Buon quasi natale! :)
I am SO excited already for Christmas time! It makes me miss home a ton, but it really is just a wonderful time to be a missionary too! People's hearts really are turned to the Savior this time of year, and everyone is just always happy! (despite the freezing weather, haha)
The work is going swimmingly ( well, not literally, *ba dum ching*....ok bad joke haha. uh oh, the Italian humoural- indifference is rubbing off on me! haha just kidding) :) But we are really having a great time working hard out here. My companion and I will still be companions this next transfer also (mamma mia), and will be staying here in Lecco! Finally I get to stay somewhere where we find investigators haha. The Lord has strengthened me so much these past few weeks, as i try my very hardest to fulfill this sacred calling and bring precious people unto Christ.
The snow hasn't come yet! I am starting to think that it's just a rumor around here to scare everyone...haha just kidding!
Lets, see...oh yeah! For English class this last week we played Family Fued! That was SO hilarious! There are some people in the class that know a lot, and so they answered almost everything, but there were a few that were just great sports about the whole thing, and when we asked them a question they would say whatever word in English that came to mind. "Name a food that rolls when it falls on the floor" "...a camera!" hahaha, it was a great time :)
Our investigators (well, the Lord's investigators) are really doing well! this week has been a little crazy with preparing for transfers and meetings and everything, but we are seeing a lot of success. I truly am humbled to be out here in the mission field, and truly have seen that when I just give all I have to the Lord, the Spirit has put words into my mouth.
I am kind of "hitting the second wall" in terms of learning the language. It is kinda hard being with a native-Italian speaker sometimes, because he is trying to learn English, so he almost never speaks to me in Italian. The only time he does is in lessons, and he can just teach the whole lesson without stopping and I won't get a chance to say anything until my testimony at the end. But I am studying hard and know that the Lord will help me grow and learn as I put my trust in Him.
Miracle: We had a wonderful miracle this past week. We have been teaching this family for a few weeks, and have taught them a lot about the importance of the family. There were 11 people the last time we met with them; all members of their extended family. But a few days ago when we met with them we were offered a ride home from one of the aunts and nephew, and on the way home we discussed the lesson, and gave them a book of mormon to read. We also exchanged numbers and are setting up a new appointment to meet with them again, because they live here in Lecco. They are such nice people, and very religious, and they really seem ready for our message. We hope that the Spirit will touch their hearts as we plan to invite them to be baptized this next upcoming appointment. Missionary work is just so great!
All else is going well. I have been praying a lot asking Heavenly Father to strengthen me and help me fulfill the potential that I know He sees in me, and the Lord is really helping me a lot to learn and develop valuable attributes, like patience, which is a trait that I was and still am lacking a little bit. I am so thankful for the trials He puts in my path that help me to grow.
I was reading the other day in Doctrine and Covenants chapter 78, the last few verses, and learned a lot about the love that the Lord has for us. I remember a part of it saying "...and ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along..." What a comfort that was for me, and is for all of us. I know that the Lord really will lead us along, even through moments of trial, and that we will always look back to see that we have grown from the obstacles in our way. It reminded me of a part of the talk that Trevor Westra's older brother gave a few years ago for his homecoming talk (with my memory I can't believe I still remember it!) about the Redwood trees. He said something about the fact that when he looked at the largest and strongest trees, he could always see burn marks, from when there would be a fire coming through and it woud scorch, but not burn, the trees. He related that to us. That as we are developing our testimonies into the "REdwoods" that they need to be for us to return and live with our Father in Heave, there will be trials. But they will always make us stronger. How blessed I am, and thankful to be serving as a missionary, even when it's a little hard :)
Well, I love you all very much, and you're in my prayers always! Thanks so much for all you do!
Love,
Anziano Wilson
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