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