Adventure of a Lifetime

Hey all!

'Bout time I get this email out. Kudos to mom for being ultra mega patient. Well, I have a pretty good excuse for writing this so late- the past two weeks have been craziness, but the good kind! Elder Trottier and I participated in an opportunity of a life time- helping the church make Mormon Message videos of members of the church here in Romania! 

The filmin' missionaries

Before I get in to the nitty gritty of the project, I want to share a missionary moment, that helped remind me of my true purpose as a missionary. Sometimes I feel a lack of time to do "good 'ol fashion missionary work." This is what gives me the greatest anxiety here while serving in the office! One day about two weeks ago, we were looking for a less-active member on an exchange. We asked for directions from a cute little family, and they we very willing to help us. At the very end, I invited them to hear our message of Jesus Christ. They accepted the invitation and we exchanged numbers. 

Fast forward a week, the family invited us to there humble little one-room apartment. Elder Trottier and I were so honored to teach this little family! They listened intently and while caring for their precious little one year old son. I could not help but think how special it is teaching a family. Families are ordained of God! When families learn and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, peace and love abide! 

This was a big moment for me because we haven't been able to teach a ton of lessons since serving in the mission office. It reminded me that the Lord is in charge and knows the desires and intentions of each one of our hearts!

Two days later, we began a five day adventure with two Italians that are in charge of making videos for the church here in Romania! Elder Trottier and my job was to ensure that everything ran smoothly and to translate for them. What a cool task! 

We picked them up from the airport right after a massive blizzard that hit Romania hard. The whole entire weekend we drove "Long John Silver" (a gigantic ford van) all around the big city. By some miracle we remained unscathed!  After picking up the film crew from the airport we rushed to the office and filmed Sora Colts interview. We mostly just played with light and filming locations because the city just been destroyed with snow right as Massimo (cinematographer from Italy) arrived. Light didn't work in our favor so we went back to the office had a welcome dinner made by Sora Hettinger. 

The whole team

Around nine people were interviewed from Romania and two of them were missionaries. I had the honor of being one of the interviewed missionaries (it was really nerve racking). For the first three days, we traveled to different locations around Bucharest and filmed the other people.  Filming a short video consists of two things: the interview and B-roll. B-roll is just footage of the subject doing stuff that can be paired with the dialogue from the person being interviewed or with music.  

Massimo, is an amazing man from the south of Italy, who is spear-heading this project. Aside from Romania, they have nine other countries for which he is doing the same project. I was very impressed with his patience and positive outlook on everything. I can't even count how many times something went wrong and Massimo just kept his cool and made do with what he had. It was a real treat to be right by his side for five days, observing and learning the tricks of cinematography.

Saturday we picked up Massimo early and went straight to filming at 8 am with a member from Issi. Our jobs were as follows: Massimo directed, told people what to do and told me what questions to ask the person being interviewed. I would sit right next to the camera so the subject had someone to talk to (it looks weird if they look right into the camera). Elder Trottier had headphones on and made sure the sound was good. If a car drove by or a bird was too loud or an airplane flew over, we had to start over filming. Their microphones pick up EVERYTHING. 

Elder Trottier stood far enough away from the microphone so it would not pick him up, but close enough to hear the subject and live translate to Massimo through an earpiece. We did Nicu's interview and some B-roll of him walking the streets and through city to doing normal stuff. Then we finished Sora Colt's interview and then I did my interview by a park by a lake.  I was able to use some B-roll video of me hiking back in America before I left on my mission. We made B-roll of Sora Colt dancing. We cruised over to Panduri branch and filmed Dani's interview and some B-roll of him playing piano and the viola. It was a really great interview. We went out with the film team and got a late traditional dinner and brought them to the hotel.

Sunday we woke up and rushed to get Massimo and headed to church. He got B-roll of myself, Sora Colt and Lucian in sacrament meeting. (Massimo says he hates filming in sacrament cause people judge). We then did Lucians interview. Lucian speaks a little Italian so they had fun. We rushed over to Panduri branch to catch the last of church and got B-roll of three other subjects at panduri. We then did four more interviews after church with some members and B-roll of people playing together and B-roll of us contacting at the mall and people walking etc. Afterwords we went to dinner at the Hettingers house with the Doru family who we made a film with starring President Doru. It was a great evening.

Working with Massimo!

For the last two days, we spent our time editing the interviews. For TEN HOURS STRAIGHT, we were on the computer, translating, cutting, revising, etc. so that the interviews would be in a way that invite the Spirit and testify to those who are watching that we are followers of Jesus Christ! Ten hours went by in an actual blink of an eye both days. Massimo made sure that we took fun breaks as well. 

Editing away

Alessandra is Massimo's trusted side-kick, and she has great talent in film-making and editing. A year ago she returned from her mission and it really shows in the way she carries herself. Through her example, I realized that it doesn't matter what your situation is in life, we can always live with the purpose of helping others come unto Christ. It takes a little more will-power, but being a missionary is never a "one and done thing!" Of course, the way we live is a great start, but we can invite others to come unto Christ in so many other ways. What can you do to live the missionary purpose?

Always keeping us entertained

Elder Trottier was editing partner with Alessandra

Elder Trottier and I have been reminiscing of our time that we had with our Italian friends.  We were very sad to see our Italian friends go. We learned a lot of skills and heaps about how to be happy in your career. Although doing different stuff, Massimo and Alessandra always kept in mind the fact that we are doing this to bring people closer to Christ. 

We "worked" for like fourteen hours every single day, doing a lot of things that we had never done before, and it created a lot of stress. 

A wee bit tired

We also ate incredible food, laughed a ton, and got to know some special people here in Romania. SO COOL!!!! We were dead-tired every single night, yet we did our best and enjoyed the ride. We realized that it doesn't matter our situation, WE ARE TO HAVE JOY! God gives us our own unique adventures and trials and wants us to discover that we actually can have JOY no matter what! That is why living the gospel is so important. We are able to live with humility and are constantly looking for the ways the Lord helps us, while we are striving to do the same for those around us. 

Now that the adventure has ended, we are catching up on some of the other important things that need to be done, but I pray that the memories that I have of this, and of my mission will continue to be a force of good and motivation for change throughout my life, and those around me.

Have a great week, talk to ya'll soon! Thank you for your love and support- each one of you!

Love,

Elder Ditto

Livin' the Dream

Hey fam!

Well, its a bummer but I am going have to write my first meh letter... the funny thing was that this week was not a lame week at all, especially this preparation day! We headed out to to Brasov and another little town next to it called Rasnov, to see some of the country side of Romania. I feel super blessed to have had the opportunity to see the truly beautiful parts of Romania in terms of nature throughout my mission. Today was no disappointment!

Breakdancing in Brasov

Brasov

Inima Carpatilor 

The 5th narrowest road in the world!

Stemming

Biserica Neagra

Just a 2.5 hour drive from Bucharest, you can enter into the heart of the Carpathian mountain range. If I was not a missionary, I would have gone skiing or mountain biking or rock climbing in a heartbeat, but doing some exploring was amazing!

Adventure is out there!

Hai Romania! 

Hipster pic

Love these guys!

Nicaieri nu-i ca acasa!

Posin' at the top of the fortress

Some o' the bros

Strada Sforii

The Dacia flag

This week we also participated in a little activity for Syrian refugees. Brother Frimu helped put on the event. It was a really cool experience to be with a bunch of little kids that didn't look Romanian, yet spoke Romanian! 

Playing with the Syrian refugee kiddos!

Elder Trottier being a goof!

Elder Dahl roping Elder Trottier

Though their original home is far away from Bucharest, it made me smile to see that they are happy and enjoying their new home. It made me think about our relationship with God, and how no matter where we are on this earth, his love is the same for us! 

Checking out the Ion Tiriac Collection

Ferrari F40

The collection!

Amidst office work, a couple of film sessions, and zone conference- we also got out on the streets and in the blocks, talking with everyone! I have felt a new surge of energy for finding those who are ready to receive the restored gospel... I know that when we have a correct understanding of God's plan for us, we are happier and have greater purpose in life. People notice this in us!

A creative lunch created by us.

Love you all, have a rockin' week!

Elder Ditto

Iubirea unei Mame

Hey all!

I don't know how the weather is in Yakima, but in Bucharest, spring has arrived! The whole week we had nothing but sun and the sound of chirping birds- a blessing because Elder Trottier and I had several projects that needed to be executed outside! 

The Team

We had a lot of fun working on our two most recent projects- a mother appreciation video for Ziua Femeilor (a day which everyone celebrates the women in their lives), and an Easter video in order to promote a big concert that we will have next month. 

For the Mother's Day one, Elder Trottier and I decided that we would use our charming personalities to ask people how their moms have helped them. Surprisingly enough, we had great success, and were able to have some great conversations about our beliefs as a result. Something that I love about the Romanian culture is the emphasis put on the role of mothers. Romanians are very pro-traditional family oriented, and it is not uncommon for the grandmother or parents to live in the same block or apartment as their posterity. I love that Romanian mothers are liberal at sharing their love towards their children, and will do anything to make sure their kids have a better life than they ever did.  Fathers are great, grandmas are the best, but there is nothing that compares to the role of the mother...

Elder Trottier

... It was past 8 pm, and Elder Trottier and I, along with the other elder companionship in our district were on our way back to the car after a great session of block knocking. I heard the phone ring, and it was Mirela! Like Mirela Minunata! She had a request to make. Her daughter, Emilia, was about to head back to England, and she wanted to surprise her by meeting her at the airport before she was to board the plane. She asked if we would be able to go with her and take part in the surprise. I hadn't seen Mirela in over four months and about that amount of time had past since there have not been missionaries in Craiova. We felt like it would be a good use of time to support her in her quest to show her love to her daughter. 

Mirela made the trek up to Bucharest early Sunday morning, in time for Sacrament meeting at Mihai Bravu. Sora Radulescu is also staying in Bucharest for a little while, and she came to church as well. What a special opportunity it was to sit by them, and to be amidst so many brothers and sisters in the gospel. God has truly blessed me with a spiritual, righteous relationship with the people whom I serve. 

Mirela Minunata... surprise-planning master!!

Right after church, we booked it to the airport, and got there in wicked time. The whole time, I could feel Mirela's excitement and anticipation to make her daughter's day. On the way, we reminisced about the great times we had in Craiova laughing and smiling all the way. I stood amazed at this woman, who eight months ago was searching for lasting happiness. 

Finally, Emilia arrived with her boyfriend and dad, but did not see us immediately- perfect! We made the best entrance ever. Emilia was ecstatic to see me, but when she saw her mom, she broke down in tears! For the next three minutes, they embraced each other with the biggest hug ever. Elder Trottier and my heart melted, seeing pure daughter-mother love take over. This image was even more priceless, knowing of the hardships and experiences that these two women have gone through. At this moment, I saw the true joy that comes from being a family. I imagined my mom and the reunion that we will have. I know that my mom loves me, and that she is proud of the work I am doing, and I saw the same thing in Mirela towards Emilia. 

The sign reads "Don't forget Coca Cola"

This little Sunday afternoon experience made me reflect on the reality that our families are blessed when we choose to live with an attitude of gratitude, when we serve one another, surprise one another, laugh with one another, and most importantly strive to follow Jesus Christ in all of our words and actions. 

What will you do to follow Mirela's example of love? What can you do to be a better brother, sister, dad, mom, grandma, uncle, or friend?

John 1510 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 14 Ye are my friends...

I love you all! (especially you mom, thank you for your never ending love and service to me and everyone around you, you are my hero!)

Love, Elder Ditto

Vio and me

STOP THE CAR!

Good day, my fellow men!

Woo nelly, last preparation day seems like forever ago; the week really did go by fast. This week the new missionaries came into the country and Elder Trottier and I had the key logistical role ensuring that everyone was in the right place in the right time, while working on their visas, and helping all the other missionaries get to their new cities... it was kind of madness! Thankfully, we got everyone to where they needed to be and we are back in the office doing crazy stuff.

Martisor is a day to celebrate spring time! The women receive cute red bracelets or broaches from their loved ones. Romanians sure do love to spoil their mommas!

Alysee asked me what I am eating these days, and I am proud to say a variety! Lunch is usually take out (KFC, or something from the grocery store), and we also try to make rice and chicken with mango sauce if we are feeling  "healthy." For dinner Elder Trottier and I have been living the simple Romanian life, eating mamaliga cu branza de oaie si smantana (Polenta with sheep cheese and sour cream). Super cheap and super Romanian! 

I could tell a yarn about all the work that I have been doing in the office, but it's not really relatable to the reader. I will say this though- I never thought I would use all my gopro and video editing skills on my mission, but the time has come!! Our mission is trying out Facebook and Elder Trottier and I are in charge of running the page and publicity stuff. With this, we have been asked to make some in-country content. You probably already saw the soccer video, we are currently working on another one and getting ready for the Easter campaign. I have really enjoyed this and am seeing the potential of a new kind of missionary work. That is the interesting thing about being in the office- being that I am not always out on the streets, I have been discovering how to manage my time better, and find ways to make the activities that I am doing to help people come unto Christ. It's safe to say that these first two weeks have unveiled some weaknesses, but good thing that the Lord knows how to make my weaknesses become strengths! There has been loves of growing and self analyzing.

A little martisor market

Bucuresti are inima mea!

One day particular this week I was pondering about my relationship with the Holy Ghost. It had been bothering me that I am not always interacting with people and helping them come unto Christ, and I started to be worried that maybe I was doing something wrong. (Note: Really though, some days you are working so hard to help the mission run, and not enough time for regular missionary work). Elder Trottier and I made our schedule so that we would have an hour and a half to block knock at the end of the night. We didn't have too much success knocking, and as we walked back to the car, I saw a man holding an IKEA bag, walking past our car. I had the thought to talk to him, but I thought to myself that he was too far away. I hopped into the car and that was when I saw we were going to derive right past him in T-minus three seconds. 

"STOP THE CAR AND ASK HIM IF HE NEEDS HELP!" I yelled to Elder Trottier.

A half-push on the break followed by a slam on the break was all it took for him to stop the car and roll down the window and ask this man if we could help him. The man laughed and said, "What, you think I am homeless?" A little embarrassed, we replied that we are missionaries here and like to help people. He immediately liked us and told us that he too likes to help people. Without even asking, he gave us his number and told us that he would love to meet with us next week. 

WOW! We rolled the window up and just looked at each other and started laughing with joy. The spirit had whispered to my heart what I needed to do, and without hesitating, I acted. And that resulted in a miracle. I was thankful for Elder Trottier for being trusting and supportive, as sometimes that can be hard! Often times we question or doubt, but to be a first responder to the promptings of the Spirit often requires you to step out of your comfort zone. 

A fresh pic of Elder Trottier on a cold sunny day.

As we talked about this experience, I realized that I need to do as Elder Bednar says, "STOP WORRYING ABOUT IT!" 

As we live in harmony to God's commandments and do everything we can to be like the Savior in our specific circumstances, we need not worry if we are in tune to the spirit. The promptings will come, and we must act. 

Super Eastern European

It doesn't matter if you are twelve year's old, a full-time missionary, a mom, a dad, or even a grandma! The Holy Spirit will guide us, and that is awesomeness. Do everything you can to remain worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost! Set little goals, have a personal self-reflection- God will inspire us with ideas as to how we can draw nearer to him.

I love all y'all! Thanks for your prayers and thank you for being examples of choosing the right!

All my love,

Elder Ditto