Constantin family (family with the seven children) twice this week. 

Familia Constantin... a blessing!

Both times, I could feel the special spirit that they had in their home. We taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how faith, repentance, and baptism all go together by doing a cool object lesson. Last night, we brought my guitar and had a little "hootenanny" with the kids. Well, at least Elder Jacobson and I sang as the kids listened in awe. Their favorite was "Copil al Domnului" or "I am a Child of God." They asked us to sing it again and then we had another great little lesson about baptism. They are not ready yet, but we are going to continue to help them and continue to love them! Dad reminded me how special it is to have a family to teach the gospel to.  I have really treated this opportunity with reverence and have felt the power that comes from teaching the gospel as one having authority.

A bus stop in the middle of Bucharest

Our sad attempt to do a JUMPING for JOY picture!

So, as I look back at this week, I can truly say that the fruits of my labors are not few, but many! I feel privileged to be on the Lord's errand doing his important work. Writing this email made me realize how true Alma's words are. I am grateful for the great prophets of old and new who give us direction and revelation for our days. Can I get a "hurrah for Israel!?"

Hurrah! I love you all! Smile!

All my love,

Elder Ditto

Nic and I

An International Kind of Week

Howdy all!!!

I am sitting here in this comfy chair in a internet cafe, but I can feel my lower back cringing... yup- this week was insanity!!! The Europe Area President came for a visit, I traveled to another country, presented at a conference in front of fifty somethin' missionaries, slept on a couch with my feet hanging off the end, preached the good word, and learned lots.

Iubesc Republica Moldova!

Where to even start??? Well, because President Johnson was coming down from Germany, the Hettingers decided to do a multi-zone conference. Everyone from west and central parts of Romania came to Bucharest for a day of wonderful instruction from some of the Lord's chosen servants. 

A beautiful church in the heart of Chisinau

A glimpse inside one of the nicest trams in Bucharest

A group of kids from Iasi... I took a photo of them!

Arcul de Triumf... beautiful!

Trolley Bus

Elder Jacobson and I were in charge of preparing for the conference, getting the building set up, planning a lunch for 76 people (pulled pork sandwiches, chips, coleslaw, and juice), as well as preparing our own presentation. There was a lot of stress leading up to the conference, but the conference itself went wonderfully. 

Good ol' Elder Trottier... love this guy!!

Elder Wilstead! He is back in Arad and doing great

Elder Bird is doing great in Brasov

Karaoke Night... Regina Spektor "Fidelity"

My man Elder Miller... currently serving in Constanta

Elder Krieger... Bon Jovi

Elder Ward.. Adele "Hello"

Incredible to see Elder Forsyth again... and Elder Jerome!

Elder Jacobson and my presentation were spiritually led as we talked about a new plan for working with members. President Johnson talked to us about being "high yield, low maintenance" missionaries... really incredible. Think about the correlation between these two things! I would explain in more depth but time's a tickin'! President Hettinger talked about the new standards of excellence concept that we are now implementing in our mission. He talked about his own experience of standards of excellence from his mission in France. I really admire President Hettinger and his devotion to the work. He along with Sora Hettinger are great examples to me of high love and high expectations... they are hard workers and as a result are some of the happiest people I know! Sora Hettinger talked about taking time to learn the members' stories, and Sister Johnson talked about being reverent... I really took away some great things from each of their presentations!

Elder Jacobson and Elder Ditto

Hilariously, we both have portraits of ourselves... the one time in my whole life that I will have one of these hanging from my wall! Can you even tell which one is me?

So the next day at around 6:30 pm, us and some of the other leaders in the mission caravan-ed from the Mission Office to Henri-Coanda Aeroport. I hadn't been there since when I first landed in the country! 

She's a beaut! Flew like a charm. The flight was about 40 minutes long.

By 10:45 pm we had landed in the Republic of Moldova... amazing!! I was so giddy about everything- being on an airplane (my favorite), the great sandwich that they served us, setting food in another country, seeing Cyrillic (writing system used for various alphabets across eastern Europe and north and central Asia) all over the place, and hearing the Russian accent! Man! Crazy how two next door countries can be so different! That night we stayed at an apartment of one of the elders... miraculously I slept like a baby for the remainder of the night even though I used a bed sheet as a blanket and my feet were twelve inches off the couch! haha. 

Stefan Cel Mare... Moldova's hero

In a little piata for tourists

Exploring the city of Chisinau, Moldova

Notice the addition to the flag of Moldova

Government Building

We woke up excited for our conference, again being instructed by the Hettingers and the Johnsons, but also having a council with all of the zone leaders and sister training leaders, and the assistants, about how we can improve the mission. We talked about specific needs of the mission, areas of improvement, analyzed the statistical reports of the mission, and created specific plans to help us and the other missionaries better fulfill our missionary purpose- to help other's come unto Christ! I really really enjoyed the opportunity I had to be amongst wonderful people, who share the same purpose as me! I am very thankful for the opportunity that I have had to be a zone leader and see from both a macro and micro perspective as to how missionary work goes forth!

The happiest reunion.... I love these guys!  We served together in the MTC.

Ugh, I have no time left, but I just want to say how great of a privilege it is to be a missionary in Romania... and I guess I was a missionary in Moldova now! haha 

Russian nesting dolls!! The Russian culture is very evident here in Moldova.

No matter where you are, or what part of life you are at, it is our duty and blessing to share the light of Christ with those around us! Joy really does come from forgetting about ourselves, and turning outwards. To all those who are reading this, thank you for being great examples to me in following the example of Jesus Christ. 

Let's go do this! Let's go be a little better! Let's go let our light shine in Moldova, Romania, Yakima, Jamaica... wherever we find ourselves!!!

Love,

Alex

The Best Two Years!!!