Forza Italia: Conferences

Fam,

This week, Sicila got a little crazy!

Stake Conference: On Saturday and Sunday this week, stake conference was held here in Catania, for the Palermo Stake of Zion. Members, investigators, and missionaries alike gathered to hear the inspired messages given by President Nudo, (Stake President), Anziano Charles, (Area Seventy from London), his wife, President and Sorella Pickerd, Vescovo Uccello and Erica Battezzato, and a few others in between. The theme of the conference revolved around becoming devoted disciples of Jesus Christ, and developing ourselves so that we might do so.

I was particularly struck by three invites given to the congregation by Anziano Charles. The first, was in connection with the beautiful hymn, Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy. We as members of the church, have an obligation to be the lower lights, guiding wayfaring sailors safely home to the superior light, Jesus Christ. The second is to write down promptings issued by the Holy Spirit, and immediately thereafter act upon them. In this manner, we display our willingness to follow, and our desire for further guidance. The third was inspired by Disney's "Finding Nemo," and encouraged each of us to "Just keep swimming." No matter the trial, temptation, struggle, or situation, we swim, and swim, and swim, knowing eventually we will be strong enough to withstand the waves that beat upon us! I echo these invitations given by an ordained mouthpiece of Jesus Christ, and so invite each of you to seek to be lower lights for struggling seamen around you, to write down and act upon promptings of the Holy Ghost, and to just keep swimming!

Zone Conference: As Stake Conference came to a close, Zone Conference was just taking off. Missionaries who had gathered for the former, stayed for the latter, and that meant houseguests, and hungry ones at that. After interviews on Sunday, All 20 or so Anziani and Sorelle gathered in Piazza Universita, and a mass effort commenced. Books of Mormon were shared, testimonies born, and English Group cards handed out like candy! We had a blast, and the next day was no different. The Anziani were woken up well before 6:30, and were hustled through showers and bathrooms in military fashion. We arrived at the church a good hour early, and had the opportunity to both mentally and spiritually prepare for the occasion. After opening formalities, Sorella Pickerd gave a heartfelt training on being anxiously engaged, without anxiety. We talked about stress relief, and ways to keep our expectations high, but do the same with our energy, focus, and happiness. President Pickerd instructed us on being all in as missionaries, using Anziano Sabin's talk from last conference as a second witness. Shortly after lunch, Anziani Vance, Kolsen, and I had the opportunity to share our musical talent in song, with Anziano Young accompanying us on the piano. We sang a 3 part harmonization of "Homeward Bound," and it was incredible (video pending, maybe look on the Pickerd's blog?)... The afternoon addestramenti were awesome, and we were invited to examine our identity, first as children of God, second as agents unto ourselves, and last as disciples of our master, Jesus Christ. The evening concluded with another mass gesso, and again, we saw success. Again we had the opportunity to use our voices, and sang a number of hymns to the masses who passed by, a truly fantastic experience!

Zone P-Day, and Misc: Believing that two days in Catania just weren't enough, we invited the Zone to stay for P-Day today, and, like last transfer, had a blast playing ultimate frisbee in nearby Villa Bellini. Friendly trash talk was exchanged, but a final score of fun-fun left all feeling somewhat competitively satisfied. Food, and strolling through centro were also activities enjoyed by all.

Last P-Day, Anziano Kolsen and I took the opportunity to delve into the fiera, or street market here in Catania. There we found watches. Fake watches, but not tellingly so... Attached are pictures :) Speaking of fake, apparently Asics recently decided to begin half-heartedly, or more appropriately, half-sole-edly, manufacturing their footwear. After a 5 month struggle, my right shoe finally gave up today, and a solid nickel sized hole appeared in the sole. They'll work until I can find a solid replacement that'll last a little longer!