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