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
Monday, April 28, 2014
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
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| SV and I renacting an artpiece. I am stabbing. She is hurting:) |
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| We went and saw the Greek temples in Paestum last week! SO SWEET. |
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