Missionary Work- Romanian Style!

Salut! Nu pot crede ca stam aici pentru 3 luni acum! Hello! I can't believe I have been here for three months now! 

Man time is flying by!  I am now in my 3rd transfer in the beautiful city of Arad. My wonderful trainer, "father" in mission language, prepared me well for a new adventure with a new companion. Elder Giron left for Bucaresti on Sunday evening and I was left waiting in Arad with another missionary till my "bubble popper" arrived. Drum role please... Elder Wilstead is my new companion! 

Elder Wilstead

He has been in the country for 9 months now, has served in the town of Galati and Bucaresti, and is probably one of the best speakers in the mission. He lived in Germany for 8 years, speaks 4 other languages, and is a hoot to be around! He has brought a new dynamic that will be very good for me and the people here. He loves people and building new relationships with others.

So cold!!!!

This week has been by far the coldest week so far. Every day has been between -10 and -20 degrees Celsius... with a very chilly wind! The first deep breath you take once going outside freezes your nose hairs instantly! And on top of the cold, our "centrala" (central heating system) is broken! It broke Sunday night and we have not had warm shower or a warm apartment for a week now. A new one will be installed on Tuesday, so in the mean time, Sora Ivory told us to stay in a hotel! That is where we are headed tonight. I also have also caught a cold too! The winter time is dang hard here! 

Making the best of a freezing day!

This week of new changes and trials has brought to me new perspectives and insights on missionary work and learning to be a team with someone who you have never met, who is very different from you. Let me just share a few thoughts of what I have learned this week.

Beautiful Arad

First of all, something that might blow you minds, or maybe not, is that being a missionary is different that what you might imagine! My view of missionary work before coming to Romania was very... I guess Mormon naive. All you every hear about is the amazing experiences and the lowest of the low points. What you don't hear about is the day-to-day life. I am also convinced that each mission is very unique- equipped with unique trials and experiences.

To give you a glimpse of what a "regular day" in Romania is like, here is a pretty typical day in Arad.

6:30... Arise, say morning prayer, and start exercising.

6:45... Unfortunately when exercising has typically started for me... I am trying to work on this!

7:00...BREAKFAST! I am an eggs and salam with toast kind-of-guy, or some days some oatmeal with raspberries. I always think of Dad when I make oatmeal!

8:00... Personal Scripture study. This is my favorite time. I have recently been reading from the Teachings of Joseph Smith and in Alma/ preparing for lessons.

9:00... Plan with Elder Wilstead and talk about our lessons/ what we have been thinking about.

10:00... Get out of the apartment! Start villa knocking, bloc knocking, contacting, ANYTHING to try and find people who might be interested in learning english or maybe even learning about our church. 

12:30... LUNCH Top Ramen maybe, a sandwich, or maybe even get a kabob!

1:30... Get out, meet with a member or two, look for an inactive, and wait for the super inefficient tramvai system for like an average of 15 minutes each time.

5:00... Maybe another member lesson, or more contacting time in the freezing cold.

7:00... DINNER... I made a mean fried rice this week!

8:00... Language study. Elder Wilstead has truly helped me so much already with Romanian. I am so lucky to learn from a master!

9:00... group prayer with the sister missionaries via phone and then play the guitar/chill with Elder Wilstead.

10:30... BEDTIME

REPEAT

Of course this schedule varies sometimes, but my point is that sometimes finding ways to stay busy, warm, or both can be hard. Some days we will go without even talking about the gospel with people! Usually we have 2 lessons with a non member a week. Sometimes this is really hard for me- especially when my purpose is to bring others to Christ through teaching them about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. 

On the tram with Elder Wilstead

Now at first glance this just seems discouraging and almost pointless! BUT. I am beginning to learn that this mission is so much more than just teaching people the restoration. In fact, that isn't what it is about! To really make a difference, you must become their friends. Romanians are very rough on the outside but when you gain their trust, you make a friend for a life time. Once this friendship is established, sharing the gospel is so easy and natural! They then want to listen and will take thought about what you have just shared. This isn't just for Romanians though, this is universal! We all have friends that need our message that God loves us and that he has a plan for us. 

Mid-day snack with the Sister Missionaries

So, right now, we are trying to make friends, and bearing our testimony when appropriate. I am truly grateful that the gospel is about relationships, and that I get to be at the forefront of witnessing God work in other people's lives, as well as mine, as I make friends.

Visiting an inactive member with the Sister missionaries

That being said, sometimes it feels so weird not always being the "classic missionary" and the most difficult thing is not always being able to feel the spirit as often as I would like. I think this is where obedience comes into play. I am learning a lot about obedience too, and let me tell you, we have so much liberty here, and it is hard to always be exactly obedient! 

This is why I love being a missionary, there are challenges and there are opportunities for even more growth. I know regardless, I am on the Lord's errand!

There is also success here! We were villa knocking one morning, and freezing cold. A kind old man let us in to his house, and his wife served us liver wurst and some other meats that I have no clue what they were. The are a strong orthodox family, and we are going to meet with them again, trying to strengthen our relationship with them and share why we are here as missionaries. Hopefully she doesn't serve us that meat again, because it made me sick for the rest of the day!

We also met with a lady who is usually mad at the church, but she let us and the sisters come by, and served us a delicious ciorba, and DISGUSTING potatoes and "cordon bleu." It was so gross that I almost threw up and she saw me shivering in disgust and asked me if I didn't like the food. I just said I was a little cold ☺ I finished it though. That is a must! As we left, she gave Elder Wilstead and I some old winter clothes and dressed us for the cold. I got an old lady scarf and a newsie hat. Score! Romanians are some of the most kind people you will meet. 

So sweet of this sister to share some winter clothes with us -- loving my new Newsie's hat and scarf!

Ready for a funny story? A lady in our branch needed a blessing, and she wanted me to give it... Woah! First chance to give a blessing in Romanian! This was such a need opportunity and a time where I really exercised all the faith I could muster, praying that God would guide my words in Romanian. Now, something I have learned about the Gift of Tongues is that it does not necessarily mean you will speak perfectly, but it does mean you will convey the message that God intends to give to one of his precious children. It was a really incredible experience, as my mind was thinking in Romanian. Towards the end of the blessing, I felt prompted to end it by reminding her that she is a daughter of God. "Esti un.... o... un fiul... lui Dumnezeu." In numele lui Isus Hristos, Amin. And it was over! The spirit was there, and as we continued to talk with the lady, I was reviewing the blessing in my head. It was at that moment that I realized I had said FIUL instead of FICA! I had called her a son of God rather than a Daughter of God! I just started laughing out loud, and then told Elder Wilstead and her why I was laughing. Oh, we had a good laugh. 

I promise that I am getting better at Romanian though! I love learning this language and feel like everyday I am getting a little better.

I love all of you, and pray that God will protect all of you and help you all through your trials!

Live is a journey, not a destination, and its a pretty dang awesome journey!

Love,  Elder Ditto

Elder Wilstead and Elder Ditto

So cold!!

Deris, ya dead man?

Beep! Beep! Beep! 

Deris, ya dead man?

Nah man- we haf ta finish the race!

...And just like that I got out of my warm bed, heading to the side of my bed for my morning prayer. 

This strange dialogue that went through my head that morning is from my all-time favorite movie, the only movie where I could probably quote the whole entire movie: Cool Runnings of course! This particular scene was after the Jamaican bobsledders had just crashed in the medal round of the Olympics, with only 100m to go! Their journey had been difficult to get to this final race and now it looked like they would never finish the race! 

Well, this is kind of how I felt when I woke up that morning, thoughts like, "Dang. It is early and I just want to go to bed" and "Another day... of being cold and getting rejected..." These are just some of the thoughts that can dangerously flow into a missionary's mind. I had one of those weeks where it was hard! It was hard to be all mentally there. Christmas time was full of visits, caroling, and fun and this week was kind of quiet! Everyday I had to fight to "be all there" and to give it my very best. 

Fratele Petrescu

I love the parable of the talents (Matthew 25). 

14 ¶For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In this parable, there were three servants, two that worked hard to increase what they had been given by their master, and one who was "slothful". To the two who increased what they had been given, the Master replies,

" 21 ...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Gosh, this is such a cool reward for the servants who just gave it their best shot in doing what they could with what they had been given! 

I realized that this is a parable that relates to me every single day of my life- of OUR lives. What we do each day, sends a message to our Heavenly Father, our actions show that we love him, that we want to be helped and receive His promised blessings! 

I reflected a lot this week about the message that I was sending Father in Heaven. I am not always 100% obedient, I don't always use my time the most effectively, but that is the beauty of this gospel- it is about making positive changes in out lives through the miracle to Christ's atonement. 

So I tried to make positive changes! I tried to change my attitude when I felt down, to get out and do something when I could have stayed inside, to make the most out of my time to study the scriptures, etc. Although sometimes it is very hard to do this, the satisfaction of "increasing your talents" is remarkable!

I saw the fruits of this by little evidences of God's love for me, like hearing something that I really needed to hear during a lesson with a member, or having a wonderful conversation with someone on the street, or reading a scripture that gave me guidance and an answer to my prayer. 

Old Man Hangman

GOD IS REAL. HE WANTS US TO BE HAPPY. All we need to do is listen to him, and follow His son. That is good news! That is the news of the gospel!

Sunset

To make you chuckle a little... we tracted [means going from door-to-door] a lot this week. Hours and hours! All villas/homes have a gate where you have to ring in from, and most of the time I can see over the fences. I looked over one gate and saw a man... and decided to start asking him if he wanted to hear our message... then I noticed his position... HE WAS PEEING!! I almost choked on my words and just decided to finish my little invitation to him. Needless to say, he was not too happy and told me to get away. HA! That was a good laugh!

Beautiful villa in Arad

So are you guys like dying to know what happened to the Jamaican bobsledders? Well, after Sanka's profound words, they decided to get up, and carry their sled to the finish. They finished the race!!! Now, whenever I get down, I think about Cool Runnings and chuckle a little. I always knew that my parents should have allowed me to watch that movie on Sundays!

Carrying bobsled to the finish line

Last selfie with Elder Giron who is being transferred to a new area this week.

I am starting a new transfer with a new companion who I am meeting tomorrow.  His name is Elder Wilstead and I hear he is pretty good at the language.  I am nervous, excited and determined to work hard.  I love Brother Joseph's Smith's motivational word - I WILL DO IT!

I love you all, and hope that everyone has a fantastic week. Let's all make some resolutions and increase our talents!

All my love, Elder Ditto

Elder Giron

Funny mall picture

Christmas X Romania

Craciun fericit si La multi ani!! 

Elder Ditto and Frozen Willows

I hope that everyone had a magical Christmas and was surrounded by family. My highlight of the week was definitelyyyyyy skyping the fam!!! It was a surreal feeling as I went throughout the day, thinking about how I am actually going to TALK and SEE my family! 

Skyping with family

I tried to fill Christmas day with things that I would have done on Christmas at home that would help me to not miss the great traditions that we have at home. I made banana pancakes for breakfast, played with the children at the Christmas activity after church, ate lots of junk food, and visited members with Romanian carols! Finally the hour came to skype, and was the best hour ever!!! 

Caroling with the Sisters and Sora Mogos

We got a lot of oranges as we caroled!

After church on Christmas Day we had a light lunch and played games with the kids

Little Kevin Dabbing

Elder Giron taking an afternoon Christmas nap

I later thought about how crazy it is that we only get to skype twice a year. To everyone who thinks it is crazy, well in my opinion they are right! But there is a reason. I went to the Doctrine and Covenants and read over some of the blessings that God gave his chosen disciples and missionaries as they were called to go and serve missions in the eastern countries (love that!!). 

Frozen trees in centru

Icy cold tram

In the early days of the church, these men were called to leave everything behind- even their wife and children- to go and proclaim the fullness of the teachings of Jesus Christ to people all over the world. They did not necessarily know how long they would serve for and all they had was their testimonies, the truest Book on earth (the Book of Mormon), and the strength of the Lord. Gosh, wouldn't this be hard??!! I have often thought to myself if I could really do that. To an extent I am, but I don't have a family of my own, I can write home every week and have the support of other missionaries and many resources to help me along the way. 

So, why in the heck would these noble men leave everything behind to share this same message that is still and will be forever shared to God's children around  the world? Well, it is actually kind of simple. It is because they know that God's church has been restored to the earth in these last days and their lives have been forever changed because of the blessings they have received from the knowledge of God's plan for them. That's why they went. 

So back to "why in the heck can we not skype more than twice a year?" Well, to keep it simple, it's because I know that this church is true, just like why those missionaries left their families for years at a time to proclaim the gospel. I guess that is a little extreme, but that is truly the root to this question, and the root of why I am even on a mission!

As a result of having this testimony, and knowing that I can be with my family forever, made this time to skype with them that much more special! The gospel of Jesus Christ truly brings families together- that is the wonderful thing. I saw evidence of that again as I skyped- seeing the support and the gratitude of my service from every single one of my family members. Yes, I miss them, and yes, some days are just dang hard without them, but knowing that they are supporting me and want me to be here makes it all worth it. All because of our faith in Jesus Christ and the desire to have others have the same joy that we have. 

Bros.. check out my guns!! Jk, ROMANIAN SOCCER JERSEY!!!

This week before Christmas was so wonderful. It was spent bringing Christmas cheer to everyone that we came in contact with. We caroled till out mouths fell off and visited many members, eating their thoughtfully prepared food. We were treated like kings, and almost felt guilty as these humble members truly give us their very best. In turn, this gives me the desire to be the very best missionary I can be. 

Sausage, Wild Boar, and Masked Potatoes!!!!

Going along with the food thing, we visited one member in Lipova who had told us we needed to fast before coming to her home. Well, we kind of forgot and had eaten lunch just before. We arrived at her house and she quickly began hauling out the piles of food that she had prepared for us. PILES of mici (some sort of pig sausage), STACKS of meat from a freshly killed wild boar, and GLOBS of mashed potatoes. And she expected Elder Giron, Elder and Sister Days, and I to eat it all. I usually cover for the other missionaries by eating their portions that they don't want (It is disrespectful to not finish all of the food that Romanians prepare for you). The cool part is members really like me because of the fact that I DO eat all of the food and I try to be animated with my "thanks." Anyways, I could not finish this lady's food for us. I tried so hard, but after eating five brownies and then seeing another tray of them being brought out, I knew I met my match! To make it worse, they watch you eat and won't take a bite. We rolled our way back into the car after that hefty meal and were a little shaken up for the rest of the night!

Ping pong

Pingpong District plus Ioana

We also went to Cluj-Napoca for Zone Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lots of traveling, but such a wonderful experience as we got to hear form President and Sister Ivory. I had my first interview with President Ivory and expressed my desire to really become a better missionary teaching and language-wise. He told me that if I did three specific things my language would "explode" in three weeks. This really impacted me and could feel that this was a promise inspired from heaven. I have been working really hard on doing these three things, all of which are helping me improve my language and teaching abilities. I have faith that this promise will come to pass! I am truly thankful for the care the God has for each one of his children, and know that he wants us to be happy and to progress. Through him, we can do this!

We almost missed our train coming back from Cluj, but thankfully we found found a taxi as we sprinted throughout the city trying to locate one! This is just one big adventure and I love it!

Alex Aionanei

Alex and I

Elder Giron and I on Christmas morning

Arad Branch

I have loved every moment of this Christmas season, and have truly felt the love and reality of the Savior as I have tried to focus my thoughts and efforts on serving others and doing what Christ would do. Thank you all again for you thoughts, prayers, and letters. All of these have given me great strength!

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!

Love,  Alex

Sora Idiart

Sora Purstchert

Arad Branch on Christmas Day

The Spirit of Christmas Comes to Life

Craciun fericit si la multi ani!!!

Currently typing my email with a haze of vaping smoke (I think blueberry flavor) over me as the smecer [guy] to the right of me is getting his hourly dose of whatever kind of addicting drug vaping contains... ahhh the life of typing emails in an internet cafe!

Ahh...snowing

Arad in the snow

It has been fa-reezing in Arad! Just like Yakima apparently! It snowed one day and now there is alot of ice and snow! Yesterday we were doing some villa knocking during the evening time and by the end of the time, I couldn't actually walk right because my toes were so frozen! This was actually kind of a cool feeling because that evening was like the classic example of what I have always imagined missionary service to be like in Europe. I also thought about our ancestors who crossed the frozen plains of America. Because of their sacrifice, I am in Romania, preaching the gospel and bringing others to the knowledge of Heavenly Father's wonderful plan for us. Truly, we are all apart of Daniel of Olds' prophecy that the Lord's Kingdom will fill the whole earth, as a stone cut out of the mountain without hands...US!

Selfie with the Dacia... the most common car in Romania!

Elder Ditto in a very European-esque field

Old man thinks he can keep up with young drivers.

A couple funny moments... We were bloc knocking one day and a man came to the door... with no pants on! I threw-up in my mouth a little. I also "puped" three times in two minutes... No not that kind of pooped! A common greeting between the older generation of Romanians is to "Pup" one another... just kisses on the cheeks... one on each side of course! Well, during the Christmas activity, the ladies of the branch expected me and Elder Giron to pup them! I am basically an expert puper now, I can even do the fake lip smack! Hahaha ohhhh I love Romanian culture!

Beginning English class I help teach each week as part of our weekly community service we provide.

Ever since I came into this world I have loved Christmas. I just love the feeling of Christmas, the smell of Christmas, the sights of Christmas, etc. Arad has all of those, especially in the center of town. A ginormous Christmas tree, the smell of cinnamon cortos kalacs filling the air, Romanian families taking selfies and us missionaries sharing the Light the World video. On top of all of these wonderful things, the real reason why I love Christmas is because of the time that we have to really focus on Christ. Yes, I have always strived to focus Christmas on the Savior by serving others, reading Luke 2, etc... but this year as a missionary was a little different.

The thing I love about being a missionary is that I basically don't have any worries except for finding people to teach the message of the gospel. This lack of "extra worries" allows me to try and focus all my thoughts on the Savior and how I can follow His example. I have really tried to do this a little extra during this Christmas time. I have nothing but time to serve right now! This is truly a great blessing as I get to strive to do my best and walk in His footsteps. Walking in His footsteps can mean many things, but I have tried to focus on not being judgmental towards others and "departing of my substances" and giving to others. 

Banana Bread for everyone!

Cartea de vizita

Elder Giron and I had many wonderful "light the world" experiences as Christ did. Some noteworthy things to mention include baking banana bread and attaching a "Light the World" pass along card to the baggy. We gave the bread to people who we have had good conversations with and to people who looked hungry.

Arad Branch Christmas Activity- Sarmale!

We also helped plan and prepare for our branch Christmas activity. We made 300 sarmale's!!! Crazy. Sarmale is sooo good and the Christmas staple food here. It is fun to make, as you put the meat and rice mixture into a pickled cabbage leaf, wrap it up, and cook it in water for a while! I will make it for you guys when I get back :) We had such a fun time with the members- all are so wonderful. I really enjoyed this time as it felt like I was back in Summitview Ward prepping for our party! The missionaries and Sora Mogos sang a bunch of carols during the party- even one in Hungarian!

We also visited a sweet little old man that I found out didn't have a working heating system in his little home. I remembered that we had an extra little space heater that we have never used. The next day, we delivered it to him and visited with Him for a little. He was so thankful, and we were so humbled. 

Christmas Tree at Primaria

Elder Giron and I also prepared some bags that had clothes that we found in our apartment that weren't being used. We spent one evening walking around centru in search of homeless people and beggars to give these bags to. Normally, we avoid beggars, but today was the opposite. There was one that we have seen before and doesn't have shoes on. We gave him a pair of dress shoes that fit him perfectly and also the bag with clothes. It felt so good to help somebody that has so little, and to not judge them by their looks or their actions. 

Free tea at our favorite bookstore... tea is very common here. Don't worry- it is just fruit infused!

These experiences of service is what has brought me a feeling of lasting joy that I have never quite felt, in a time where I was sure I would be homesick. Why does serving others make you feel so good? Well, the answer is in Mosiah 2:17

 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

Yup- when we serve others we feel the confirming love and approval of the One who never forgot the poor, the needy, the sick. We feel the love of God!!! This scripture has truly come to life this past week. I know that when we choose to shine our light with those around us, we won't only bless the lives of others, but our lives will be blessed in return! 

I love the Savior and am so thankful for His perfect example.

Let's all go out and find ways to Light the World this week! I cannot wait to facetime you guys in 6 days!!! 

Surprise lunch with Sora Mogos and the Sisters

Ciorba de perisoara... YUMMM

All my love,
Alex

Snow on Arad buildings

Beautiful primaria during Christmas time