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