Buon di! (that's how old Italian men say it! When we walk down the street saying "buongiorno!" to people, it's always the highlight of the day to get "buon di" 'd...makes you feel Italian.)
- So everything is going well! It rained most of the week and so was pretty cold, which was GREAT! All the Italians are complaining "oh man, it is so ugly outside!" and I am just like "you don't have to wear a shirt and tie and slacks all day...you don't know what it's like!" So I'm loving it! I am not looking forward to the brutal hottness of humid summers.
-Another highlight...we got out helmets stolen! ...again! that marks 5 helmets since I got here. Come on, Italy! Noone around here even wears a helmet. (we get recognized all the time as the "ragazzi con i caschi" (boys with the helmets) Seriously, what do they do with them... I mean, I don't know about you, but I wouldn't exactly jump to buy a used helmet off of a random stranger...
-I found INSTANT POTATOES at the grocery store!!! Needless to say, I bought them all. I-da-ho, I-da-ho!
-I have been reading recently in "Jesus the Christ", during the time we have before bed, and it is so good! I love it! I am almost finished, and it is just amazing to me how comprehensive the notes are..he covers everything! and it's always like "only a brief analysis can be attempted here...*20 pages of notes*..." Elder Talmage must have been an absolute scholar! It has brought such an understanding of the New Testament. As I have read again about the life of our Savior, while using his notes and insight as a help, it is amazing the clarity, boldness, and power with which the Lord spoke and taught. He truly was the great Master Teacher.
Miracle: Our miracle this week was definitely the baptism and confirmation of Morris!! He was and is so excited to be a member of the ward, and had a wonderful experience during the baptismal service. While teaching him there were many ups and downs, but in the end he has really gained a testimony of why baptism is so important, and that because it is something so sacred and important, there are a lot of requirements set by the Lord. And of course, (as usual) it was so close to not happening! Something always goes wrong. Right before the baptism, there was a huge strike thing in centro, and Morris had to find a way to get out/around it, and barely made it on time to the church! (Not to mention that we almost flooded the church because we accidentally used the wrong hose to fill up the font...the sisters had to rush over with all the towels they had in their house...in the pouring rain...but hey, that's a story for another day!) And before his confirmation, his bike broke halfway to the church, and so we had to go rescue him with a member's car. The same thing happened in Lecco for Martha's baptism. There was a random train strike, and so the trains didn't run that day (the only day ever), and we had to go pick her up as well with a member. But! Everything worked out, and all is well! Get thee hence, Satan!
We had a chance to meet with Morris the day after the baptism and he said that he felt such a peace and comfort as he came out of the water. "It was similar to a newborn child...just giving all my burdens to the Lord and being washed clean". He thanked us over and over for sticking with it, and we are just so grateful to have been a part of it. He will soon have a calling in the ward as a ward missionary, and we are excited to involve him in the work!
Everything else in Rimini is great! We are continuing to work with the ward with establishing family mission plans, and the bishop is really working hard to make it a priority. It has been a little tough, but the ward here is so great, and I know great things are coming! I'm doing really well, and am just thankful for the time I have to serve. Italy is a great place to serve!
I hope that all is well at home, I remember you all in my prayers, and love you very much! I am so blessed to have so many people around me that love and support and pray for me. It is a great strength to me!
Love,
Anziano Wilson
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