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.