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