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
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