Hallelujah!

Craciun Fericit!!!!

Man I can't even believe it's already here... I have so many fond memories of our Ditto Christmas traditions, we are so blessed to be knit together through prayer, fun, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dad sent me a picture of the living room... I think this is like the 6th time he has done this since being on my mission! haha I think I have seen him the happiest and most peaceful when he sits on the grey comfy chair looking at the family finances or reading his scriptures when the whole upstairs is silent. Just to be clear I am totally not making fun of Dad!!!!! hahaha

A cool little statue that I just had to jump off.

When I read his letter, I was reminded of my own living room experience this week. This living room didn't actually look anything like ours, and in fact it smelled quite funny. I was on a trolley bus riding to the church, and a woman tried to pay the ticket guy who receives 2 lei from everyone and in return gives them a ticket. Pretty horrible system but that is how it is... 

The Chisinau Romana District

So the lady gave him 200 lei and he wasn't too happy and had to get in to his other giant wad of money to get the right change. I offered to pay for her but the man said that he would get the change. The bus right at that moment hit a bump and everyone ran into each other and his money went flying. He was NOT a happy camper. 

After the whole situation was resolved, everyone went back into their little bubbles and that was that. Being 6 feet tall I get a nice look at everyone's scalps, and I decided to kind of look around and observe. I thought about the Plan of Salvation and the fact that we are all God's children. Then I thought about all of the people around me and how most of them don't have this eternal perspective, and that we all have some sort of trial or struggle in life. I then felt a burst of peace... for two reasons.

1st - Knowing that my peace comes from Jesus Christ. I have really tried to put an emphasis on Jesus Christ in all that I do and say this month. I have learned a lot about him, as I have learned about his teachings. I have come to know him as I have applied these things! I know that Chirst IS the Savior of the World! I know that he truly did live and die, and then live again for each and everyone of us. My favorite scripture to share lately is found in 3 Nephi, and invitation from the Savior himself!

3 Nephi 18:24 Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.

He truly is the light of the world, and we can too!

2nd - I felt peace knowing that the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring this peace into their lives! This week was rough, and there was a lot of rejection, but the Lord blessed us with little bursts of light, witnessing the light of Christ influence the lives of those to whom I bore testimony of Him. 

Elder Krylborn and I on an exchange headed to Dancu... this was much needed breath of fresh air!

A valley in the heart of Moldova

An artsy shot for ya'll

This shot was taken on the way to a little village. The people of Moldova are very poor but have good hearts and find joy in their circumstances!

Romania just across the forest...

You know, life isn't easy! Christ's life wasn't easy. That's pretty interesting that we celebrate his life. Do we really understand what he truly did for us? This Christmas season we do good and serve and sing and love because of our hope that the Savior brings us. Hallelujah! 

3 Nephi 5:13Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

This Christmas season, I am humbled to wear his name on my chest, to bring forth the blessed news that we all might have everlasting life!!! 

Fratele George and us... He built (is building) this house... incredible!

This man had gathered up a bunch of thrown out sheep wool, cleaned it, and then put in on the third floor as insulation.

The Moldovan doors open up outwards instead of inwards...

The Moldovan countryside

Thank you Mom, Dad, Tyler, Alysee, Nathan, Cooper, and Chloe for being the best. We are so blessed and I am proud to call each one of you my best friends. Thanks for your prayers, love, letters, packages, etc. MAN I AM LUCKY!

We block knocked this week... a lot!

See you face-to-face next week!!!

Love,

Alex