Going Green!

Gesso Pic feat. Sorelle Adams, Batres,  Dustin, and Aranas,
along with Anziani Ridd, McConkie, and Waddell!

Cari,

No, my title for this week does not indicate support in any progressively liberal all-green initiatives, fortunately living in socialist Italy hasn't changed me quite that much yet! Instead, it refers to the state in which my companionship, house, district, zone, and mission are currently in. With summer, came new missionaries, and with new missionaries came the need for new trainers. Despite a lack of experience, and feelings of inadequacy, I have been immensely blessed this transfer and the next to train!

My new missionary, affectionately referred to as a greenie, is named Anziano Waddell, and he's just about the biggest stud in all of Italy right now! Before the mission, I had the chance to eat lunch with him through a mutual friend, and I had absolutely no idea that 6 months later we'd be having the time of our lives out here in Pescara. He didn't even have his mission call yet, but he mentioned how cool it would be to serve in Italy, some dreams do come true folks!

Anziano Ferrara headed off to Palermo 3 Thursday, but not before we managed to grab a pizza from Fratelli di Bufala a Porta di Roma, along with a few other missionary friends! Highlight among those, was definitely Anziano Osmond, who I hadn't seen since day two in Italy!

Since arriving in Pescara, we've had a multitude of adventures but a few quick points, and I'll let you return to your normal daily life:

1) Pescara trains - This transfer we received two more companionships in our district, both of which are training. This leaves one companionship out of the 6 in our district who are not training right now! Pescara is filled with some greenie fire, and the members are beginning to engage in the work of Salvation. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to move to a larger, American style chapel in later September, and we know the Lord has great plans for this area!

2) Block parties in apartment complexes - After returning to our house last night, we heard a voice yell up to our 3rd floor apartment, "OOH (also known as the Roman Bark), Raggazzi, volete mangiare??" Or, "HEY! Boys, you wanna eat?" The sweet scent of Arrosticini drifted up, and our empty stomachs answered the all too easy question. A quick, "Sì, scendiamo subito," or "We'll be right down," was all needed in response. We celebrated as most Italian's do, just without wine and coffee to accompany our food. We ate as fast as possible with our new best friends, and wished the host a happy birthday. Doing our duty as missionaries, we brought the spirit by singing "I Need Thee Every Hour" in Italian as we said good night, and said literally 14,000 'grazie's'... what a NIGHT!

3) Gesso finding fun - We also had the chance to Gesso as a city last night, and seeing 4 basically brand new missionaries with their extraordinarily capable Italian was truly a sight to behold! How grateful I am for the reminder of the joy of missionary work, seen as they teach, find, and watch others make and keep commitments on their way to baptism. They truly have a fire, and I'm just gonna keep adding fuel to it!

Last, but unquestionably not least, I'm grateful for the incredible plan of our Heavenly Father this week. My testimony of the Plan of Happiness was strengthened this week as we watched Mimo accept it without hesitation. I bear testimony the only true happiness is found in the Christlike love and service of others, and the knowledge and reassurance found within the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will be with our families for eternity, as we make the conscientious choice to serve God and Jesus Christ, and endure to the end every day! In the words of King Benjamin, "Now, if ye believe all these things, see that ye do them!"

Have an incredible week, and try not to be jealous of the adventures and fun we're having out here in Pescara!

Vi Voglio Bene,

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹