A peak into Moldova and the power of serving

Note from mom: Elder Ditto had to skip writing us all a letter this week 😢 as he had to focus and pump out several essays for scholarship deadlines. I thought instead of skipping a week I might share some bits and pieces from his essays which give a glimpse into life in Moldova and his feelings on giving service. Also, I think he had a zone conference this week and so he was able to visit with his Romanian missionaries.

Took Petru out to play some billiards!

Walking down the cold and wet streets of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova is not an easy sight to take in- manholes with the arm and hammer branded on the metal, old soviet blocks (concrete apartment complexes) that are over-inhabited and under-kept, and the frequent sight of homeless people begging for one leu (10 cents in U.S. dollars) so that they might buy a loaf of bread to stay alive another day. It seems as if this country is slowly rotting away! Upon getting to know the humble people of this post-soviet country, however, I have learned that people hold onto hope that they might one day overcome their difficult circumstances, and create a better future for themselves. Throughout the world, all men, women, and families are actively seeking to have a better future. Unfortunately, money is a great deciding factor in this life, and the majority of people do not have a clue as to how to find crucial financial stability.

This journey in Moldova has animated my dream of helping people with their financial life by becoming a personal financial advisor. Attending Brigham Young University will help me achieve my educational and career goals so that I might one day be able to help my friends in Moldova become financially smart.

The Romanians of Moldova - taken at Zone Conference

Serving and being an active member of the Church in my youth ensured a continuing attitude of heartfelt service and a growing testimony during my mission. I had opportunities to serve in the bishop’s youth council, in quorum presidencies, and as the seminary president of my class. When the call came to serve in the branch presidency of a struggling Moldovan branch, I was ready to use the Christ-like attributes I had learned while serving in Church to help my brothers and sisters.

Getting ready to "Heart attack" the branch president's door for his birthday

Living overseas for two years has opened my eyes to the rich advantage of learning from other people from a variety of backgrounds. The many service opportunities I participated in while growing up and living at home are what has helped bind all of my talents and qualities together. Participating in the local community leaf rake, painting fire hydrants, creating a playground for local Hispanic immigrants, and other efforts instilled in me a love for people and for God. When my missionary hero, Elder Randy Day, passed away unexpectedly while we were serving together in a town in western Romania, I was put to the test to see if I would turn outward when everything was telling me to think about myself. I was able to breach the barrier of self-pity and help those who truly needed comfort. The service that I rendered at that time truly helped me understand the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities that we have each day to be leaders and servants.

Elder Griffeth... love this guy

Elder Jacobson - so awesome to see this guy!

God numbers his sheep

Hey fam! 

Well another week came and went here in Chisinau- and it didn't go without some awesomeness!!!! Thursday morning we woke up to a good four inches of snow on the ground, and it didn't stop all day! The snow really beautified the earth and gave me a new feeling of rejuvenation in a lot of ways- I'll be honest- I miss me some mountains!!

Chisinau man!!!

The draining system isn't the best here...

A beautiful sunset

Though the snow was noteworthy, the real highlight of the week was in the works far before that. Today I am going to tell the story of Andrei.

At least six years ago, Andrei was living in Holland trying to find work so that he could feed his family. Without knowing a lick of Dutch, he lived there off and on being employed. Somehow, he found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who took him in and fed him spiritually. For a period of time, Andrei learned about the restored gospel, and attended church regularly in Holland. Looking for more work, he moved to the Czech Republic where he found the church with his brother and both were baptized in a small branch five years ago. 

Standing in front of the neighborhood church

Fast forward to the first week of 2018, Elder Quist and I were doing some contacting on a chilly morning in our area of Riscani, Chisinau. We hadn't had too much success that morning, and frankly, we were just praying that we would survive the cold until lunch time (a greatly awaited time of day). We both saw a man in a beanie, that looked friendly enough to talk. We stopped and we asked him if he had heard of The Book of Mormon before. He said that he knew who we were and that he could come back in ten minutes. In ten minutes was lunchtime... but we waited for this man. 

In good fashioned-Moldovan standard time, he arrived twenty minutes later... BUT HE CAME BACK! He said that he had a Book of Mormon but lost it, and would like another copy. He explained that he had been to church in Holland and really like the Mormons. We got his number and parted ways.

For the next two weeks, we tried to schedule a meeting, but were having difficulties on both ends making it work. Finally, this Saturday, we met Andrei in a little market where he sells second-hand clothing. 

The Piata where Andrei works

We chatted for a little and then asked if we could share with him the message of the restoration. He listened intently and seemed to really understand what we were saying. After the story of Joseph Smith, I felt inspired to ask him if he had already prayed to know if Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God. He said he knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet because The Book of Mormon is true. That kind of surprised me! And then he asked us if he could tell us something deep...

"Baieti- deja m-am botezat la biserica voastra. Am chiar un certificat!" Which, being interpreted, "Boys, I was already baptized in your church... I even have a certificate!"

We were speechless!!! This dude Andrei, was a member of the church! We came to find out that after he was baptized in the Czech, he had to leave quickly because he couldn't get a visa and returned to Moldova. Since then, he had never met another member of the church... for five years!! I testified to him that the fact that we met each other wasn't a coincidence! In God's timing, according to His plan, he led a lost sheep back to the fold. 

1 Nephi 22:25 And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture.

At that moment, this scripture came to life. I know that God truly does care about each and everyone of us. If you don't believe that, read Andrei's story again! This was a huge testimony booster for me. The fact that I am on the Lord's errand, about his important work. The fact that The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The stinkin' fact that I am in the tiniest, poorest country in Europe, yet witnessing that the worth of every soul is great in the sight of God. 

a little artsy shot

The story of Andrei continues. He has three sons and a wife who are all not members. We are hoping to meet him and his family this week and bring the spirit in to their home!

HAPPY!!

So, if you ever feel lonely, sad, remember that God numbers his sheep. If you are looking for a way to help someone but don't know how, remember that God will use you to help one of his children! You just gotta show him you are ready!

Winter is here!!

All my love,

Elder Ditto

PS. THE PACKAGE CAME!!!!! Made my whole week!!!!!! You guys are the best.

Also, shout out to the Dave Ditto fam and Aunt Laurie, Uncle Dan and Aunt Laura, and Grandma Ditto for the SWEET packages!!! I was not expecting those, and let me tell you- it is hard to ration all that candy!

ALSO, thanks to all those who sent Christmas cards, letters, emails, etc. I am pretty sure I have got the biggest fan club ever. FEELING THE LOVE!!!!

a couple of question and answers:

• Do you have enough money while in Moldova?  Yes!!  Everything is so cheap!  We eat at home every morning and then eat out for lunch.  Dinner we sometimes eat out and sometimes cook.

• Are you serving in the branch right now?  Yes, I was called to be the second counselor in the Branch Presidency a few weeks ago.  I am also a district leader.

• How is Elder Quist doing?  He's loving missionary work! PUMPED!!!! We are having fun together, and doing good work.

Munca Misionara in Stilul Iernii!

Good morning fam!!!!

Well this week was cold. BUT AWESOME! Elder Quist made the comment that in Canada it is like -22 Celsius (here is like -2), but he never had to stay outside in that kind of weather. So, we are grateful that is is only -2 degrees Celsius! 

Bravin the cold!

Older man in a small town called Ialoveni

Cold means that people are inside, or at least trying to find warmth. That same friend who was going to have to live outside, ended up finding a place to stay for a week. He works outside all day, and when we met up with him, we offered him an extra coat and gloves that we had lying around in the apartment. His face lit up and said that he would love that so much. We ran home and brought him those warm layers, along with some hottie hand-warmers that I had gotten, and a treat. The gratitude that he expressed was simple and from the heart. Elder Quist and felt a lot warmer after that tender experience. 

We saw the Lord work through us in many ways this week. I have been really striving to listen to the still small voice that we call the Holy Ghost, and acting at all costs on the impressions that I receive. This led to us back tracking where we walked to find a man and his son, who turned out to be interested in hearing our message! I am reminded of Elder Rasband's talk about being a first prompting responder. I know that as we follow the promptings to do good, to talk to someone, or whatever it may be, the Lord will use us to bless His children. 

As we went about doing good, and talking with everyone, the Lord gave us little miracles, in ways that we weren't expecting. During a long night of block knocking,  a young man walked down the stair well, and immediately looked at the Book of Mormon that I was holding. He was intrigued, and wanted to know more! We testified to him of the truthfulness of the book, and he took one. Hoping to meet up with him this week! 

SUN!!!!

Another night, we were block knocking (we do this a whole dang lot!), and didn't have much success until the last door, when I mother opened the door and accepted a return visit to hear our message. Last night, we taught well, not the family but her three teenage daughters Elvira, Maghizar, and Samaia the restoration... I wasn't expecting that and was frankly quite uncomfortable at the beginning as we sat in the small kitchen with the girls. Thankfully, we found out that the mom and forgotten that the day she scheduled with us was her birthday and was going to have guests over!!! That meant next time it was going to be the whole family!!! But in those 45 minutes, we taught those daughters of God about their Heavenly Father, His plan that he has for us, and the guidance that he has given us. We showed them that their questions can be answered through studying the Book of Mormon. It was a really amazing experience at the end of the day!

Eu sunt in reprezintant al lui Isus Hristos!

Orthodox church in the works of being built... they build everything with those weird brick paver things

So, in spite of the cold, the rejection, seemingly awkward experiences, and random challenges, this week was quite wonderful. I know that the Lord blesses us after we show our faith in him... day in and day out. And after the trial of our faith, we see how much the Lord truly did bless us!

Elder Coberly is headed to Romania... Had a pizza good bye lunch to celebrate his awesomness!

Sora Gorgos...a wonderful and humble woman

This is a very Europeany posed picture

I love you all!!! Keep being awesome and good luck on finals!

Love,

Elder Ditto

Rejoice! The Lord is King

Hey fam bam!!!

First of all I just need to give a big shout out to momma for putting together those AMAZING posts about the family happenings during the Christmas time... I laughed out loud way too many times seeing all of the great pictures of each one of you! So thanks, mother dear!

Artsy shot!

This week was just a rock solid, dirt hard, full of little tender mercies, great week! As I looked over my journal, I picked out a few events that really portray missionary life here in Moldova. This week really put life into perspective, and I found a couple of great scripture stories that helped me continue to stay courageous and do hard things!

We have spent a lot of time on the streets and in soviet-built blocks this week. This has brought some cool experiences, some scary ones, and also heart-wrenching. Moldova really is at another level of poverty and corruption. I have seen so many people scavenging through the garbage to find something to eat, right next to a brand new BMW. I have also talked to kids that have absolutely nothing but a little souvenir that they are trying to sell. I have also talked to these kids and have seen their humility and faith in God. I am friends with someone who we had been teaching who has no place to stay until he gets his small salary in a week so he will have to stay on the streets. Imagine getting 100 dollars (maybe) to live on every month. This is the majority of people here. As a missionary I do not have permission to give money, so I try to think of other ways to help these people. I know that the Lord looks after his children, though. And that although our lives are different and we all have our own trials, all of them will be for our good, if we put our confidence in the Lord.

I feel like the Lord has opened another chamber of my heart -- I am just LOVING the Moldovan people!

One of my favorite experiences this week was teaching a young father what it means to repent, and that the Lord invites all to learn of him, no matter what mistakes you have made. The spirit was there, and I saw the Spirit enlightening the man. 

Elder Quist and I with friends.

Just ten minutes after that in the same block, we knocked on a door when a younger man opened. In Russian he asked, "How did you get in here?" (Luckily) he spoke English... and quickly commanded us to leave. We told him we that we didn't want to bother him, but he insisted that we leave the block. He put on his shoes and "escorted" us out of that block. It blew my mind how big of a contrast those two experiences were!

Luke 622 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

This is a very humbling and invigorating promise from the Lord Jesus Christ himself! I have nothing really to add to this... this what it's all about! 

Putting our crockpot into good use.

I bought a little Nativity made out of corn husks by this man.  I hope it makes it home okay.

Rejoice! the Lord is King.

Love,

Elder Ditto

2018 and Beyond... Learning to follow the Savior!

Hey ya'll!!! Man, sounds like the Christmas and New Years festivities were LIT this year!!! I almost started tearing up because of how happy I was too see that little video of all the Ditto's saying "hi" and "I love you" or that they got a new tie and are not wearing it 😊 I feel so dang blessed to have a wonderful immediate family and extended and then everyone in between! Truly the gospel of Jesus Christ brings all mankind together, for we are all brothers and sisters in Christ!

Exploring Durlești (a town in Chișinău municipality, Moldova)

This week... was really packed with goodness. Moldovans sure like to party and sometimes a little too hard- walking the streets of Chisinau this morning there were endless bottles of wine and beer, used fireworks, and confetti. Yesterday we had to go inside early because the streets were getting pretty busy and rambunctious... fireworks going off in the streets and too many drunk people! It was a weird thing to see, it reminded me how keeping the commandments really does set you free, and that the devil wants to trick us into thinking that what the world does is desirable. 

Fotbal squad!

I think we were a little tired.

I am really excited for this new year... last year was incredible, and I am determined to make this one even better. Looking back a year ago, the Lord has truly been with me every step of the way, even in those times where I am not looking. He has helped me improve in so many aspects and I have even picked up some new hobbies and discovered hidden talents. 

This week the Lord reminded me that though I have improved and become stronger, I have so much more room to grow! You know, that is the coolest part about this life- there is ALWAYS more to learn! 

So here is my refiners fire story for the week. To set the scene- this week was a pretty hard week in terms of teaching people. The Moldovan people are prettyyy flaky and it is not common to be "bunged" (having a planned meeting and then they don't show up) so we had a lot of time to talk with people on the streets and in their homes, or at least in their blocks... So at times it seemed like no one in this whole entire country wants the gospel, at other times the Lord does grant us opportunities to meet with God's children that are ready. The hardest thing is to have unshaken faith, especially when it is 7 pm and you are in the scariest block in all of Chisinau and everyone slams the door on you! 

Well, I am going off track now, but I need to share this tender mercy that was a result because of our effort to maintain unshaken faith. Friday it rained all stinkin day, and Elder Quist and I did not have anyone to teach for that day. We felt like we should go and visit a less-active and after some help from a very orthodox lady, we arrived at her block. We found apartamentul 903 and knocked. A nice lady opened the door and we asked her if she knew this lady. She did not know this less-active lady, but then realized that she lives in 903! *side note: knocking one door in a block here in Moldova many times may be an extension to more apartments. Its complicated* We explained that we are missionaries, and have a message about Jesus Christ. She said that she had five minutes and so we began to teach her the message of the restoration of the gospel. 

Endless blocks...

Fifteen minutes ended up passing, and during that time I saw her touched by the spirit, especially as we testified of the prophet Joseph Smith. There was a special spirit about that meeting, and Valeria wanted to read the Book of Mormon. This experience transformed that rainy day into a faith building journey! I remember praying to God that day, pleading to give us some one to teach. After the trial of our faith, he delivered!

This pattern of working hard and having little rays of tender mercies lighten our days is actually a pattern that is truly present in our lives EVERYDAY... sometimes we just gotta look a little harder!

Funny sign.

I'm singing in the rain!

Amidst the daily struggles that come from missionary work, the Lord gave me a couple of other opportunities to learn and grow. I was humbled as I spoke to a man on the street who ended up challenging me to recite all of the Ten Commandments in order. At the fourth one I messed up, and he criticized me for coming here and teaching people about Jesus Christ when I don't even know the Ten Commandments! This made me a tad angry, and I criticized back maybe just a tad. At the end of the conversation, I got really heated a walked away. I felt like he defeated me, mainly because of the way I behaved. I could have been more like the Savior and meekly stood up for what I believed and acknowledged his argument! After talking with one of the senior missionaries that was nearby, I got the conclusion to go up and tell that man (who was back on his phone near where we had had our conversation) "thank you" for helping me realize that I needed to memorize the Ten Commandments. I told him that I would, and then he told me that I better start living them. I smiled, assured him that I would, and walked away. 

The ironic thing is that he told me that he doesn't live them!

SO. From that experience I learned "yes" about how to diffuse a controversial argument, but I also learned a little more about my Savior. He loves all men. He has taught us to be slow to anger, to love our enemies, and to do good to those that hate you. He also has taught us to have unshaken faith in him, and trust in his promised blessings. 

Becoming like the Savior is a life long journey, and that journey is full of ups and downs, mistakes and triumphs, but he is with us every step of the way!

Here's to a great 2018!

A nice Russian babushka took this for us!

La multi ani!!!

Elder Ditto

PS If you haven't committed the Ten Commandments to memory... do that this week!!! That is what I am doing😉