We had a lesson with Luigi last week and it went really well. I was on splits with Sorella Rossell, so I was pretty much leading out on everything. We did a review of the Restoration. After explaining the last two paragraphs to the introduction to the Book of Mormon, sorella rossell asked "So do you believe that this book could be true?" He immediately answered with a big smile on his face, "Non lo so. Devi chiedere Dio" (he said pointing towards the ceiling) (I dont know. You have to ask God) YES, he got it. It was so perfect and Sorella Rossell and I gave each other "the look"...he is ready for the baptismal invite. I did it. My FIRST ONE. It went well. Well, he said no but he is excited to read the book and he agreed to pray to know the truth. He is so golden. He closed the lesson with a beautiful and sincere prayer. The Lord is preparing His children to hear the gospel. I know it! I know that it was not a coincidence that we found him at a bus stop that one day.
It is sometimes discouraging to not see success with our investigators or to have no progressing investigators for the week, but it is cool to think about later down the road when these people finally decide to take the step and be baptized. Sometimes (a lot of the time) it takes time. We dont know everything, but God does. God is placing us where we need to be! Missionaries, members, people. God comprehends all things.
The whole district was invited over a Filopinas house for lunch. She has recently been reactivated and she is so wonderful and kind. I was so impressed by her genuity and goodness as the elders taught her a beautiful lesson about the temple. There was a beautiful spirit in the room as her tear-filled eyes said all that she was feeling. Nana and Grandpa, every filopino I have met is so inherently happy and kind. How lucky you were able to serve with them!
We take buses pretty much everywhere we go, so we did bus finding on the way to one of our appointments. It was so awesome to see four us of sisters at work in a huge crowded bus. I found a woman who spoke english. It was definitely a relief to be able to express personality. She was so kind and interested and agreed to meet with us. Another man asked what the story of Mormons was, so I went into the Restoration. I even went into the First Vision, which I realized halfway through probably wasnt the best idea since we were on a loud crouded bus. He totally began chuckling halfway through. NO SHAME. I finished teaching him proudly and confidently.
Sometimes I think...why am I here in Italy? Why not in the US? Why am I called to speak italian? when I could be connecting with people of the same language and culture as my own? Its because we stand out! MAN DO WE STAND OUT HERE!?? People are intrigued by us and why our families would let us come here. Thus, they have the desire to hear our message and ask questions like "What is the story of Mormons?" to a random stranger! How cool. Yes, I dont speak fluently nor do I have a perfect accent, but people are still eager to listen. Its really cool.
I totally lost my voice these last three days. Ugh, you dont even want to know. I sound like a man. We went to a lesson
on Friday with a less active family. When I began to speak, im pretty sure they didnt even listen to a word I said. They even offered that I say it in english and sorella bair translate for me (hahah as if that will make it any better!) Italians are so funny. Im not sure if I ever mentioned this, but italians health is dependant on the weather. YES, its true. If its raining outside, half the ward doesnt come to church because they have influenza. I cant tell you how many lessons have been cancelled because someone had influenza or a fever. Anyway, one of the girls suggested that I buy cough drops because "la tua voce e bruttissima!!!" HAhha (your voice is VERY UGLY!) HAhaha well the direct translation in english is that. She was really just saying "Your voice sounds really bad". I love italian honesty.
A common conversation:
Italian: I have a fever. I cant come today.
missionary: OHhhhh no. BEcause of the rain?
Italian: Certo (certainly)
Today is Saint Agatas day (THE saint of Catania) and it was the craziest day ever. Sorella Amato offered slash forced us to go with her. She is so crazy and funny. All she told us was that there were going to be thousands of people and a huge fire... so we said "we are in." Indeed there were thousands of people, people marching around with shrines or something, there was a carriage pulled by horses. There were candy stands galore. ITalian music being played throughout the streets. I just kept thinking, "I am in a movie. Where am I??" Sorella Amato was very sure to keep an eye on all of us. She pretty much was babysitting us the whole day. It was a good day. AFter lunch, I carried our leftovers in a plastic bag as we continued to walk throughout the streets. As soon as she noticed she said, "Sorella, what are you doing!?? Put that plastic bag in your purse! It looks like you are carrying garbage around!"
2 Nephi 32. Search and understand knowledge. Immerse yourself in the scriptures. and ponder still in your hearts!
"Only by much searching and mining, are gold and diamonds obtained, and man can find every truth connected with his being,if he will dig deep into the mind of his soul" (dad, that one is for you from As a Mind Thinketh) I have been studying the gift of pondering. So fascinating and necessary to connect our minds with our hearts in receiving personal revelation.
Love you all. 6 more weeks of winter or what? What did Puxatoney Phil say?
love,
sister sam
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