Yes. Halloween is coming to Italy. Its only a matter of time. There were many windows decked out with pumpkins and halloween greatness, it always made Sorella Bair and me so happy. I dont think I have ever been as excited for a holiday.... especially when the Sigonella base (americans) gave us AMERICAN CANDY, too much in fact.
Halloween was so memorable. We met Mr Roman (the bangladash man) and taught him...after he sang to us in bangladeshian. When I told him Happy Halloween and explained that it was an American holiday, his response was priceless *Oh my goodness!!! Congratulations!* as I shooked both of our hands. Never, had that kind of response before. (Maybe for Independence day, but I guess Ill take it for this holiday too haha)
Mr Roman is the most interesting man. He just loves life as he sells his hand made bracelets on the streets while wearing the same shirt with a Mary Poppins outline on the front. He wants to meet with us every week.. we have suspicion that it is only for friendship, so we will see.
We taught Rosario and Valeria again this week! They are so golden but they are not ready to commit to baptism yet. We wnated to have a powerful lesson where we could somehow bring up baptism but also where we could establish a good relationship with them. I prayed so hard that I would be able to understand and communicate with them. 10 minutes before the lesson I had the idea to not even mention baptism until our next visit (so as to not scare them off), but to leave them an impegno (commitment) to read 2 Nephi 31. It sounded perfect.
Everything went so well!! They were really receptive to the lesson and I could understand them for the most part, and then I gave them the chapter to read. (totally not expecting them to flip to the chapter) Well they did. And the first line of the intro was *Gesu fu battezzato*. It was so obvious! Hahah my reasoning behind it was that this chapter would help us build our faith like the Brother of Jared (who we were just teaching about). All is well though!
Ingrid Alvez, a less active woman took us to see castles and volcanic rock on Halloween! It was so beautiful!! Oh and apparently it was the spot where the story of Cyclops originated. Best halloween adventure ever. YES. There are volcanoes in italy. The closest is Mt Etna. I definitely plan to make my way there eventually! Sister alvez loved soakig in the peace of nature. She loves just pondering in nature! It was so inspiring. Gods creations are so pleasant and peaceful.
There was a halloween festa for the ward! I made orange rice krispie treats topped with orange and brown m&ms...fancy I know. Haha. No but seriously. They were the hit of the night. I had so many italians coming up to me, asking for the recipe. Haha who woulda thought the easiest dessert in the world would have been the first treat gone at an italian party?? Thanks mom.
Saturday night we had an interesting appointment planned. Sister Francom described this womans house as the most atrocious thing she ever laid eyes on. She warned us about the horrible things and food that we might be served. I kind of dreaded it all day long. We giggled on the way over about how we would deal with it. I prayed to have a love for this woman, Sister Maiori, even though her home was so nasty.
Yes, the entrance way was the scariest thing I have experienced in a while and her home was very dirty, but this woman was so kind. It was a very humbling experience as she asked us to sing hymns with her. The first hymn she suggested was Because I Have Been Given Much. I was overcome with emotion. This woman who has next to nothing and a bedridden husband, has asked us to sing this song. This woman opened my eyes to God and how grateful I am for life and for the gospel. Although this womans home was very dirty and poor, I felt such a special Spirit as this woman shared her testimony and the miracles she has been blessed with. It was so touching. God is so wonderful! and the Saints are so strong here!
Okay. There are four things I have learned as a missionary.
1. so much running required!
2. days ARE SO COLORFUL AND NEW
3. times flies faster every week
4. Miracles are everywhere.
I am so grateful to be here. I love the work! I love the Lord. I know that Christ lives.
Love you all!
Sorella Clyde
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