Visiting Teaching is SO Important!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 9:26 AM

  

Things have been going really well with the work. A lot of things are dealing with testing my patience and just relying on the Lord. Our one investigator Francesca is progressing...ever so slowly. BUT!! Our relationship with the ward is growing TREMENDOUSLY!! Sorella Hanks and I feel so excited!! I was struggling one day in the fact that our investigor pool is more like a puddle...and what kind of work was the Lord expecting us to do here in Milan. I wasn't feeling good one day, so I decided to pray diligently and then take a little nap. As I was praying, I was just frustrated "Heavenly Father! Why don't we have any investigators? What am I doing wrong? I want to serve thee and I have no idea what I'm doing here! Please, help us find investigators so that we can have baptismal dates!" And then, it hit me "I haven't sent you and your companion here to Milan for baptismal dates. I want you to go and find those who have lost their way." We are here to build the ward and help the ward find out who really lives in their areas!! We  had a little visit with the Relief Society President yesterday and found out a lot of....henpecking? I guess there are more issues in this ward than what we were aware of. But we tried some smoothing over and we really ARE getting a lot accomplished for the ward. After the visit, we went with her and a NC to visit a less active sister named Marcella. She is a YSA and just got back from vacation. Sorella Hanks and I had been praying for a less-active, part member family and we had no idea about this Marcella girl. So we go, thinking to strengthen the ward, and SHE is the only member of her family...consisting of her mom, dad, and younger sister. When we got home for nightly planning, Sorella Hanks' and my eyebrows shot up...our vision for this transfer is to find and baptize and reactivate a less-active, part-member family. Thank you Heavenly Father. We are helping the RS president clean the chapel tomorrow, and we hope Marcella and her sister will be at the FHE we prepare every week. THEN, if they ARE there, we swarm!! Just kidding...more like make an appointment with her family and visit a bit more.

Speaking of visit....VISITING TEACHING IS SO IMPORTANT!!! I have SUCH a testimony of it...it really is the Lord's tool to build relationships between members and sisters of the ward! As the RS President and her companion (the NC) did their lesson, they just shared the message and wanted to "get out of their hair". And I was like "WOAH?! Wait a minute...No testimony? No inspired question? Let's slow things down a bit..." The message was about Daughters in My Kingdom (WHICH! If you haven't read it, you totally should...it's beautiful!) So the NC shared the message in English (She's Filipino) and I translated. Once the message was done, the RS president just said "Va bene" and was getting up to leave! She shared her testimony, a little bit, but was focussed on getting out. So I jumped in and asked if I could ask a question..I wasn't going to let this opportunity leave! Here was this less active 24 year old girl and her mother, who ISN'T a member, taking time to listen to a message about a book they have never even read! So I asked a question "What does it mean to be a daughter in a kingdom? To know that you are a princess?" And the whole feeling changed...The daughter responded saying that she felt priviledged and that it was something wonderful. And the mother, WHO ISN'T A MEMBER, answers and says that it is a beautiful thought and it gives her comfort. She then goes on to say that things are really hard right now and they are struggling...and then the RS President jumped in and started sharing her story about how she found work. Daauughh...Anyway, that's all we needed and Sorella Hanks and I went forward from there. That little tidbit could have been worked with so diligently, but I think we get wrapped up in the idea of sharing the message and getting out...when in reality it is a time to strengthen one another and lift the hands that hang down. I LOVE MY MISSION AND I AM LEARNING SO MUCH!!! So that was an interesting experience and yet so grateful for it because we know now who to try and work with and go forward from there. Little by little a mission changes your ideas of certain things in the church, and it only changes you for the better. LIFE LONG LEARNING! LIFE LONG CHANGING! LIFE LONG DISCIPLESHIP!!

And that's another thing...life long discipleship. We actually have become really good friends with a young couple in our ward. Her name is Jackie and his name is Nathan. THey have a little girl named Elly (Elliana) and they are the Marshall family. We are actually having dinner with them tonight because they want to introduce the gospel to their land lord. He is here in Italy for school on a study abroad...he is from Blackfoot and she is from Minnesota. They will be here until the end of July. But, we see that our hardwork is helping the ward because Nathan SWORE off sister missionaries. He served here about 5 years ago and the sisters were a joke...always making problems. But after we got to know them and talking with them, he told Jackie to invite us to dinner again this past sunday. PROGRESS!! Hahah Jackie was really happy that we changed his heart...I think she likes having people close to her age to talk to...in English nonetheless. BUT!! Hearing those sisters like, ruin an elder's idea about Sister missionaries, and even President and Sorella Wolfgramm were concerned when they first arrived. The sisters that were in the mission when they arrived were crude, rude, and un-Christlike...they were GLAD to see the sisters leave! They didn't want to deal with them anymore! And I see now like, if you have the opportunity to serve a mission it can change you to be the person you want to be. I am so glad because I am learning how to deal with things...fully relying on the gospel. You learn mothership, sistership, self-ship (?boh?), and discipleship, all cram packed in 18 months more or less. 

I am so grateful for the things that I am learning and how I can truly talk with my Heavenly Father about anything and everything. My tiredness frustrates me and I feel like a lame-o because I just need to sleep...that's all my brain will think about "sleep...you can't go further just take a nap." Do I feel better afterward, yes. But do I feel lousy that I had to take that time away from the Lord's time? Also yes. So, I decided to pray about it. I just told Heavenly Father that I just can't do it. I can't get up in the morning...my body hurts and I am so tired and I'm frustrated because I am tired of eating such heavy foods and wah, wah wah. And basically I threw a tantrum and went to sleep. As I woke up, I received an answer to my prayers...1 Corinthians 10:13..."that ye may be able to bear it" I was just reminded that I have some factors that are against me and that I need to be patient. I can't let this get in the way of missionary work. And sometimes it does. For example, the other day we were visiting Francesca and she has patience the size of a lentil bean. I was trying to explain something and she wouldn't listen...so I just got a tight lip and had my companion take over. I was fuming! And I think it all stemmed from the fact I was mad at myself for sleeping, I was mad that she made me eat so much food, and I was just mad....So I decided to not say anything because I DEFINITELY wasn't feeling the Spirit. Luckily my companion turned it around and I was able to refocus. But, I can't let the little things get to me and I really need to work on it. So, I think Francesca and this whole sleepiness thing is teaching me patience and understanding...something I thought I had...but realize now that I really lack. Francesca didn't think anything of it and the lesson ended up being a really good thing. I had to lay down the law because she wants me to marry her son..Filippo, who is a total weeny...smokes, drinks and just whines about life....and he's almost 40...still living at home. I just layed down the law and then bore my testimony about how I will marry a man who will be worthy to take me to the temple...Then she said that she'll convert her son....and I just rolled my eyes and bore testimony again of the importance of the gospel and the importance of the sealing power in the Lord's house.

I am SO grateful for the temple and the work we can do. I miss the temple so much, and cannot wait to do a session and just go inside. GO TO THE TEMPLE! PLEASE!!

Love,
Sra. Bowman

I wasn't sure if this was her letter to everyone, but it appears to be so as nothing more came.  Kind of exciting....I received a letter from her mission president asking me to email all the info needed for her return home trip on Aug 24.  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?????  Her homecoming talk is scheduled for Aug. 26 so if you are in the area, please come.  I can't believe my babies will be home THIS YEAR!!!  It truly does go by so fast.  What a wonderful experience and testimony building experience they are having.  Thanks for all you love and support to our kiddos.
Rosalee

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012 9:53 AM

 

YES!!! I am SO EXCITED that you are going to take Daniel and I on a cruise!!! I am STOKED!!! I have been configuring a plan all week to see what I could do to convince you to take us all again!!   I am SO glad you all had a great time and that everyone got home safe :) WHAT?!???!? ANNA IS GETTING MARRIED!???!? Oh my gosh that is INSANE!!! TIme is flying by way too fast...my whole world is going to be turned upside down!!  Well, as far as the candy is concerned, it is still sitting in a pile on my couch and my companion and I are slowly getting rid of it. All the whopper eggs she ate because the malt is all wheat products....she happily made the sacrifice. Yeah, I saw the list correne thought up for me and I'm really happy with it...I wish I could take a break in the Winter...but...I think she thinks it would be better for me to just plow through...then I could have the whole summer off and start in the fall. I am looking forward to the pictures and I really am glad that you all are sold on cruises. Do you think we could also consider doing a church history tour? I remember you saying something about going to NC also...what are your traveling thoughts? Whatever it is...I'd like to be in!! How has Ruston been doing? THe little guy has been on my mind lately. I am a little, ever so slightly, homesick...just really missing everyone around this time. But, I have the faith to walk right through the homesickness and all will be well. Transfers are this week and I am staying in Milan again with sister hanks. WE ARE feeling so much better!! THe Lord has been really helping us and me...I've decided to get up even if I feel sick...get up and exercise and run...and we walk everywhere now too....I am determined to lose a few kili before coming home. So, it's lots of fruits and veggies and yogurt and walking...it's coming to summer time now and all the fruits and veggies are great. Today we didn't do exercise in the morning because we are so sore, but we are walking and just having a great time enjoying the weather...even if it is crazy.

 

This past week/weekend has been a miracle for me. We had zone conference on Thursday and it changed my mission. I felt like I had been digressing as a missionary, and I didn't know what to do. And so, inspired like they are...President and the AP's did an amazing "break your boxes" conference. I shaped up, wisened up, and am striving to be more obedient and happy than ever. One of the biggest things President emphasized was for ALL OF US to change our mode of prayer. We needed to start praying with faith. If we did this, we would see miracles. Ho reso conto (I like...well...it hit me?) that I needed to be better and more sincere with my prayers. Immediately I went home and made a sign on our front door out of the cute little heart sticky notes that says "Did You Think To Pray" and so EVERY SINGLE TIME we leave the apartment, we get on our knees and pray as a companionship. We teach a principle to each other 4 times a day as has been asked since the beginning of my mission, and I am seeing the blessings. I never really had a testimony of it because it seemed really stupid...but I have repented and it helps me be more willing to talk to people. TALKING TO PEOPLE!!! It is becoming SO MUCH EASIER!! I just smile really big and be cheerful and people think I'm crazy...which, suprisingly, interests them more in what i have to say! Saturday and Sunday were MIRACLES FOR ME. Saturday I was close to tears all day long because I felt the SPirit of the Lord so strongly within me. We have quite a handful of potential investigators and the days pass by even faster.

 

I was pondering this week of the purpose of my mission. Sister Hanks brought up a comment over dinner about how a departing sister mentioned in her testimony that every missionary has their specific mission. She asked me what I thought mine was....and I didn't really know. As I teach and as I meet beautiful, wonderful people...I wonder if my mission was really a tool for the Lord to change me. To, realize what a blessing the gospel in my life is...and to really embrace the positive demeanor that the Lord has blessed me with. I relfected on my setting apart blessing, as well as my patriarchal blessing, and both talked about rejoicing in life, finding joy in the journey, and happiness. Joy. Joyful, Joyous. FINDING THAT IN LIFE. As I reflected on me entering the mission, and stirring my pot of pasta, I was NOT joyful. Oh my heavens...life was so hard for me. But now, I think I am really coming to understand the joy of the gospel, which in turns brings joy into my life. The Spirit is so tender and I strive DAILY to maintain it. I find multiple times the Spirit testifying to me of things I read in the Liahona's we receive...sometimes it's ridiculous and I cry over stories I read in the Friend section. To have joy in your life is so tender, and yet so important. I find now that I am happier than ever and a sense of relief is in my heart. And when I pray for charity, each and every morning...I am less inclined to get frustrated and I see people in a more beautiful light. My hour of study that I had been missing because I wouldn't get up...makes all the difference in my day. I don't want to lose that!! Studying...gosh I LOVE IT!! I don't have enough time to study in just that little hour in the morning! Studying is a lifelong daily thing....bah, it's so important! I want to be a better bigger sister, so many things to make up for and help my siblings know that I love them. This month's Ensign is BEAUTIFUL and some of the stories in the Friend too! It talks about the importance of talking with our children and making time to talk with them. I've decided that I claim dishes after dinner whenever I come to visit at home so that I can snag a sibling and take time to talk with them. And it made me even more grateful for you Mom and Dad! It meant SO MUCH to me, and STILL DOES that I could come to you at 300 in the morning to just talk and help me understand the factions of life. And how I could call whenever, come home whenever, and just talk whenenver. It is such a comforting thing...even if the subjects were redundant...you still encouraged me and helped me along the way. Thus, I want to be the same. This month's Ensign has inspired me to make a Mommy Manual. It's going to be a binder FULL of talks of the Apostles and Prophets on how to have a happier and faithful family. I have already started a list in my "Use Time Wisely" section of Preach My Gospel. WHICH I LOVE!! I LOVE THIS BOOK and I will use PMG for the rest of my life!!!

 

My joy is full and I rejoice in the gospel and the blessing of eternal families. I am so grateful for this mission and how it is teaching me to be an eternal disciple and missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ. My day goes smoother when I know that my knees have become a little rougher and my Book of Mormon pages have become a little more wrinkled. I have to finish it this week before the new transfer starts...and it freaks me out that I am on the last leg of my color coordinating in the front cover. But yet, oh how blessed I am to be a member of this gospel and to be happy...no matter what happens. The quote for the rest of my life...that always brings me peace "No matter what happens, the Lord is in it." As I see people living their lives, and hearing of people getting married and having babies...I love the pace that the Lord is leading my life. Everything will come in its own due time. I have to learn what I am capable of...learn to listen to the promptings of the Spirit...and I think that big chunk of time during my mission of being sick and not doing EVERYTHING with exactness...taught me what it is like to NOT have the Spirit with you. Thus, I am so grateful for repentance...because when you repent and strive even harder, it's like you LEAP to a whole new level...and life seems a little more brighter.

 

Not to mention I am less tired because we have new mattresses and pillows and we are eating much better because we are teaching Francesca about the Word of Wisdom...with portions and food substitutions. And seeing her illness has kind of...scared us...into eating better and changing into a healthy lifestyle. Which I am excited. Our blender broke this week...and I cried because I spent about 40 minutes trying to make a green drink by hand, and trying to make the blades spin, and it didn't work and I wasted it all... so now I add the seeds to my yogurts and cottage cheese. I don't know if I mentioned this first, but President asked us in the last conference to ask our loved ones NOT to send packages because custom payments have shot THROUGH THE ROOF. If we are willing to pay with personal money for the customs, then it is fine. But other than that...it's just not worth it. THe only thing I can think of you wanting to send is vitamins...and I can do without them until I return. Thank you so much for everything and I love you all so very much. I am so excited that in like 3 weeks we get to see each other and talk!! How are we wanting to work this out??

 

WEll, time is up and I gotta go!! Love you!!

until next time,

sorella bowman

As far as this side of the world is concerned

Hello everyone!

So, it's been kind of a stressful few nights. A few months ago, a cruise ship (well renouned) crashed off the coast of Italy, not that far from Genova, and many MANY people died and were drowned. The news has been saying that it was a miniature Titanic. I don't know how many of you know, but my family is enjoying the warm coast and waters of the Carribbean and I've been having nightmares that something has happened to the ship or that one of my siblings have drowned. The captain of the Italian ship had left his post to mess around with a passenger and wouldn't let people abandon ship, he ordered people to their cabins. Because of this, he is is prison...the ship is sunk...families have died and people are missing. So yes, as I haven't heard from my family...there is a bit of anxiety but I have to have faith that the Lord is protecting them.

Anyways, over here it's rainy, wet, and freezing. My companion and I have been taking turns with a nasty virus that has been going around and so it's been a trial judging whether or not we can go out for the day. I had to stay in Monday because with this virus you feel nauseated ALL THE TIME and your heart starts racing like you need to purge, but then nothing happens and it's all you can do but stay down in bed. You get a nasty sore throat a quite the headache too...which came at full force yesterday morning for me. But we went out anyway yesterday and taught 5 different people, all of which were really important lessons. Today the weather is even colder and rainier, but we are in our black coats and umbrellas doing our shopping and getting prepared for next week. Tomorrow we have Zone Conference and I am SUPER excited for that. It's always an awesome spiritual boost and helps me improve in every aspect of my life.

We had to drop Domenico this past week but have made some appointments with some potential investigators who were lost in the phone and area book. Today we have an appointment with an Ecuadorian woman who was SO excited that we called and wants us to teach her family. If it means getting new investigators, then it is worth losing an hour on our p-day :) Francesca came to church and really, truly loved it. Her testimony is so strong and it seems there is no shaking her. She prayed for us yesterday to get better and not miss an appointment with her...she is literally like a sponge, soaking EVERYTHING up. There are a few things that we are working on to help her change her "pointing finger" attitude, but the family is getting better. We are praying that her son and husband with soften their hearts to have a desire to start listening to the gospel :)

This past Sunday was Easter Sunday and it was probably the best Easter. I think back on Christmas and I am grateful for the Christmas I experienced because it made me appreciate and look forward to the family Christmas we have each year. Our family, which I am so grateful for, really takes Christmas as it is and truly celebrates the holiday season...looking forward to that again. But this Easter was really special. I think because it gave us missionaries a chance to show who we are in the ward. The Bishopric asked each of us missionaries, President Wolfgramm, and also the older missionary couple to take charge of Sacrament meeting. Anziano Barnes went first in talking about faith, Anziano Jensen went next and talked about the Book of Mormon. They are the AP's. Then Sorella Hanks spoke about praying to know the truth and I spoke about how God is our Loving Heavenly Father. For me it was truly a wonderful experience because I was nervous as to how I could put all my thoughts together. I get up to the stand and everything just flowed. I didn't even have to look at my notes, and I felt the Spirit of the Lord testify through me that these things were true. We then sang (the AP's, myself and my companion) Savior, May I Learn to Love Thee as a special musical number. Then Elder Lynch spoke of he and his wife's conversion stories and President spoke on the Atonement. As he was speaking, a new convert named Ruth, to me showed the beauty of this gospel. After Ruth was baptized 2 years ago, she had a stroke which left her a mess. She's been in the hospital ever since...except this Sunday. Ruth is SUCH a special lady with a smile as warm as the sun and a personality that is so kind and caring, even though she can't say or do much. But the family who brought her to church had to leave early, well on time because we went over, but as President was speaking about the Atonement and Christ's love for each and every one of us...Ruth was slowly walking with her cane, smiling as big as ever making sure that she said goodbye to each and every one. President just continued talking, but it was such a beautiful thing to see this ward come together to love a little sheep who has been pent up in the pasture for a while. I hadn't seen this before. Usually my companions and I have had to work SO HARD to unite the ward in EVERYTHING...but Sunday was such a special experience. I saw people get up from their chairs to hug and baci Ruth to wish her a happy easter. Buona Pasqua. I was a little anxious that no one was listening to President's talk...but I tried to see it through the Lord's eyes...instead of leaving Ruth to herself and she slunking away unnoticed because of her condition, she made every effort she could to say hello and goodbye to everyone...Seeing the happiness on her face and the joy she had within her...I'm sure she truly awaits the Resurrection...which we were celebrating that day. Our bodies are corrupted and would have been this way forever. Disease, disfigure and everything else...things we would wait to overcome us and live forever...only to see a fate under the cold earth. But grazie al' nostro Salvatore, Gesu Cristo, we too can overcome death. The spirits which we cultivate here will shine through in our glorified and perfected bodies because HE overcame it all. We will NEVER be able to comprehend the Atonement, but when we try to use it, I testify that we become steps closer to Him and we come to understand His love for us and everyone each and every time. I have taken the Atonement into my life many times, some more strongly than others...and I come to find that my testimony has grown.

After the sacrament service members flocked to us with referrals and invitations to Easter lunch. But a humble sister and her son had invited us a few days earlier, and we knew that that was the home to go and visit. As we arrived, this family was out of sorts...kind of grumpy and unhappy. But, as we visited and tried to cool things down...it ended up being a wonderful experience. The son, who is divorced and on the verge of inactivity, asked us how we gained our testimony. As I sat and pondered...I realized that my testimony has solidified all thanks to my mission experiences. I have come to see the Lord Jesus Christ as a closer friend, I know that NO ONE is too far to taste the relieving waters of the Atonement, I have gained a greater testimony of the experiences of the prophet Joseph Smith and realize what a miracle the Book of Mormon is for us to have. The gospel means EVERYTHING to me...it what makes and holds happy forever families together. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and we truly DO become closer to Him if we read it every day. As I have been sick, I haven't had chances to read the Book of Mormon, and when I feel better I feel distant from the Lord...and when you feel this way, we are counseled to dive into the sacred books and repent del nostro allontanza...um...we repent of our farther...um...we repent from moving ourselves away from Him. And then we are blessed with His spirit once more. I am nervous for the day when I have to board the plane...it's getting closer and closer...and i don't want to lose this beautiful gift which I have been given...of always feeling the Spirit. It makes me think of what movies am I going to see...what music am I going to listen to...it seems like NO MOVIES and only EFY are in my category...but I am sure it will take some prayer and sincere pondering to see what music and what movies are good in the sight of the Lord. You see that beautiful pan of brownies and you want to take a bite...but would you still take a bite if you knew it was made with just a little bit of dog poop? Or you see that DELICIOUS ice cream sunday and it is everything you are craving...but then just half a cockroach is sticking out of it....would you eat it anyway? 

It's such a fine line in keeping the Spirit with us and not being as the jews...hypocrites in word and deed. It is so important to stay close to the Lord, do wholesome activities that bring your families closer together...you won't have this time again. It makes me a little sad to not be apart of all the fun things that my family is doing back at home, but I am learning key tools that will not only change me but also my future family and will bless us through the eternities. Which in turn, I too can make little memories with my siblings and parents upon returning home...with the little time that I will have.

The Lord has a plan for each and every one of us...and my companion is reminding me daily that the Lord really is aware of every situation that we find ourselves in. As Joseph and Hyrum Smith would always say "Whatever happens...the Lord is in it." Oh! That brought tears to my eyes....I know it's true. Whatever happens in your life, the Lord is in it. Whatever sorrow or pain you may be suffering, our Savior Jesus Christ has already suffered and wants to relieve you of it all...He's in our sufferings to bless us. Allow Him to help you...allow Him to heal you. He paid a debt that we can never repay, and all He asks is for us to follow Him and keep His commandments.

I testify that Jesus is the Christ, and that He is our Savior and Redeemer. Even though my time in Italy is drawing nigh, my mission will not stop here. Your mission continues. You learn things to change you and your life here in the mission, and upon returning you magnify it all and live as a disciple of Christ for the rest of your life. Pray to the Lord to place someone in your path that you could help today...maybe consider bringing a Book of Mormon with you and giving it to someone who may be searching. If you don't know that the Book of Mormon is true...the Lord will tell you in His own way that is personal to you...if you TRULY desire to know. We did not come to this earth to be led astray...but to be shown the way and magnify it. I testify that the Prophet Joseph Smith did INDEED see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Why couldn't he have seen them? God can do whatever He wants. I know that President Monson has been called of God to lead and guide this people unto repentance and salvation...and how grateful I am to my ancestors who accepted this gospel so that I could be raised by goodly parents and be born in the covenant. I too will do the same someday, and how grateful I am for the sealing powers...for whatsoever shall be bound on earth shall be bound in heaven if it is found good in the sight of the Lord. Death, where is thy victory? Thy sting has been muted for the eternities are true! This I testify in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

p.s. Every time I step out into the cold, I remember that April showers bring May flowers! And even the gray skies emphasize the beauty of the...well...grafiti :) And flower blossoms when we see them :) So, when skies are gray in your life...look for the beauty because it's still there!! 

Until next time!!

baci e abbracci,

sorella bowman

Ohhhhh....my sweet daughter.  Sometimes (more than sometimes) she worries too much.  I just have to laugh.......BUT she is very insightful.  Just gotta love her!!!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 8:29 AM

 

"Dear Dad,

I'm sitting here in the chapel in Milano 1 and as I was listening to the YW Conference (which was GREAT even in Italian) I had some questions come to mind that I am pretty sure you can answer.

   My feelings came stronger when I heard President Monson speaking to the YW. How am I to raise a righteous family? How am I to fin a companion to discipline my children in a righteous way and through the gospel, just as you have done?

   I thought back on some of my friends in HS...their father's being Bishop's and Stake President's...and their standards less than admirable. I even think of some family members who are in this same boat! And I puzzled and just...don't get it! One of my friend's turned openly gay and married a man. I must find a righteous husband who will openly help my sons and raise them in righteousness. Okay conference is starting...

   And so we jump ahead to April 3, and how grateful I am for the servants of the Lord. I wrote questions down this conference and I KNEW that the Lord would answer. I could FEEL it; it was a feeling of complete confidence and almost a buzzing inside. My greatest question was asking the Lord HOW am I to search diligently for my future companion, just as Elder Causse counseled me to do? And I had a feeling that Elder Scott would be the one to answer...and he was. In order to search diligently, I must remain close to the Spirit and scriptures. I need to heed the counsel of the prophets and the Savior and His teachings. I was afraid that I would be coming back into "life" blindly, but it won't be s. I'm excited and feel more assured in this gospel than I ever have my whole life. 

   I also went to the Lord with questions about my health, as to which Elder Nelson responded beautifully. In personal study, I asked myself what exactly is the meaning of "Christ" because we always hear Jesus THE Christ. Brother Hallstrom answered it by saying that Christ means Messiah or Anointed One. Before the Sunday Morning Session, I had struggled over my weaknesses and how frustrated I was...over how many chances I have missed. What were the words out of Jeffrey R. Hollandìs mouth?Direct quote of my sorrow answered with a  direct promise of the Atonement of the Savior..."

And so that is where we stand...I am just so grateful for the prophets and how BLESSED we are to be watching General Conference with ALL sessions available to us!! I can't BELIEVE I would fall asleep!! Never again....it gave me a spiritual recharge and has CHANGED my mission. I am taking leaps and bounds and feel like I really CAN continue....thank you for your prayers!! Love you!!"

And thus you all see the letter I have written to my father, which summed up this week EXACTLY for me. I feel so reinforced that I cannot even explain myself. My life has taken a complete turn, and I feel now, MORE THAN EVER so close to my Heavenly Father. I am finding JOY and HAPPINESS, TRULY in the work, and I pray for charity every day...which the Lord is blessing me with. It's like a shade has been lifted from my eyes and I SEE people as they are...Children of God. And I don't really have a fear anymore to talk to people...This gospel is what will SAVE the world!! 

We had a lesson with Francesca the other day and it went BEAUTIFULLY. She made these HUGE cookies and I had to reject them because of the gluten issue and she forgot! SHe gave me an orange instead...and I just chuckled to myself because LAST time she made these DELICIOUS cannoli and I ate them anyway because she was so proud of them..."I made these special for you because I know you are Celiac (that's just what I tell people for easiness) and so I left out eggs!" hahaha...one thing I CAN eat...So I "died" happy because they were truly delicious. But the lesson...we broke it down into little pieces because she has SO many questions!! But, at the end...as we were talking about miracles, she began to cry. She's VERY heavy and doesn't know what to do about losing weight...Here in Italy they don't help you much in that matter...hello...Mission suit? But, as we testified that if she worked hard to get to church, the Lord would bless her and we talked about Sacrament Meeting and she asked us to sing a Hymn....I opened right up to Abide With Me Tis Eventide, and mentioned how this was not only my favorite but also my father's and I testified of the truthfulness. I sang soprano and Sorella Hanks sang alto..and Francesca silently cried throughout the whole thing...saying she never heard anything sound so beautiful and that she was grateful to God for giving her this blessing. It was all I COULD DO to not cry the Spirit was so strong. It was such a blessing to feel the Lord's love for this special daughter. 

This Sunday is Easter Sunday and the ward has asked the missionaries to be in charge....2 weeks ago my companion and I shared a lesson in Relief Society which went really well...It Is Better to Look Up by Elder Cook. And this week, President asked me to speak on God is our Loving Heavenly Father..as to which I need to share a personal experience. How could I not declare that God is my loving Heavenly Father? I am so excited for this experience and please pray for us to have a family ask us to Easter Dinner...or else we're spending it alone.

Jesus Christ lives. He died so that we might live and broke the bands which hold us tightly, so that we may brake them to. Go to the Lord in prayer and allow the Savior's atonement change you life. Anything important to you, is important to the Lord and He WILL help you change! I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple and the sealing ordinances which will take place in my life..the next ordinance I have been asked to prepare for by the apostles themselves. The Lord ONLY wants our happiness and we will find it, only through Him. I Know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives who once was dead...I know that my Redeemer lives. He is real and He is there. This I testify in the name of my loving Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

p.s. I felt another prompting right before I sent this letter, but I had to stop myself....I feel that whoever I am speaking to....You need to go to the temple. Don't make excuses, just go. Someone on the other side is waiting for your help! GO!!! LOVE THE BLESSINGS OF THE TEMPLE BECAUSE LIFE IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE BLESSING TO GO WHENEVER YOU WANT!! I KNOW THIS AND AM LIVING IT!! GO!!!