November 14, 2012 Update

Wow! What a week. We are in a whirl wind so most of my email will have to be these pictures. Here is a quick summary:

Last week I have my first adventure being a senior companion, as we did an exchange with Slla. Ivory and Slla. Buckley from La Dispoli. All I have to say in that there was no running for buses! We had a great lesson with our Phillipine investigators, which was great for Slla. Buckley to speak in English and brought back time of being in the MTC for me.

At the end of the concert last night Slla. Miles just turned to me and said, "Think, all of these people are here because of what we put together." It was a great concert with plently of variety. From Carmelo singing pop songs about the Book of Mormon, which is something you have to hear to appreciate, to the Paredes sharing their Columbian Folk songs that had everyone dancing in their seat. Slla. Miles and I lucked out to sing an aria composed by Fratello Rossato from an opera he wrote on the Ten Virgins. It was an experience I will never forget.

So Transfers happened. Rome 1 is going down to two sisters, so Slla. Miles is headed off to Catania, taking Slla. Teichert's spot. With Slla. Heiner dying (don't you love missionary language?, a bit much at times, but...oh well.), Slla. Clark and I will stay together, combining both our work. It is strange that I have known all of my companions before serving with them (Slla. Clark served in Bari) before serving with them. I have a feeling that we are going to have a great transfer. I love the members and the investigators here are a mix that is one of a kind.

In pochi parole, I know that the church is true. We each have our own way to help invite others to come unto Christ. That hit me as Carmelo sang. No matter what our situation or profession there is a part of us that can touch the life of another and give them a desire to learn more. Never question you ability to change the course of another's destination.

As people have started calling me, here is Sorella Lovely signing off.

 

These photos are from the concert:

 

 

Here are some explanations for the photos below:

1. From St. Peter in Chains. In theory these are the chains from St. Peters time in Rome. There may not be all truth to that,but you could definately feel a special witness of the sacrifice of Peter. Serving in Rome has giving some great perks!

2.Grabbing some hot chocolate after the cathedral with Alberto our new convert.

3. The family Aranda. All I can say is they are amazing pillars of faith and pure love.

4. Our District in Roma 1!

5. Amazing Filipino investigators, Janus and his brother D.J. They are both a great fun.

 

 

 

P.S. I was actually able to talk Slla. Teichert, which was more that I had expected and was amazing. She told me some news from Taranto that I can hardly believe. Stefano Kovacs got baptized! I can't tell you the joy I felt. Their family is that much closer to being complete! He is solid and I am so happy for Stefano and Lidia and Robert.