Hey all you people. Hey all you people (spongebob reference-thats for you Lynz, Phil, Hen, Jane)
It has definitely been a week of nothing and everything. Sorella Bair was sick for a lot of the week, so there was a lot of staying in. We were finally able to get out to work on Friday again. It is AMAZING the difference in happiness level when you are doing the Lords work. The work is so happy!
Since Sorella Bair was sick we had to cancel our appointment with Luigi. Sorella Amato was furious since this was the third time cancelling (not our faults totally), so she called to express her opinions. Well I happened to answer the phone and I had an italian woman yell in my ear for 13 minutes. There were several times that I had to hold the phone away from my ear (in the meantime thinking to myself...."Where am I? What is happening??") On top of that, she speaks like a million miles an hour, so Sorella Bair would feed me lines to say. It was probably the scariest thing I have ever encountered. I felt like I had had a heart attack or something. OOh and it was in the middle of personal study, so I immediately turned to 3 Nephi 17 to help boost myself following the phonecall. Phew.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday were awesome. Friday, we went with some of the women from the American sigonella branch to Annas house to learn how to make REAL italian pizza. It was so fun. It was definitely one of those nights where you lose track of time heh heh. (yeah, definitely didnt make that 930 curfew) BUT, we had the senior couple, the Clarks with us so it was totally justified. I havent mentioned the Clarks yet. They are so wonderful, they are like our little grandparents. They say "I love you" at the end of EVERY phone call. I never thought I would be saying that on phone call on my mission. Sometimes I feel weird saying it to them, but what the hay. Yolo. Hah Sorella Bair and I get a kick out of it.
The night went so well with Anna. She is italian, speaks english really well. Elder Clark offered and gave a blessing on their house. Anna and her husband were so touched. In fact, her husband hugged Elder Clark afterwards! (not the typical european cheek kisses) but a real genuine american hug. It was so touching. The Spirit was so powerful throughout the blessing, especially as Sorella Bair translated into italian for Annas husband. We plan to teach them this week. They are golden!
Saturday we visited the Alonzos. (they are a less active family) and we brought Pina along with us. We taught about the Restoration and how we got an answer that the church was true. Pina shared her conversion story (which was within the last 2 yrs). Man, was it powerful! She said how she read part of the Book of Mormon and then was asked to be baptized. She did not feel ready, she felt like she really needed to know and read everything to make that decision. One day she was reading in the Book of Mormon and it had said something about how we dont need to know everything to know that something is true. She said how the words were so personalized to her and were an exact answer to her prayer. She claims that to this day, she cant find where that is written in the Book of Mormon. She knows that it was an answer from God. It was so powerful and it was a testimony to me that the Book of Mormon really is from God. It is a beautiful, true book and we can become closer to God everytime we read it. It is a book of 531 pgs and yet there are 1000s of revelations that can be found within it.
I love the Book of Mormon. For my personal study lately I have been starting my study with a question ie. How can I be a better missionary? How can I involve the Spirit more in my teaching?) It is almost humorous that I am quickly given the answers to my questions within that chapter. I am always guided to read the right chapter and find the guidance that I am seeking. Now I just need the whole world to understand this concept:)
Sunday was such a miracle! Wesley (the military guy we met on the bus) came to church! Haha. He had a good time, he fit in with the branch members, he enjoyed himself at the linger longer while playing beautiful piano background music for us all, AND he wants to come back next week! As we were leaving I went to say goodbye, while asking him how he liked church. "Yeah. I liked it." and without me even mentioning anything he said, "I think I will come next week too". HOW COOL. We hope to teach him this week.
ps.We totally had real live brick oven pizza at a members house last week. They OWN a brick oven. Haha where am I?
Love,
Sorella Sam
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Do you want a knuckle sandwich?
Missionaries in my district have fun with english course students and their english phrases. Hurry, give me some good ideas?? Kenna, I know youve got some good ones up your sleeve. This week it was "Do you want a knuckle sandwich?" and "Whats shakin bacon?" Haha we heart english course.
Just had a rollercoaster of emotions kind of a week. Definitely probably the hardest week of my mission so far. It is so amazing to see the Lords hand in your life and to see your relationship grow even stronger when you are dealing with really hard, lonely times. I have been so grateful to see His tender mercies. I was walking with my companion and we were lost and I was just feeling really crumby, when Luigi Sinatra called us to cancel our appointment. He asked how I was doing and then he said in his broken english, "YOU, TOO. MUCH. HAPPY." He probably said it three times to me. It was such a small little thing, but it was so sweet.
The other day we were on the bus when an interesting woman appraoched asking for help with her phone. Turns out she was from Russia. YES. Time to use my russian skills of 2 vocabulary words (come on liv. gimme more). Priviet and DA. Haha I had her speak some russian for me and I told her about you liv! Later that night while doing finding, we met two girls who spoke english (one from Brazil and the other from China). I told them about Steve and Kenna serving missions there as well. It was a really cool moment. The Chinese girl said, "wow small world". Although it seems like a cheesy coindicence, it meant a lot to me and I felt like the Lord was really watching out to me to show me that He knows us. He will never forget us.
We taught Enzo in a cafe last week. As we were teaching, I noticed a sweet looking lady peering in and listening to us as we taught. She was specifically watching me. She then came over to ask about what we were teaching as she was very interested. She told me that I had light in my eyes and she wanted to know more. The Lord is placing us where He needs us. He is in the details of our lives.
Last week we also taught Agata. It was a very short and interesting lesson. She was complaining about something that had happened with her niece. I began the lesson with a prayer and as I prayed for her niece, she intervened with the nieces name (which I repeated) and then she added exactly what was wrong with her. Having not remembered what she said, I agreed and finished the prayer. But as soon as I finished, agata was angry that I didnt say the exact words. Sorella Rossell (I was on an exchange) then said, "Dio sa tutto". (God knows all). Hahaha it was a funny moment.
I translated for a girl in Young Womens and sunday school. It was really cool. The language is definitely coming along! I am excited for our work here this transfer! Catania is so beautiful!
We visited Sorella Maiori last week and taught a powerful lesson on the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong throughout the room. It was so clear that the Spirit was there. As I was sitting there, feeling so happy and filled with the Spirit, I had the realization (while in the midst of a hard week), THIS is why I am here. I am here to bring this Spirit, the good word of God to all people. I love the mission. I love the Lords work with all my heart.
Love and pray for you all!
Sister Clyde
ps. I have no idea what is going on with the olympics, but you should look out for Kate Hansen in the luge. (she was definitely my visiting teaching companion freshman year) haha
Just had a rollercoaster of emotions kind of a week. Definitely probably the hardest week of my mission so far. It is so amazing to see the Lords hand in your life and to see your relationship grow even stronger when you are dealing with really hard, lonely times. I have been so grateful to see His tender mercies. I was walking with my companion and we were lost and I was just feeling really crumby, when Luigi Sinatra called us to cancel our appointment. He asked how I was doing and then he said in his broken english, "YOU, TOO. MUCH. HAPPY." He probably said it three times to me. It was such a small little thing, but it was so sweet.
The other day we were on the bus when an interesting woman appraoched asking for help with her phone. Turns out she was from Russia. YES. Time to use my russian skills of 2 vocabulary words (come on liv. gimme more). Priviet and DA. Haha I had her speak some russian for me and I told her about you liv! Later that night while doing finding, we met two girls who spoke english (one from Brazil and the other from China). I told them about Steve and Kenna serving missions there as well. It was a really cool moment. The Chinese girl said, "wow small world". Although it seems like a cheesy coindicence, it meant a lot to me and I felt like the Lord was really watching out to me to show me that He knows us. He will never forget us.
We taught Enzo in a cafe last week. As we were teaching, I noticed a sweet looking lady peering in and listening to us as we taught. She was specifically watching me. She then came over to ask about what we were teaching as she was very interested. She told me that I had light in my eyes and she wanted to know more. The Lord is placing us where He needs us. He is in the details of our lives.
Last week we also taught Agata. It was a very short and interesting lesson. She was complaining about something that had happened with her niece. I began the lesson with a prayer and as I prayed for her niece, she intervened with the nieces name (which I repeated) and then she added exactly what was wrong with her. Having not remembered what she said, I agreed and finished the prayer. But as soon as I finished, agata was angry that I didnt say the exact words. Sorella Rossell (I was on an exchange) then said, "Dio sa tutto". (God knows all). Hahaha it was a funny moment.
I translated for a girl in Young Womens and sunday school. It was really cool. The language is definitely coming along! I am excited for our work here this transfer! Catania is so beautiful!
We visited Sorella Maiori last week and taught a powerful lesson on the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong throughout the room. It was so clear that the Spirit was there. As I was sitting there, feeling so happy and filled with the Spirit, I had the realization (while in the midst of a hard week), THIS is why I am here. I am here to bring this Spirit, the good word of God to all people. I love the mission. I love the Lords work with all my heart.
Love and pray for you all!
Sister Clyde
ps. I have no idea what is going on with the olympics, but you should look out for Kate Hansen in the luge. (she was definitely my visiting teaching companion freshman year) haha
Monday, January 13, 2014
Italian Foosball
Picture this: You are having a nice conversation with your companion during planning one night when BAM! next thing you know you are in mid air-not knowing which ways up and which ways down (feeling that Tower of Terror stomach-just-dropped-40 feet- life- flashed-before-your-eyes feeling! Therefore, causing you to scream out and crash to the floor! Yep, my rolling chair is missing a wheel:) The worst.
So we teach an english course twice a week! It is so rewarding!! At the beginning of my mission, I felt like it was the only place where I felt I was of use (barely knowing the language). The students are SO fun! I love it. At the end of the lesson, we always share a spiritual thought. We have gotten investigators to come of it. ITs really cool because we are able to develop a friendship and trust with them and then they are willing to listen to our message of the gospel! Oh funny story, last week after english course, Sorella Bair and I played foosball with two our students. It was so ridiculous. Michael was getting really hyped up and shocked refferring to Sorella Bair: "Wow! In church you are this reverent, prayerful girl, but now NO. Now you are like this beast!" (Hahaha referring to how excited and competetive she was getting during the game). HAhaha definitely a memorable mission moment!
I recently read a fantastic talk by Elder Ballard from last general conference titled "Put Your Trust in the Lord". Its definitely a must read. At the end he quotes Clayton Christensen, "Every time you take someone figuratively by the hand and introduc him or her to Jesus Christ, you will feel how deeply our Savior loves you and loves the person whose hand is in yours." Such true, beautifully said words. I am so grateful to be a part of this work at this time. EVERYone can be a part of this work right now. It is so good. I am so excited to hear about the familys experiences! You will never forget them!
I went on splits with Sorella Fossa last week. Did I mention that we now live with an Italian sister misisonary. SHe is a hoot! Its fun because it forces us to speak the langauge at all times. She is so hilarious and crazy and fun! Anyway, it was definitely AN experience. It actually went really well and I could communicate with her for the most part. Haha
We took a bus to the military base and found a guy who is part of the military (and speaks english). We talked with him the whole ride down and he agreed t ocome to church next week. It was funny. As he jumped off the bus, I said okay we will see you in church and he says, "Yeah. Call me!!" It was really cool. Its cool to see that people really are open to learning. Although they may not be ready to accept the gospel yet, there are so many people who are willing to hear it.
I love the mission. It is the craziest rollercoaster I have ever been on, but I love it. I wouldnt trade it for anything.
Love you all!!
Love, sister clyde
So we teach an english course twice a week! It is so rewarding!! At the beginning of my mission, I felt like it was the only place where I felt I was of use (barely knowing the language). The students are SO fun! I love it. At the end of the lesson, we always share a spiritual thought. We have gotten investigators to come of it. ITs really cool because we are able to develop a friendship and trust with them and then they are willing to listen to our message of the gospel! Oh funny story, last week after english course, Sorella Bair and I played foosball with two our students. It was so ridiculous. Michael was getting really hyped up and shocked refferring to Sorella Bair: "Wow! In church you are this reverent, prayerful girl, but now NO. Now you are like this beast!" (Hahaha referring to how excited and competetive she was getting during the game). HAhaha definitely a memorable mission moment!
I recently read a fantastic talk by Elder Ballard from last general conference titled "Put Your Trust in the Lord". Its definitely a must read. At the end he quotes Clayton Christensen, "Every time you take someone figuratively by the hand and introduc him or her to Jesus Christ, you will feel how deeply our Savior loves you and loves the person whose hand is in yours." Such true, beautifully said words. I am so grateful to be a part of this work at this time. EVERYone can be a part of this work right now. It is so good. I am so excited to hear about the familys experiences! You will never forget them!
I went on splits with Sorella Fossa last week. Did I mention that we now live with an Italian sister misisonary. SHe is a hoot! Its fun because it forces us to speak the langauge at all times. She is so hilarious and crazy and fun! Anyway, it was definitely AN experience. It actually went really well and I could communicate with her for the most part. Haha
We took a bus to the military base and found a guy who is part of the military (and speaks english). We talked with him the whole ride down and he agreed t ocome to church next week. It was funny. As he jumped off the bus, I said okay we will see you in church and he says, "Yeah. Call me!!" It was really cool. Its cool to see that people really are open to learning. Although they may not be ready to accept the gospel yet, there are so many people who are willing to hear it.
I love the mission. It is the craziest rollercoaster I have ever been on, but I love it. I wouldnt trade it for anything.
Love you all!!
Love, sister clyde
Monday, January 6, 2014
We are literally apart of Catania.
Yes... Sorella Bair and I are staying in catania for a 3rd transfer! So excited! Wow, the weeks are flying here and I am falling more and more in love with the italian culture and the food! Its fine.
Last pday we went to Ortiga with the sisters from Siracusa (sister price) and it. was. breathtaking. Wow. How can something be so old and so beautiful! We went to a piazza where there was the most beautiful duomo. It so white and beautiful and romantic. There was even an accordion player. It was such a perfect moment.
We visited the sweetest woman this week. (She is less active). She was so touched that we came by. She said that she had prayed for strength that morning. She said with tears in her eyes how grateful that we came to see her that day. The work is so good and we continue to see miracles here. I love it!
We taught a girl in Acireale this last week. We got gelato with her as we shared our message. As she was backing out of the parking lost, she totally hit a car. Sorella Bair and I were dying with silent laughter as she DROVE AWAY (as if there was no problem). There was a huge dent and everything. Good news is she became a new investigator and agreed to meet with us again:) Haha apparently its acceptable to hit and run here. (EVERY car has scratches and dents). How terrible??
love, Sister Clyde
Monday, December 30, 2013
Catania take 3???
I am sitting in my apartment, really getting down with some italian verb congugations when I hear the most passionate, most italian two words shouted from the floor above us.
"MAMMA MIA!"
Sorella Bair (who was in another room) acknowledged that she indeed had heard it too. We both laughed..."Where are we?" The funniest thing is that it was real emotion...this wasnt just silly little Mario from Mario Cart who forgot to climb up a ladder. IT WAS REAL LIFE. I live in MARIO CART.
Another great week. It was SUCH a gift to talk to and see the familys faces! Everyone looks so beautiful.. especially that belly Kenny!! and KATE is all grown up.
Before our skype session, our district was invited to a Christmas feast at the Rochiras. They invited family and several families for the ward. We ate lots of food, listened to American christmas music, watched the children open their presents, watched the children do Wii Dance. Opening presents was the most interesting thing... The presents arent even marked. They are pretty much torn up and up for grabs. Magically, everyone knows whose present goes to who. Christmas miracle.
There is the cutest set of italian twin girls (Daphne and Phoebe). I told one of them that I have a twin sister. She quickly responded, "Ma CHE BELLO!" (BUT HOW BEAUTIFUL!) (I wish so badly that I could recite exactly how she said it. She said it like a typical italian-with so much passion in her voice. (a little 10 yr old girl). Everyone is so intrigued when they find out I have a twin serving RUSSIA. Liv, I found some russian church pamphlets in our apartment the other day. Liv, what even is russian?
There was a baptism this week. A father and son (the elders investigators). It was so HAPPY, except a lot of people did show up. The closing hymn was the Spirit of God. Sorella Bair whispered, "SING LOUD". (so as to seem like there were more people than it seemed). Being sick with a cold, I tried the best I could. We struggled to get through the last verse, with this hymn being the highest and longest in the hymn book. Moral of the story: elders, get more members to come to baptisms:)
We taught a family this week! There is a sweet exchange student in our ward from the US, so we arranged for us to come teach her host family. They invited us for pranzo. It was by far the biggest pranzo of my life. There are some days when I feel like I really wont make it through a meal (if you know what I mean).. .lots of prayers said. This was one of those days. But, we survived, shared a message on the family. They invited us back. They are golden and kind and intellectual!
Transfer calls are this week....stay tuned. Im thinking itll be another in Catania. We will see:)
Sorella Bair and I have been studying more about the Holy Ghost and how key it is to conversion. I found a great scripture:
"That which is of God is light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." D&C 50:24
So eloquent and beautifully said. Study and ponder the scriptures. Feast upon them. They will bless your life so much! I know that the scriptures are the words of God.
BUON CAPODANNO!! Own those new years goals!
love,
Sister Clyde
"MAMMA MIA!"
Sorella Bair (who was in another room) acknowledged that she indeed had heard it too. We both laughed..."Where are we?" The funniest thing is that it was real emotion...this wasnt just silly little Mario from Mario Cart who forgot to climb up a ladder. IT WAS REAL LIFE. I live in MARIO CART.
Another great week. It was SUCH a gift to talk to and see the familys faces! Everyone looks so beautiful.. especially that belly Kenny!! and KATE is all grown up.
Before our skype session, our district was invited to a Christmas feast at the Rochiras. They invited family and several families for the ward. We ate lots of food, listened to American christmas music, watched the children open their presents, watched the children do Wii Dance. Opening presents was the most interesting thing... The presents arent even marked. They are pretty much torn up and up for grabs. Magically, everyone knows whose present goes to who. Christmas miracle.
There is the cutest set of italian twin girls (Daphne and Phoebe). I told one of them that I have a twin sister. She quickly responded, "Ma CHE BELLO!" (BUT HOW BEAUTIFUL!) (I wish so badly that I could recite exactly how she said it. She said it like a typical italian-with so much passion in her voice. (a little 10 yr old girl). Everyone is so intrigued when they find out I have a twin serving RUSSIA. Liv, I found some russian church pamphlets in our apartment the other day. Liv, what even is russian?
There was a baptism this week. A father and son (the elders investigators). It was so HAPPY, except a lot of people did show up. The closing hymn was the Spirit of God. Sorella Bair whispered, "SING LOUD". (so as to seem like there were more people than it seemed). Being sick with a cold, I tried the best I could. We struggled to get through the last verse, with this hymn being the highest and longest in the hymn book. Moral of the story: elders, get more members to come to baptisms:)
We taught a family this week! There is a sweet exchange student in our ward from the US, so we arranged for us to come teach her host family. They invited us for pranzo. It was by far the biggest pranzo of my life. There are some days when I feel like I really wont make it through a meal (if you know what I mean).. .lots of prayers said. This was one of those days. But, we survived, shared a message on the family. They invited us back. They are golden and kind and intellectual!
Transfer calls are this week....stay tuned. Im thinking itll be another in Catania. We will see:)
Sorella Bair and I have been studying more about the Holy Ghost and how key it is to conversion. I found a great scripture:
"That which is of God is light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." D&C 50:24
So eloquent and beautifully said. Study and ponder the scriptures. Feast upon them. They will bless your life so much! I know that the scriptures are the words of God.
BUON CAPODANNO!! Own those new years goals!
love,
Sister Clyde
Monday, December 23, 2013
Buon Natale!!!!
Catania is beautiful! Italians are the most kind, caring people. I am still working on that book of beautiful italian services.
Another to add to the list: Sorella BAir and I were in a hurry to buy balloons and decorate for our departing sister, Sorella Fuller last week. We ran into the shop below our house in search for balloons and how to say balloon in italian. Once the store owner found them for us, I readied myself to pay. Without hestitating, he responded "La prossima volta!" ("next time" you can pay) and we were off running for the church. What kindness!
Its really funny to see the cultural differences and accent differences among italians. One day Sorella Bair had a conversation with a stranger:
Sorella BAir: "Are you Italian?"
Stranger: "No! Im Sicilian"
Haha he was dead serious. I guess Im not techinically in Italy:)
There was a baptism on Saturday! It wasnt a convert baptism but the missionaries helped out with it. It was really neat to witness a baptism with the perspective of a missionary. Wow, what a beautiful step in life to see someone come into the waters of baptism with someone holding the priesthood authority of God. Baptism truly is part of the plan and it is how we become children of Christ. It is a rebirth through Him. And we have the opportunity to renew this covenant every week as we partake of the Sacrament. Do as Christ would do each day. Its easy for us to remember during this holiday season but it is so important that we always remember Him! He lives. His Atonement is real!
Love you all! Merry Christmas!
See you soon fam!
love,
Sorella Clyde
Another to add to the list: Sorella BAir and I were in a hurry to buy balloons and decorate for our departing sister, Sorella Fuller last week. We ran into the shop below our house in search for balloons and how to say balloon in italian. Once the store owner found them for us, I readied myself to pay. Without hestitating, he responded "La prossima volta!" ("next time" you can pay) and we were off running for the church. What kindness!
Its really funny to see the cultural differences and accent differences among italians. One day Sorella Bair had a conversation with a stranger:
Sorella BAir: "Are you Italian?"
Stranger: "No! Im Sicilian"
Haha he was dead serious. I guess Im not techinically in Italy:)
There was a baptism on Saturday! It wasnt a convert baptism but the missionaries helped out with it. It was really neat to witness a baptism with the perspective of a missionary. Wow, what a beautiful step in life to see someone come into the waters of baptism with someone holding the priesthood authority of God. Baptism truly is part of the plan and it is how we become children of Christ. It is a rebirth through Him. And we have the opportunity to renew this covenant every week as we partake of the Sacrament. Do as Christ would do each day. Its easy for us to remember during this holiday season but it is so important that we always remember Him! He lives. His Atonement is real!
Love you all! Merry Christmas!
See you soon fam!
love,
Sorella Clyde
Monday, December 16, 2013
Mount Etna Still Lives
Italians are such warm wonderful trusting people! I told Sorella Bair that I want to make a book of all the out of the norm things that Italians do compared to Americans. For example, when you buy something at the store and the cashier doesnt have enough change, he will confidentally ask another customer in line for change and they immediately search through their wallets. Another one was when I bought my bandage at the pharmacy and they didnt understand what I was trying to explain, so I suggested that they search for it on the computer. Without question, they made Sorella Bair and me come BEHIND the counter to use their computer. (A PHARMACY COUNTER). Haha I feel like you would get shot or something if that happened in the states.
So many funny things this last week. One story that stands out was on Saturday morning. I did an exchange with a sister living in Siracusa (a beautiful quaint little town about an hour south of Catania). One of our appointments was with a lonely woman ward member. Sorella Baker gave me a debriefing before we went into the house of what might happen. Well it all happened, alright. When she realized that I was a new sorella, she asked for my name. "Sorella Clyde" was my response. She responded however with: "Whats your first name?" "Samantha but I go by Sorella Clyde" And then the woman: "Sorella Samantha. that is much easier to say." Then she proceeded to pray for me as Sorella Samantha in her prayer. Interesting. Sometimes we like to sing hymns during our visits, so when Sorella Baker offered the sing, the woman insisted on singing a solo. The First Noel. I have to say, I have heard anyone put so much passion into The First Noel (Natal Natal) as much as this woman did that morning. In fact, she kept messing up on the melody so she would start from the top. First verse: heard three times. Aw yeah. Also, during her prayer she dedicated the hymn to me "Sorella Samantha". It was an interesting visit. What a kind woman.
We went caroling to a Casa di Cura (nursing home) last week as a district. It was so happy! Oh my goodness, we all felt on top of the world after that visit. The old women were so shocked and touched that a group of us would come sing to them. I dont think caroling is a common occurence outside the states. It was the most touching moment to see these old, lonely women singing along, giving us a standing ovation at the end of each song, and there was even a sweet woman in the back in her bed- singing EVERY word while wiping the tears from her eyes. We gave out pass a long cards with a picture of Jesus on them. One of the women kissed the picture when I gave it to her. The casa di cura worker wants us to come back to read the book of mormon with her. WOW.
We had another golden lesson with Enzo, the bus driver. Wow. He is so great and ready to go. I really felt the Spirit guiding us throughout the lesson and he ending with a golden prayer. Luigi Sinatra is another favorite (and its not just the fact that he is probably a relative of Frank Sinatra). He is really excited to keep learning and when he gave the closing prayer he thanked Heavenly Father that he met us at a bus stop one day. HOW SWEET. Sorella Amato is our member friend connection with him. MEMBER FRIENDS are so key. In fact, our bishop actually told us to stop doing finding and instead to go to member houses to get referrals. (pretty sure the prophets counsel to find is above bishops, but he has made such a great point!) Members are the key to missionary work!
Luigi Sinatra looked at my nametag at one point and said, "Sorella Clyde. Dove Bonnie?" (Wheres Bonnie). My response: "No so ancora" (I dont know yet). Ohhh italians.
We also had a lesson with Agata. She is definitely an interestingly happy woman. At one point Sorella Bair told her that God thinks of her as a principessa (princess) and she was very excited by this: "OH wow! Thats so funny. My father used to call me a princess when I was little!" Haha. Pretty sure if we keep calling her a princess she will get baptized.
Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth goodwill to men. This is such a beautiful time of the year to give the gift of the gospel. It is the greatest gift that we can give. I know that Jesus Christ lives. He loves us so much that He suffered and died for us. Let us strive to be like our Savior especially during this Christmas season and touch someones life with the gospel, with our love.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Clyde
So many funny things this last week. One story that stands out was on Saturday morning. I did an exchange with a sister living in Siracusa (a beautiful quaint little town about an hour south of Catania). One of our appointments was with a lonely woman ward member. Sorella Baker gave me a debriefing before we went into the house of what might happen. Well it all happened, alright. When she realized that I was a new sorella, she asked for my name. "Sorella Clyde" was my response. She responded however with: "Whats your first name?" "Samantha but I go by Sorella Clyde" And then the woman: "Sorella Samantha. that is much easier to say." Then she proceeded to pray for me as Sorella Samantha in her prayer. Interesting. Sometimes we like to sing hymns during our visits, so when Sorella Baker offered the sing, the woman insisted on singing a solo. The First Noel. I have to say, I have heard anyone put so much passion into The First Noel (Natal Natal) as much as this woman did that morning. In fact, she kept messing up on the melody so she would start from the top. First verse: heard three times. Aw yeah. Also, during her prayer she dedicated the hymn to me "Sorella Samantha". It was an interesting visit. What a kind woman.
We went caroling to a Casa di Cura (nursing home) last week as a district. It was so happy! Oh my goodness, we all felt on top of the world after that visit. The old women were so shocked and touched that a group of us would come sing to them. I dont think caroling is a common occurence outside the states. It was the most touching moment to see these old, lonely women singing along, giving us a standing ovation at the end of each song, and there was even a sweet woman in the back in her bed- singing EVERY word while wiping the tears from her eyes. We gave out pass a long cards with a picture of Jesus on them. One of the women kissed the picture when I gave it to her. The casa di cura worker wants us to come back to read the book of mormon with her. WOW.
We had another golden lesson with Enzo, the bus driver. Wow. He is so great and ready to go. I really felt the Spirit guiding us throughout the lesson and he ending with a golden prayer. Luigi Sinatra is another favorite (and its not just the fact that he is probably a relative of Frank Sinatra). He is really excited to keep learning and when he gave the closing prayer he thanked Heavenly Father that he met us at a bus stop one day. HOW SWEET. Sorella Amato is our member friend connection with him. MEMBER FRIENDS are so key. In fact, our bishop actually told us to stop doing finding and instead to go to member houses to get referrals. (pretty sure the prophets counsel to find is above bishops, but he has made such a great point!) Members are the key to missionary work!
Luigi Sinatra looked at my nametag at one point and said, "Sorella Clyde. Dove Bonnie?" (Wheres Bonnie). My response: "No so ancora" (I dont know yet). Ohhh italians.
We also had a lesson with Agata. She is definitely an interestingly happy woman. At one point Sorella Bair told her that God thinks of her as a principessa (princess) and she was very excited by this: "OH wow! Thats so funny. My father used to call me a princess when I was little!" Haha. Pretty sure if we keep calling her a princess she will get baptized.
Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth goodwill to men. This is such a beautiful time of the year to give the gift of the gospel. It is the greatest gift that we can give. I know that Jesus Christ lives. He loves us so much that He suffered and died for us. Let us strive to be like our Savior especially during this Christmas season and touch someones life with the gospel, with our love.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Clyde
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