MY CALL

After waiting for what felt like an eternity my mission call finally arrived on April 13, 2016.  My parents were in Haiti serving a medical mission and so my grandparents, Ami and Poppi Sherry were able to be with me.  We had lots of people over for the BIG opening!  I felt the spirit the second I opened my call.

FINALLY...the big white envelop arrived!

Screenshot of the gopro footage of me opening my call

A screen shot of what I posted on my instagram account

The next morning I was able to talk to my parents and tell them where I called to serve...the Romanian/Moldova Mission.  Entering into the MTC on August 31, 2016.

Astonished...in Haiti.

So happy!

This is the letter to the First Presidency that I wrote "accepting" my mission call.

2016-04-15

Dear Brethren,

I thank each one of you for your examples to me. I truly love every one of you. I know that my call to serve the people of România and Moldova is from God. He knows that this is where I will be able to grow as a disciple of Christ, and bring His precious children into the fold. All my life I have earnestly prepared and dreamed of this opportunity to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ's restored church. I cannot think of a better calling than that of a full-time missionary. My efforts in preparing spiritually, mentally, and physically for my mission will not cease as the time to serve draws closer. I love this gospel with all my heart. I know that many of the Romanian people also love the Savior, and look forward to bringing them the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I truly admire Alma in his diligence in missionary work. He is a great example and I pray that I might be like him as I further the work of The Lord. A scripture that has touched my heart recently is found in Alma 23:9, "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." I look forward to experiencing this same joy that Alma felt on his mission as I strive to do as he did. I know that my mission will be challenging and require much endurance, but I know that as I draw near to my Savior, and put all my trust in Him, that I will never feel alone or inadequate. I reflect on the wise council that Alma gave his son Shiblon when he said, "And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day." I am truly grateful for Jesus Christ and his love for me. This testimony of Christ that I have developed is why I want to share the gospel with others. Like Lehi with his children, I want the people of România and Moldova to taste of the fruit of eternal life, and bring them to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that His church has been restored to the earth by a prophet of God. In closing, I want to express my excitement of bringing the Holy Ghost into the lessons I will teach to God's children. I love feeling the Spirit, and know that it is a gift to have Him as a constant companion. Through the Holy Spirit we receive personal witness and revelation- both essential to spiritual progression in all of our lives. I love witnessing others feel the Holy Ghost, as it is a clear testament to me that Heavenly Father loves each of his precious sons and daughters. Feeling the Holy Ghost is where the real teaching and conversion happens, and I pray that I might always be able to bring the Spirit into the discussions. With a zealous and humble heart, I gratefully accept this call to serve in the România/Moldova mission.

Elder Alex Ditto