The Gospel Is Fun!!

Hello from Bucharest!

This week was one of ups and downs. Thankfully the week ended with huge ups, for which I am grateful! 

Dinner at Sora Radu's

Sora Radu's food was also top notch!! Pork, mashed potatoes, and fresh cabbage salad

Looking back at the pictures from this week, we had sooo many fun things that we took part of. The first of May is "Ziua Internationala a Muncii" (International Worker's Day), which means a day-off for all of Romania! One thing that Romanians excel at is their ability to throw and plan mean barbecues. This year was nothing shy of amazing! 

A huge success!!

Doing the Hora dance

Both branches in Bucharest joined together for a day (yes, from 10 am until around 4 pm) of games, conversation, and delicious food. 

Presedintele Doru manning the grill

Some wonderful ladies in the branch

A traditional "gratar" (barbecue) meal in Romania... sausages, mici, chicken, half a tomato, cucumber, bread, and don't forget mustard!

The men were in charge of the meat, while the women got all of the other preparations ready. I am very impressed with the Romanian people's ability to share and ensure that everyone is taken care of. Even after the party finished, the women all got together and made little leftover boxes to give to some of the members who weren't able to come. I thought that was nice until we went over to an older lady's house where she served the exact meat, yet four days old and smothered in nasty grease...

Tudor and us

One of the most difficult challenges that we face as missionaries here is the ability to connect members with investigators. For some reason it is just harder for them to make friends! The barbecue was really a cool experience being that non-members got to really see that Latter-day Saints have FUN! Many people were able to connect because of this great activity.

We had a great lesson with one of our investigators about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been able to come to church and mingle many times with the members and I think he is catching the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

I am reminded of what President Hinckley told us that every member needs in order to remain active in the church and grow in testimony. 

1. A friend

2. Responsibility

3. Nurturing with the word of God.

Regardless of who we are- even if we aren't members of this church- I think these three things really are the key to a happy and fulfilling life! As members of the church it is our responsibility to be our "brother's keeper," and make sure that each one has these three needs satisfied.

Elder Dahl and I on exchanges.. we were blessed with a day full of miracles

Killer shaorma from "Saorma Orient," our favorite place in Bucharest

I am thankful for the time I have spent here, especially in Bucharest, because I have seen first-hand how desperately missionaries need the help of the members in this work. We all have our shortcomings, but we all have unique talents and qualities! Remember living the gospel is fun! Use your insights and abilities to help others see how the restored church can enhance their lives!

I love each one of you, talk soon!!!

Elder Ditto

Ciorba de perisoare... love me some traditional Romanian food