Sorella Williams: My Last Zone Conference

Salve,

     Last Thursday was officially my last zone conference. It was nice to be together with the two Milano zones. One, because most of my best friends are in those zones and two, it's always nice to be with President and Sorella Allen and hear their counsel. I bore my last testimony and we huddled and sang the mission hymn (for me) the last time.

     We had a scambio that night with the Genova sisters. Sorella McCormick and I went to the Scotto house and taught the word of wisdom. It is not an easy thing for them. I don't think it is for anyone if we don't already make it a habit and we don't try to justify different parts of it based on what we feel it should include or not include. BUT her and her kids came to church that Sunday and it was a success! Finally!!!

     We also saw Milagros and then Fernando and Eglayda that Friday. Their baby Grace is getting so dang big. I got here when she was just a bundle, now she's walking around and yelling at everyone, it's the best. They are moving to Paris soon and we are stoked for them. It's what's right for their family.

     Saturday was a crazy day. We saw a less active, Giovana (who came to church Sunday!!!) then saw Fanny and Aydee like always. A miracle happened in Muggio and a family Sorella Anderson had taught while she was there were finally getting baptized so we got permission to go to the baptisms. Muggio is very close to Milano. It was so special for Sorella Anderson and Sorella Orr! And I liked running around just being the helping hand. Plus the guy who baptized them was hilarious and was so proud of himself that he had his OWN photo shoot in his white clothes by himself before the service which I was more than happy to be his photographer (pictures attached).

     Then Dimitri picked us up and took us to our favorite Peruvian restaurant he has been dying to take us to again before he moves to Pavia. Those Peruvians know what they are doing. While we were eating we got a phone call that Sorella Tullis's companion Sorella Lo Russo broke her ankle while playing soccer in Navigli. Sorella Tullis needed to go into a trio with us while they figured out Lo Russo's situation. Which was so sad for her and her ankle....but i would be lying if I say it hasn't always been my secret fantasy being in a trio companionship with my two fav people. All three of us went to church the next day and it was nice having an extra person to help. We usually just run around frantic all of church to get everything done, but her being there was the best. Sorella Tullis just has a way at making everything better!

      After church we went to a tower in Garibaldi that is only free on Sunday. Tina and George have been asking to take us to it forever. It was so cool! You take the FASTEST elevator. 40 floors in 25 seconds. You can see ALL of Milan from the top. It was amazing. When we left we were stopped by police in the road. It was blocked off because the tour of Italy bike race was happening right then and there! So all these bikers were flying by which was way cool to see. Then we went straight to the hospital to see Sorella Lo Russo. She was such a trooper because let me say I cannot handle Italian hospitals. They are absolutely ridiculous. It's an absolute sauna in there, it's a system where if you leave your bed you basically lose your spot in the hospital (it's like a weird waiting game), and they come and see you when they can. Not to mention that there are other people all in her room. Most of which are stark naked because it's SO DANG HOT. But she was optimistic and every time we would wheel her down the hallway she would be like "hey Francesco, lookin good! Hey Maria how's the elbow! Ciao Flavio keep on trying don't give up!" We were like how the heck did you get to know all these people so fast hahaha?

     Monday we took Sorella Tullis to the hospital and dropped her off with Lo Russo. Sorella Anderson and I went to talk to some Comune people about service projects. This nice lady named Giovana told me she knew I was American and not English the second she saw me because I'm a hand talker. Then we got some sandwiches and brought them back to the hospital for them. We stayed as long as we could until we had to go to art class. Gaia was back in town from Modena yay! So we got to see her. Then we went directly over to Giuseppe and Rosella's house. Rosella is the only member in their family. They have two kids, Stefano is 30 and Chiara who is 22. Chiara is the sweetest, but has never had much interest in the church. Chiara called us because she just found out she's pregnant and needed us to come over and talk with her about it all. So we went and she had her friend Denise there (who was the best). We had a really good conversation and she felt much better. She asked us to come again so we are happy about that.

     Tuesday we went to see Blessing WAY out there where she lives, but she wasn't home and I felt bad because I was the one who said we should go even though we hadn't heard back from her. But Sorella Anderson said it just means there's someone else. And she was right! We met this lady named Elena on the bus and then we all walked together to the metro. We taught the WHOLE restoration on the crazy loud metro and it was such a cool experience. I've never been able to share with someone the first version on a metro before.

     Today for pday we went to a place called Varenna! It is beautiful.Then we took a boat to Bellagio. It was so fun...and hot. We ended up talking to so many Italian store owners because everyone was fascinated at how we were American but could speak italian (because it's such a tourist area). We taught the restoration and shared with a painter the first vision with her in her store. Then we bought these random art paintings from her...then had a bit of buyers remorse..then missed the bus...then camped out in Bellagio for another 3 hours because we were stuck there..then had an awkward encounter with half naked grown men swimmers..but all is well now and we are safely back in Milan meno male.

     I had a boost of faith this week and was reminded that at any minute someone around me could be perfectly placed by the lord in order to her the gospel. I'm grateful for the mission.

     Vi voglio bene