May 1, 2013 Update

1.Stake Conference. Three days with Elder Callister (including our special missionary training.) I have learned so much. With us, he spoke of how much of the Plan of Salvation we have because of the Restoration. Amazing. Also, he spoke much of how wonderful his wife is. The stake president, DeFeo, was called as a 70 last conference, so it was all reorganized. This is an amazing time in the growth of the church in Italy!

 

2. Mency with her adorable children from India!

 

3. English Course!

 

4. Seeing the Pope this morning. In the photos, imagine he's behind the crowd.

5. Segway tour of the Villa Borghese!- like Central Park. It was packed because of the Holiday. 

To the general public, I have chosen, for many reasons, to discontinue my blog. Instead I will be emailing a letter. If you would be interested in receiving this letter, please email me at erica.lovell@myldsmail.net.

Happy May Day Everyone!

 

-Sorella Lovell

 

April 25, 2013 Update

Ciao a tutti!

 

Here's a quick investigator update:

I spoke with one investigator this morning and he has shared that he knows the church is true, yet isn't willing to give a response about baptism because of his relationship with his wife. She is not against the church, yet they have their own issues they are working through. We have hopes to build a relationship with her and give some encouragement and show how the gospel can bless their marriage.

Giorgiana is a new investigator from Romania and has a lot of promise. She is a young mother who comes to our English course and is excited to learn more.
After typical weekly lesson with the Agomeri's, a part member family, we stayed a moment afterwards to play with Sorella Agomeri's granddaughters. As we left, S.lla Agomeri invited us for dinner this Sunday and her two granddaughters (who are not members), came up and said that they would try to come to church this Sunday. I appreciated the opportunity to see that time and love goes a long ways.

Yesterday, we spent our day finding the less-active members in Latina as part of the efforts to open a new group there. Let's just say that I have the blisters to prove that we were out from 8am to 10pm. The areas here are huge and the transportation...not always the most reliable. We have a great experience and the people were very quick to talk about the gospel and listen to our message. As the delay of over an hour to our train kept us at the station, I overheard someone singing the theme of "The Dance of the Slaves" from Verdi's opera, Aida. I was really excited to talk with them and turned out that, the two composers, percussionist, and trumpeter are all music students. They found a lot of truth in our message and we left them with copies of the Book of Mormon. I look forward to go back when we can, yet know that the time is an issue. There is so much excitement with all of the new missionaries coming out. Three sisters go home next week and 15 arrive.

 

For me, I am realizing how other people have different priorities and personalities. The core doctrine and commandments of the gospel are set, but I can learn good principles from everyone and be happy being myself.

 

I love you all.

 

Erica

April 17, 2013 Update

Last night, I turned to my companion and said, "Hey, would you like to go to St. Peter's tomorrow?" Yes, I have to remind myself that I am still in Rome. Going to the Vatican, we got there shortly after the pope's weekly blessing to the square. There seems to be a special event today because the tombs of all of the Pope's set aside in a special way and the basement of the Vatican was open, the grotto where we are able to go down and actually see the tomb of St. Peter's. I love my life.

Tonight is the night. Roberto came to church this past week with his wife, whom I have never met and is more open than I thought, more open to let Roberto go forward that is. This evening the stage has been set and we plan to invite him to set a baptismal date. I have never had an investigator not be able to meet with us for weeks and yet come to church for a month in a row, including Priesthood of General Conference. If you read this before this evening, prayers would be appreciated. We'll take all the help we can get.

Rita and her Mother, Rafaella weren't able to see us until tomorrow, so we'll see what has happened in the past week.

To give you an idea of the rest of our life, finding in Rome, a bit different from the south, can be an interesting experience. S.lla Pace was so excited when we first did Casa in Casa as she turned after the fifth person politely informed us that they were not interested and said, "They're so nice!" It's true. Italian's are immensely kind, polite, and in Rome they are clear to let you know when they are not interested. We've been doing more street lately, well, we're doing a lot of finding.


Then there are the members. One S.lla in particular this week has been an amazing testimony of strength and trust in God. Her husband is a drug addict and she has gotten to the point that she no longer always feels safe for her or her daughter in her home. Some of her experiences, well, rang a bell for me. Yet we made arrangements for the elders to give her a blessing and all I can say is that the Priesthood is real. I have seen her, by chance and appointment five times in the past week. I know that the Lord looks out for his children and I have seen specific miracles in her life that show to her how much the Lord is mindful of her individually. I love her and I am so grateful and amazed by her. I know there is a power in prayer and she have felt that she is going to be alright. Power in testimony, music, and faith, brightens and strengthens always.


I love you all and hope that you remember that God knows and love you.

Un abbraccio,

S.lla Lovell

April 10, 2013 Update

Dear everyone,

So my head is a little foggy as I write this, but considering that I woke with a temperature of 101.6, I'm feeling pretty good for being out of bed. I realize that I've been a little to excited about the warmer weather the past few days and went without a scarf. Colpa d'aria, (ie. the Italian belief that cold air on the back of your neck will make you sick), gets you everytime. I received a blessing from the Elders this morning and am doing much better, so here's hoping. One thing that I have learned in my mission is that, while there may be moments when you shake your head at the Elders, there are miracles that come from Priesthood blessings. Nevertheless, this email will be a little short.

General Conference is always such a special experience. We returned to good old Rome 1 Saturday afternoon at 6pm for the Saturday morning session and then Sunday in the evening to watch the Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning session. I especially enjoyed Pres. Uchtdorf's talk. There are so many people here who can get caught up in the dark. We know it exists, yet we know there is light and choose that's where we want to be. Oh, and S.lla Pace's pie experience was amazing as she saved our Torta Napolitana.

I hope that all of you had the chance to listen to conference and look at how to apply it in your life. Do you realize how lucky we are to have a modern living prophet?!? 

Love you all,

Erica

April 3, 2013 Update

Buona Pasqua!

 

People seem to have a new approach for us on the bus - what do we think of the new Pope. It's a great opportunity to explain that we don't follow the Pope, but a living prophet. Even if that lies outside the realm of comprehensibility for some of the neighbors of the Vatican. The others can't stand the mere thought of a Catholic Priest, so there is definitely a lot variety.

 

There is something new each week. Roberto came to church for the third consecutive week (miracle of miracles!), yet we are having trouble setting a time to meet with him. We just met two great new women yesterday, Rafaella and her daughter Rita, who told us right out that if she wants to know how the what we say has to do with making a difference in her life. She already gone through Catholics and Testimoni di Jehova, so I'm looking forward to giving the truths of the gospel, which make the greatest difference in our live.

 

Last week I hit my year mark, yet I find it amazing how there is still so much to learn and experience each day. Easter was an amazing day. S.lla Pace and I performed a musical number in church, as she is wonderful at playing the violin, yet it was a warm up for the surprise that night. We ran into a member while doing strada who's entire family was in town for Easter. After running home to get the violin, we were on our way for an impromptu concert at her home for all of her family, friends, and even some neighbors, with a mix of hymns, opera, and throwing in a song from Naples.. It was a great experience and we hope to follow up with S.lla Calvagna's sister and daughter.

 

For Easter, I really value the verse in D&C 88:126 - Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto

myself. Amen. I know He is there and at times when we just need to hold on, he will rush to our aid with legions of angels. I have seen that in my life and that is the message that we have to share. In being in the mission over a year, I've had the thought come again as to why I am here. Why I came in the first place. For me, it was what I shared with Rita. My concrete reasons may have shifted over time as my understanding of the significance of the gospel and a mission deepens, yet the core is the same. My own life was forever changed. I know that my savior is there in every moment and therefore every moment of my life has the opportunity to be changed by his touch when I allow him in. That is why I am still here. Though at times, I wonder if the Lord wanted it more for me than for those I meet. Either way, I look forward to the months to come.

 

Tanto amore e un abbraccio forte,

 

Sorella Lovell

March 27, 2013 Update

Buona Pasqua a Tutti!

Well, last Thursday, I met Sorella Pace, my great new companion from Holladay, Utah. She came with a great sense of missionary work and we are getting along really well together. It has been so interesting to see the Italian missionary life through her eyes. Her first pizza, first double kiss greeting, first time going to someone's house and realizing that, no, they aren't in the middle of an argument, that's just how they talk with one another. Also, to see how much the mission becomes a part of you and how much I have changed. The other day, we were walking to the metro, when I saw it coming and automatically started running. After arriving, she said that her initial thought was wondering I was running because someone was about to shoot us. We laughed a bit, but let's say that sprinting skills are an asset in a mission with no set transportation schedule and buses that may or may not pass every half-hour. A fun twist, her dad actually served his mission in Argentina and her grandparents were mission presidents there. At their time, all Argentina and Chile were one mission. How times change! I may learn some Argentinian food, so we'll see how it goes. 

One thought I had from this week came from reading over D&C 88, which talks about light. The verses describe the Christ as the light that is in us. It is a light that shines into the darkness and the darkness does not understand it. For my whole mission, I have looked to understand what it means to let your light shine. It comes steady and constant, so matter what is around you. Whether those around are dark or light. When it is dark, it may take more courage to allow your light to shine, yet it in of itself is enough. It's source: your testimony of Jesus Christ and all that his gospel entails. 

Everyone keeps asking us what we think about the new pope. He seems like a good man that will do good. However, I know that nothing is more than having a living prophet,  President Thomas S. Monson, of whom I have the humble honor of representing for 18 months of my life.

I love this work. I love all of you. Your photos in the package were lovely!

Sorella Lovell

March 20, 2013 Update

Hey Everyone,

Ok. I enjoy rain as much as the next person and have some great memories of getting completely soaked. This has not been one of those weeks. Ostia is beautiful, but is not known for it's draining. Yet some adventure can be added to any day by making it an obstacle course to get to the next lesson. And it's all done in a skirt.

This past week we had the chance to see a the hand of the Lord in the hand of a special family's life. Two small boys, Matteo and Federico Bachini, were baptized by their father. Their sister Micaela has been the force in their family for the past three years and it all came to this. She is going to be a great misssionary and is a sweet friend. As I saw their father walk with them into the baptismal font, I was hit by the events that I have missed in my own family. You mean so much to me. Yet I felt in the same spirit a feeling that this is why I am in my mission. It was a seasoned and, perhaps somewhat battle-scarred, feeling. Yet I felt the joy of having fulfilled the call of the Lord to serve a mission. For this time, I was to be here for this dear family.

A transfer is ending and I am going to miss my companion, S.lla Caramia. I have learned a lot about being yourself, whatever that sponataneously may be. Oh, and P.S. I have been called to train next transfer. The new missionaries have arrived and I will meet my new sister tomorrow. I'm excited to be able to serve and help a new sister. Here goes nothing. I need to be myself more than ever.

Love you all,

Erica

March 13, 2013 Update

As the flood continues to run down the streets, I'm sitting happy and dry in our local internet spot. We've had a bit of a cold spell. A fashion tip from Italy: The eight foot long scarves are not just for fashion. Wrapping it around 3...4...5 times makes them really warm. For space, I had to leave mind at Rome 1 when I moved, but it was nice to have for the worst of the winter.

 

Living in Italy, patience comes in a special sort of way. If comes in seeing the slow progress daily. Noticing the small miracles manifesting the hand of the Lord. Work comes, and work goes, like no one suddenly answering your phone calls... Yet we keep smiling, singing, working and hoping.

 

I can't say how much I love our morning study. When we have to skip it for travelling, etc, it feels like I have lost my powerboost for the day and I catch whatever I can on whichever metro or bus we take. This week, I had an epiphany. In Matthew, the Pharisees judge the apostles because they begin to harvest corn and eat it on the Sabbath day. Christ response said simply that if they understood that the phrase: "He desires mercy more than sacrifice" (something like that) then they would not judge those without fault. In looking further, the Savior was refering to Hosea 6:6 "For I desired mercy, not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." In the original Hebrew, mercy was denoted as kindess or charity. I know that we have rules and laws. Yet in the same section, the Lord declared himself to be the Lord of the Sabbath. His followers were hungrey and so he allowed them to eat. This needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but as I have gone through the mission, I have learned that we as missionaries are not here to fulfill the rules. In considering the spirit of the law, they are here to protect and bless the missionaries and those who they serve. Yet we are also given the spirit to know how to apply them. There are moments that it is wiser to apply charity and kindness that throwing the book at one in need.

 

This past week, we met Mario. He has lost four members of his family in the past eight year. Coming from Sardenia, it's an adventure with his dialect, yet he has felt touched in our lessons and we look forward to continue teaching him. He is one from whom I have learned we all need someone to just listen.

 

Well, I love Italy, I love my crazy, amazing, wonderful companion - S.lla Caramia, and family, I love each of you.

 

Un baccione!

 

Sorella Lovell

 

 

P.S. I heard from my Grandma that she has been asked to sing at the Relief Society dinner in her ward in the small Lost River Valley, Idaho. It's a small world, because I have been asked to sing this weekend at the Stake Relief Society birthday celebration for the Rome Stake. I got it all from her. What can I say, I have great "genes". :) Good luck Grandma, I sure that you will be lovely. Give a hug to Grandpa and Rachelle for me.

March 6, 2013 Update

Ciao a tutti,

News for the week starts with the baptism of Franceso and Matteo Banchini next Thursday! They are young brothers, 9 and 11, whose sister Micaela, has been taking them to church for years. Their interview is tomorrow evening, so we'll have the next week to get everything set.

On Monday, I gave the training in our DDM. It put together some thoughts I've had or learned from most of my mission, so here it is, the main points at least. I chose to focus on the affect of having a vision and how we work together with the Holy Ghost to create a vision.

"The setting of goals is not nearly so important as setting a vision for indiviuals and organizations. Wisefully selected goas are immediate mile posts that mark our course. Vision on the other hand is far more reaching and exceeds the goal in importance. A vision is like a lighthouse, which illuminates rather than limits, gives direction rather than destination. Almost all successful individuals and organizations have one thing in common: the power and depth of their vision. A positive, meaningful vision of the future, supported by compelling goals provides purpose and direction in the present." - James J. Mapes

Many examples in the scriputures illustrate this point, perhaps the strongest of which is Job. His story lends itself well to endurance, yet it was his knowledge that, "though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." (Job 19:26)

We have a clear mission vision, the main point of which is: Fill the temple of Rome with the children of God.

Goals function as the actions, or stepping stones, that allow us to realize our vision. We set goals yearly (March isn't too far from January..), monthly (or transfers) and daily. On the importance of goals, President Monson has said, "It is necessary to prepare and to plan so that we don't fritter away our lives. Without a goal there can be no real success. One of the best definitions of success I have ever heard goes something like this: Success is the realization of a worthy ideal. Someone has said the trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never cross the goal line."

Ok. I don't have a lot of time left, so here are the rest of the scriptures and quotes and I'll leave it to you to imagine what happened inbetween:

Preach my gospel (in italian) - page 146 - key indicators

Role of the Holy Ghost

Preach my gospel (also italian)- 156 - goals

Where do we come in?:

Alma 29:4, D&C 58:26-28

"God is the author of all good and yet if you rightly understood yourself, you would not directly attribute every good act you perform to our Father in Heaven, nor His Son, Jesus Christ, nor the Holy Ghost. Neither will you attribute every evil act of man or woman to the devil or His spirits of influence. For man is organized by His creator to act perfectly, independently of all influences there are above or beneath. Those influences are always attending Him and they are always ready to dictate and to directò to lead him unto truth or to lead Him unto destruction. But is He always guided by those influences in every act? He is not. It is ordained of God that we should act independently in and of ourselves and the good is present when we need it. If we will ask for it, it is with us." - President Brigham Young.

I know this church is true. I love seeing the light come on when people understand and feel that there is something more. I know that each of us have the power to create a vision for ourselves, our families, and our missions, all the same in the end result of our desire to return home with our families to our Father in Heaven and help as many others as we can on our war.. This sustains us and provides a strength for us to rely and keep walking. I invite you to do all you can to help other to be able to have this vision for themselves.

Vi voglio bene.

Sorella Lovell

Photos

1. Ostia Relief Society

2. Ostia Antica! Picture Pompei, only sediment from the Tiber river instead of volcanic ash. It is amazing. That was an old theater, which was great fun. It also has a Roman bath converted Christian basilica from about 160 AD.

3. Emiglia with her costume from Carnevale. They were everywhere.

 

 

February 27, 2013 Update

Dear Family, Friends, and whoever else happens to read this,

Where to start? Our area continues to go forward as seek to strengthen the members and work with the leaders to help them form a united ward. I can't say enough of how much difference it makes to have a welcoming ward for when we bring investigatrors, etc. At this point, there are amazing individuals, and we are working to help them see and be aware of that in each other.

One of these amazing members is Tina Frau. She is a 74 year old Sardanian with a will like few I have ever known. Her husband left her and her five children over thirty-five years ago, leaving her to provide for them along. It was after this that she met the missionaries. She remains the one source of income in her home, which still includes children and grandchildren. Yet her I will never forget her behavior this last Monday at our family home evening. Her home is open to all, including her ex-husband and his companion. After talking of the celestial kingdom, she shared her testimony that it is true and invited them to meet with the missionaries so that they can receive the blessings of this happiness. The evening then ended as she danced to the closing hymn. It truly is amazing what power the gospel brings into our lives and allows us to extend the same blessings to those around us no matter the circumstances.

As for me, I am still learning daily and learning to live each moment to the fullest without hurrying on to the next. With the new sisters, Slla Caramia and I will probably only be together for one transfer, as there is a good chance both of us will be training this next transfer or the following. In other words, we are living and learning from each other as much as we can. At the end of the transfer, twenty missionaries are returning home, including half of my companions and most of the Elders with whom I have served. Last week, we received notice that as of July, our mission will be under the direction of Michael and Anna Waddoups, from West Jordan, Utah. A lot of change coming. Such is a part of life.

Tanto amore e un abbraccio forte,

Sorella Lovell

February 20, 2013 Update

Buon giorno a tutti!

 

 Has another week really already passed? Last night, Sorella Caramia and I felt in denial that today would already be preparation day. I have loved the past two weeks serving with Caramia and am just grateful that we have at least four more. From her telling me to get out of the kitchen after washing the dishes, shaking her finger and saying that she would "break my face" if I rinsed them as well. I love Italian. :) Her mom is from Napoli, so she says that the really true part of Italian culture comes out in our singing down the streets as we walk. I apparently am more Italian than American in her opinion. I love this people. What can I say? We've havd a great time seeing all of the children in costumes for Carnevale parties. School this whole week is cancelled. Carnevale is like the Italian equivalent of Halloween, but because it's Italian, it has to last longer than just one day.

 

 And what a week we've had. The main event: Dominique's Baptism!!!!!! We were lucky to be able to go and I'm very grateful to have been able to be there. If there is anythign that I could have done, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. This family has become very special to me. To be able to support them and they are joined by their last family member was wonderful. Janus and Dominique both have gained such an amazing testimony of repentence; repentence as a lasting change, a change of all things keeping us from becoming like Jesus Christ. They each have changed beyond the point of recognition. A 17 year old boy who used to sleep until 11...12...1...2 now attends 6:00am Seminary on skype every morning. Dominique has a light. He is happier and seems more at peace. They aren't perfect, as none of us are. They they understand that is a part of the process of this life: to change. They are now have the sight of going to the temple as a family. It was a sweet reunion to be able to return to Rome 1, even after only have been gone for a couple weeks.

  

Also, I was lucky to have two packages arrive! One for my birthday from home, and the first package to make it from Argentina! I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful family. :) For my birthday, I have asked for some cayenne pepper, as it is one of the few spices that aren't sold here. The bag broke in the package, so my companion almost stopped breathing when she snatched a birthday party item and went to blow in it, therefore enhaling pure cayenne pepper. Though that served as our inspiration to bake and serve cayenne pepper laced biscotti to some of the elders. It had mixed results, but I can say that, though we were prepared to run, we also brought yogurt with us. The anziani have now declared war, so we'll see what happens at DDM next week.

  

Some of the biggest news these days, for those who haven't heard yet, is that the Pope has decided to resign. We heard of it right away from a member, who shared with us that this is the first time in 800 years that this has happened. They are now holding meetings to vote on who will be the next Pope. To respond to your question Jamie, this has been a time to talk about how we are guided by prophets who have been called by God. They are chosen by inspiration from a loving Heavenly Father rather than the vote of men. We don't know the exact reason why he stepped down, the official reason being that there needs to be an internal cleansing that will require a younger, stronger Pope. Many of the people that we meet, those who have actually studied the scriptures, believe that the Gospel is true, but not their established religion. They just continue to stay becuase of tradition, habit or the fear of change.

 

 I realize that I have been fortunate to serve in probably two of the largest and most stable wards in the mission. With Taranto, around 150 active members and Roma 1 with close to 120 each Sunday. Ostia is closer to about 60 members, which is still larger than some of the branches with 6-8 members. As we meet in a hotel, we are working to find other ways to help the support the ward, as we aren't able to have activities. Our bishop is amazing and all of the leaders and ready and willing to serve. A lot of people have serious problems, so we have a lot to do in serving the members here. I love the talk from last conference to observe and then serve. It has definitely been true here. We truly have been called to be the hands of the Lord, each having great power to serve. Remember that!

  

Vi voglio un mondo di bene!

 

Sorella Lovell

 

 

Photos

1. Sorella Camp!!!!! This is my roommate from the University of Utah. I was with her when she received here mission call, but didn't see once until she was in the office getting ready to fly home the next day. At least once.

2. Slla. Caramia (or in english, "my dear") and Slla. Lovell (known to many as Slla. Lovely). We make quite the pair. :)

3. Giorno di San Valentino

4. Dominique's baptism!

5. Pietro and Junior. They remind me of my own family. :) It's a good thing that I've a lot of years of practice with child play.

 

 

 

February 14, 2013 Update

Arriving in Ostia last week, I had a great welcome. Our first night, we visited Carmelo and his family. He was part of the concert that Slla. Miles and I had last fall and I can't wait for all of you to hear his "Missionari del Mondo." He broke out his guitar and as we were singing the hymns, his mom, came through the door singing and almost dancing. As they don't exactly get along very well, it was a mini miracle.

 

As for my companion, I can only say serving together feels like some sort of dream. Slla. Caramia shows her Italian personality with flaire and we have a great time together, whether singing as we walk down the street, laughing over nothing, or preparing lasagnas or desserts for President and Slla. Kelly. Her father is a progessional chef, so we she is an amazing cook and I am taking good notes on some great recipies. She is a a great missionary and feels at home in her home country. I've already learned alot from her and am grateful for her example of love of others, life, and especially missionary work. I know that we are going to be a great team together.

 

Yesterday was the Rome stop for the mission tour, with Elder and Sister Kent F. Richards. We had the zones from Sardegna, Naples and Rome together. He started by saying that we were going to follow the spirit in this meeting and would someone please stand and lead the 70ish missionaries in singing "Come follow Me." I jumped up and was felt a great sense of being among my fellow missionaries. He spoke about the hastening of the work, with the lowering age of missionaries. Worldwide, he said they may reach 100,000 missonaries before all is said and done. That was coupled with teachings on returning to the basics of the gospel. Someone later asked him what was the last thing that he learned from the First Presdiency. He said that they are only the primary doctrines and responded that for him it was a talk from general conference in the Ensign by Elder Bednar two days ago. There is so much to learn, but my experience has showed so often that it the basic truths are those that make the difference in laying a foundation for faith. On a quick note, Slla. Teichert and I had the chance for one last musical number together, "Savior Redeemer." As she goes home in March, it was a special experience. The words are amazing.

 

Vi voglio bene! Spero she voi avete un bellisimo San Valentine.

 

 

Sorella Lovell

 

February 13, 2013 - Rome, Italy Temple Progress

This is a photo Erica sent of the Rome, Italy Temple construction.  It is amazing to see this beautiful building under construction.  It will be a great blessing to the people of Italy!

February 6, 2013 Update

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

 

My birthday began fairly calm, making myself german hotcakes for breakfast and enjoying my morning. Suddenly the door bell rang. There at the door was the entire Silva Family and Sharon. They simulaneously broke into a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" as Fatimah held up holding a birthday cake. The candle on this cake was more of a small firework with a foot and a half flame. I couldn't exactly blow it out, so I had to wait for it to extinguish and blew out the little flame at the end. What a way to start an amazing birthday.

 

I'm lucky enough to have a P-day for my birthday, though this is a little crazier than normal becuase tomorrow I will be moving to Ostia, or Roma 4. It is close to Rome 1, yet southwest and more along the coast. I will be serving with Slla. Caramia! For those who don't know, she was Brittany's companion in the MTC in Spain. I have loved getting to know her and am really excited to serve with her. My first transfer with an Italian and as senior companion. I know that I'm going to learn alot.

 

Getting ready to leave Rome, here are some quick lessons that I have learned:

1. Don't accept biscotti from people on the street, which may or may not contain alcohol, but the clementines shoved through the bars on your bathroom window are just fine.

2. Don't use the washer and an appliance or else you will have a quick morning lesson on how to handle a blown fuse from your landlady.

3. The gift of tongues and interpretation thereof is real. Teaching lessons with 2 or three languages at once I feel blessed to have been able to understand and be prompted in how to respond. Church has also consisted to translating for 2-3 hours every Sunday, with lots of guidance.

4. The Lord knows all of his children, whatever language they speak. No matter what language, whether it be Arabic, Tamil, Tagalog, English, Italian, Hindi, Romanian, or Spanish, every prayer ends with Amen.

5. The bishop here, Bishop De Matties, is one of the most inspired men I have known. I feel honored and grateful to have been able to and know and learn from him.

6. Rome P-days: Many people have parts of the truth. Last week we went to San Giovanni in Laterno, one of the four original churches built during the Roman Emperor Constantine's time. The church and St. Paul's have pieces of the original church. This church has the original baptismal font for immersion (changed around 1600), while St. Paul's still has it's font with writing labeling it as a baptismal font for the dead.

7. In reading the writings of Paul to the people of Rome, the same truths of the teaching of the prophet are very real in the lives of the Romans today. Scriptures are still relevant.

8. There is sacredness even in being close to the site of a temple.

9. You can never run out of people to love.

 

Thank you for your love and prayers. I am grateful the Lord is near each of us and lies as a fount of strength in the face of every uncertainty. (3 Nefi 3)

 

Love and prayers,

 

Sorella (not Anziana...) Lovell

 

PS from Kathryn: I looked up Anziana in an Italian to English translator for those of you who are curious, and it means elderly :)

 

January 30, 2013 Update

Dear Family and Friends,

What a week. Exchanges in Rome 3 (aka. Africa), ending with the most epic Mcdonald's ever with three simulatneous lesson. Sunday we had a fireside with missionaries on the temple. I miss the temple, yet have never had a stronger testimony than in my mission.

The work is really going really well and we have enough to for us to keep busy. Simona, wants to get married and baptized. Tonight we are hoping to meet that her companion, Davide, will be have the same desire. They didn't come to church because of going to the mountains. Still coming along well. Sharon, Fatimah's friend, needs to come at her own pace, but see the power of change that she can have. We are hoping for March for her. Carlos, is coming to church and have a lot of hope for him and his family. Janus is doing amazing and continues to grow in little ways. His increased confidence and self assurance is amazing and everyone has noticed. He values learning more of the scriptures in Seminary. Samy still is ready to contribute to the ward, though we are working a bit to help him feel integrated into all activities. Our less active work is going well, as Laura, Carlos' wife, see this as a great thing for her family. Elvis and Ruth, from Dominican Republic, have strong testimonies and we are working to help them know how to apply them here, even if they feel a little out of their area will the culture and language.

I have seen a lot about hope, faith, and temperence. I came accross a quote by Corrie Ten Boom that I feel applies alot to me and those we meet: Don't be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. I have felt that and feel the strength that comes from this knoweledge. I know He is there.

Vi voglio un mondo di bene!

Tante salute,

Sorella Lovell.

 

January 23, 2013 Update

Hey Everyone,

Zone Conference yesterday was focused on preparing for the changes that are coming. By May, we will have gone from 29 sisters to 50, 30 of which will have just arrived or been in Italy for six weeks. We will be excited to see how things keep progressing. Sisters will be going in many new citys, like Messina and even a small city outside of Naples (lets just say sisters will probably never serve in Naples. To express why, missionaries usually come away with stories of the Mafia, explosions, and who knows what else.). I feel excited to have more sisters. For the rest of Conference, President Kelly spoke about patience, including with ourselves.

Here is the news for Rome1: Federico is sincere in his desire to learn more and be baptized if this is the true church. We just need to find time to work around his availability, and we'll see if his baptismal date will stand. Simona and Davide - prayed together as they taught their son, Daniel, how to pray. It was an small miracle in their home. Sharon, family friend of Janus, wants to change her life and has been coming to church, which has been a focus of our ward.

Janus just started seminary and blessed the sacrament, after which Samy shared his first Sunday testimony. Alberto and Stefano have been called as ward missionaries, for which I am very excited. Laura, is a less active from Bolivia who is coming back to church. A quick story for her: away from support of family makes it harder to keep doing what she knows is right. As we were with her, I received a witness that we can have the power to all that we need through support of our ward and especially through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father is close by.

As I have read of special witnesses received by others, I have wanted to receive such a personal testimony that stems from a daily conversion and commitment to follow the example of Jesus Christ and recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Regarding many doctrines, etc. I have had experiences, or just had a feeling that they were true. I know that the Lord asnwers prayers and have increased conviciton as I have sought as stronger testimony. I feel well nourished spiritually, for which I am grateful.

I am gaining an increased testimony of this work and know it is so important. I invite you all to be willing to share the blessings that you have received. Here I have gained a testimony of the process and self conversion. It comes through turning out and when you want to turn in.

Love and Prayers,

Sorella Lovell

Here is an explanation for the photos

1. Snow, or hail, day.

2. Pumpkin Pie from an actual Pumpkin, that is how organic Italy is.

3. Our district in Rome 1

 
 

 

January 16, 2013 Update

Snow in Rome? Ok, not quite snow, but enough hail to have a snow ball fight. We ran from our apartment to have a little winter fun in the street as we slid up and down everywhere.

 

News for this week is that Janus received the Priesthood and is preparing to bless the sacrament this Sunday. Samy did it last week and both are being taught by Alberto, a new convert from last October. This is an amazing ward and the work is still continuing forward. We have two great investigators, Federico and Valentina. Federico has accepted a baptismal date for February 21, while Valentina said she will pray about it. Simona and Davide lost thier little girl three years ago, 11 months, and it was amazing to teach them the first part of the plan of Salvation we'll finish up next week. They loved it and are thinking about baptism. We made contact with Telma Farias, a less-active young woman who doesn't have a lot of family support, but wants to serve a mission. She just needs to make the decisions on her own to reach that goal.

 

As for me, I finally learned how to make Panzarotti! (A dish from Puglia, aka. Taranto) during another split with Eugenia (from Moldova) and Alessandra. And our ward is amazing and is made of about 130 who attend on Sunday, though 75% is less-active. We're working on it! I love the Lord and I have loved using more of the scriptures in Preach My Gospel. Whoever wants, it's an awesome book.

 

I sent a package to send home some souveniers, including the amazing book that I purchased at the Vatican musuem! (that I carried up all 551 steps of the cupola...) And so I will respond to all of the amazing 16 emails I received next when I can in letter or email. (P.S. My family is amazing and I love you all)

January 9, 2013 Update

Cari tutti,

So the bigger holiday for receiving presents for children is actually the 7th of January, the day of the La Befana. The bancarelle, or stall shops that are all over Rome went from Christmas decor to witches/cute elderly ladies on brooms. You can google her name for the entire story, but know that her house where the story comes from is in the top half of Piazza Navona, which just so happens to be in my area!

Alright. What a week! This last week was Janus Silva's baptism and confirmation. Fatimah, his mom, also gave a great talk, which took a lot of courage (I love her so much!). She gave it in English, with Slla. Clark acting as translator. Then I shared some thoughts on the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful that he will have this gift to be with him no matter where he is. After all this is Rome! Slla. Clark and I then shared a musical number, which Slla. Kelly was kind enough to accompany us. We sang an arrangement of, The Lord is My Shepherd, which was great to sing a duet. Then the baptism went off without a hitch. Daniele Dapuzzo, who happens to speak English from serving in Canada and so has been meeting with us to teach Janus, shared a great testimony that this was a culmination of every great day that Janus chose the right. Oh, President Kelly was also able to come and share some comments. It was great to have him there. The members always feel it an honor and it meant a lot to Janus and Fatimah. There were so many members there. Janus shared a simple and sweet testimony, which was a big deal for him because of how shy he is. He shared that he knew that the Book of Mormon will be his guide and I now it will be. It was some work for him to always maintain committments, but when he ever falls short, now he simply says. I know that I can repent, I can change. The gospel has really made a difference in his life and in the life of this family. I didn't have my camera, but will send pictures next week. Janus is also set to receive the Priesthood this Sunday!

Here is a quick list of our current investigators:
Carmela, Giada (daughter), Luca (nephew) - knows the church is true, but needs to quit smoking. Has known the church for twenty years, yet only attended sacrament meeting once.
Simona and Davide - A amazing couple who's daughter passed away. They are just starting and we are excited to keep teaching them.
Marisa and Piero, Chiara (figlia)- upstairs neighbors. He has questions, but they have great faith in Christ
Three families from our English Course. - It is a challenge to teach such a large group, but they love having us over and we are slowly making progress. Any experience you've had on teaching large groups and helping them progress together would be great!
Roger- from Madagascar, has studied the bible a lot, but has some word of wisdom things to work out. Excited to read the Book of Mormon in native language of french.

That's generally how our work is going.
Our new converts, Samy Hamed, who received the Priesthood this last Sunday, and Janus Silva, couldn't be better and are loved by the ward.
Laura is a less active who wants to start coming to church and have her new baby blessed in our ward.

Our ward has a lot of enthusiam and feels that this is going to be a big year. We have been blessed to be led to many wonderful families and individuals and are going to make a big push to help them come to church. Also, any experience you've had with what helps would be appreciated.

Here are some discoveries I've made this week: listening intently allows for inspired questions and inspired responses and you enjoy the lesson a lot more. The material you need to cover in a lesson doesn't matter as much as how the person feels. Charity is what helps find happiness and success as a missionary, because you work and do all you do out of your love and you won't give up on them.

Three final thoughts:

One, a couple weeks ago, we had a special training as a zone with a genealogy specialist from Salt Lake. This is a great missionary tool. Elder Nelson shared that the spirit of Elijah is the spirit testifying of the importance of the family. I know that families are important. We each need to know where we come from. Here's an invite to go look at your own genealogy to see what you can find.

Two, anyone setting new years resolutions (and it's never too late) check out President Uchtdorf talk from the last general conference. I was inspired and I know you will be as well.

Three, P-day at the Vatican again. I love my mission and respect all those who dedicate their lives to serve others and help them come closer to God.

As Janus said, I know that this is the true church. As I had a special experience with our three families this week, I know that we have a Heavenly Father who listens to our prayers and is waiting to respond.

I love you all and hope that you have an amazing week..

Sorella Lovell

January 2, 2013 Update

Ciao a tutti,

So we survived New Year. I'm grateful. Its the Italian season for fireworks and there is no regulation that I know of. We had a great show from our apartment, as we had to do in early and spent all of the next day at home. That is coupled with the tradition of throwing things out your window when you get to midnight, out with the old. With a new year, I am still in my little area of Roma 1. These are truly some of the most humble people I have ever known. This last week was all about hope and it was amazing. (Moroni 7:41) I love my area and my companion and I are having a great time in our new district. We have had two sisters get blown into our apartment, Slla. Christensen and Buckley, with Anz. Cardinet as our district leader. I can definately feel for them.

Janus keeps progressing. His testimony is simple, but he feels that what he is learning and reading is true. I have confidence in his continuing to grow. We are looking forward to his baptism this Saturday at 18:00 and you and Slla. Kelly are welcome to come.

Giada hasn't met with us for a couple weeks, but we hope to see her tomorrow. We have many other investigators that we hope to help start progressing now that the holidays have passed.

Samy is so dedicated. He was out of town, in Milan for work this last Sunday. Yet he flew back to attend church before returning to Milan. He now knows about the meetinghouse locator on the church website. He is set to receive the Priesthood this Sunday.

Telma is a less active, 16 year old that we jut met and are excited to work with. She is willing, but needs the support of the ward.

We have been able to work out our apartment that four sisters fit pretty well. They have done a great job at getting to know that ward and jumping in.

I am grateful for this this new year to learn and grow. I feel humbled to have the chance to have the sweet opportunity to serve and am discovering more each day to rely on the Lord. I just finished the Book of Mormon on Capo D'anno and I feel touched by it's counsel. It holds the teachings of Jesus Christ and leads to peace and lasting joy. I love sharing it.

Love you all and good luck in the new year.

Love,

Sorella Lovell

December 26, 2012 Update

Buon Natale a tutti!

Alright, I had an amazing time talking with my family yesterday! I think we officially hit the record the number of people on skype, but it was wonderful to see you all!

Here are some things to add to what we talked about yesterday. Strangest food: part of six course meal with the Goumba's on Christmas Eve was a whole shrimp bigger than my fist with a tentacle hanging on.- it was complete with head and I now know their eyes go black after they are cooked.

Other adventures...

This last week we had an exchange with Sorella Smedley and Christiansen in Roma 3, the other side of Rome and almost south until Naples. If you have ever hear do Cinecittà, which is the Italian version of Hollywood, we passed by on the bus. Sorella Smedley is amazing and I learned a lot from her. It was also great because I was able to get a Christmas gift for Slla. Clark, as it's difficult when have to always be together... Thursday we kicked off the Christmas spirit by reading Luke 2 to our English students. It took a moment to explain swaddling clothes, but was a lot of fun and a great experience. Sunday Samy was confirmed a member and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He just keeps going. All from a business card left in our apartment and an invite to church.

For the actual Christmas Eve, we traveled for hours to visit a widow, Slla. Rose and her daughter, Sogna, in Campagano. We passed by Janus, Dominique, and Fatimah, who made us a great Phillipines dish to take with us. The evening ended after acted out the nativity, oh Marlyn...what an original/apostate Mary, and we could barely talk after our amazing meal with the Goumbas. Christmas was another lunch with the Rodicas, mom, daugher, and grandchildren Catalin and Sabina. - a double hit after dinner the night before. We sang Christmas hymns and there is something about Silent Night. Singing all together is a tradition I'd like to keep going. The night couldn't have ended better then with a skype to family and finishing off Kung Fu Panda 2.

Final thoughts... I learned more about what Christmas means and am greatful for this time to learn that it was a time that my Savior and brother, Jesus Christ came into the world. He is not only came, but his light continues to shine. I invite each of you to seek after that light and allow more of it to enter into your life.

Vi voglio un mondo di bene,

Sorella Lovell