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