Crazy to think I was in Romania last year when Thanksgiving rolled around.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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!
Happy Thanksgiving! It is so nice to read your reflections. Seeing others as our Savior sees them is such a gift—as is looking for the best traits in those with whom we interact. Thanks for allowing a glimpse through your eyes of the wonderful Romanian people. Sister G
ReplyDeleteThis may be a short letter, but it was very sweet! Always good to hear of Elder Ditto's experiences. He has such a positive attitude and hope for the future. I really like what you had to say about any day becoming better because of testifying of truths to others! I agree, and will try that more as well! Take care & Happy Thanksgiving!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Aunt Laurie