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Well, actually just a boy and a ball, (his dad being just a few thousand miles away), and a beautiful hardcourt gym floor, and breakaway rims, and a happy, happy, happy, Paul Pierce disguised as Anziano Toronto! Yes, in a weekend of General Conference, with the magnificent doctrine taught, and exciting changes announced, yes, in a week in which for the 3rd time in my mission, I was forced out of a house, and into another on short notice, yes, in a week that preludes significant changes to Napoli and the missionaries here in the city, and zone, and yes, in a week in which the finishing of the Rome Italy Temple was announced; Anziano Toronto chooses to focus the first paragraph of his letter on playing basketball on P-Day. Let that be an indication of just how much I missed the feeling of a wood floor, hearing the bounce of a ball, and the 'swoosh' of a silky 3 pointer, and as Uncle Drew would say, "Getting Buckets." Now, I will get to the aforementioned happenings of the week, and more, but listen up you Americanites, never take a basketball court for granted, cause you never know when the next time you set foot on one will be...
General Conference:
Being just a few hours behind, (8 to be exact), we were lucky over here to catch the 4 sessions we did. While many of the talks given were procedural, or explanatory, there have been few times in my life more spiritually impactful than the opportunity to sustain Russell M. Nelson as the prophet of God. I wholeheartedly sustain this beloved man, and look forward to dissecting his beautiful remarks offered Sunday Morning. Other favorites of mine included Anziano Bednar's doctrinally drenched (aren't they always?) sermon on meekness and humility, recognizing acutely a lack of those attributes in myself, along with that of President Eyring, encouraging us to increase our spiritual awareness, and recognizing the Holy Spirit's subtle whisperings. The constant battle of my mission has been seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and acting on his promptings without hesitation. I fear I will wage this war for all my mortal existence, as the Natural Man's, or "Natural Anziano Toronto's," desires are not always aligned with the plan, or work God has for me to accomplish. Needless to say, I've got plenty of work to do there, and in the remaining 8 months or so I have left, I'll be focusing on becoming an instrument in the hands of the Lord, as opposed to a rouge lawnmower that occasionally mows the desired grass.
Rome Italy Temple:
As announced on Thursday, the Rome Italy Temple open house and dedication have been announced. Well, everyone told Simeon he would see it on his mission, and everyone told me I'd definitely see it, and well, I may see it, but it won't be as a missionary of the Great Italy Rome Mission. Bittersweet is the best way to describe my reception of the news, but my attention is turned to filling that temple with converts, hungry for the spiritual satisfaction, that ordinances, most importantly sealings, provide. I hope to see so many of my Italian brethren and sisters, "Twice in white," as President and Sister Pickerd often exhort us to do!
Moving:
For reasons that will be more clear next week, Anziano Cutler and I spent the large part of Saturday morning moving our belongings, and many of the house's belongings over to the Napoli B Anziani's house. We were assisted in doing so by Brother Stutzman of the Pozzuoli branch, who's minivan was absolutely crucial to the success of the moving endeavor!
Scambi:
This week I was joined here in Napoli by Anziani Allen, and Macdonald! While working with Anziano Allen, a South Jordan native, I was struck by his desire to change, and his reflection on the missionary he's in the process of becoming. Introspection is often the greatest tool in a missionary's toolbox when he desires to improve, and Anziano Allen exemplifies that self-awareness. Truly this Anziano understands what it means to internalize change, and he is, as Anz. Bednar taught us we must be, meek and humble! Anziano Macdonald embodies quiet dignity, and like Anziano Allen, a desire to lead by righteous example. We spent much of the scambio reminiscing on the 3 months we spent living together in Pescara, those three being some of the hardest months of my mission, made bearable by support from Anziano MacDonald and many, many others! Both of these Anziani are great leaders in our zone, and we wouldn't be the same without them! Boy how I love learning from the incredible missionaries sent to labor in this part of the Lord's vineyard!
America the Beautiful:
As previously touched on, P-Day took us onto American soil, as we hopped onto the Navy military base found just a short drive outside of Napoli. We ate American food, saw grass, and if I didn't emphasize it clearly enough in the first paragraph, played basketball! Sam, our Branch Mission Leader here was kind enough to chauffeur, provide lunch, and patiently watch as I was scored on over and over by Anziano Mayer, (man can that guy shoot!🔥) Missing March Madness for the second time hurt a little bit less, as I got all my frustration out with a few nice dunks. He's still got it folks! A year and 3 months of Italian cooking, countless Napoli Pizze, and olive oil instead of blood running through his veins couldn't stop "The Truth" from getting up, and sending it home, albeit with a bit more soreness in the aftermath.
Vi voglio un mondo di bene!
Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹
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