Italians are such warm wonderful trusting people! I told Sorella Bair that I want to make a book of all the out of the norm things that Italians do compared to Americans. For example, when you buy something at the store and the cashier doesnt have enough change, he will confidentally ask another customer in line for change and they immediately search through their wallets. Another one was when I bought my bandage at the pharmacy and they didnt understand what I was trying to explain, so I suggested that they search for it on the computer. Without question, they made Sorella Bair and me come BEHIND the counter to use their computer. (A PHARMACY COUNTER). Haha I feel like you would get shot or something if that happened in the states.
So many funny things this last week. One story that stands out was on Saturday morning. I did an exchange with a sister living in Siracusa (a beautiful quaint little town about an hour south of Catania). One of our appointments was with a lonely woman ward member. Sorella Baker gave me a debriefing before we went into the house of what might happen. Well it all happened, alright. When she realized that I was a new sorella, she asked for my name. "Sorella Clyde" was my response. She responded however with: "Whats your first name?" "Samantha but I go by Sorella Clyde" And then the woman: "Sorella Samantha. that is much easier to say." Then she proceeded to pray for me as Sorella Samantha in her prayer. Interesting. Sometimes we like to sing hymns during our visits, so when Sorella Baker offered the sing, the woman insisted on singing a solo. The First Noel. I have to say, I have heard anyone put so much passion into The First Noel (Natal Natal) as much as this woman did that morning. In fact, she kept messing up on the melody so she would start from the top. First verse: heard three times. Aw yeah. Also, during her prayer she dedicated the hymn to me "Sorella Samantha". It was an interesting visit. What a kind woman.
We went caroling to a Casa di Cura (nursing home) last week as a district. It was so happy! Oh my goodness, we all felt on top of the world after that visit. The old women were so shocked and touched that a group of us would come sing to them. I dont think caroling is a common occurence outside the states. It was the most touching moment to see these old, lonely women singing along, giving us a standing ovation at the end of each song, and there was even a sweet woman in the back in her bed- singing EVERY word while wiping the tears from her eyes. We gave out pass a long cards with a picture of Jesus on them. One of the women kissed the picture when I gave it to her. The casa di cura worker wants us to come back to read the book of mormon with her. WOW.
We had another golden lesson with Enzo, the bus driver. Wow. He is so great and ready to go. I really felt the Spirit guiding us throughout the lesson and he ending with a golden prayer. Luigi Sinatra is another favorite (and its not just the fact that he is probably a relative of Frank Sinatra). He is really excited to keep learning and when he gave the closing prayer he thanked Heavenly Father that he met us at a bus stop one day. HOW SWEET. Sorella Amato is our member friend connection with him. MEMBER FRIENDS are so key. In fact, our bishop actually told us to stop doing finding and instead to go to member houses to get referrals. (pretty sure the prophets counsel to find is above bishops, but he has made such a great point!) Members are the key to missionary work!
Luigi Sinatra looked at my nametag at one point and said, "Sorella Clyde. Dove Bonnie?" (Wheres Bonnie). My response: "No so ancora" (I dont know yet). Ohhh italians.
We also had a lesson with Agata. She is definitely an interestingly happy woman. At one point Sorella Bair told her that God thinks of her as a principessa (princess) and she was very excited by this: "OH wow! Thats so funny. My father used to call me a princess when I was little!" Haha. Pretty sure if we keep calling her a princess she will get baptized.
Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth goodwill to men. This is such a beautiful time of the year to give the gift of the gospel. It is the greatest gift that we can give. I know that Jesus Christ lives. He loves us so much that He suffered and died for us. Let us strive to be like our Savior especially during this Christmas season and touch someones life with the gospel, with our love.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Clyde
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