Yep, thats right. I sang with the american primary kids in sacrament meeting like a big 22 yr old fool. Hahaha just kidding!!! Well I felt a little foolish at the beginning but all balanced out when I realized how proud I was to sing for my dad! Dad Happy Fathers day! Apparently I did have some trouble with the words and blurted out "climb upon a tree" (instead of, climb upon his knee) sorry dad. Good thing two thirds of the congregation didnt even understand my english:)
We called Shirley to follow up with her about her reading and confirm our appointment with her. Her words: "IT IS FOR ME" HAhaha she loved the chapter that we left her. When we saw her last week we asked her what she liked about it and she opened up to Alma31:30 (we were a bit confused because we left her with alma 32 actually) HAhaha I guess she misunderstood. Well whatever works! She really liked this verse. Hahah she is so faithful and her daughter Melody sat in on the discussion!!! They are so so prepared!!
Conversion stories. Filming conversion stories. Totally started doing that and it is the coolest thing. There are so little members here in Italy, so it is the coolest thing to here a conversion story from an italian. THERE ARE ALWAYS DREAMS INVOLVED IN THEIR STORIES!
We passed our african friend on the street the other day and he said, "Are you ready for tuesday??"
Whats tuesday??
"Ghana versus America!"
Without even thinking I shouted out "FORZA AMERICA!!!!""
(soccer is HUGE here in Napoli and the italians always say "FORZA NAPOLI")
HAhah it was great!!
LOVE YOU ALLL: REAlly gootatta goo§!! THE GOSPEL IS TRUE!! SO RRRY FOR THE LAME SHORT LETTER! WE ARE LATE!!!
sorella clyde
Monday, June 16, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
è stato reale
So sorella Baker and I gave each other goals for the week. Her goal was to talk to everyone that sat next to turn on the train. My goal was to only talk to the elders in italian. The longer I have been on the mission, the more I have tried to not let italian hold me back in showing my personality. As I said farewell to the anziani the other day I shouted out "è stato reale!" Or (its been real!) I dont think it really translates but the american elders got it.
We saw the Garofalos this last week. They are one of my favorite families. Just before we went over their house for dinner, we did some knocking doors in an apartment building. This one man showed us his badge and said that it was illegal that we were in there, then kicked us out. We told the Garofalos about it and Sorella Garofalo said, "Hes probably atheist!" HAHA anyway, the garofalos are just this crazy, fUN, loud italian family. The parents shared stories the whole time, inserting their english words every so often:). Fratello Garofalo is so hilarious as he acted out his stories, making fun of his wife. HAHA
So many miracles this week! First of all, Sorella Baker and I did a companionship fast this last fast sunday to get more investigators- as we were in great need. We decided to recontact some contacts that Sorella Viazzo and I met and call all the potentials on our potential sheet. It was so productive! We got 5 new investigators this week!!We are so thrilled and we feel like God has blessed us so much! We have felt SO GRATEFUL to the Lord this whole week! One night while we were lying in bed, we just expressed our GREAT joy for the mission. "It just gets better and better!"
We saw Sandra again this week. She is golden. She had not read the previous week because she had been dealing with some struggles in her life, but is planning to read and even ended the lesson with a prayer asking HEavenly Father if the things we teach are true. We will meet with her tomorrow! Apparently she is leaving to Spain for the summer and wants to have the 5 lessons before she leaves. She even wants to study with the missionaries in Spain while she is there. I secretly home she can go find Emily there:) She is so cute though, she cries so easily and she always always prays for us by name.
We saw Peppe, new member Peppe! He is doing great. He had some questions about tithing and if the church would ever ask him to pay more than 10 percent. Once we got that straightened up, he made a comment about the blessings he has seen from the commandments. He has to pay 50euro in tithing every month (10%) but used to pay 90euro a month for his coffee. So in reality, the Lord is blessing him with 40euro. (90-50) He is doing really well! During the lesson peppe said something like "So in our church....I can say OUR church, because now Im a member... can we do this?? It was said so nonchalantly but pretty sure he had been planning the little input his whole life. HAHA
We contacted Yuri, a guy that Sorella Viazzo and I met one time. He was very open and sincere with us. He agreed to read and take the lessons!
We finally met with Shirley, the filipina we met on the bus. She is so wonderful and faithful and loves to gigle. She deals with a lot of struggles like separation from her husband and cancer, but she is still so faithful. She even has read a little bit in her Tagolog book of mormon since then. She also has two daughters that we hope to teach next time! It was THE COOLEST THING to hear her read the introduction in Tagolog as we read along in italian. She was so happy to see the book in her native language. WE HAVE A FILIPINA investigator- that is like my dream come true. So many italian missionaries have raved about the filipinos here in italy!
2 Nephi 2:25 We are here to have JOY! So have it. What a beautiful scripture. Like most missionaries, we dont get to teach the Plan of Salvation as much as we would like, but when we do it is my favorite! Wow is so beautiful and perfect. God really is our loving Heavenly FAther and has created a plan of JOY for us. I am so so grateful that I know who I am and why I am here. We taught this lesson to the cutest couple investigators last night. It was a powerful lesson. I know it is true.
Have a wonderful week! keep spreading the word of God! Vi voglio bene!!
Sorella Clyde
We saw the Garofalos this last week. They are one of my favorite families. Just before we went over their house for dinner, we did some knocking doors in an apartment building. This one man showed us his badge and said that it was illegal that we were in there, then kicked us out. We told the Garofalos about it and Sorella Garofalo said, "Hes probably atheist!" HAHA anyway, the garofalos are just this crazy, fUN, loud italian family. The parents shared stories the whole time, inserting their english words every so often:). Fratello Garofalo is so hilarious as he acted out his stories, making fun of his wife. HAHA
So many miracles this week! First of all, Sorella Baker and I did a companionship fast this last fast sunday to get more investigators- as we were in great need. We decided to recontact some contacts that Sorella Viazzo and I met and call all the potentials on our potential sheet. It was so productive! We got 5 new investigators this week!!We are so thrilled and we feel like God has blessed us so much! We have felt SO GRATEFUL to the Lord this whole week! One night while we were lying in bed, we just expressed our GREAT joy for the mission. "It just gets better and better!"
We saw Sandra again this week. She is golden. She had not read the previous week because she had been dealing with some struggles in her life, but is planning to read and even ended the lesson with a prayer asking HEavenly Father if the things we teach are true. We will meet with her tomorrow! Apparently she is leaving to Spain for the summer and wants to have the 5 lessons before she leaves. She even wants to study with the missionaries in Spain while she is there. I secretly home she can go find Emily there:) She is so cute though, she cries so easily and she always always prays for us by name.
We saw Peppe, new member Peppe! He is doing great. He had some questions about tithing and if the church would ever ask him to pay more than 10 percent. Once we got that straightened up, he made a comment about the blessings he has seen from the commandments. He has to pay 50euro in tithing every month (10%) but used to pay 90euro a month for his coffee. So in reality, the Lord is blessing him with 40euro. (90-50) He is doing really well! During the lesson peppe said something like "So in our church....I can say OUR church, because now Im a member... can we do this?? It was said so nonchalantly but pretty sure he had been planning the little input his whole life. HAHA
We contacted Yuri, a guy that Sorella Viazzo and I met one time. He was very open and sincere with us. He agreed to read and take the lessons!
We finally met with Shirley, the filipina we met on the bus. She is so wonderful and faithful and loves to gigle. She deals with a lot of struggles like separation from her husband and cancer, but she is still so faithful. She even has read a little bit in her Tagolog book of mormon since then. She also has two daughters that we hope to teach next time! It was THE COOLEST THING to hear her read the introduction in Tagolog as we read along in italian. She was so happy to see the book in her native language. WE HAVE A FILIPINA investigator- that is like my dream come true. So many italian missionaries have raved about the filipinos here in italy!
2 Nephi 2:25 We are here to have JOY! So have it. What a beautiful scripture. Like most missionaries, we dont get to teach the Plan of Salvation as much as we would like, but when we do it is my favorite! Wow is so beautiful and perfect. God really is our loving Heavenly FAther and has created a plan of JOY for us. I am so so grateful that I know who I am and why I am here. We taught this lesson to the cutest couple investigators last night. It was a powerful lesson. I know it is true.
Have a wonderful week! keep spreading the word of God! Vi voglio bene!!
Sorella Clyde
 |
| Our 74 yr old investigator was finally baptized this last week!!! LOOK AT THE PURE JOY IN HIS FACE!!!! We were so worried about him but our prayers were answered and his was down in ONLY ONE TRY!!!! WE LOVE OUR PEPP! |
Monday, June 2, 2014
Peppe is a Mormon!
A 74 yr old, practicing catholic man who drank, smoke, and drank coffee GOT BAPTIZED into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last saturday. IT IS REAL. Dreams do come true!!! Seriously though. It is possible... that a devout elderly italian catholic can CHANGE. WOW SO SO HAPPY!!
First of all. We prepared this last week getting peppe ready for the big day. We actually met in the church the day before to practice with the elders. He was having some trouble bending his knees but it all worked out. HAHAH sorella baker filmed it, it was great:)
So anziano driggs had to do his baptismal interview the week before and he was telling us how he wants to take us all out for pizza.
He said pointing to each of us:
"Alright. the baptist. the interagator, and the sister missionaries. We are all getting pizza this week" AHHAHA (he calls elder driggs, the interagator) HAHA
HE also had to try on his clothes. Sister BAnchini had to make elastic pants for him. THEY JUST BARELY FIT. Also the shirt. Miracle.
He also called us a couple days before to read us his prepared testmony. He began with "Caro padre celeste" (dear heavenly father)... as if it was a prayer. It was SO CUTE. He said Vi voglio bene (I love you guys) and sorella baker said "Ti vogliamo bene anche" (we love you too) and He just responded in his peppe gruffled voice: "Lo so." HAhA so typical peppster
The day of the baptism he called us in a panic, "No ce la faccio!" (I cant do it!) HAHA WHAT. I figured it was peppe being his dramatic self. He just told us how he feels really anxious so he asked for a word of comfort. "Do you want me to read a scripture?" No. So I just said anything I could. "we love you. we know that you can do this. the elders know exactly what they are doing.""
How do you feel now?
Un po meglio (a little better)
hahaha poor pepp.
The baptism WENT SO WELL. HE went down in the water IN ONE TRY! ALL OUR PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED. Prayer is so great. Sister BAker and I studied prayer a little bit today during comp study. It is the greatest thing we have. And it is the sweetest thing to hear a new investigator pray for the first time (in english with her italian accent), asking to know the truth for herself. YEs, Sandra. She is golden!!
Not a lot of time!!!but Love this work so much! This is the greatest knowledge we have, so share it! SUCH eXCITING NEWS ABOUT GEORGE!!
love you all!!
Sister Clyde
By the way. It is my halfway point this week! TIME FLIES!!!!!
First of all. We prepared this last week getting peppe ready for the big day. We actually met in the church the day before to practice with the elders. He was having some trouble bending his knees but it all worked out. HAHAH sorella baker filmed it, it was great:)
So anziano driggs had to do his baptismal interview the week before and he was telling us how he wants to take us all out for pizza.
He said pointing to each of us:
"Alright. the baptist. the interagator, and the sister missionaries. We are all getting pizza this week" AHHAHA (he calls elder driggs, the interagator) HAHA
HE also had to try on his clothes. Sister BAnchini had to make elastic pants for him. THEY JUST BARELY FIT. Also the shirt. Miracle.
He also called us a couple days before to read us his prepared testmony. He began with "Caro padre celeste" (dear heavenly father)... as if it was a prayer. It was SO CUTE. He said Vi voglio bene (I love you guys) and sorella baker said "Ti vogliamo bene anche" (we love you too) and He just responded in his peppe gruffled voice: "Lo so." HAhA so typical peppster
The day of the baptism he called us in a panic, "No ce la faccio!" (I cant do it!) HAHA WHAT. I figured it was peppe being his dramatic self. He just told us how he feels really anxious so he asked for a word of comfort. "Do you want me to read a scripture?" No. So I just said anything I could. "we love you. we know that you can do this. the elders know exactly what they are doing.""
How do you feel now?
Un po meglio (a little better)
hahaha poor pepp.
The baptism WENT SO WELL. HE went down in the water IN ONE TRY! ALL OUR PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED. Prayer is so great. Sister BAker and I studied prayer a little bit today during comp study. It is the greatest thing we have. And it is the sweetest thing to hear a new investigator pray for the first time (in english with her italian accent), asking to know the truth for herself. YEs, Sandra. She is golden!!
Not a lot of time!!!but Love this work so much! This is the greatest knowledge we have, so share it! SUCH eXCITING NEWS ABOUT GEORGE!!
love you all!!
Sister Clyde
By the way. It is my halfway point this week! TIME FLIES!!!!!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Mamma Mia Missions
Missionary work is truly the happiest thing on the planet. We have had some great success finding this week! First of all. Last monday we went finding. We planned to go to Bacoli so we had to take the sketchy cumana. While waiting, we talked to some people. I talked to a mom and her cute daughter a little about the REstoration and Sorella Baker talked to this other awesome girl, Sandra. It was really great! We felt like God had led us to them. Sandra came to english course and noticed that the institute class was going on, so she asked about it. She loved the fact that it was a scripture study class. Since she is not able to make it to institute, we instead scheduled "our own private" scripture study class with her for tomorrow. We are really excited about it! She seems golden! I dont know if you realize, but the MAJORITY of italians tell us they are catholic "non practicante" (but not practicing). Which means they arent super religious in the first place. She is religious! She studies the bible and already goes to a bible study class! We are meeting with her this week!
While on the bus home one day, we sat near the sweetest filopina woman. I have heard so many wonderful things about the filopinos here. She told us that she has seen missionaries before and some elders actually stayed with her dad back home in MAnila. WHOA. We asked her if she has ever learned about our church and therefore invited ourselves over to teach her and her family more! WOOHOO!
We found Giovanni the other week, taught him a little on the street and prayed with him. We had a lesson with him last week and he came to church!! THEY NEVER COME TO CHURCH! HAHA and he plans to come to Peppes baptism this week! During the sacrament, he sat next to Sister Baker and asked if he should partake. After she explained what it is, he decided not to take it. But when the water came around, he said "I could use a little bit of water. Is that okay?" And of course, she said that it doesnt matter and that he can choose. He then said, "£actually no. I shouldnt because I didnt take the bread." HAHA he is this sweet italian guy and he is YOUNGISH. like 30s.
SPeaking of which. PEPPE IS GeTTING BAPTIZED! Oh my goodness! And his wife might come...which is a miracle! For church there was branch meeting run by the stake, so the stake president spoke. Right after the meeting was over, peppe rushed up to him President and said, "Im 74 and getting baptized this week!" He then shouted "AUGURI" (CONGRATULATIONS!) and gave him a big hug. It was the sweetest thing ever!
Then his baptismal interview was right after church. HAHAHA he had his interview and apparently he just started listing off all these facts about jospeh smith and the church "he was born in 1805!" and then he said "Come on ask me anything! I know it."
HAHAHA OH PEPPE. ITs not a quiz!!! HE IS SO READY.
I have been touched by the love that God shows through small children. I translate for the primary every week (2-4 italian kids). One of them is Antonio. HE is this good looking 10 yr old kid. HE is the sweetest thing and it touches my little heart when he has me translate exactly what was said, so that he can answer the questions. In fact, yesterday the kids were given italian chocolates, and he OFFERED ME ONE. It made my day.
One of the bonners boys, JAmes made me a little leggo present. God is so good and he works through others to show His love.
There is a fantastic scripture in Alma 29:9. We are here to bring people to repentance.. or to touch their hearts. So great! The work is so so good.
Love you all!
Sorella Clyde
While on the bus home one day, we sat near the sweetest filopina woman. I have heard so many wonderful things about the filopinos here. She told us that she has seen missionaries before and some elders actually stayed with her dad back home in MAnila. WHOA. We asked her if she has ever learned about our church and therefore invited ourselves over to teach her and her family more! WOOHOO!
We found Giovanni the other week, taught him a little on the street and prayed with him. We had a lesson with him last week and he came to church!! THEY NEVER COME TO CHURCH! HAHA and he plans to come to Peppes baptism this week! During the sacrament, he sat next to Sister Baker and asked if he should partake. After she explained what it is, he decided not to take it. But when the water came around, he said "I could use a little bit of water. Is that okay?" And of course, she said that it doesnt matter and that he can choose. He then said, "£actually no. I shouldnt because I didnt take the bread." HAHA he is this sweet italian guy and he is YOUNGISH. like 30s.
SPeaking of which. PEPPE IS GeTTING BAPTIZED! Oh my goodness! And his wife might come...which is a miracle! For church there was branch meeting run by the stake, so the stake president spoke. Right after the meeting was over, peppe rushed up to him President and said, "Im 74 and getting baptized this week!" He then shouted "AUGURI" (CONGRATULATIONS!) and gave him a big hug. It was the sweetest thing ever!
Then his baptismal interview was right after church. HAHAHA he had his interview and apparently he just started listing off all these facts about jospeh smith and the church "he was born in 1805!" and then he said "Come on ask me anything! I know it."
HAHAHA OH PEPPE. ITs not a quiz!!! HE IS SO READY.
I have been touched by the love that God shows through small children. I translate for the primary every week (2-4 italian kids). One of them is Antonio. HE is this good looking 10 yr old kid. HE is the sweetest thing and it touches my little heart when he has me translate exactly what was said, so that he can answer the questions. In fact, yesterday the kids were given italian chocolates, and he OFFERED ME ONE. It made my day.
One of the bonners boys, JAmes made me a little leggo present. God is so good and he works through others to show His love.
There is a fantastic scripture in Alma 29:9. We are here to bring people to repentance.. or to touch their hearts. So great! The work is so so good.
Love you all!
Sorella Clyde
 |
| Pompei is the city remains from when Mt Vesuvious erupted and destroyed almost everything. Notice the body pic. There are body remains. This is the position he was in when he was hit by lava!!! CRAZY COOL SAD |
Monday, May 19, 2014
New Joysey
ITALIANS really do pronounce New Jersey, like New Joysey! THATS WHERE THAT COMES FROM. ITs the italian accent. So I have decided that whenever someone asks me where I am from I will ALWAYS ALWAYS respond in the jersey accent way.
What a wild and crazy week! It is round 3 in Pozzuoli and I am with Sister Baker! She is pretty cool, from Idaho and goes home in 3. I AM SO JEALOUS that she will die in this city. She slash we are serving in the best city. I LOVE THIS AREA.
Sorella Viazzo and I parted last week! We saw Janet and Benjamin one more time. THEY ARE HAPPIER THAN EVER. They are the cutest, most shy couple. It is so sweet. We saw Peppe and talked about what a testimony is. He was so concerned that we still hadnt written his testimony for him. After we explained what it was, he bore a simple but powerful testimony of what he believes to be true. That is the way it should be done. These italians here do NOT know how to bear a testimony. It was really really cool to hear him though. He is still on for May 31. We are so excited!
Sorella Viazzo and I packed and ran like crazy to the train station to get the train to NApoli Centrale. We met up with the other Anziani where she hopped on her train. Just before the dooors closed she called out "ITS TRADITION" and we both waved (ever after quote) HAHAH Then the doors closed and we both put our hands up to the window, planet of the apes style, as the train began to slowly move away. HAhah it was so sad, but so funny!
Then I was stuck with elders for like 3 hours, yay. I actually went finding with the zone leaders for a couple hours on the streeets of downtown Napoli. IT was pretty uncomfortable, but cool. Hahah.
Sorella Baker and I were invited for dinner at a corso students house, Michele and Patrizia. Michele showed us the facebook group that he created called "Friends of Mormon" (not even plural) hahaha I died. Isnt that great!!?? All our corso students are a part of it. We had a great discussion with them and they want to have a movie night with us to watch the Restoration. HAhah They were really cute.
Sorella Baker is really great! We are both pretty different but she is definitely a go getter missionary. ITs really cool. I have been studying more about creating a vision (as preach my gospel says we should do). Without goals or plans, then we have NO vision. Our vision should be eternal life and we are taking steps to get there! We need to make visions for what kind of person we want to be next week. "Maintain a vision" that you will become more charitable, a greater sister missionary. This life is the time to prepare to meet God. What are you doing about it?
The gospel is so so so so good. Love it and study it every day!
Love you all so much!
Sorella Clyde
What a wild and crazy week! It is round 3 in Pozzuoli and I am with Sister Baker! She is pretty cool, from Idaho and goes home in 3. I AM SO JEALOUS that she will die in this city. She slash we are serving in the best city. I LOVE THIS AREA.
Sorella Viazzo and I parted last week! We saw Janet and Benjamin one more time. THEY ARE HAPPIER THAN EVER. They are the cutest, most shy couple. It is so sweet. We saw Peppe and talked about what a testimony is. He was so concerned that we still hadnt written his testimony for him. After we explained what it was, he bore a simple but powerful testimony of what he believes to be true. That is the way it should be done. These italians here do NOT know how to bear a testimony. It was really really cool to hear him though. He is still on for May 31. We are so excited!
Sorella Viazzo and I packed and ran like crazy to the train station to get the train to NApoli Centrale. We met up with the other Anziani where she hopped on her train. Just before the dooors closed she called out "ITS TRADITION" and we both waved (ever after quote) HAHAH Then the doors closed and we both put our hands up to the window, planet of the apes style, as the train began to slowly move away. HAhah it was so sad, but so funny!
Then I was stuck with elders for like 3 hours, yay. I actually went finding with the zone leaders for a couple hours on the streeets of downtown Napoli. IT was pretty uncomfortable, but cool. Hahah.
Sorella Baker and I were invited for dinner at a corso students house, Michele and Patrizia. Michele showed us the facebook group that he created called "Friends of Mormon" (not even plural) hahaha I died. Isnt that great!!?? All our corso students are a part of it. We had a great discussion with them and they want to have a movie night with us to watch the Restoration. HAhah They were really cute.
Sorella Baker is really great! We are both pretty different but she is definitely a go getter missionary. ITs really cool. I have been studying more about creating a vision (as preach my gospel says we should do). Without goals or plans, then we have NO vision. Our vision should be eternal life and we are taking steps to get there! We need to make visions for what kind of person we want to be next week. "Maintain a vision" that you will become more charitable, a greater sister missionary. This life is the time to prepare to meet God. What are you doing about it?
The gospel is so so so so good. Love it and study it every day!
Love you all so much!
Sorella Clyde
Monday, May 12, 2014
Strange things are happenin to me...
Steve, Lynz, Ken, Liv you better get that email subject line.
WHAT A CRAZY COUPLE OF DAYS! FAMILY! It was the most wonderful day ever to see everyone yesterday! Man, why cant you all be here with me!!?? So fun to hear and see and experience everything about kenna and spences baby birth. HAHA talk about weird timing! ITS A BABY GIRL! I TOTALLY CALLED IT. It was my missionary revelation, thats all:) SOMEONE TELL KENNA BENNA to write me asap. PICS? NAME? VIDEO?
Peppe is still on his way to baptism, BUT indeed I was right. He wants and expects us to WRITE his testimony for him so that he can read it from the stand during the cerimony hahah. HE is not even real. He claims that he is not talented like most people when it comes to speaking in front of crowds. We tried to explain that a testimony comes from the heart and what you know to be true. He wouldnt allow it. Ohhhh peppe. I realized with Sorella Viazzo that his love language is PRAISE. Sor Viazzo claims that you just have to tell Peppe that he is bravo and then everything is dandy. Even during a tense moment in the lesson (and there are lots of those because he is old and cranky) HAHAH We love our peppster.
Janets baptism was a dream come true! EVERYthing went wrong, but everything was so right. She was dunked 4 times because her husband struggled having just gotten the priesthood a week ago. HAHAH poor things. She got her confirmation yesterday and it was so beautiful. She sat back down next to Benjamin, her husband with the biggest smile. Mosiah 4:11-12 Beautiful scripture on baptism.
Everything goes really well here in Pozzuoli. I stickin around for my 3rd. Love you all! And so good to hear from you! THank you so much for writing! Sorry for the short letter, but I have to go!
Love,
Sister Clyde
.JPG)
WHAT A CRAZY COUPLE OF DAYS! FAMILY! It was the most wonderful day ever to see everyone yesterday! Man, why cant you all be here with me!!?? So fun to hear and see and experience everything about kenna and spences baby birth. HAHA talk about weird timing! ITS A BABY GIRL! I TOTALLY CALLED IT. It was my missionary revelation, thats all:) SOMEONE TELL KENNA BENNA to write me asap. PICS? NAME? VIDEO?
Peppe is still on his way to baptism, BUT indeed I was right. He wants and expects us to WRITE his testimony for him so that he can read it from the stand during the cerimony hahah. HE is not even real. He claims that he is not talented like most people when it comes to speaking in front of crowds. We tried to explain that a testimony comes from the heart and what you know to be true. He wouldnt allow it. Ohhhh peppe. I realized with Sorella Viazzo that his love language is PRAISE. Sor Viazzo claims that you just have to tell Peppe that he is bravo and then everything is dandy. Even during a tense moment in the lesson (and there are lots of those because he is old and cranky) HAHAH We love our peppster.
Janets baptism was a dream come true! EVERYthing went wrong, but everything was so right. She was dunked 4 times because her husband struggled having just gotten the priesthood a week ago. HAHAH poor things. She got her confirmation yesterday and it was so beautiful. She sat back down next to Benjamin, her husband with the biggest smile. Mosiah 4:11-12 Beautiful scripture on baptism.
Everything goes really well here in Pozzuoli. I stickin around for my 3rd. Love you all! And so good to hear from you! THank you so much for writing! Sorry for the short letter, but I have to go!
Love,
Sister Clyde
 |
| "A real LIVE WELL! CAN YOU SAY SEVEN DAYYSSSSSSS????" |
Monday, May 5, 2014
People, People who need people
People are SO GOOD. Oh my goodness. There are just so many fantastic people here! First of all, Peppe. Our wonderful, dutiful, grandfather Peppe set a baptismal date!!!!! For May 31! ITS A MIRACLE. He was very concerned about who was going to baptize him, as he is quite a heavy man. We made it clear that we could have several men helping him in the font. He also wants us to write his testimony for him, so that he can read it. HAHA (I am still not sure if that means he will tell us what to write or if he wants us to actually write it) HAHA we shall see.
Second. Vincenzo. Vincenzo is our pizzeria friend who always salutes us when we walk by "Buena sera raggazze!!". Well we have invited him and his pizzeria coworkers to church and to english course, but just this last week we went by to chat with him for a little bit.He was telling us that his only free day is Tuesday. Then said we have to go.
Second. Vincenzo. Vincenzo is our pizzeria friend who always salutes us when we walk by "Buena sera raggazze!!". Well we have invited him and his pizzeria coworkers to church and to english course, but just this last week we went by to chat with him for a little bit.He was telling us that his only free day is Tuesday. Then said we have to go.
Sorella Viazzo: "We just need to go help bring salvation to other people"
Vincenzo: Well what about me? I need salvation too. Ohhh but no, I cant. I always have to work. What am I going to do. I need work. Oooo but work or salvation?? i guess salvation is probably more important.
Me: You can do both!
Vincenzo: But how? I need to pay the bills.
Me: Well you have a free day tuesday, right?
Vincenzo: Well yeah. I guess youre right. What time works for you?
HAHAHA it was so hilarious. We then told him we would give his number to the elders and he agreed. SUCH A COOL GUY (and he has a wife and kids!!!)
Then there is Evans. Again. from Ghana. Whenever he ends a phonecall, he always says, "I miss you!" (not future tense. present haha)
Lastly, JANET!!!!! JANET IS GETTING BAPTIZED THIS SATURDAY. There is nothing that can stop her!!!! SO SO HAPPY. We taught her last monday and it was the happiest day of my mission- to someone agree to being baptized, taking a step to celestial life. JAnet is our wonderful, sweet investigator from Ghana. Her husband is a member of several years. She is 26 and so faithful! Even better news....her husband just got the priesthood yesterday, SOOOO he is going to perform her baptism!!! CHE BELLO! Sorella Viazzo and I have been so thrilled!
Saturday night! We had the branch talent show!! IT WAS SUCH A HIT!!! We had africans, italians, and americans all performing!! IT wAS SO CULTURAL. Oh man. There arent even words that can describe how perfect and happy and successful the night was! It just really united the branch! The grand finale was the Sorelle!!! (US). All props to Sorella Viazzo. We found some whipped cream and cookies at a cafe nearby. We randomly picked people from the audience to play. It was so hilarious.
People are so so good. Appreciate and lovethe people that the Lord puts in your path! Love you all! GO KENSPEN BABY GO! GO!! SEE you next week, via skype!!!
LIV IS HOME AND REAL! ITS NOT EVEN REAL!!!
LOVE,
Sorella Clyde
Me: You can do both!
Vincenzo: But how? I need to pay the bills.
Me: Well you have a free day tuesday, right?
Vincenzo: Well yeah. I guess youre right. What time works for you?
HAHAHA it was so hilarious. We then told him we would give his number to the elders and he agreed. SUCH A COOL GUY (and he has a wife and kids!!!)
Then there is Evans. Again. from Ghana. Whenever he ends a phonecall, he always says, "I miss you!" (not future tense. present haha)
Lastly, JANET!!!!! JANET IS GETTING BAPTIZED THIS SATURDAY. There is nothing that can stop her!!!! SO SO HAPPY. We taught her last monday and it was the happiest day of my mission- to someone agree to being baptized, taking a step to celestial life. JAnet is our wonderful, sweet investigator from Ghana. Her husband is a member of several years. She is 26 and so faithful! Even better news....her husband just got the priesthood yesterday, SOOOO he is going to perform her baptism!!! CHE BELLO! Sorella Viazzo and I have been so thrilled!
Saturday night! We had the branch talent show!! IT WAS SUCH A HIT!!! We had africans, italians, and americans all performing!! IT wAS SO CULTURAL. Oh man. There arent even words that can describe how perfect and happy and successful the night was! It just really united the branch! The grand finale was the Sorelle!!! (US). All props to Sorella Viazzo. We found some whipped cream and cookies at a cafe nearby. We randomly picked people from the audience to play. It was so hilarious.
People are so so good. Appreciate and lovethe people that the Lord puts in your path! Love you all! GO KENSPEN BABY GO! GO!! SEE you next week, via skype!!!
LIV IS HOME AND REAL! ITS NOT EVEN REAL!!!
LOVE,
Sorella Clyde
Monday, April 28, 2014
Life is Good
We were waiting that the bus stop one day to go to Castel Volturno for coordination with Brother Bonner. I got stuck talking to a crazy man, while Sorella Viazzo was talking to another man. I was praying that the bus would come. Then there it was, in sight. The massive blue M1B bus. I threw my hand out to get the attention of the bus driver, so he knew to stop. The massive doors swung open and there was Anz Bird with a big smile on his face at the very edge of the bus. Yes, the bus was choc full of people (mostly africans)- like it usually is. Without even I thought in my head I shoved myself on (mostly to get away from the crazy man and also because those doors open and then close within 15 seconds usually). I said "ciao" to the crazy man, squeezed myself on and noticed that Sorella Viazzo was still exchanging numbers with this other man. I pulled her on. She was literally half on and half off the bus, still typing in his number. It was the greatest misisonary moment..to see sweet little Sorella Viazzo going from getting someones number to getting on a sweaty crowded bus to her next appointment. Oh man I wish I filmed it.
Well she got on after I pulled her on, the doors slammed and we were off....on the wildest most comfortable ride of my life. People standing body to body practically, with nothing to hold onto. My bag got stuck in a group of men, so I tugged and tugged as hard as I could (knowing that my camera was inside) and with success. Thankfully. As the bus turned, all the bodies swayed together. There was absolutely nowhere to look except at the men surrounding me. It was terrible. WORDS could not even describe the experience. Thankfully, Anz Bird switched places with me so I could breathe the rest of the ride there.
Our whiteboard finding technique is going well! We found George. This time our board said "Ha mai ricevuto una risposta da una preghiera?" (Have you ever received an answer to a prayer?) Well George had! We asked him to share it with us. He totally opened up and told us about how his mother was dying 30 years ago in the hospital. With tears in his eyes, he said that he prayed that she would stop suffering and a little while after she passed away. He knew that God had answered his prayer. He said to us, "I have no doubt that there is "something" out there." It was so touching. It was touching to see such faith in this man and it was touching to see how the Lord really does lead us to prepared people. The love of God for his children is so great.
We teach people everyday how we have the opportunity to say spontaneous prayers, rather than recited prayers. I know that prayer is real. I know that we can talk to God and tell him anything. It makes me so sad that people dont understand this concept. God is our loving Heavenly Father. Its great to hear someone pray for themselves for the first time!
We showed the Elders our white board idea and Anz Kemple wrote "Che cosa avete mangiato per pranzo?" (What did you eat for lunch?) HAHA, maybe we will shake things up for our next finding opportunity.
Janet is amazing! She is getting so close to her baptism! It is so wonderful to see the Spirit working with her. We have seen such a great change in her! She has more of a light since we have been teaching her and she has been reading! She is happier! It is so fantastic to see how the gospel changes people. It impacts people lives!
Evans is my best friend. He is from Ghana. Yesterday I was asked by the branch president to give a talk in church (2 minutes before sacrament meeting started) on the law of tithing. I ran to Sorella Viazzo and luckily she had a tithing pamphlet in italian. I jotted down some notes and ideas for my talk throughout the meeting. I told Evans that I was just assigned to give a talk (I probably seemed nervous and stressed). Well the talk went pretty well. IT was interesting going from Italian to english every so often. It was also a plus because it took up twice as much time;)
Anyway, Evans called me last night to say thank you. He kept saying "I LOVE it. So much! Im so happy! Thank you!" I think he said thank you like five times during the phone call. It made my mission. Pretty sure I was supposed to serve a mission in Africa. I love these people!
This last week I studied about obedience and I found d&c 130:20-21. SO COOL!. Every blessing we see in our lives is the result of following a commandment!
The gospel is so good. Keep discovering the beautiful truths in the scriptures! So so excited for Olivia and the family this week! Love you all!!
Sister Clyde
Well she got on after I pulled her on, the doors slammed and we were off....on the wildest most comfortable ride of my life. People standing body to body practically, with nothing to hold onto. My bag got stuck in a group of men, so I tugged and tugged as hard as I could (knowing that my camera was inside) and with success. Thankfully. As the bus turned, all the bodies swayed together. There was absolutely nowhere to look except at the men surrounding me. It was terrible. WORDS could not even describe the experience. Thankfully, Anz Bird switched places with me so I could breathe the rest of the ride there.
Our whiteboard finding technique is going well! We found George. This time our board said "Ha mai ricevuto una risposta da una preghiera?" (Have you ever received an answer to a prayer?) Well George had! We asked him to share it with us. He totally opened up and told us about how his mother was dying 30 years ago in the hospital. With tears in his eyes, he said that he prayed that she would stop suffering and a little while after she passed away. He knew that God had answered his prayer. He said to us, "I have no doubt that there is "something" out there." It was so touching. It was touching to see such faith in this man and it was touching to see how the Lord really does lead us to prepared people. The love of God for his children is so great.
We teach people everyday how we have the opportunity to say spontaneous prayers, rather than recited prayers. I know that prayer is real. I know that we can talk to God and tell him anything. It makes me so sad that people dont understand this concept. God is our loving Heavenly Father. Its great to hear someone pray for themselves for the first time!
We showed the Elders our white board idea and Anz Kemple wrote "Che cosa avete mangiato per pranzo?" (What did you eat for lunch?) HAHA, maybe we will shake things up for our next finding opportunity.
Janet is amazing! She is getting so close to her baptism! It is so wonderful to see the Spirit working with her. We have seen such a great change in her! She has more of a light since we have been teaching her and she has been reading! She is happier! It is so fantastic to see how the gospel changes people. It impacts people lives!
Evans is my best friend. He is from Ghana. Yesterday I was asked by the branch president to give a talk in church (2 minutes before sacrament meeting started) on the law of tithing. I ran to Sorella Viazzo and luckily she had a tithing pamphlet in italian. I jotted down some notes and ideas for my talk throughout the meeting. I told Evans that I was just assigned to give a talk (I probably seemed nervous and stressed). Well the talk went pretty well. IT was interesting going from Italian to english every so often. It was also a plus because it took up twice as much time;)
Anyway, Evans called me last night to say thank you. He kept saying "I LOVE it. So much! Im so happy! Thank you!" I think he said thank you like five times during the phone call. It made my mission. Pretty sure I was supposed to serve a mission in Africa. I love these people!
This last week I studied about obedience and I found d&c 130:20-21. SO COOL!. Every blessing we see in our lives is the result of following a commandment!
The gospel is so good. Keep discovering the beautiful truths in the scriptures! So so excited for Olivia and the family this week! Love you all!!
Sister Clyde
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
ET TEE SAY
Soooo I have decided to learn Twi, the language of Ghana. Hahha I am now best friends with all the Ghanians in our branch because I have learned this phrase
I call out: Et tee say? (How are you?)
and without question they respond back in Twi: "Eh yuh." haHAHA it gets me every time and they love it! Africans laughs are so fantastic. You cant even describe how good they are. So basically, I am almost fluent in Twi.
Philip, this older african man is SO hilarious. As we were waiting with a bunch of africans after church, I asked them: "So is there wildlife in Africa?" trying to break the silences.... And Philip says, "WHY NOT!?" In his silly african voice. HAHHA, no yes or no response, but "why not!" HAHA so funny. Also, apparently the lions are nicer in Africa.
Shirley, an African woman who is getting baptized this week with her husband, is the happiest person in the world. Sorella Viazzo had to break it down and ask her how she is always so happy. She basically said that when she feels sad, she just needs to be happy. "I MUST BE HAPPY". HAHHAa i love africans. They are so inspiring. Most of them of very very poor and without food. Its so terrible, and yet they are the kindest most faithful people.
Sorella Viazzo and I went to Napoli Underground last week. It is the OLD city of Napoli from World War 2. IT was so sweet and creepy. At one point we had to walk through a VERY narrow walkway to get this swimming pool. They let everyone hold REAL candles because the walkway was pitch black and a tight space. HAHAH so illegal in america, but so cool.
Conversion stories are so cool. Serving in Italy is so fantastic because most members of the church are converts, so we always get to hear their conversion stories. It is amazing to hear the miracles. I love how the Lord is in the details of our lives. He puts us exactly where he needs us to be. Its amazing running into people who have some connection to missionaries or members of the church. That is definitely not a coincidence! We have such greater need of recognizing the little tender mercies in our lives. We need to show more gratitude to the Lord.
Peppe wants to get baptized!!!! Well he has always wanted to get baptized, but he says he will be baptized before we leave Pozzuoli. WOOHOO finally! Last week, peppe made us write down my name so that he could remember it. It is written on post it note in his scriptures. Everyweek when we give him a reading assignment, he always pulls out his handy dandy highlighter and makes us highlight the scripture. We love our good ole Pepp. He is like 75.
Easter in Italy is interesting. They eat a nasty ricotta cake called Pastiera. Wewere given enough pies of pastiera to last a lifetime. The equivalent of an easter basket is a HUGE easter chocolate egg with a present inside. Everyone who is anyone is walking out the store with one, two or three of them.
JANET IS SO GREAT. We had a beautiful, spiritual lesson with her on the gospel of Christ. She has such a strong sweet Spirit. She is getting so close to baptism. We are planning on MAY 10 for her! WE LOVE JANET. She really is sincere and wants to get an answer. She has insisted on reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning.
This week we discovered a fantastic finding method: Using a small white dry erase board with a written question on it and walking around town with it. For some reason, people really like it! It seems like a game to them, I guess.
Happy Easter everyone! Mosiah 16:8-9
Ciao for now!
Sorella Clyde
I call out: Et tee say? (How are you?)
and without question they respond back in Twi: "Eh yuh." haHAHA it gets me every time and they love it! Africans laughs are so fantastic. You cant even describe how good they are. So basically, I am almost fluent in Twi.
Philip, this older african man is SO hilarious. As we were waiting with a bunch of africans after church, I asked them: "So is there wildlife in Africa?" trying to break the silences.... And Philip says, "WHY NOT!?" In his silly african voice. HAHHA, no yes or no response, but "why not!" HAHA so funny. Also, apparently the lions are nicer in Africa.
Shirley, an African woman who is getting baptized this week with her husband, is the happiest person in the world. Sorella Viazzo had to break it down and ask her how she is always so happy. She basically said that when she feels sad, she just needs to be happy. "I MUST BE HAPPY". HAHHAa i love africans. They are so inspiring. Most of them of very very poor and without food. Its so terrible, and yet they are the kindest most faithful people.
Sorella Viazzo and I went to Napoli Underground last week. It is the OLD city of Napoli from World War 2. IT was so sweet and creepy. At one point we had to walk through a VERY narrow walkway to get this swimming pool. They let everyone hold REAL candles because the walkway was pitch black and a tight space. HAHAH so illegal in america, but so cool.
Conversion stories are so cool. Serving in Italy is so fantastic because most members of the church are converts, so we always get to hear their conversion stories. It is amazing to hear the miracles. I love how the Lord is in the details of our lives. He puts us exactly where he needs us to be. Its amazing running into people who have some connection to missionaries or members of the church. That is definitely not a coincidence! We have such greater need of recognizing the little tender mercies in our lives. We need to show more gratitude to the Lord.
Peppe wants to get baptized!!!! Well he has always wanted to get baptized, but he says he will be baptized before we leave Pozzuoli. WOOHOO finally! Last week, peppe made us write down my name so that he could remember it. It is written on post it note in his scriptures. Everyweek when we give him a reading assignment, he always pulls out his handy dandy highlighter and makes us highlight the scripture. We love our good ole Pepp. He is like 75.
Easter in Italy is interesting. They eat a nasty ricotta cake called Pastiera. Wewere given enough pies of pastiera to last a lifetime. The equivalent of an easter basket is a HUGE easter chocolate egg with a present inside. Everyone who is anyone is walking out the store with one, two or three of them.
JANET IS SO GREAT. We had a beautiful, spiritual lesson with her on the gospel of Christ. She has such a strong sweet Spirit. She is getting so close to baptism. We are planning on MAY 10 for her! WE LOVE JANET. She really is sincere and wants to get an answer. She has insisted on reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning.
This week we discovered a fantastic finding method: Using a small white dry erase board with a written question on it and walking around town with it. For some reason, people really like it! It seems like a game to them, I guess.
Happy Easter everyone! Mosiah 16:8-9
Ciao for now!
Sorella Clyde
Monday, April 14, 2014
I'm legal!
I finally had my last arrancino in Catania. We had to fly to Catania for the day to get my permesso di sogiorno (green card). I am finally legal woohoo!
Last pday we enjoyed a picnic at our local amphitheater in Pozzuoli, which happens to be in our backyard and it is the 3rd largest in the world. An italian man got us in for free:) It was SO cool. I cant believe gladiators are real. We went down below the colloseum grounds where on the animals (lions) were stationed. I so badly wanted to make a scary movie or something. Kenna and Liv..Rellika 2 gladiator styled?
That night we went finding and decided to stop in and visit our pizza "friends". Sorella Viazzo was trying to get them to come to church when one of them offered a pizza to us. Without even letting us reply they made us sit at the table and eat a pizza. AKA "be quiet and eat" (like we were these little children getting candy). HAha I guess it worked:)
We have a student at english course, Pasquale. He is so hilarious. He speaks english pretty well but he speaks with a rapper voice because learned english from listening to rap. HAHAH well after english course last week I asked him to teach us how to beat box. Then he wrote an english rap on the chalkboard and the elders were trying to sing it. It was so hilarious, because one of the new elders, Elder Puff is German (but raised in italy) so he doesnt speak very good english. He got SO into it, it was hilarious. With the german accent, and angry rapping tone of voice, he sounded just like Arnold Schwarzenager. HAHA we all died laughing.
I feel like there are so many mission moments that I just really take in and love and appreciate! Its great to just appreciate the little moments here on the mission. While we were waiting for the train we talked to this older couple and their daughter (they had met with the elders before). We got on the train and sat with this other 15 yr old girl. The three of us chatted as the other family just stared with smiles and a couple other women behind us smiled as well. It was really cool.
We taught Massimo last week and he is doing pretty well. He is definitely feeling the Spirit, but he has trouble really recognizing it and I think his family is keeping him back.
We are really excited about Janet, our african investigator. She is so adorable and sweet! We had a powerful lesson on the Holy Ghost. NOTHING is better than when your investigator prays and asks God to know if these things are true in front of us. She has so much faith and she agreed to be baptized! We will see if she keeps to that baptismal date!
Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. I translated for 3 english speaking speakers. Nervous.... Brother Bonner, his son Steven.....and then Destiny. YIKES. Pretty sure I didnt translate HALF of what he was saying. HAha apparently he ran up to the stand because of little Steven Bonners sweet testimony. Destiny is an African 30 yr old new member. He definitely put a lot more emkphasis and passion and DETAIL into his testmiony than I translated. Every time he said something I would simply way down. Haha I love the Africans!
We were able to watch some conference talks. Was very touched by Elder Packers talk! Wow! Moroni 10:3-5 is truly what sets us apart from other churches. That promise is so good. The fact that we have received a witness for ourselves. We arre here as missionaries to convince anyone but simply to INVITE them to pray and know the truth for themselves! I know without a doubt that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.
Thanks for all the updates! Buona Pasqua!
Love,
Sorella clyde
Last pday we enjoyed a picnic at our local amphitheater in Pozzuoli, which happens to be in our backyard and it is the 3rd largest in the world. An italian man got us in for free:) It was SO cool. I cant believe gladiators are real. We went down below the colloseum grounds where on the animals (lions) were stationed. I so badly wanted to make a scary movie or something. Kenna and Liv..Rellika 2 gladiator styled?
That night we went finding and decided to stop in and visit our pizza "friends". Sorella Viazzo was trying to get them to come to church when one of them offered a pizza to us. Without even letting us reply they made us sit at the table and eat a pizza. AKA "be quiet and eat" (like we were these little children getting candy). HAha I guess it worked:)
We have a student at english course, Pasquale. He is so hilarious. He speaks english pretty well but he speaks with a rapper voice because learned english from listening to rap. HAHAH well after english course last week I asked him to teach us how to beat box. Then he wrote an english rap on the chalkboard and the elders were trying to sing it. It was so hilarious, because one of the new elders, Elder Puff is German (but raised in italy) so he doesnt speak very good english. He got SO into it, it was hilarious. With the german accent, and angry rapping tone of voice, he sounded just like Arnold Schwarzenager. HAHA we all died laughing.
I feel like there are so many mission moments that I just really take in and love and appreciate! Its great to just appreciate the little moments here on the mission. While we were waiting for the train we talked to this older couple and their daughter (they had met with the elders before). We got on the train and sat with this other 15 yr old girl. The three of us chatted as the other family just stared with smiles and a couple other women behind us smiled as well. It was really cool.
We taught Massimo last week and he is doing pretty well. He is definitely feeling the Spirit, but he has trouble really recognizing it and I think his family is keeping him back.
We are really excited about Janet, our african investigator. She is so adorable and sweet! We had a powerful lesson on the Holy Ghost. NOTHING is better than when your investigator prays and asks God to know if these things are true in front of us. She has so much faith and she agreed to be baptized! We will see if she keeps to that baptismal date!
Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. I translated for 3 english speaking speakers. Nervous.... Brother Bonner, his son Steven.....and then Destiny. YIKES. Pretty sure I didnt translate HALF of what he was saying. HAha apparently he ran up to the stand because of little Steven Bonners sweet testimony. Destiny is an African 30 yr old new member. He definitely put a lot more emkphasis and passion and DETAIL into his testmiony than I translated. Every time he said something I would simply way down. Haha I love the Africans!
We were able to watch some conference talks. Was very touched by Elder Packers talk! Wow! Moroni 10:3-5 is truly what sets us apart from other churches. That promise is so good. The fact that we have received a witness for ourselves. We arre here as missionaries to convince anyone but simply to INVITE them to pray and know the truth for themselves! I know without a doubt that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.
Thanks for all the updates! Buona Pasqua!
Love,
Sorella clyde
Monday, April 7, 2014
Blonde
Guess what. Im blonde! ....Well according to italianos. HAhah for the first time in my life I was called blonde. Okay, I have gotten a highlight here and there from the sun, but WHAT NO. No way. Brunette through and through.
We taught Massimo a second time last week. After having read a little bit from the book of mormon he saw a difference in his life. He said he felt this new peaceful feeling and had a greater love for people. He told us that we had an energy about us and other missionaries he has seen. He asked if we ever have bad things that happen to us in life. HAha, the gospel blesses lives. It helps them find the joy and peace to deal with lifes challenges. It was a great lesson.
We did some casa (knocking doors) last week. Its so funny. We ring the citofono, waiting for a response from the speaker when we here YELLED from up above outside their balcony "CHI E!!!??" "WHO IS IT??" HAha and we are able to talk face to face...SHOUTING to each other back and forth. Well we met Anna the other day doing this. She said no right off the bat, but started speaking english with us. Although she said no, we kept up the conversation and then invited us up. We were able to teach her a little bit. Its our american charm, Im telling you.
We translated for Evans at institute. Evans is african and so hilarious. HE is the most delightful person to talk with on the phone. He laughs so hard and is always so happy. Well, you know africans and their interesting descriptions. Well, I will just tell you. African english is a whole other language from american english. hahah. At one point he started explaining an emotion with an interesting description: "you raise the blood from the ground". Sorella Viazzo had to translate, but instead she shortened the description with "uccidere" (to kill). Thats all. The italian teacher was a bit confused by that laughed and then said "Well I dont think, we as members would have a problem with that". Sorella Viazzo didnt translate that italian for him. It was so hilarious!!! Haha i love africans.
We joined the young women and rs sisters at Sister Trimbles house for the broadcast. Sister Trimble is an american cute fun woman who likes to share her american foods with the branch. Well she cooked for us, bbq foods and so there was a potluck. Well after all the italians took their food and prepared their plates, sorella viazzo and I noticed the completlely full fruit bowl. FRUIT WAS TOTALLY UNTOUCHED. HAHAH In a regular italian meal, fruit is the very last course (even after dessert)
We had lunch at our store friends again. They invited their other friend Giuseppe. AFter we finished chatting and eating I asked if we could share a message with them from our church. There was a bit of an awkward pause and then I elaborated, "Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is or where we are going after this life?" They all perked up and assumed position with their seats and said "I want to hear this". It was fantastic. We then taught them. They were so intrigued and had a lot of questions. It was so great. I love the gospel. It is simply a gospel of hope. We have the answers. We know what our purpose is. We know that through Jesus Christ we can overcome all things. Through the Atonement of JEsus Christ, all is possible. I didnt get to watch a lot of conference, but I did watch Bednars talk and was definitely touched by it. The Atonement is the good news of the gospel. That through Jesus Christ, we can overcome all weaknesses and pains, along with our sins.
I also loved Elder Ballards talk that focused on the need for member missionaries. There is a Fratello in our branch who was so warm and inviting to our investigator. WOW. The members are so key! They can connect with the people. He was able to share his conversion story from a catholic background to a mormon background. It was the most exciting thing for any missionary to experience. Member missionary work in action.
We are going to see our mini colloseum in our backyard of Pozzuoli today where gladiators fought. HOW COOL? GLADIATORS ARE REAL! Love you all!
2 Nephi 33:1 Read and rewatch conference. I know that all of these men and women are called of God and that each of us will hear what we need to hear!
LOVE,
Sorella Clyde
We taught Massimo a second time last week. After having read a little bit from the book of mormon he saw a difference in his life. He said he felt this new peaceful feeling and had a greater love for people. He told us that we had an energy about us and other missionaries he has seen. He asked if we ever have bad things that happen to us in life. HAha, the gospel blesses lives. It helps them find the joy and peace to deal with lifes challenges. It was a great lesson.
We did some casa (knocking doors) last week. Its so funny. We ring the citofono, waiting for a response from the speaker when we here YELLED from up above outside their balcony "CHI E!!!??" "WHO IS IT??" HAha and we are able to talk face to face...SHOUTING to each other back and forth. Well we met Anna the other day doing this. She said no right off the bat, but started speaking english with us. Although she said no, we kept up the conversation and then invited us up. We were able to teach her a little bit. Its our american charm, Im telling you.
We translated for Evans at institute. Evans is african and so hilarious. HE is the most delightful person to talk with on the phone. He laughs so hard and is always so happy. Well, you know africans and their interesting descriptions. Well, I will just tell you. African english is a whole other language from american english. hahah. At one point he started explaining an emotion with an interesting description: "you raise the blood from the ground". Sorella Viazzo had to translate, but instead she shortened the description with "uccidere" (to kill). Thats all. The italian teacher was a bit confused by that laughed and then said "Well I dont think, we as members would have a problem with that". Sorella Viazzo didnt translate that italian for him. It was so hilarious!!! Haha i love africans.
We joined the young women and rs sisters at Sister Trimbles house for the broadcast. Sister Trimble is an american cute fun woman who likes to share her american foods with the branch. Well she cooked for us, bbq foods and so there was a potluck. Well after all the italians took their food and prepared their plates, sorella viazzo and I noticed the completlely full fruit bowl. FRUIT WAS TOTALLY UNTOUCHED. HAHAH In a regular italian meal, fruit is the very last course (even after dessert)
We had lunch at our store friends again. They invited their other friend Giuseppe. AFter we finished chatting and eating I asked if we could share a message with them from our church. There was a bit of an awkward pause and then I elaborated, "Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is or where we are going after this life?" They all perked up and assumed position with their seats and said "I want to hear this". It was fantastic. We then taught them. They were so intrigued and had a lot of questions. It was so great. I love the gospel. It is simply a gospel of hope. We have the answers. We know what our purpose is. We know that through Jesus Christ we can overcome all things. Through the Atonement of JEsus Christ, all is possible. I didnt get to watch a lot of conference, but I did watch Bednars talk and was definitely touched by it. The Atonement is the good news of the gospel. That through Jesus Christ, we can overcome all weaknesses and pains, along with our sins.
I also loved Elder Ballards talk that focused on the need for member missionaries. There is a Fratello in our branch who was so warm and inviting to our investigator. WOW. The members are so key! They can connect with the people. He was able to share his conversion story from a catholic background to a mormon background. It was the most exciting thing for any missionary to experience. Member missionary work in action.
We are going to see our mini colloseum in our backyard of Pozzuoli today where gladiators fought. HOW COOL? GLADIATORS ARE REAL! Love you all!
2 Nephi 33:1 Read and rewatch conference. I know that all of these men and women are called of God and that each of us will hear what we need to hear!
LOVE,
Sorella Clyde
 |
| SV and I renacting an artpiece. I am stabbing. She is hurting:) |
 |
| We went and saw the Greek temples in Paestum last week! SO SWEET. |
Monday, March 31, 2014
Pozzuoli take 2!!!!!!!!
Sorella Viazzo e io rimaniamo insieme per un altro transferimento! WOOHOO!! Siamo molto contente per fare un altro. Abbiamo tanti piani and mete. Avremmo un battesimo sicuramente! Ok forse non sicuramente ma il Signore dicidera:) Il lavoro e buono qui ma sappiamo che ce di piu che possiamo fare per migliorare il lavoro!
Truth is.... I didnt really plan what to say for this email today, so I spiced it up with some italian. Yes, Sorella Viazzo and I are staying together and we are getting an Italian slash German elder in our district. Doesnt know english....this will be fun. Dad, quick give me some german to use on this guy. It should be interesting teaching all the english speaking africans:)
What a crazy week! We taught some of our regular investigators this last week. Not much is new, but we saw some cool miracles!
We were on our way home from the church one day when some sweet old French lady tourists approached us with their little english. They were looking for the train station so we offered to direct them there. We were able to share with them a little bit about what we believe. One of the ladies didnt know ANY english. She spoke in french and Sorella Viazzo spoke in english and it somehow worked. They would be returning to FRance the following day so we invited to hear from some missionaries that could ACTUALLY speak their language in France. They agreed. We took their contact info down. Who woulda thought?? Hahaha it was really cool.
On our way home from an exchange in Battipaglia, we were sitting on the train, tired and planning for the next day. We had missed our previous train, so it was pretty late. While we were planning, a younger man approached us, asking who we were and what we believed. He was so open and sincere about learning....which is a miracle! HE APPROACHED US. He agreed to meet with us. It was NOT a coincidence that we missed our train that night. Gianpaolo... we will see, but we were really excited about him.
We saw a baptism this week. It was so powerful. He was a young guy who found the missionaries on the train because the missionaires had prayed to know where they should go finding that day. He was baptized four weeks later. HOW COOL. I have NO doubt that the Lord is preparing his children to receive the gospel! We just need to constantly be looking for them.
We saw some beautiful Greek temples in Paestum today!! GORGEOUS!! WOW so beautiful!! Love the people, the work, the language! Sorry for the short letter, time is up!!! Love you!!
Sorella Clyde
ps. ITs finally spring and warm!!!
Truth is.... I didnt really plan what to say for this email today, so I spiced it up with some italian. Yes, Sorella Viazzo and I are staying together and we are getting an Italian slash German elder in our district. Doesnt know english....this will be fun. Dad, quick give me some german to use on this guy. It should be interesting teaching all the english speaking africans:)
What a crazy week! We taught some of our regular investigators this last week. Not much is new, but we saw some cool miracles!
We were on our way home from the church one day when some sweet old French lady tourists approached us with their little english. They were looking for the train station so we offered to direct them there. We were able to share with them a little bit about what we believe. One of the ladies didnt know ANY english. She spoke in french and Sorella Viazzo spoke in english and it somehow worked. They would be returning to FRance the following day so we invited to hear from some missionaries that could ACTUALLY speak their language in France. They agreed. We took their contact info down. Who woulda thought?? Hahaha it was really cool.
On our way home from an exchange in Battipaglia, we were sitting on the train, tired and planning for the next day. We had missed our previous train, so it was pretty late. While we were planning, a younger man approached us, asking who we were and what we believed. He was so open and sincere about learning....which is a miracle! HE APPROACHED US. He agreed to meet with us. It was NOT a coincidence that we missed our train that night. Gianpaolo... we will see, but we were really excited about him.
We saw a baptism this week. It was so powerful. He was a young guy who found the missionaries on the train because the missionaires had prayed to know where they should go finding that day. He was baptized four weeks later. HOW COOL. I have NO doubt that the Lord is preparing his children to receive the gospel! We just need to constantly be looking for them.
We saw some beautiful Greek temples in Paestum today!! GORGEOUS!! WOW so beautiful!! Love the people, the work, the language! Sorry for the short letter, time is up!!! Love you!!
Sorella Clyde
ps. ITs finally spring and warm!!!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Dai
Dai. Okay so the way you pronounce this word is "die". It means "Come on!!" I still get a crack out of it when some missionary or random italian will yell "DAI!" at me. Seems kinda harsh at first at least to an english speaker, but its really all just in good fun:)
Fantastic week! Elder Kearon from the Seventy visited the mission and he gave a training that changed the way I will view the rest of my mission and after the mission. With his charismatic english accent and passion for the work, he inspired me to really own and love this work! So many of my questions were answered. The theme of the conference seemed to be that we need to help these people understand who they REALLY are, but first we must understand who we REALLY are. We are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. I was so touched by that. Once we really understand this concept and this great love that he has for us, we will love the work more than ever and be more effective missionaries. Today I studied a little more about this. I read 1 John 4. It so toching! Please read. This is HIS work- we are simply His hands. We need to pray for opportunities to take part in His work and expect miracles and He will do the rest. IN and OUTSIDE the mission field! We have a responsibility to do so!
The work is good. Really good here in Pozzuoli. Sorella Viazzo is golden and such a go getter! Its so great! Olivia, we followed your example and decided to pray specifically to find one prepared person and guess what, we found 2! Sorella Viazzo went to Catania for a leaders conference so I did an exchange with a greenie for two. It was so fun and succuessful. We went knocking doors one morning. We knocked 8 doors and 3 of them opened up to us! 2 of them let us inside to teach them! Wow cool! One was a mother and son, Carmella and Antonio. They are really in search of hope as the husband and son just died within the last year. They were so eager to hear what we had to say! It was really sweet. They invited us to come back! I love it. When we pray and ask with specific needs-questions, the Lord blesses us with specific answers!
Awesome missionary tactics when knocking doors: First publicize our free english course (rather than the typical "we have a message on faith") and they will be so honored by the invite that they open up the door and let these "2 belle raggazze" come in. THen it leads to convo about the church. ALSO, when someone offers you food/water of any kind, TAKE IT. It is an automatic invite to sit down ....and then teach. FANTASTIC.
Italians are such beautiful, warm people. We taught a lesson to some strangers in a glasses shop and they let us stay for lunch. Then they invited us for sunday lunch with their whole family! I attached a photo. Their house was a dream come true little cottage. I loved it! The kitchen was so beautiful!
It poured CATS AND DOGS while we were waiting for the bus yesterday. LITERALLY. It was basically a hurricane. We ran and took cover with lots of giggles. What is this life? HAHA
So many suprises! Ugh I love it! I am falling more and more with the culture and with the work! Have a fantastic week! 2 weeks to conference!!!
Love you all! KEep seeking for opportunities to share the good news!
Sister Clyde
Fantastic week! Elder Kearon from the Seventy visited the mission and he gave a training that changed the way I will view the rest of my mission and after the mission. With his charismatic english accent and passion for the work, he inspired me to really own and love this work! So many of my questions were answered. The theme of the conference seemed to be that we need to help these people understand who they REALLY are, but first we must understand who we REALLY are. We are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. I was so touched by that. Once we really understand this concept and this great love that he has for us, we will love the work more than ever and be more effective missionaries. Today I studied a little more about this. I read 1 John 4. It so toching! Please read. This is HIS work- we are simply His hands. We need to pray for opportunities to take part in His work and expect miracles and He will do the rest. IN and OUTSIDE the mission field! We have a responsibility to do so!
The work is good. Really good here in Pozzuoli. Sorella Viazzo is golden and such a go getter! Its so great! Olivia, we followed your example and decided to pray specifically to find one prepared person and guess what, we found 2! Sorella Viazzo went to Catania for a leaders conference so I did an exchange with a greenie for two. It was so fun and succuessful. We went knocking doors one morning. We knocked 8 doors and 3 of them opened up to us! 2 of them let us inside to teach them! Wow cool! One was a mother and son, Carmella and Antonio. They are really in search of hope as the husband and son just died within the last year. They were so eager to hear what we had to say! It was really sweet. They invited us to come back! I love it. When we pray and ask with specific needs-questions, the Lord blesses us with specific answers!
Awesome missionary tactics when knocking doors: First publicize our free english course (rather than the typical "we have a message on faith") and they will be so honored by the invite that they open up the door and let these "2 belle raggazze" come in. THen it leads to convo about the church. ALSO, when someone offers you food/water of any kind, TAKE IT. It is an automatic invite to sit down ....and then teach. FANTASTIC.
Italians are such beautiful, warm people. We taught a lesson to some strangers in a glasses shop and they let us stay for lunch. Then they invited us for sunday lunch with their whole family! I attached a photo. Their house was a dream come true little cottage. I loved it! The kitchen was so beautiful!
It poured CATS AND DOGS while we were waiting for the bus yesterday. LITERALLY. It was basically a hurricane. We ran and took cover with lots of giggles. What is this life? HAHA
So many suprises! Ugh I love it! I am falling more and more with the culture and with the work! Have a fantastic week! 2 weeks to conference!!!
Love you all! KEep seeking for opportunities to share the good news!
Sister Clyde
 |
| Sorella Viazzo hit her 9 month mark soo she got a little crazy. |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)