Rome, here I come!

The moment has arrived. The plans are set and the bags are packed, though I should say that the only reason that the bags are already packed is because I'm not allowed to stay up until 2:30 to pack them tonight. This morning Sister Gomez and I had an amazing experience. We met with a member who was an Italian Vice-Consolate for close to thirty years, who also happens to be a member of the church. During his time, he participated in the process of the church being recognized by the Italian government as a religion as well as bringing about the permission to build the temple in Rome. He is the first Italian that I have met for some time and as we met, my excitement to return to Italy reached new heights. From my first study abroad to Siena I have loved the Italian people. I knew that I would return, even if I did not know the date or the circumstances. The joy that I feel in returning as a representative of Jesus Christ, with the sole objective to share the constant source of joy and light in my life, leads me to humbly express gratitude for the tender mercies of the Lord. He is truly mindful of all of his children.

I have grown much in my time at the MTC. The Lord needs me to be more than I was if I am to accomplish the work before me. Moments of learning can be draining. Yet when the learning consists of the things of God, He also sustains us throughout the righteous desires of our hearts. I have felt His great love as He patiently leads me to fulfill my purpose as a missionary; inviting others to come unto Christ through receiving His restored gospel. Moments have passed that were filled with a strength of the spirit of the Holy Ghost beyond what I ever had imagined possible. As we put ourselves in the position to be touched by His witness of the truth of the teachings of Christ, He does come. It is that knowledge that I will share with the Italian people.  

From teachers' stories of their first day in the mission field, I am preparing to begin contacting within hours of landing.  Yet, I feel no reservations or fears. I will arrive with a heart filled with joy, knowing the God in whom I trust. I look forward to beginning the work for which I have been preparing for far more than three weeks. I did not recognize it at the time, yet I have been prepared for this opportunity for much longer than that. My desire is nothing more than to follow the guidance of the Lord in how He desires to further His work and what role He desires for me to play. It is true that there is no greater work than to share with others their loving Heavenly Father desires to bring them home. 

I love you all and hope that you are well. 

Tanti cari saluti,

Sorella Lovell