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. |
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. |
Monday, March 17, 2014
so much running, so little time...
It is 4:54,
we just finished with a lesson, the bus should be coming any minute
now... When BAM. There it is: the massive M1B bus headed towards the
stop. And we are booking it- full on sprint, hair flying everywhere,
mission skirt picked up to keep from tripping (or looking less foolish).
Whether its for buses, trains or getting to english course on time, we
are usually running. Oh mission life...
We had a really great, productive week. We taught some great lessons. Gennaro, (old man) one of our investigators who has been taking the lessons were 6 months now refuses to come to church because needs to walk his dogs, but he claims he is reading and praying. We decided to start the lessons over with him, so we taught a great lesson on the Restoration. The Spirit was really strong, he agreed to really pray and find out for himself. He offered a powerful pray on his knees and then he told us that he couldnt come to the church for lessons anymore. And told us: "Its not you, its me." and broke up with us... dangit. Well, it needed to happen anyway, wer are just glad that we didnt have to do it. One day Gennaro, one day.
We also taught Peppe. He is this old short man with the biggest beer belly. He has been taking the lessons for a while and almost got baptized but his family refuses to let him because of the law of tithing. We still share spiritual thoughts with him. Well this last week we met him in Campi Flegrei outside on a bench. The three of us sat there and talked about the gospel. He had been a bit angry because we arrived late yet again because there was a strike that had delayed all the trains. But, he pulled out red wrapped gifts of chocolates for each of us. This is perfect, old, beer belly man gifting us with Christmas gifts= SANTA.
We saw wonderful Amaglia again! Amaglia is absolutely golden! This time we shared the Restoration with her. It was a powerful lesson as she just listened and took everything in. Then she ended the lesson with the prayer as we all knelt. It is amazing how strong the Spirit is when we share the story of Joseph Smith and to see the light of Christ touch them. We will meet with her again tomorrow! Sorella Viazzo and I just "floated" out of the lesson; we were so happy! We even did our jump up and down "clyde" huddle.
Pina, another long time investigator, has not been progressing. She reads and comes to church every so often but she is not progressing towards baptism. We did a great lesson on the Restoration with her and her husband. When baptism came up, she said that she wants to wait for her husband. It was a drop lesson with her but it went really well. We ended the lesson with a prayer on our knees. It was really powerful. As we left her house that day she really opened up to us and just cried over the frustration she has with her sick husband. I hugged her and just had this sudden amount of Christ like love for her. We were able to tell her that God loves her and knows her. She was so touched. The more I am on my mission and the more comfortable I am teaching Italian, the more I see the influence of the Holy Ghost in our teaching. Its really cool!
As we were waiting for the bus, we had a crazy African man ask us: "I want to serve God, I only need a white wife- can you help me??" And bam the bus was there within 10 seconds, we hopped on and were safe. SO MANY BLESSINGS!
We were given a referral for an African woman, Maria. We then got 3 referrals from her. We taught her and her friend, Benjamin. They agreed to be baptized when they receive an answer from God. So good.
The work is so surprising every day, but it is so good. Love you all and praying for you!
Sorella Clyde
We had a really great, productive week. We taught some great lessons. Gennaro, (old man) one of our investigators who has been taking the lessons were 6 months now refuses to come to church because needs to walk his dogs, but he claims he is reading and praying. We decided to start the lessons over with him, so we taught a great lesson on the Restoration. The Spirit was really strong, he agreed to really pray and find out for himself. He offered a powerful pray on his knees and then he told us that he couldnt come to the church for lessons anymore. And told us: "Its not you, its me." and broke up with us... dangit. Well, it needed to happen anyway, wer are just glad that we didnt have to do it. One day Gennaro, one day.
We also taught Peppe. He is this old short man with the biggest beer belly. He has been taking the lessons for a while and almost got baptized but his family refuses to let him because of the law of tithing. We still share spiritual thoughts with him. Well this last week we met him in Campi Flegrei outside on a bench. The three of us sat there and talked about the gospel. He had been a bit angry because we arrived late yet again because there was a strike that had delayed all the trains. But, he pulled out red wrapped gifts of chocolates for each of us. This is perfect, old, beer belly man gifting us with Christmas gifts= SANTA.
We saw wonderful Amaglia again! Amaglia is absolutely golden! This time we shared the Restoration with her. It was a powerful lesson as she just listened and took everything in. Then she ended the lesson with the prayer as we all knelt. It is amazing how strong the Spirit is when we share the story of Joseph Smith and to see the light of Christ touch them. We will meet with her again tomorrow! Sorella Viazzo and I just "floated" out of the lesson; we were so happy! We even did our jump up and down "clyde" huddle.
Pina, another long time investigator, has not been progressing. She reads and comes to church every so often but she is not progressing towards baptism. We did a great lesson on the Restoration with her and her husband. When baptism came up, she said that she wants to wait for her husband. It was a drop lesson with her but it went really well. We ended the lesson with a prayer on our knees. It was really powerful. As we left her house that day she really opened up to us and just cried over the frustration she has with her sick husband. I hugged her and just had this sudden amount of Christ like love for her. We were able to tell her that God loves her and knows her. She was so touched. The more I am on my mission and the more comfortable I am teaching Italian, the more I see the influence of the Holy Ghost in our teaching. Its really cool!
As we were waiting for the bus, we had a crazy African man ask us: "I want to serve God, I only need a white wife- can you help me??" And bam the bus was there within 10 seconds, we hopped on and were safe. SO MANY BLESSINGS!
We were given a referral for an African woman, Maria. We then got 3 referrals from her. We taught her and her friend, Benjamin. They agreed to be baptized when they receive an answer from God. So good.
The work is so surprising every day, but it is so good. Love you all and praying for you!
Sorella Clyde
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