Forza Italia: The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear..."--Buddy the Elf

Cari,

Lots that happened this week, but even more excitingly for my mother, there were a lot of pictures taken along the way! Not sure what order the pictures are in, but enjoy the captions anyways!

▪Louis takes a swim - Louis was brought to church by his good friend, Kelly, (who as many of you may remember, was baptized just a month or two ago), immediately loved how he felt, and started to take the lessons. Only days after meeting Louis for the first time, we saw him on a bus and asked him about the Book of Mormon. He replied with a grin, saying, "It's my favorite book! I always keep it close to me. Man, the Book of Mormon is my breakfast!" Louis is a great example of how new converts are a prime resource for receiving referrals who are ready to accept the gospel!

▪Canto, perciò io sono (I sing, therefore I am) 🎤 - The vocal cords got some major exercise this week, as we Lit the World, one note at a time. Friday, we had the chance to visit a nursing home near Pescara, and do a mix of room to room, and large group Christmas caroling! It was incredible seeing how much joy we brought to a room full of the real "Anziani!" Sunday night, we took advantage of the 10 missionaries working in Pescara, and did a singing gesso, full of Italian, and American favorites. Can't tell yet whether I like the way Italian's sing along to "Jingle Bells," but as Simon Cowell, or even the peanut gallery in my own family might say, "They were just a bit pitchy..."😁

▪Giving the blind their sight, well... actually he settled for a Christmas tree🎄- Saturday we had the chance to #LighttheWorld by helping Carlos, (blind), surprise his wife, Valentina, (also blind), by going out a getting a Christmas Tree, setting it up in their apartment, decking it out, and lighting it up! I loved how excited he was, this being their first Christmas together as a married couple, and it was a blessing being a part of lighting someone else's visually, (but not spiritually!) dark world. 😊

▪P-day in Chieti - Had the chance to visit the church of San Giuliano.

We met a turtle friend, (unfortunately made out of bronze), who will be featured in my new Facebook profile picture.

We met some new friends, who told us they hadn't seen missionaries in Chieti in 15 years.

Last, but certainly not least, had a nice fashion photo shoot, featuring predominantly Anziano McDonald, followed by Anziani McConkie, Snyder, and Parker.