Mustering Courage, Strengthened by the Lord!

Was up fam bam!

Well I don't know how it is in Yakima, but I would assume it is about the same as Bucharest... IN THE HUNDREDS. 

Elder BonDitto

It was crazy hot this week, up until today where we are being blessed by a ginormous rain storm. 

Lightning from the apartment!

The difference between Bucharest and Yakima is that it is 100 degrees and HUMID. This makes for a sweaty missionary! Amidst the crazy heatwave, Elder Bontempo and I were anxiously engaged in trying to bring the wonderful people of Bucharest closer to Christ. Whether it be helping an old lady with her giant bags that contain who knows what to her bus after a hot afternoon of her not selling anything, helping a lady get to her work to deliver important documents with our umbrella, or having the Lord guide us in our words and paths as we strove to share our message with many, we were truly on His errand. 

A multi cultural parade

Coolest motorcyclist I have seen!

I will be honest, the first week and a half of being in Bucharest was pretty difficult for me. I missed being with all of my friends in Craiova, and how well the work is going over there, I felt so uncomfortable going up and talking to people, and I even felt like I couldn't even speak Romanian! That might sound like an exaggeration, but I was struggling pretty bad. I guess I was going through a little identity and confidence crisis. 

A metro station in the heart of Bucharest

I did a lot of thinking, praying, and discussing over the course of that week and a half. I remember one day in particular where I was completely discouraged, and felt like the weakest missionary ever. AND THEN .....

I saw a man on a bench. 

My heart did a double beat which is the way the Holy Ghost communicates with me sometimes. I knew I had to talk to him.

Then a mental battle commenced, and the natural man one. I had nothing to say to him, and I decided to pass by.

Thirty minutes later we were walking back the same direction that we came from, and THE MAN WAS STILL THERE. I told Elder Bontempo that we need to talk to him, but I still had nothing to say, so we sat on the bench right next to him while I was thinking of what to say of course! Two minutes went by and a random dude walked up to us and started talking to us about his "American corner" in the Romanian National Library and wanted us to come. When we finished talking to him, I knewww I had to go up to the man on the bench, but I still had nothing to say. Knowing that I had already denied a prompting from the Holy Ghost once, I knew that I couldn't deny it again.

I went up to the man with my Book of Mormon in hand and opened my mouth. That was when the Lord made my weakness into a strength.

I am pretty sure my words were horribly put together and very awkward, but the man listened, and told me to have a seat. We proceeded to get to know him, and found out a little bit about his life and turns out he has been trying to reconnect with God... we taught him about the restoration of Christ's church and how he can know the truth for himself. Thirty minutes later, we parted ways, with both parties being uplifted and ready to take on the world! 

WHAT A MIRACLE. Amidst all of my uncertainties, weaknesses, and awkwardness, the Lord used me as his tool to help this man. This little experience truly changed the course of the WEEK for me. From that point on, my confidence and courage has increased ten fold. God helped me remember that it is not my work, but His, yet he needs and wants my help. 

The rest of the week was so much more enjoyable as I was led by the spirit to people many times, and I was constantly looking for ways to serve and use my own talents and abilities to bless others. 

Alma 17:11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

I think this scripture really gives a great depiction of what the Lord is doing for me. I have seen many miracles and much success, but I MUST constantly live in a state of humility, have patience, and serve others continually in order to qualify for his help. 

One of the views from my apartment

View from my bathroom window

How grateful am I that the Lord is teaching me these lessons, as well as making me an instrument in his hands. There is no greater blessing right now than being in Romania on his errand, for the benefit of His children. I know that God needs me, as well as each one of us to be beacons of light to those around us!

George and I

This guy is a hoot!

In other news, the new mission president and his wife arrived on Friday! We had a great ceremony with them at Cismigiu park that morning. I have already got to chat with President Hettinger and his wife many times, and I am their biggest fan! They are so friendly, loving, and have a deep love and concern for everyone around them. I am so excited to work with them and see how they make this mission even greater!

President Hettinger... incredible man!

Pineapple in Romania!

Potato on a stick or something...

Honing in on my viola skilz

Well, I need to write the siblings, I feel bad I didn't write last week. I am so glad that you are doing well. Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts. I know that I have a huge fan club back at home- I'm a lucky  boy!

A yummy stir-fry we made!

I love each one of you a whole heap!

Love, Elder Ditto

Sora Gorzo-  a mission legend!

She cooks with love and it shows!

With one arm!