I Did it [His] Way

Carissimi,

And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain - As the curtain closes on what has been a glorious two years, allow me to use Frank's words, along with my own, to pay homage to a few lessons learned in my mission.

My friend[s], I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain - Well there's one case of which I'm certain, and that is that Italy, and this mission has been God's greatest gift unto Anziano Toronto.

I've lived a [mission] that's full, I've traveled each and every highway - Highways, vicoli, vie, strade, you name it. From Catania to Pescara, Napoli to Bari, and finally to Palermo. I've been blessed to see structures that are thousands of years old, and marveled at art and sculpture preserved from similar ages. I met Catanesi, Pescaresi, Napoletani, Baresi, Palermitani, Romani, Rumeni, Musulmani, Nigeriani; in short, people from just about every walk of life imaginable. I've walked those streets with companions from Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Utah, Idaho, California, Maryland, South Carolina, and Washington.

And more, much more than this I did it [His] way.

Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention - I believe it's impossible to engage in the Lord's service without experiencing regret, heartbreak, loss, or frustration, and certainly my mission has had it's fair share of each of those, yet in the end, as I look back on the two years, it's not the people I didn't talk to, or those who chose to reject the message, (etc), that I will remember, rather those who listened, and joyfully responded to the call to action. It's the Luca's, Kelly's, Louis', Maxwell's, Ceasar's, Vivian's, Caputo's, Robin's, Giovanni's, Joseph's, and so many more that will remain forever in my mind. Regrets and sorrow don't hold a candle to the joy I've felt seeing these choice and precious souls come unto Christ.

I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption - The Great Italy Rome Mission requires dedicated servants, and while again, I was an imperfect instrument in the Lord's hands, I certainly strove to do his work, and accomplish his will with the time given. I'm grateful for every second spent on the streets, in their homes, in their parks and on their basketball courts. I'm grateful for every moment of my mission.

I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway - My companions reading this will laugh as they picture me leaned back in my chair, not really wanting, or even sometimes downright despising the idea of planning out every minute of every day, yet I included it on my list of "30 Blessings From the Mission." Not because I loved planning, but because it taught me in the end who's work this is. Try as I might, just as William McClellin couldn't invent a revelation, (despite being educated and well spoken), I simply couldn't invent the Lord's will or plan for the day, and doing things my way should never be in the question. I've developed a greater reliance on the Lord, and his guiding Spirit, as I've strove to humbly include them in what is in fact, their work.

And more, much more than this I did it [His] way 

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew 
But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out - Whether it was a Napoli pizza, arancini/e, cannoli, arrosticini, mozzarella di bufala, tagliatelle, panzerotti, foccacie, or any other wonder of the Italian kitchen, I sometimes did bite off a little more than I should've chewed. Yet I loved every minute of it, and did much less of "spitting it out," and much more of "eating it up." I will dearly miss Italy and their food. (understatement of the year)

I faced it all and I stood tall - I stood tall, 2 meters tall, every centimeter being analyzed by the thousands of Italians who would gape in wonder as I passed them by. 2 meters tall, yes, the weather is great up here, a joke, sure to get a laugh out of just about anyone, but definitely out of Italian grandmothers.

And did it [His] way

I've loved, I've laughed and cried I've had my fill, my share of losing - I have done exactly that... loved, laughed and cried, sometimes all at the same time. This people has become my people, and my heart theirs. I can't bear the thought of leaving them.

And now, as tears subside I find it all, all so amusing - Amusing, I'm not quite sure about, in retrospect, I'm sure there will be nothing but laughter and amusement in reflecting upon my years here in Italy, yet the tears still haven't quite subsided... I'll let you know when I start coping with the idea of leaving.

To think I did all that, And may I say, not in a shy way, Oh no, no, not me I did it [His] way.

For what is man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught To say the things he truly feels And not the words of one who kneels - Allow me just a moment to say a few words, the things I truly feel, and have come to know. I know my Father in Heaven is so aware of me, and concerned about, and has taken thought for the most minimal details of my life. I know my Savior, similarly, knows me perfectly. That he died for me, and rose again that I, and the entire human race might do the same. I know the Book of Mormon is true, translated by the chosen prophet of God, Joseph Smith, and that it stands as a witness of God's love to all nations, here and forevermore. I witness the church Christ established has been restored, and that his priesthood is once again on the earth. I know Russell M. Nelson is the living mouthpiece of God, as were Moses, Abraham, Noah, and others in Ancient times. I know that despite my imperfections, Christ has become the Author, and will always be the Finisher of my Faith, and that salvation comes, in and through his holy name.

The record shows I took the blows And did it [His] way - "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." I hope, that like Paul, when called to report on my mission, I will be able to declare these words wholeheartedly to my Father in Heaven. I have tried my whole mission, to lose myself, and do things His way, and I pray that God will consecrate my labor in his vineyard.

I love each of you, and will see you soon!

Dolce è il lavoro nella vigna del Signore

Anziano Toronto II  🇮🇹

A Labor of Love ❤

Carissimi,

I will miss Thanksgiving festivities with you this week, and surely my Turkey Bowl overall rating will suffer for the 2nd straight no-show, (relegating me to at best a 3rd or 4th round selection behind superstars like Abraham "Lenny" Toronto, and Kate "Cam Fig Newton" Toronto, he might still have an edge over Lonzo "Sticky Fingers" Torontino, and Hingle McCringleberry). Yet as I reflected on that for which I am truly thankful, I felt overwhelmed with the love I have for this mission, and the gratitude I have to my Father in Heaven for giving me the chance to learn and grow in his Italian Vineyard. It truly is and has been, a labor of love, as the apostle Paul calls it, and as the sun sets on what is one of my last P-days, I wanted to share with you a few things I've come to love, and have loved about my time as a missionary.

I love President and Sorella Pickerd. They have been both instrumental and fundamental in my spiritual growth, and have been stalwart examples of love, diligence, perseverance, faith, and humility. I will dearly miss learning from them and interacting with these two Christlike leaders.

I love my companions, every one. Each has taught me a different attribute of Christ, and in our service we have become brothers in Christ. They have taught me to be patient with those closest to you, to repent, forgive and forget, to love unconditionally, to work hard and use the time allotted us, to enjoy what you're doing, and love the people we're serving. They have lifted me up when I was down, even if often I was to prideful to thank them for it, or allow them to help more, independent as I am. They have endured countless hours of Anziano Toronto's favorite hymns, belted at the top of his lungs, and some even joined in to augment the music. They have taught me a love for study, and knowledge. They have instructed me on the doctrine of christ both in companionship study and in example. I dearly love each companion I have been given.

I love the Italians. I love my Italian brothers and sisters, but maybe more than anything my Italian mothers, fathers and grandparents. They have treated me as family, and filled me up with enough pasta to last a lifetime. They allowed me to teach and learn from them. They opened their homes, and hearts, and welcomed in an American stranger. They taught me their language, and forgave my mistakes, though hardly missed a chance to help me be better. I love their verve, they are gregarious to a fault, and I will forever miss their hands. My friends, they speak an entirely different, perfect language with their hands. I will miss the signs that say, "don't speak to the driver," which hang above train and bus drivers, often engaged in passionate conversations with passengers. I will always love them, each of them, even those who despitefully used me, or persecuted me. Those who wagged a finger as I tried to share the gospel I've come to love. I love their faith in Christ. I love the love they so freely gave me, their long lost figliolo prodigo.

I love finding, sharing with the elect and non-elect alike, the buona novella. I love their tradition, and only wish their forefathers had been a little less liberal in their interpretation of the scriptures, or in the determination of doctrine and belief. Again their faith, even if sometimes misplaced, is formidable, that often results in miracles. I love being rejected and persecuted for Christ's sake. I appreciate the strength I've developed in thousands of no's received, and the joy obtained in the yes' likewise given. I love the honest seeker of truth.

I love teaching, expounding, and exhorting all to come unto Christ, regardless of skin color, heritage, personal belief, origin and creed. I love sharing to me what has been freely given, and the truths revealed to ancient and modern day prophets. I am grateful for the testimony, borne to me by the Spirit, that the work I've been engaged in is true, and of God. I love bearing that testimony, and seeing the Spirit work in others through me.

I love the Book of Mormon. I devour it's truths daily. As I read it I am called to repentance and obedience. I am exhorted to believe in Christ and to strive to become like him. I love the witness I have received that it is true. I offer you that witness. It is true, every word.

and, I love each of you... Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and nowhere does that apply more that in my heart. I love you, and I love that we will see one another shortly, yet I love that I have three more weeks in his service. May God bless each of you to love deeper, speak sweeter, and express your gratitude, until we meet again.

All my love,

Anziano Toronto II ❤🇮🇹

Anthem to the Unfound Investigator

Go to the link below to see Anziano Toronto sing his "Anthem to the Unfound Investigator".
https://youtu.be/elZsYMgPBvQ

Cari,

Little did Herbert Kretzmer know as he penned the words to this oft sung musical classic, that he was writing a passionate missionary's inspiration in finding, teaching, calling others to repentance, and bringing them forth from darkness.

"There, out in the darkness
A fugitive running
Fallen from God
Fallen from grace
God be my witness
I never shall yield
Till we come face to face
Till we come face to face

He knows his way in the dark
Mine is the way of the Lord
Those who follow the path of the righteous
Shall have their reward
And if they fall as Lucifer fell
The flames
The sword!

Stars
In your multitudes
Scarce to be counted
Filling the darkness
With order and light
You are the sentinels
Silent and sure
Keeping watch in the night
Keeping watch in the night

You know your place in the sky
You hold your course and your aim
And each in your season
Returns and returns
And is always the same
And if you fall as Lucifer fell
You fall in flame!

And so it must be, for so it is written
On the doorway to paradise
That those who falter and those who fall
Must pay the price!

Lord, let me find him
That I may see him
Safe behind bars
I will never rest
Till then
This I swear
This I swear by the stars!"

I wish I had time to fully expound upon the lyrical intricacies, but I'll have to let my voice attempt to do it for me. Enjoy these performances, courtesy of Toronto/McConkie Productions, and have a fantastic week!

Lord let me find [them], that I may see [them], not behind bars, but in baptismal and temple white. Till then, I have no time to rest, and so I will never do so,

Con Affetto,

Anziano Toronto II

Pavlov’s Little Mouse

Endurance:
After a rough couple days in terms of eating, I woke up Saturday morning determined to do something about it. I put on my running shoes, and told Anziano Zanini to do likewise. We left, and I started running, a 5K course in mind. Though Anziano Zanini didn't quite make the whole thing running, he did his best, and I took advantage of mental fortitude gained in hours and miles of finding, and ran, ran, and ran. I ended up finishing in about 24 minutes, which isn't the fastest I've ever run, nor was it the pedestrian 31:45 I clocked in my first Cross Country race, freshman year #2ndtoLastButNotLast  Felt good to be running again, though my legs were especially appreciative of the "rest," Sunday provided. Look for more running adventures in the coming week, as I build up an endurance, long lost due to apathy. Speaking of long-lost Endurance, guess who showed up to church on Sunday?! Yup, Endurance strolled in, smiling, and ready to be spiritually fed. Things are looking up for this brother, and his desire to finish this race with a sprint!

New People to Teach=Gelato:
As Pavlov did long ago, so Anziano Toronto is psychologically conditioning his subject. As our finding has begun paying dividends, we've begun "celebrating success," as only Palermitano missionaries know how, Brioscià (basically the OG ice cream sandwich). As Anziano Zanini learns to stop, teach, and help others coming unto Christ, Anziano Toronto is rewarding his efforts with love, gelato, and the idea that we should be doing this out of charity, not only out of love for pistacchio crema and white chocolate!

Soaked at Mondello:
We picked the wrong day to play beach volleyball as gale force winds, and stinging rain relentlessly pelted us. We did get points however, for perseverance, as the sun showed a bit of his face through clouds, and we managed to make a game out of it! Italy Rome Missionaries are undeterred, even if all Italians think we're nuts. They might be right😁🤷‍♂️

Thomas and Mahmuod:
These wonderful brothers, from Ghana, and Libya respectively, were absolute miracles this week. Thomas came up to us as we did a street gesso this week, and asked for a Bible. We told him we had something even better, and gave him a Book of Mormon, and a restoration lesson full of restored truths. Mahmoud was waiting for us as we walked past him in Palermo's Piazza della Vergogna. He was happy to hear us out and even happier to receive an invitation to church! As we stood up to leave, he asked if we had anything for him to read. Laughing, I said of course. Another Book of Mormon given, and another child of God found and shown the way this week! Wouldn't change where I am for all the world!

Last highlight, abbreviated for sake of time...
▪Seeing La Famiglia Rochira, of Catania fame. Boy did I miss Luciano hugs, and Sorella Rochira's motherly love.

All my love from paradise in Palermo,

Anziano Toronto II ❤🇮🇹

Love You to Pieces!

Not an exceptional week, with little to report as far as new news, but just know I love you both, and appreciate your diligence in letters as I near the end, even If I struggle to make it reciprocal! I'll have a more in depth general conference analysis next week, and hopefully some successes to report. I'd appreciate prayers on behalf of those looking for the truth in Palermo, that we'll be able to find them, cause they've been hiding the last few weeks! I dedicate my two zone calcio goals to dad, as it was he who was the youth soccer king, (If I remember right, you gave up piano for it). Don"t worry about shortcomings in that regard, I've played more soccer and piano in the last two years of my life, than in the 18 years previous, yet I still can't profess more than modest mediocrity in the both of them! Oh well, I've got time to perfect the piano, and I don't know how much my eternal salvation depends on the goals i may or may not score during future BYU soccer intramurals!

Again, love the two of you to pieces!

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

Coming Full Circle

Carissimi,

200 years ago, in 1818, Giuseppe Taranto, a little toddler at the time, waddled off of a boat into the beautiful Sicilian seaport, Palermo. He would spend nearly all his youth in the city, and it shaped him into the man who would one day accept the gospel, and change generations, and generations of Taranto children.

Flash forward to Thursday, 20 Sept. 2018, when his great-great-great grandson stepped off of a plane, blinking under the Sicilian sun, and reclaimed his place on pride rock. I was beyond excited to come back to my Sicilian home, and am positive when he's not working on his family members on the other side, he's walking the streets he knows so well right next to Anziano Zanini and I.

Anziano Zanini, my wonderful new missionary, fresh from the MTC, hails from Rio di Janeiro, Brazil, which means I have the chance to help him learn both English and Italian. Luckily, he's already a wizard at both, so I don't have to do too much in that regard!

We're serving in the Palermo 2 Ward, and Palermo 3 International branch, which means we have a lot of work to do, members to know, and area to cover, but we're already getting started, and it's already been a blast!

Un saluto caloroso dalla Patria,

Vi voglio bene,

Anziano Toronto II ❤🇮🇹

C'est la Vie!

Used up my email time today trying (albeit rather unsuccessfully), to find out what I want to do with my life post mission, and what major I want to head into. Got a better idea of what I'm looking for, but I just can't dedicate the time necessary... c'est la vie! Had a much better week in a lot of ways, and we're starting to pick up a little momentum, (hopefully like our cougars!), and we'll be right back on the grind this week!

Love you, wish I could write more, but I tried to be an adult... still welcoming any advice in that regard! :)

All my best on this Labor Day!

ATII

3rd Time's the Charm, (Speriamo)!

Carissimi,

The beauty of Napoli is without equal, incomparable even... It's dirty, but full of character, dangerous, but the people are full of charity, don't even get me started on the pizza, I could write a masters thesis on the pros and cons of thick vs. thin crust, and margherita vs. diavola. The only thing Napoli doesn't know how to do is fix an ingrown toenail. 6 weeks after seeking reprieve, a second time, from what can only be qualified as a minor annoyance, the annoyance was back in full force. It took a well placed kick during zone calcio that changed his previously white sock red around the toe, for Anziano Toronto to humble himself enough to seek professional help. Luckily, Dottore Federico had a podiatrist studio directly beneath our apartment, and Friday he was able to squeeze me into his schedule. What followed were some of the most painful minutes of my life, complete with gritting of teeth and squeezing my shoe, but eventually he got it all out. As he was cleaning things up, he asked us what we were doing, who we were, and why we spoke Italian, and we got to teach the restoration, albeit a shortened, concentrated version. As he was opening up my toe a little bit, his heart was being opened a little bit, and hopefully the seed planted in that hole will grow, mature, and give fruit with time!

When I wasn't relishing my painless toe, I was knee deep in zone conference preparation and execution. There were, as always, addestramenti to prepare, missionaries to connect with, panzerotti to eat, and fun to be had! The theme of the conference was love, and developing more of it, something that I certainly can work on, and will be working on for the rest of my mission and life. Sorella Pickerd spoke of love for our companions, and building them up. It reminded me of the oft taught, "You are as strong as the weakest member of the Toronto family, and putting your family down only does the same to you." President Pickerd spoke of the Lord, our love for him, and even more importantly, his love for us, and his children. Lastly we spoke and taught about love for the Italian people. While they are stubborn and unyielding in the traditions of their fathers, they are God's children, and my love for them needs to reflect the love their Savior had for them when he suffered for them. We pointed them to the temple, and the missionaries and members who had sacrificed so much to fill it, on both sides of the veil. I shared of the sacrifices made by Giuseppe Taranto, and the temple he gave everything he had to build. How grateful I am for an Italian heritage, the Italian blood that flows through my veins, (diluted as it is), and the love I have developed for the people among which I have been called to labor!

Misc:
Alberobello, also known as hobbitown, was our p-day destination this morning. We enjoyed trullo after trullo, and fought the crowds to see this wonderful, quaint Italian town. Definitely worth the trip, 11/10 would recommend!

Nicola and Giovanni took some steps forward this week, so that's super exciting. Giovanni, in short is an ex-investigator who would've been baptized had it not been for cigarettes, yet in the few years since he has met with missionaries, a desire to pursue a Michael Jackson impersonation career required him to give up his vice, and he has not touched them ever since. He's already received a testimony in the past, and is looking to reignite that fire once again. Nicola was found by the sisters, and is actively working towards baptism. This was his second Sunday in church, and he is well on his way to taking the next step on the covenant path!

Still grinding, looking for more friends to teach, but that's missionary work in a nutshell!

Love each of you, and I love Bari! Sweet is the work in the Lord's vineyard!

Anziano Toronto II

Inspire Me!

Mamma e Papà,

I suppose asking your forgiveness is a poor way to start an email, but I just lack so much desire to write about the common goings on. There have been few weeks of my mission in which I've worked harder, than in this last week. I loved it, and this week I'll do the same, with pleasure. It's been a lot of fun cruising up and down Bari's streets, ringing citofoni, stopping my Italian brothers and sisters, though it's been less fun as none of them want to "come and see." There's someone out there for us, I'm sure of it, and we're going to go find them!

Dad, I thought about your questions, and I noticed connections to Bruce R. McConkie's my missionary commission. Looking to apply the principles in my missionary work and thereafter!

Mom, loved your talk. I don't think it's a coincidence that you cited Elder Jeffery R. Holland's "For Times of Trouble," just hours after I cited the exact same quote in a talk on the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in Bari. That is my least favorite Satanic suckerpunch, and I love knowing I can change, and can do it quickly.

I need inspiration my friends! I know you've noticed the decline of my emails, and although I desire to give you good news and updates, I just don't have much to write about besides my studies, finding, and missionary life in general. Pray that I get sent to train in a couple of weeks, that my emails might have substance.

I love both of you, and wish I could give you better, and the moment I find people to teach, things will get better!

Inspire me!

La Bellezza dell'Italia 🇮🇹

We all know you just skip down to the pics anyways... figured I'd save you the trouble and just send you some nice ones without an epistle to pore over.

Anziano Toronto

Hear of Anziano Toronto's adventures for the week at the following link:

https://soundcloud.com/user-565039128/voice-003-1

"Anziano, Are You the Missionary Your Mom Thinks You Are?"

Carissimi,

The above question was asked by an Anziano who I deeply respect and love, to an Anziano whom I similarly love, and have had the opportunity to serve around, throughout the course of my mission. The events which led up to the question being asked, are insignificant, and uninspiring, yet as I was told the story, when the above line was uttered, I was taken aback. First at the bravado necessary to imply otherwise, second and more importantly, was the beginning of and inspiration for another one of Anziano Toronto's classic self-reflections, which generally get written about, being among the most interesting things happening throughout a slower weeks. All truth be told, my self-examinations take place daily, you just have the pleasure of reading about them when lack of subject material forces me to be an ever more creative as a writer.

The length of the exposition was admittedly an attempt to make what follows seem more significant. Forgive me if I seem scatterbrained, lack of sleep and spending lots of time in the sun is catching up on me. Here we go...

What I determined to be the root of my self-reflection, was my fear of letting down my mom, or similarly the Lord, President Pickerd, Zone Members, my companion, or any number of wonderful people who see me go about doing the Lord's work. I suppose the sweetest words I could ever hear would be those from the Lord of the Vineyard saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." Yet in my fear, I often forget the Lord uses, and has always used flawed vessels to accomplish his great work. These flawed instruments manage to sound out the desired melody, only as they allow the master to wield them. Think Moses, Enoch, and Joseph Smith, with each of their inadequacies, and Anziano Toronto with all of his. Yet each was called, qualified, and blessed in their desires to serve. Joseph was torn apart multiple times by Moroni, other angels, and even more than them, the Lord, in public revelation. Enoch was slow of speech, and hated of men. Moses similarly inadequate in oration, and fearful of the Pharaoh. The Lord shapes and molds each servant on the potters wheel, and eventually they begin to look like a finished product. As a full time missionary, you could say I'm in the advanced stages of production. The clay has been formed, beaten, scolded, loved, admonished, inspired, encouraged, and though it still looks like something that belongs in a 3rd grade art room, it's getting the job done. Just as Goldie took me from point A to point B without fail, (certainly there was divine intervention there), the imperfect vessel was made useful, profitable, and essential in bringing me where I needed to be. In a like manner, despite my occasional flat tire, or lack of oil, a window that needs duct tape to keep it up, and air conditioning that is spotty to put it generously, the Lord uses me, and likewise each of his divinely called and ordained servants, to help others make the trip from Heavenly Father's point A, to point B.

Connecting these thoughts, I know my mom, (and all those who know me), are aware of my imperfections. Hopefully, and almost assuredly however, Mom understands that this vessel is trying, despite his rust. I love the Savior, and am grateful for the special experiences I've had throughout my mission, that have allowed me to know him far more personally and appreciate his sacrifice to a much greater degree. Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies, and that has hardly been made more manifest than in the refining of Anziano Christian Young Toronto!

Vi voglio un sacco di bene,

ATII🇮🇹

(As for pics, Godwin Studios is workin hard on some beauties, so stay tuned in coming weeks)

"No Growth in a Comfort Zone, No Comfort in a Growth Zone..." -- Pres. Pickerd, all the time

Carissimi, 

Though time always seems to be my enemy on p-day, I realize as I try to piece together a halfway decent email, that I don't feel like anything happened worthy of writing this week. We may look back on my months in Napoli as the glory days of Anziano Toronto writing home, cause right now, I lack serious subject material.

One contributing factor to the lack of writing inspiration is the lack of investigators, lessons, or in other words, that which makes up missionary work. After working hard in Napoli for a few months, we got to a point where our work was cyclical, and self sufficient. We taught, new converts brought others to teach, and our finding efforts were no more than a supplement to our teaching and baptizing. It was the dream. As I arrived here in Bari, there was literally not one investigator to teach, not a single one. This has been a major source of frustration for me, as teaching (literally the thing I currently love most in this world), and baptizing has taken a back burner spot to hours and hours of supplemental finding. Throughout, we've seen some incredible people show promise, and I felt blessed and guided in many ways, yet without fail, those we find, inevitably have chosen to reject the message, and the messengers. After a year and a half, I've become accustomed to such, however I'm struggling, cause I'd love for God to override the free agency of these wonderful people, and force them to accept this life changing message, but that's simply not how it works. Sometimes I'd love to shake the ground with a voice of thunder and call all of Italy to repentance, but I realize they'd attribute such to one of their many saints, and become even more firmly entrenched in their apostasy. An aside here, the American Catholic Church, and the Roman Catholic Church are world's apart, in terms of apostasy, blatant apostasy, and I, and any other Great Italy Rome Missionary could write a novel on the subject, however, as I was invited back at Mothers Day, I'm trying to love the Catholics. Bari is a wonderful place, and I feel a deep love for the people I am serving, and I know I always will, however they never cease to amaze me with their disregard for the truth when it walks right up, taps them on the shoulder, and asks if it can change their life.

Typical street convo...

Missionary: Hey, morning, how are you?

Italian: Ehh...

M: Why, what's up?

I: Oh I'm alright, there's just so much "..." (Insert complaint about this or that in the Catholic church)

M: Oh so you're Catholic

I: Yeah, but I'm inactive, I rarely go to church.

M: Why's that?

I: "..." (insert comment about priests, pedophilia, corruption, evil, money, how the church is a business, how they never feel close to God in church)

M: Oh really, let me explain our church's belief about the apostasy... *does so*

I: You know, that is completely true, I'm 100% in agreeance.

M: Sooo, (Joseph Smith... etc, rest of restoration)

I: Wow, that message would change the world if it were true

M: It is true, and you can know for yourself by reading BOM, and coming to church.

I: Oh no thanks, I'm fine where I'm at... or, maybe I'll pass by sometime when I'm in the area... Or even, no thanks I'm Catholic, and that's just how it is...

M: *facepalm*

Literally everyday of being an Italy Rome Missionary, but hey, I'm happy to do it, with the elect who do recognize the need for change, and give us a serious look... makes my day, every time.

Besides that, I've been grateful that my mission has taught me to learn to love every missionary I serve with.  I'm learning much about myself, and how to become an active part in making a relationship work, and will surely be grateful for this "small moment," which if endured well, will exalt me on high with a wife I can love, and communicate with. After all, in my patriarchal blessing, it says that after marriage, I'll spend the rest of my life learning to live together, and putting together an eternal relationship. Sounds like a process, and though it doesn't sound easy, nothing worthwhile ever is. Here's to future Anziano Toronto using his newly acquired conflict resolution skills!

I suppose this email is more of a vent than anything, and does little to calm your worries about your missionary son, but if you could hear anything from this email, let it be this.

I love the Italian's, and in the time I have left I am going to do everything within my power to allow these sons and daughters of God to choose the restored gospel. 

I love you, and I hope to have more to write about in the near future. Hopefully transfers this next week can bring some much needed change. Change is the lifeblood of the mission, and of life, without it, we do not grow, yet sometimes, as Anziano Holland masterfully teaches, we kinda have to languish in Liberty Jail, in order to truly appreciate the miracles God works in our lives, and the people he is asking us to become. All I want in life is to be who God wants me to be, is that too much to ask!!? Ugh, mortality is such a refining process, and yet we couldn't rid ourselves of the impurities without intense heat, and a hammer and an anvil. So here's to Heavenly Father beating Anziano Toronto up on his anvil, cause it means he needs him to grow, learn, and become something greater. 

Love you,

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

Live from a Napoli Hospital✌️

(I know what you're thinking Mom, don't worry it's nothing serious)

This morning I grabbed a bus to Napoli to pick up my Permesso di Soggiorno, (basically my Italian visa), and have been running around since. 

I don't remember whether I wrote about it or not, but about a month or two ago I got a "surgery" on a bad ingrown toenail that I had been dealing with since February. The surgery involved the Italian doctor whipping out a pair of scissors and cutting into the area, without anesthesia, without warning. Love socialized medicine! As a result of the procedure, the area got a pretty little infection, and so, while back in Napoli, they sent me to get it looked at by the same doctor. Did I mention how much I love socialized medicine. I've now been waiting for the doctor for what seems like forever, so we'll see if I ever get it taken care of. 

As far as the week goes, had some awesome experiences, including my favorite scambio yet with Anziano Osmond! What a joy it was being back with him for a day, and getting to reminisce, find, teach, and pick things up right where we had left off! Love that Anziano! 

Highlights other than this were enjoying a Napoli pizza with Anziano Christensen, another ex-MTC comp, diciamo, and now we've been adventuring across Napoli from the questura to via Toledo, and the hospital! 

Don't have much else to add, except my love for each of you! All the best from Nap-town!

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

"How to defend oneself from attacking melon salesmen," and other things I never learned in the MTC

Carissimi,

When you let a few weeks go by without writing home a substantial amount, you build up enough quality material to send out a mass email, so ... enjoy!

Making History:

In what was historical only for those who knew it was occurring, we gathered in Bari for the first Puglia Zone Conference in the history of mankind. In combining the Bari and Taranto zones at the beginning of the transfer, Anziano Baker and I were thrown a unique challenge. Overnight, we became the second largest zone in the mission, but unlike Rome West, (the largest), whose Anziani and Sorelle can be found conveniently within an hour of the city of Rome or less, our missionaries are spread out from Foggia, down to Lecce, over to Crotone, and everywhere in between. Despite the distance, and Southern Italy's inconsistent and inconvenient public transportation methods, just about everyone arrived in time to be roasted alive on the calcio field, Tuesday morning. We played on a full size field, under a brutally cloudless sky, and had the most interesting assortment of talent among the 25 Anziani and Sorelle who participated, but it ended up being just about the most fun I've ever had at a zone calcio! Though I was robbed of the game winning goal by a questionably executed tackle in the box, the only salt you could find on Anziano Toronto was the sweat covering him from head to toe. I enjoyed every second of the game, and loved getting to see some of the quieter members of the zone shine on the soccer field. After showers, (mandatory all around), we had interviews, prepared for addestramenti and musical numbers, and tried to manage the chaos that is Zone Conference.

The following morning, an early one for yours truly, as I still felt like our addestramento was missing something, and I spent an hour or so studying and praying until I felt like I had it figured out. An interesting pattern in the preparation for this addestramento was receiving guidance, "Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little." Of course we wanted answers immediately, but they simply didn't come. Over the week of studying, I was far more familiar with the feeling of a "stupor of thought," than with the desired "rushes of revelation." Yet, the rushes, though infrequent, came when necessary, and as we began conference I felt an assurance that we were teaching what God needed the Puglia Zone to hear. 

We were taught by Presidente and Sorella Pickerd, who spoke of building our foundation upon the pillars of the doctrine of Christ, and improving our teaching abilities. We heard from the assistants who taught of the gathering of Israel and applying the scriptures to ourselves, and above all we were masterfully instructed by the Spirit. 

Along the way there were a few hiccups, including lost Anziani the morning of Zone Conference, late panzerotti, spilled pineapple juice all over the kitchen floor, and a leaking water fountain, however the greatest of all the hiccups came as we began singing the Inno di Roma, (basically our mission fight song), to end the conference. 5 minutes before we sang, as President and Sister Pickerd were offering final comments and testimony, I saw Anziano Baker and Anziano Gibson slip out the side door of the chapel into the foyer. When they hadn't returned by the time we began singing, I decided to check on them, and good thing too, cause things were about to get crazy!

Weeping, Wailing, and Gnashing of Teeth:

As I stepped into the foyer, they were right outside the front door, waiting to come in, but with them was another man. I opened the door, and in they come, the man taking a few steps and collapsing onto the bench in the front hall. I look at the other Anziani and they shake their heads, just as clueless as I was. He then starts crying hysterically about "just wanting to sell his lemons," and pleading for us to buy his melons, and the like... At this point, warning bells started going off in my head, and I remembered Vescovo Valentini warning us of a man who matched this description who sometimes shows up at the church and makes a scene hoping to get money. The other Anziani had no clue and being the christlike servants they are, they grab him a cup of water, and tell him it's going to be all right. Then things turned for the worse... he made a move to enter the chapel, grabbing the handle and trying to force his way past me into Zone Conference, which I could not let happen. I stopped the attempt, and calmly told Anziano Baker to hand me the phone so that I could call the police, then he lost his mind hahahaha He ran at me and punched me a few times, while the others tried to hold him back. I begin calling the police, all the while taking the occasional bull rush and punch, and let me just make an aside here... 

In Italy, there is not really a 911 number that you can call, instead, you have to memorize the different services, i.e. 112 for carabinieri, 118 for the fire department, 115 for the ambulance etc, but I couldn't for the the life of me remember which was which in the heat of the moment, and accidently called the fire department, he kindly directed me to the right number, and I made the correction. The policeman, after hearing me describe the situation gave a huge, audible sigh, and said, "Not again, you've got to be kidding me..."  I wish I had been kidding, but we had a hostile gypsy on our hands  

As he heard me talking with the police he began leaving, but not before getting a few more nice words and punches in... for the life of me I'll never know why he chose to physically and verbally attack, not the scrawny white kid, (forgive me Anziano Gibson), or the shorter Mexican looking kid, (forgive me Anziano Baker), but the 6' 6" giant standing in his way. I certainly cannot, nor will not ever forget taking the wrath of a gypsy in the foyer of the Bari Libertà church building, haha Zone Conference was historical on all counts!

The Aftermath:

I felt like Europe cleaning up after World War I and II as we tried to once again make our house livable. Zone Conference always takes it's toll, physically, and mentally, but the spiritual payoff makes it worth it. We've spent the last few days recovering, cleaning, finding, and serving. I especially enjoyed the chance to visit with the Valentini family Friday night, who's son, Marco, had just had his appendix removed the day before. We brought banana bread, and ended up staying a while as we visited with Vescovo, his wife, and a few of the friends Marco had invited over. We ended the night with Grazie a Lui and our testimonies for those young, impressionable youth, and hope for another opportunity to follow up on the message we shared!

Go ye Therefore, and Preach His Gospel

To close I offer a special invite to members of my family, friends on missions, companions, brothers, sisters (literal and or metaphysical), and between all of those that should include just about all of you. At zone conference our message was centered around the study and application of the Lord's missionary manual, Preach My Gospel. We invited the members of the zone to make it a priority, not just a possibility among other study options. For you missionaries, it contains God's revealed pattern for missionary work as a full time representative, for family members and friends who are already part of the church, it contains the essentials required in maintaining a testimony, for those who aren't members, start with Chapter 5, and learn what the Book of Mormon can do for you. Study, and apply it, daily, and you will see a change in your life, just as I have! 

I love each of you, especially if you made it through this, another one of Anziano Toronto's Pauline Epistles, (Paul's probably more interesting, and definitely more inspired, so read him too )!

Until you open your inbox and see another inordinately long letter from yours truly!

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

I'm in Love, I'm in Love, and I Don't Care Who Knows it!❤

Carissimi,

I thought I'd have the chance to surprise you all with the news of my transfer, but word travels wayyyyyy too fast in today's wonderful, technologically enhanced world, and I'd be willing to bet you almost knew before I did! Leaving Napoli was paradoxically difficult, as I had set myself on the probability of another transfer, and expected some miracles coming my way in the form of Napoletani to teach, love, and baptize, but when I discovered it was the famed Bari Libertà ward that was waiting for me, I packed my bags and happily went and did what the Lord had commanded me! Though sometimes I feel more like Laman and Lemuel than Nephi, this call was a bit like going back to Jerusalem for Ishmael and his, more than likely 8-cow daughters. Like them, then, I knew there was a prophet in Israel, or at least a Mission President to whom I am grateful!

We sent home Anziano Jackson and Vance on Monday, after making them tombstone cakes, (see photo below), and the rest of the day was spent in anticipation.

I got the call, was both elated and heartbroken, and as is a common theme in these last weeks, went off to pray. I gratefully felt as though the Lord had accepted my service among my brothers and sisters in Napoli, and that he had even greater trials and blessings waiting, along with a Panzerotto, in the newly formed Puglia Zone.

Tuesday and Wednesday were full of goodbyes... Maxwell, Christian, Peter, Presidente Amodio, La Famiglia Granata, English Course students, random citizens I had somehow met along the way, etc etc... I sincerely hope those goodbyes are not an "addio", but an "arrivederci". I simply love those people, and will dearly, dearly miss them.

Thursday came, and with it a 5 hour intercity train ride down to Bari. I arrived, was wrapped up in hugs with some friendly faces, and sped on home to get settled. I spent a good couple hours washing dishes, doing laundry, sweeping, picking up trash, and more. I felt like I was repenting for all the times others have cleaned up after my messes in the mission, whether I was conscious of the fact or not. I was grateful to serve, and to get my new living environment in a halfway decent condition. Then it was off to Bitonto, an outlying Bari suburb, in which we do English Course. We taught the 10 or so people who came, and I enjoyed just the freshness of seeing new faces. After English course, we had a branch calcio activity, at a field near the church. What. A. Blast! Not saying my former zone lacked athletic ability, because I recognize the lack thereof in myself, but there is something special about playing soccer with Italians. Especially when they brush off your countless mistakes, and just keep passing you the ball. It was a great chance to meet the young men and Branch President, and start things off right here. That night I had my first Panzerotto, Mamma Mia Che Buono! The year and a half of being teased for never having partaken, was blissfully forgotten in a fried, mozzarella and tomato sauce haze!

Friday came, and Anziano Baker and I, with the Sister Training Leaders of the Zone, Sorelle Hickey and Aranas, hopped on a train headed up to Rome for MLC. (Insert small rant about Italy's public transportation not being made for giants 2 meters tall)😑 We made it, that's all I'll say haha! It was fun however, reminiscing and getting to know the three of them!

That night after dinner President had a special surprise. All the leaders of the mission were loaded into 4 or 5 cars, and shuttled over to the Temple site, where we sat and listened to President and Sorella Pickerd speak of love; for our companions, the Italians, and the Lord, as the sun set and turned the Temple pink. Un. For. Gettable. They gave us ten minutes of silence, and I used it to pray and thank Heavenly Father for the countless Italian missionaries and members who's work proceeded our own. From Peter and Paul, to Lorenzo and Giuseppe, Simeon, Presidente Toronto of the Catania Mission, and so so many more. Each labored so diligently so that I could have that sacred experience. I'm still waiting on pictures so that you can experience it as well, but the image will never leave my mind.

That night I enjoyed conversations with 6 of my 7 former companions, all of which were there. The only one absent was Anziano Cutler, who went home just a few days prior. I suppose working with Anziano Toronto is such a challenge, that, like a refiners fire, prepares his companions for greater and grander things. I'll just keep it up I guess😁

Saturday was similarly delightful, as we were taught on trust, and adaptation, and made some mission wide changes. We closed MLC, and after the classic "Pane Pizza Dolci" hamburger we were shoved back in to a Freccia Argento, and sent back down to Bari. Oh how I love MLC!

Sunday Morning was a chance to meet new faces, and make my presence known in the Bari Libertà Ward, (not too tough a task when you're 6' 6", and the typical Italian Nonna pushes 4' 11"). I heard "ma quanto sei alto," and "ma, sei parente di Presidente/Anziano Toronto," a million times, but it never seemed to get old! We saw a few miracles that I'll touch on as things pan out in the next few weeks, but it sufficeth me to say, I love Libertà!

We had lunch with a beloved Italian Nonna, and that's something I hope to be doing a whole lot more of down here. You just can't get tired of Nonna's cooking, though it made me miss my own Nana just a bit. My stomach also loves Libertà!

We closed off the week with a Gesso in centro, and though the first half an hour was a little rough, I was grateful for the scattered conversations God allowed me to have, the doctrinal principles I was able to share, and the seeds I was able to plant! I love the Baresi!

Just as Ammon felt, I too desire to dwell among this people, even until I die. But should the Lord have other plans, let it be so. I will treasure up my time, and do my best to develop unforgettable friendships and memories here. Last time I'll say it, but I really, truly mean it... I LOVE BARI!❤

I love all of you too, statemi bene!

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹



Look for MLC pics in following weeks...

Super Mocio Bros

Copy the url address below ad paste it on your url address bar to be sent to a voice recording of Anziano Toronto as he discusses the missionary labors of this past week. 

https://soundcloud.com/user-565039128/anziano-toronto-2018-06-25-weekly-recap

Various Pics featuring:
Maxwell
Christian and Maxwell
Vitalii and Sons, I'll talk about him in a future email...
Rome Temple scaffolding free😍😍

It's A Sunny Sunny Day

😎Carissimi,

Start Filling the Font:
There's no better way to leave and area than with a baptism, and Christian is giving me the opportunity to do just that! Though mentioned just once or twice in previous emails, Christian is a friend Maxwell brought to church his 2nd or 3rd week here, and he has been slowly, steadily plodding on towards baptism, ever since. This week he decided to quit plodding, and take a leap, and was interviewed on Saturday, and couldn't have done better. His testimony of the need for modern prophets is strong, and even stronger is his belief in the Book of Mormon. Oh how we love this brother, and can't wait until Saturday and Sunday to see him take the final hop, skip, and a jump right into our swimming pool-resembling baptismal font!

Let's Go out to the Park and Play:
Parco Capodimonte is just about the greenest, open space you can find in the Napoli extra urban area, (except for Carney Park of Course), and most of our zone took advantage of this oasis this morning and afternoon. We had a little picnic of sandwiches, and enjoyed a little relaxation. Anziano Vance and I noted that the beauty of P-Day, is that when, almost accusingly, your conscience asks you why you're not doing street finding, you can stick your tongue out, blow a raspberry, and go back to playing long-toss with a football. It's a truly beautiful thing!😅 Among the activities enjoyed were, "Sciaccia a Sette," an improvised game resembling a volleyball pepper circle, in which players take turns passing the ball while counting up to seven. On the seventh hit, players near the ball seek to smash and hit others near them, while those being aimed at respond in a variety of ways, such as cowering in fear, sprinting in the other direction, or bracing themselves for impact, hands hoping to catch the incoming smash. Needless to say, it's a fun time. Last but not least, though it's not fall, and Turkeys are out of sight and mind, we had our own Bowl Game of sorts. 10 or so Anziani participated, and the varying degrees of athleticism made for an interesting game, yet it was great, I'll never complain about some good old pickup football! #QB1 (actually with the condition my arm is in, it's more like QBench😂... If only coach woulda put me in 4th quarter back in the glory days. Woulda been state champs, no doubt in my mind)

I wish there was more to say, but for now there's not much besides a heartfelt Happy Father's day to Jonny J, and so many other exceptional fathers who have made all the difference in my life. Here's to hoping I am on my way to becoming half the father I had, cause boy those size 13 shoes are big ones to fill #StillTallerThough... I love you Daddio, or "Babbo" as our Napoli natives affectionately would call you. Actually, probably Babbone, given your size... Comunque the gratitude, though not easily expressed through words, is real, and again, heartfelt!

Vi voglio bene,

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

"The Brothers" feat. Peter, I.K., Maxwell, and everyone's favorite Nigerian/Italian at heart

"Anotha One..."

Carissimi,

Zone Conference:
As DJ Khaled might say, "anotha one..." That's right friends we've made it to the 12th installment of listening, learning, and being edified. Anziano Ferrara, Sorella Palacios, and I had the chance to train the zone, focusing our instruction on the concept of becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. We taught of the story found in chapter 4 of Matthew, where Christ calls his disciples to follow him and become fishers of men. Likewise we challenged the Anziani and Sorelle of the zone to become fishers of men. then taking inspiration from Elder Holland's classic General Conference address, "The First Freat Commandment," we spoke of Peter's experience with the risen Lord and his call to renewed, reinvigorated discipleship. The essential taught truth was that the Lord needs disciples, and he needs them today. He needs missionaries who will preach his gospel, and defend His faith. He needs those who love Him, truly, truly, love him. We called them to love him more, and to love the process of becoming his disciples, no matter how difficult at times it may be! That was a message I needed to hear more than anybody, so it's a great thing it was repeated on Sunday.

Stake Conference Broadcast:
On Sunday, we had the chance to tune in to a Europe Area broadcast, in which we the Zone Conference messages were driven home. Elder Hallstrom began his remarks with the story used so movingly in Elder Holland's classic, that of the exchange between Christ and his senior Apostle. Elder Hallstrom encouraged all listening to choose to be on the Lord's side, and to do so, today! Shortly thereafter, Elder Uchtdorf spoke of Becoming Disciples of Jesus Christ, I kid you not! As they spoke, I looked over and smiled at Anziano Ferrara. In the mission, we call "spidey-senses", the gift of the Holy Ghost, and boy were we grateful to have both, as we found ourselves "in-line" with the brethren, which, as President Pickerd often reminds us, is always a good place to be.

Vesuvio:
P-Day carried us, like Nephi's spirit, high on a mountain top, yet unlike Nephi's, the mountain we summited is well known for destroying an ancient, (and abominable) society. We were taken by bus to the base of the Volcano, and a short, yet steep hike later we were gazing into an absolutely gargantuan crater. Imagining the explosive force necessary to displace the amount of missing rock left me in awe, literal awe. Also, cannot be more grateful, (and I know I join my mother in saying this), that Vesuvius is currently a dormant Volcano, unlike it's Sicilian counterpart, which I climbed a time or two. Let's just say I don't want to be anywhere near Napoli when the day of reckoning comes, and Vesuvius returns to life in all it's smoking glory. For now at least, we can sleep knowing that day won't come until Anziano Toronto leaves in a few weeks, *quickly knocks on the closest wood possible*😁

Would have loved writing a masterful discourse on volcanoes, eruptions, and backsliding, (see Etna email pt. 1 for further detail), however technology again failed to preserve my draft, and so it is that the treatise on Vesuvian theology goes unwritten. I will say it was inspired by the shrines to both, the Madonna, and Padre Pio on the trail up the Volcano, and the two classic Mt. Sinai commandments, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing..."
"Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been."
-John Greenleaf Whittier
Oh what might have been... oh well, I'll content myself with that which I have written, acknowledging the fault, and the slightly juvenile jabs at Catholic idol worship, contained therein, they're written with love😊

Vi voglio un sacco di bene la misura del cratere di Vesuvio,❤

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

The Big White Giant

Carissimi,

This week's highlights are brought to you by the Peanut Gallery; Making Anziano Toronto's mission a comedy, and more often a comedy of errors, since day 1!

Anziano Toronto, "Il Grande" -
I thought I was in with the hair cutter below our house as he gave me a tie after cutting my hair this week, but apparently he's a savage... As Anziani Vance and Hernandez went in for haircuts a day or two after, he looked at them, saw the tag, white shirts, and ties, and said, "Voi siete con il Grande Bianco Gigante, no?" Yes, he called me the Big White Giant friends... I'll take it as a compliment, except for the white part, I've been working on my tan pretty hard, so that one hurt a bit🙃

Miraculous Mario:
As we prepared to teach English course this week, we were pleasantly surprised as a Mother and her young son, whom we had stopped on the street walked in the door. That was a miracle in and of itself folks, we take them where we can get them! The class went pretty well, and after, as we always do, we shared a small spiritual thought with the students. Anziano Ferrara and I began sharing the story of Christ and Peter walking on water, making various connections as we went. We testified of how if we look to Christ, no matter the storm, we'll be able to accomplish miracles, and that when we fall short, when our faith doesn't quite measure up, His hand is extended immediately to our rescue, we need simply call on him and have faith to be saved. As we made all these spiritual connections, the young son, who's name is Mario, raised his hand, and when called upon said, "You know, I once did a miracle too, in the pool I walked on water!" Of course all the students busted out laughing, and so did we! He just kept grinning with the few baby teeth left to him, and acted as if walking on water was an every day occurrence. I paused to think how many of the Lord's miracles pass unnoticed, and how great a work he is accomplishing in our lives! May we all have the faith of little Mario, to literally, and figuratively walk on water!

Ital-American Memorial Day:
The culmination of a multiple months planning occurred as the Napoli Branch and Pozzuoli Ward gathered together Saturday afternoon to celebrate the American Holiday. We had a BBQ cookout, complete with hamburgers and hotdogs, and yet managed to keep things Italian by following it up with some pasta and risotto. After the food and a spiritual thought, we got schooled by the youth and ysa's in Calcio, your's truly doing little to earn his signing bonus, letting in a goal that Abraham probably could've stopped, and having a highlight reel that only featured members of the other team leaving him in the dust with their fancy footwork. I redeemed myself only slightly on the basketball court, and the tennis court, but I could only take the heat for so long. As Anziano Vance put it, "I saw a pillar of light, now I'm burned..." All things considered, it was a great activity, and the sunburn is slowly going away. We loved seeing members, both American and Italian bond over grilled meat and pasta!

Miracle Max -> Baptized and Confirmed Miracle Max
Saturday Night, after the Carney Park activity, Anziano Ferrara rushed to our apartment to change and get ready, cause we had Maxwell who was getting ready to follow the example of Jesus Christ at 7:00. We showered, (ouch! very, very burned), and hustled to the church to begin filling the font. We got everything in order, and Maxwell arrived just in time to put on his white clothes and start the baptism! It was an incredible service. Austin, who had brought him to church spoke on Baptism, and Sunday, a new convert of about 6 months spoke on the Holy Ghost. Both did a great job, I'm so proud of these brothers! The baptism went without a hitch, Maxwell bent his knees, I managed to get the words right, and he went all the way under the first time so I'd call it a success on all counts! After changing, he shared his testimony of how his life had been changed in the short time he has known the church, and of his gratitude to God for giving him the chance to hit the reset button here in Italy. He was confirmed the next day by our Branch President, and is one happy, new member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This stalwart convert built his rock on the Book of Mormon, and he has already begun helping others to do the same. What an example! WE LOVE MAXWELL!

We'll give you a break from the piano metaphors this week, but don't think you're out of the woods yet. There's plenty of key lessons we can still learn from Anziano Toronto's woefully inadequate attempts to play song after song.

All my love,

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹

Maxwell is in the middle in the bright white shirt!

Napoli Pizza Counter:🍕=♾

Weeeyyyyy Belli,

Sometimes technology is a blessing, other times it deletes your nearly completed weekly email draft without warning. Sooooo, you're getting the unfiltered, less pretty version of what I took time to write down today!

FDR's 4 Term's Got Nothin on CYT's:
FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! Well, actually just another 6 weeks or so, but hey, who's counting? That's right folks, expect the unexpected in the Italy Rome Mission, and more often than not you're gonna be right! With baptisms on the horizon, and zone members to learn from, President decided to leave Anziano Ferrara and I together one more transfer! In the last 4 months, I've learned to love this city, to the point where, like Ammon, I might say that, "I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die." On second thought, maybe not until the day I die, maybe just for the next 6 weeks!

Maxwell and the Boys: 
We leaped some major hurdles with Miracle Max this week, as he was interviewed for baptism by both President Amodio, our branch president, and President Pickerd. Being the stud he is, he passed both interviews with flying colors, and is sprinting down the final stretch! We discussed with him Let's vision of the Tree of Life, and the different groups of travelers that reached the fruit. Of his own accord, he declared that after tasting of the fruit he never wanted to be ashamed and leave for the great and spacious building, as many misguided travelers in Lehi's dream had done. He told us the fruit was so sweet, that the world's temptations effectively paled in comparison to the love of God. After that lesson, Maxwell did as Lehi, and invited 2 of his friends to taste of the fruit, and sure enough, they all rolled in together on Sunday! Christian and Ikay had been curious about the "blue bible" Maxwell was studying, and so they came to find out more about it! Maxwell was more than happy to hand them off to us, telling us to teach what we had taught him! He is an example already, in inviting all to come unto Christ, and taste the sweet, sweet fruit of the restored gospel! Saturdaycannot come quick enough for our dear, elect Nigerian brother!

Piano Piano:
Our struggling pianist continues to perform just well enough that they don't give his job to the recorded hymns on the LDS Music app, though it's a close call every week. I laughed out loud when the ward chorister looked over right before the intermediate hymn, and asked if I could go any faster... I responded that if I did, I would set a record for most wrong notes played in a sacrament meeting ever, she laughed back, and proceeded to (jokingly) painstakingly conduct, looking remarkably similar to Flash the sloth from Zootopia. It's actually amazing how much weekly letter material I get from playing the piano, it might be worth it after all

Wish I had more to say, but that's just about it! Just mentally prepare yourselves for six more weeks of cheesy jokes about pizza, and piano playing, cause that's what makes up my life, that and of course sharing the gospel with whoever'll give me half a chance! #LoveThoseCatholicsTillTheyLoveYouBack

Cordiali Saluti,

Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹