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 🇮🇹
