Keep the Commandments! In this there is safety and peace...

Buna ziua draga familia!!! 

Aceasta saptamana a fost plina de incercari si miracole datorita credintei noastre... asa e viata!

Life is just full of ups and downs, and this week was no exception. There were some days where it was just plain hard being a missionary. Being a missionary is definitely harder than I imagined. I remember one day walking through the center of down, trying to contact, but having ZERO success, and just feeling a little overwhelmed at the task of finding someone that is truly ready to hear the gospel. It is safe to say that I have often felt "unqualified" for the work, as these past five weeks have been very humbling being a trainer and realizing that most of the time I don't really know what the heck I am doing! The wonderful fact that I try to remember is that "whom the Lord calls, he qualifies." I saw evidence of this during the course of the week. My faith has grown and have seen God's power manifested through two boys and the desire and faith of one who is coming to the fold of Christ.

Selfie with Leonard

I have focused a lot of my studies recently on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Something that I noticed is the pattern of Christ truly blessing the "one," after they perform an act of their faith. There are countless examples, but one that I really loved from this week is found in John 4...

47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

52 Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

Photo by Mark Mabry from "Reflections of Christ"

This man asked Jesus to heal his son, but it wasn't just a request, it was a plead in faith. The man went his way BELIEVING, and as he journeyed, he was greeted with the news that his son was healed. This miracle was not done just because Christ had the power to heal, but also because the man ASKED and WENT with faith. Also, Christ commanded the man to "go his way," which represents a sort of commandment that he gave to the man... remember this!

I had the amazing opportunity to help Mirela learn to exercise her faith so that she can begin to see miracles.

Selfie with Mirela

It started with confusion on Elder Krieger and I's part... we were in a sort of rut as to how we can help Mirela progress towards being ready to be baptized. We got a call from our zone leaders asking if we had taught her the commandments yet, and then it hit me... OF COURSE! She was doing all of these good things like coming to church, praying, and reading the scriptures, but she was missing one of the most important aspects in allowing God to work in her life... keeping His commandments.

All of the sudden, the connection between faith, keeping the commandments, and miracles just clicked. We needed to give Mirela the opportunity to qualify herself for the promised blessings of God to those who keep the commandments.

It was hard to help her see this, as it is in all of our lives. We want results now and without much effort. This, however, does not help us grow, which is why Christ did not work in this way!

How would we help Mirela see that it is through keeping the commandments that she will find this peace and blessings that she so desperately needs!? Simply put, she just needed to commit. And what better way to commit then to promise her that if she does not see the blessings which are PROMISED to her, then I would cut my hair... really short... 

Mirela's commitment to stop smoking... love it!

This is not because I was desperate to have her keep the commandments, but it is because I wanted to help her see that faith coupled with action (in this case, keeping the Word of Wisdom) really will bring blessings. As I testified of the reality that keeping the commandments brings blessings and that she truly will be blessed for her actions, I could feel an overwhelming feeling of love and desire for her to keep these commandments. It was another little taster of the love that God has for this woman. I also reflected on how much God wants ME to do the same because he is anxiously awaiting to pour his blessings on me and Mirela and all of us.

What a blessing it is to be on the front lines of this great work of bringing souls unto Christ. There is nothing happier or more fulfilling to see someone who you have grown to love, make the courageous decision to build their foundation upon the Savior, and see their life and countenance changing for the better every single day. The worth of souls is truly great in the eyes of God and I am starting to realize why.

Mirela has started her journey back to her "house" (I'm referring to the story in the bible again) and is going forward with faith and hope that God will bless her for her courage to keep the commandments. I have no doubt that after Christ commanded the nobleman to "go his way" that Christ prayed for that man. This is my role in the story... to be Mirela's support in her journey and never lose faith that God will truly bless her. 

Andrei and I... found a new tennis buddy!

Still got it!

Playing on clay is heaven... in memory of Roland Garros!

I love this gospel. It is real and blesses lives. Why? Because Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone and has shown us the way to have joy in this life, and prepared for the next.

Leonard is an incredible artist... I now have my own portrait!

I can't wait to email next week- with long hair and all! Let's go forward with faith and stay firm in keeping the commandments of the Lord!

Love,

Varstnicul Ditto

Learning To Be A True Christian

Hello again everybody!!!

Man it seems like I just emailed you guys. The weeks just fly by. This was a solid week. We had the opportunity do some service as we picked cherries a couple of times for the branch president, helped strengthen our members through activities and visits, snuck in a little birthday present for one of our members, Leonard, as we went to watch the Harlem Globetrotters, continued to teach our wonderful friend and investigator Mirela, and were probably fed five our of the seven nights of the week... ya I'd say I am a Romanian food-aholic! 

Picking cherries

Picking cherries on a beautiful Saturday morning!

Cirese... sweet cherries!

Leonard and us at the Globetrotters!

Enjoying the game

Selfie with Smiley!

Globy... Apparently the most famous mascot in the world_

Something I love about Romanians is their hospitality. As English teachers, we have many students who we grow close to which lead into great teaching opportunities, as well as eager Romanian women who want to cook for us... and boy I am not complaining! The best meal was... oh man... probably stuffed peppers or the three course meal which included pig fat, cheeses, and veggies for the appetizer, a ciorba for the side, and grape leaf sarmale with homemade bread and a cherry cake for dessert! Is your mouth watering yet??? Romanians take their food very seriously, and are sure to not waste even the intestines of the pig. They adore you when you compliment them, and eat more than anyone else at the table (I know that from experience...) I love the family atmosphere that I feel when I am in a Romanian's home, and I reflect on how blessed my family is because we have the gospel. I share the picture of our family very often, and everyone either says that mom and dad are so young, or that we all look so happy! This isn't because we are perfect, but it is truly because of how blessed we are for keeping the commandments of God. It is hard to share this with these people who have held on to tradition for so long, but I will find those who are truly seeking for the truth and a positive change in their lives!

Thankfully, God has blessed Elder Krieger and I with many wonderful people here in Craiova to help bring unto Christ. I had many learning experiences this week that helped me understand my role as a missionary as well as a christian. First of all, the most rewarding thing to see as a missionary is progression in others. I am here for others, and I have such a desire and concern for those who I meet with to make steps to help them understand their divine potential. The wonderful thing is that I am not just helping them- they are helping me, and God is truly blessing both parties as we learn to turn outwards and follow the perfect example- Jesus Christ!

Let me tell you the parable of the time Elder Ditto was "spat" upon. 

One day Elder Krieger and I had an appointment with our dear friend Mirela. The morning had been a little weird, as a result, our spirits were down and weren't in the right mindset. As we walked to Mirela's we passed a family/group of gypsies. They were laughing and having a good time, but their were two who were a little crazier and were beginning to get a little rowdy. We quickly walked passed them, but I heard a uncomfortable laugh that gradually got closer and closer to me, until I felt a surge of cold liquid all over my back... First thought that went into my mind was alcohol... I quickly snapped around, with my hands out, about to say some mean things in Romanian. Then I saw two things and felt another in the next one second...

1. The dude had a water bottle in his hand... phewf!

2. The embarrassment that was on their faces and most importantly, the spirit asking me, "what would Jesus do in this situation?"

Well, my hands were up so that was kind of an issue, but I quickly composed myself and tried to muster a smile and told them that it was ok. That's all I could do, so I just turned around and walked off. This moment was huge for me. I had an opportunity to turn outwards when the natural man inside was telling me to get big and angry. I am thankful that I didn't, but I felt like Jesus wouldn't have just said it was ok, but even would have took time to talk to them and make a new friend. 

Mirela brought us dinner!!

We laughed it off, though, and went to meet with Mirela. Much to our delight, she had brought us lunch, with a big smile and all. She always makes our day, and takes out any anger or stress that we have and replaces it with love and happiness. I call her "Mirela Minuata" or Wonderful Mirela. Not only is she filled with brightness and love, but she is blossoming into a faithful woman. I remember first meeting with her in April and she didn't even really know that you could have a personal relationship with God. Now, she is an avid reader of The Book of Mormon and prays, with real intent too! This progression is just heart-warming to see. 

Mirela isn't the only one who is learning to come unto Christ, though. 

After our lesson with Mirala Minunata, we walked back the same way we came. Lo and behold, those same gypsy gangstas were there. This time, I came to them with a completely different attitude! They were quick to apologize and instead of staying ticked, I gave them bro hugs, those solve everything! We continued on to have a little conversation and we both parted ways, both being filled with the spirit of God, which is the love of God. 

Ok, so maybe I wasn't "spat" upon, but that sounds a lot more dramatic than being sprayed by a water bottle. I am so thankful for this experience because It shows the power of turning outwards and striving to be like Christ! Regardless whether or not you are a Christian, everyone can follow the example that Christ set. It is so much more fulfilling and powerful, when we follow the example that Christ set with the vision that through His gospel, we can return to live with our loving Heavenly Father again. This is my goal and what better way to come a little close than to be a missionary for Him!

We love Craiova!

A couple times this week I felt like I lacked charity towards my fellow men. Charity is the pure love of Christ and isn't just something that I naturally have. Christ was an incredible example of this as he ministered to anyone who had faith in him, regardless of race or class. Not only did he help those but extended his long-suffering and humility to all those who he met, even ones who judged him. I love the image of the pharisees condemning the woman who had committed adultery. Christ's response to the pharisees was whoever is not guilty of sin, let him cast the first stone. None of them dared to cast the first stone, and Christ told them woman to go and sin no more. He is no respecter of persons, and at times I find myself judging others.

John 811 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I decided to really work on this and found myself filled with the "light of life" as I strived to do what Jesus would do- what he has asked me, and all of us, to do!

Miracles and changes within happen as we lose ourselves in the service of others. Whether big or small, these miracles are evidence that God loves us and is ready to pore out his blessings as we strive to do our part in being true Christians- followers of the Master!

I love you all and SUMMER IS HERE!!!

Love,

Alex

Elder Krieger getting his Aussie game on.

Still got it!

Leonard... the real pool shark

The Week That Made My Year

Was up familii!!

It didn't even occur to me that today is Memorial Day... probably because I am absorbed in the Romanian life style. True to my American heritage though, Happy Memorial Day!!

Craziness!

Celebrating Mirela's (investigator) daughter's graduation!

My Romanian pride increased 10-fold this week as I had the most wonderful experience to explore and see some of Romania's finest scenery it has to offer. Every time I think about what I did, I can't help but smile!!! We got a call from this American couple that is staying in Pitesti right now, asking if we wanted to go see the Statue of Decebal... A flashback to a year ago, when I got my call, struck me. YES! One of the fist things I saw as I looked up Romania was this statue, and I remember putting it on my bucket list. I while ago I learned that it wasn't really close to anything, which would make it almost impossible to go and see... unless an incredibly thoughtful couple invites you, that is!!!

After getting permission from the Mission President, we eagerly awaited our adventure. Friday rolled around and I was so giddy as I put on my favorite pair of hiking pants, shirt, and shoes. We began our journey by stopping at a nearby city along the Danube River, where we saw the remains of a footbridge that the Roman's used to get across Serbia into Dacia (old Romania)... this bad boy was 2000 years old!!! The craziest part of it all was the fact that I could literally throw a rock (well almost) into SERBIA!!! How cool is that!?!?! 

Roman footbridge! 2000 years old. Now just imagine these things going all the way to Serbia across the Danube!

Next, we started driving into the mountains through the city of Orsova. The Romanian wilderness (from what I have seen) is somewhat similar to the PNW, but has a lot of differences as well. If you look at the pictures, the mountains are much more forested with not evergreens, but some other sort of tree. I literally was sticking my head out of the window, catching as much fresh Romanian air as I could. 

This is my happy place!!!

We finally made it to our destination, and I was honestly taken back. I haven't been in a forest for almost a year, and I forgot how much I missed it! I am so thankful for Dad and his love for the outdoors, because it has definitely been implanted in my soul. For  me, being in nature is where I relax and feel closest to God. 

Adventure gang on the Danube!

Far awayyy in the mistyy mountainssss 

Ditto Pose in front of Decebal

The statue was incredible, but what really made the adventure memorable was our boat excursion up the fortile de fier, or "the Iron Gates" of the Danube. The Columbia River Gorge is cool, but there is just something about steep granite faces being sliced away by one of the biggest rivers in the world! To make the adventure even cooler is the fact that we probably crossed into Serbia. The river is divided, half to Romania, and the other to Serbia, so we at some point had to have crossed over... With the cool waters of the Danube, the sharpness of the cliffs, and a calm feel to the area... Ya. I was in my happy place. 

Dreams really do come true!

In some parts of this river, you can find the water swirling around because of how narrow the Danube gets!

How cool would it be to go to church here!

Paradise in Romania

Romania on the left, Serbia on the right

The adventure gang - so much fun

Of course I had to share this story first because this literally made my life. This was my dream- to hike in Romania!!!! This opportunity was truly a tender mercy, because I have been anxiously awaiting for an opportunity to see the true beauty of Romania. Not only was this a dream come true, but it was a time where I got to reflect on how I am doing, what I can do better, and even relax a tiny bit. 

Inside a fortress

We went into this cave!

Something I learn every single week is that I am not perfect, and this is why I come out with learning so much every week. When Christ tells us that through our weaknesses we are made strong, he is really not kidding! There were many ups and downs to this week, and I have come to a better understanding of how much divine help we can receive, even in every moment. 

A scripture that has been in my mind all week is one that Mom shared with us and made us all memorize a couple of years ago (it was an incredible lesson!!)

Doctrine and Covenants 6:3636 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Funny because I just looked it up and it wasn't the exact scripture I memorized... eh, it works!

There were a couple times this week where I felt very stressed, sometimes lonely, and even a little helpless. Thankfully, all of those moments were washed away because I remembered to look unto Christ. 

These feelings of stress and despair can come for a lot of reasons, but they are not meant to stay. Sometimes it feels like we just can't get them to leave! True, it takes a mental paradigm shift to change your attitude, but this "shift" can be much richer and permanent, that is, through our faith in Jesus Christ. A big quote that is going around the mission is "Faith is the power that causes the things that need to happen, happen." This is mainly used for our investigators, but reaches so much farther. I have struggled at times learning how to truly exercise my faith. I pray, read the scriptures, do good works, etc, but I always feel like I could do a little more!

Mirela... makes me remember to laugh at the little things

Our beautiful eggs... Romanians celebrate the ascension of Jesus Christ- 40 days after he was resurrected!

Helping color the eggs (photo courtesy of Mirela)

Then it hit me, I was not putting as much emphasis on the most important part of faith... BELIEVING. Do I truly believe my words as I testify? Do I pray with all of the energy of my heart? Am I doing my works with belief that what needs to happen, will happen? This was the answer that I received from God. As soon as I began to practice this, I saw a clear change in the results of those three things mentioned above. 

As I testified this week the spirit was more abundant because I truly believed, and reflected on personal experiences that I have had. This happened on three specific occasions- two as I testified of the reality that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, and the other as I spoke in sacrament meeting about prayer. The witness I bore were without doubt or concern as to what others might think. I doubted not, and I feared not.

Make me more goat cheese!!

Elder Krieger is a great example of fervent prayers, and as we prayed this week, we had faith that our prayers would be answered. We have the opportunity to teach five English classes each week, and almost every time it is daunting to come up with a lesson plan that is engaging. Each time we were completely stumped. And that was when we looked unto Christ. We prayed and decided to not fear. Each time we did this, our minds were enlightened and we came up with, might I say, incredible lesson plans. Each one was thoroughly enjoyed by each of our students, and we had so much fun teaching. We recognized that it was because of our faith and prayers, that God blessed us with more understanding and added knowledge. Indeed, our faith was what caused the things that needed to happen, happen!

Love this guy

Amidst all of the goodness that was around me, sometimes it was just plain hard to have a positive attitude as I went through the days! This affected some of my works. I tried to have a paradigm shift, but I would eventually slip back into a grump state. That is, until I tried to make my actions more in harmony with Christ's. Even doing things as simple as coming up with compliments for others helped me have a better, more sustainable attitude. 

Selfie with Serbia in the back

These things that I learned are not just good principles, but they are the laws upon which, if followed, will cause the things that need to happen, happen. Our lives will be richer and filled with more love for ourselves, and those around us. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and this is what I am helping others learn, as well as myself. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that through his grace and pure love for us, we might summit any each and every mountain that God has prepared for us to climb.

I love my little adventures in Romania, it's just the best!

I also love all of you, and am thankful for your prayers, as well as everyone's prayers. Prayer is dang real and God really does hear and answer every single one!

All my love,

Alex

P.S. I hope you google the Iron Gates of the Danube, this is a place that we need to go visit!!!!

A soviet graveyard

"Pastorul" The Shepard

Trying to feed the goats but didn't have any luck

Drobeta Turnu Severin

My name is Elder Ditto and I love nature.

The iconic Elder Ditto hiking picture

Decebalus Rex (King Decebal in latin)

Romania!!!