I hope everyone had a great Halloween! Italians don't really do Halloween. And it doesn't help that the pope came out and said Halloween is a no go. So the only people celebrating were the rebels. And even then, their idea of celebrating is wearing zero clothing with some crazy makeup and taking a little giro around centro But it was still a big holiday weekend because it was la festa dei Ognissanti, which is a Catholic holiday where they recognize all the saints of the church. So everyone had Monday and Tuesday off work and school aka we were stood up 28482884 times because no one wants to hang with the missionaries on vacation days. Va bene.
We met a new lady named Egle this week (pronounced egg-lay, she's Italian but it's a Greek name). She is a school teacher and is new to Brescia but loves studying philosophy and religion and is anxious to learn more about our church. We have a bunch of people right now we are trying to meet with who are potential investigators as well. So the work is going well!
We met with Caro again finally! We were able to get to the bottom of the mysterious Norwegian guy who was at her apartment last time we were there. We definitely 3rd wheeled that party because he was in town from Norway for just the weekend to see her but she's never home so when we came by and she was there we took advantage of the situation and just cozied up right with them hahah. I love third wheeling. Anyway turns out they are engaged. So eventually (maybe next year) she's moving to Norway. So that's that! We saw her again later in the week and she promised to read the Book of Mormon and pray. So we are excited to see her and follow up.
Saturday we went by cecilia's art studio. We taught her and asked if she is willing to continue with us as we help her progress towards baptism. She is very comfortable with her Catholic community but says she wants to continue learning and taking our lessons. We will see how it goes! Then Sorella Tullis SHOWED HER UP on the ceramics wheel it was the best hahah!! I don't think Cecilia understood that Sorella Tullis truly does study ceramics at a university level. So Cecilia was absolutely floored as Tullis threw some clay down and made the most beautiful cup and bowl in 10 minutes!! I loved it. It's so fun showing others we are just normal people with hobbies and passions just like everyone else. It really connected us and now we've been invited back so Tullis can teach her and her husband more pottery stuff....and the gospel;):););)):):)/):);)/););
We ate well this week. If I explained what we've been eating I would make you cry. So I won't. The Italians know what they are doing I'll just leave it at that.
Our other investigators are progressing well too. We had stake conference this weekend which was aweeeesssoooommmeeee. Really though super good and all geared at the Italian saints and exactly how they can better build their faith and prepare for the Rome temple. I can't tell you guys how badly these people are praying and fasting for the Italian temple. We are so blessed to have so many near our houses in America. Two families Saturday drove 5 to 6 hours at 4 in the morning to do two sessions in the temple just to turn around and drive right back home. They didn't complain, they didn't talk about how tired they were. They were just grateful and beaming with light as they told us about how they did the work for their siblings and parents and how now they are an eternal family. It really brought tears to my eyes to see how at peace they were now with some of the tragic deaths that have occurred in their families. Patrizia couldn't even talk about her sister who past away 3 years ago without crying, but now she feels relief and knows her sister is happy. What an incredible gift we have to truly be with our families for now and eternity.
Our other investigators are progressing well too. We had stake conference this weekend which was aweeeesssoooommmeeee. Really though super good and all geared at the Italian saints and exactly how they can better build their faith and prepare for the Rome temple. I can't tell you guys how badly these people are praying and fasting for the Italian temple. We are so blessed to have so many near our houses in America. Two families Saturday drove 5 to 6 hours at 4 in the morning to do two sessions in the temple just to turn around and drive right back home. They didn't complain, they didn't talk about how tired they were. They were just grateful and beaming with light as they told us about how they did the work for their siblings and parents and how now they are an eternal family. It really brought tears to my eyes to see how at peace they were now with some of the tragic deaths that have occurred in their families. Patrizia couldn't even talk about her sister who past away 3 years ago without crying, but now she feels relief and knows her sister is happy. What an incredible gift we have to truly be with our families for now and eternity.
Today for pday we went to Verona to have a zone party and then we skipped out a little early and walked around the beautiful city. It is ANCIENT. the duomo here is massive and because of the time change and how dark it gets so early the entire thing was only lit on the inside by candles making it the most incredible mysterious ancient dark glowing duomo. When you walk inside it feels like you've gone back in time centuries. I cannot explain the things I am seeing here in Italy. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. I feel so lucky to serve here. It's hard work, but worth it. My STL says "enjoy the sacrifice" I feel like that sums up a mission perfectly.
Vi voglio bene con amore sorella Williams!
Exploring Verona on P-day
Sorella Tullis on the ceramic wheel!
The wonderful Brescia District
Making tortillas to have an Italian food detox
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