Thursday, February 13, 2014
Forty-one: February 12, 2014 Genova
Hello!!
Well, it's just me again, freezing my bottom off. ha ha. Just kidding, it's not that cold.
How are you all? What's going on with you this week? Any Valentine's day plans.
Surprise, surprise there is Valentine's day here...it's actually just another Saint holiday...cioè it's la festa di San Valentino. Whatever, it's the same.
Well this week we had 4 investigators in church! Woo hoo! That's the most we have ever had here in Genova, since I've been here at least.
Also we had a lesson with an investigator and without even asking her, she brought a friend! WOW! We're excited.
On a silly note, my toothpaste is blue! Now I know you're looking ''wow great, that's original''...the foam is blue too! It's really cool...it gets all foamy in my mouth and its this darker blue...it's funky.
--
Remember when I was in a trio for those 3 weeks with Sorella O'Connor and Sorella Durfee? Well, Sorella Durfee is going home now, she's about to finish her service...next Thursday to be exact and I'm so sad. Just because I won't be able to be with her all the time now.
That also means that Sorella Hoppe, my lovely trainer, is leaving too. They came in at the same time. I haven't seen her since October and I am really sad because she lives in Germany and it will be really hard to see her again. She wants to come see New York and she said I could come to Germany...sooo, we'll see. I'm just sad because I love her and I don't want her to be finished.
--
There are some new things...well old things being re-emphasized...that President wants us to do. There are these things in the mission here called POPP charts. Basically it's like teaching a 2 minute lesson, kind of like a Teach-to-Find.
Scripture
Principle
Question
Testify
it's a really good way to improve teaching and bearing powerful simple testimony. He has asked us to make sure we do these drills. When I was more consistent with them, they really helped me and so I want that back and I'm going to do them.
Also President really wants every missionary to do language study every day. Sometimes it's hard...we get so busy and then we don't have any time to sit down and study. He wants us to make sure we speak well enough that our prayers and our teaching is Italian...not English Italian...which is a completely different language. The grammar in English is NOT the same in Italian and sometimes its hard because if you don't study, you can't learn that.
I'd say Heavenly Father has really blessed me with my Italian...I'm doing ok. I am picking up colloquialisms and different words. He has really helped and ALL of the credit is His. I am very blessed. I am not fluent yet because I have a lot to learn but I'm learning quickly.
All of the things President wants us to work on focus more on exact obedience...I don't want to be a half-baked cookie if you know what I mean. You can ate a cookie that still soft in the middle, it ''gets the job done'', but a well-done, soft moist cookie thats been baked for the proper amount...it's just awesome. I want to be an awesome cookie. ha ha. I want to be exactly obedient and I have really been trying to improve in that way. I'm getting better.
--
We are having some success here. Some of the people have disappeared but the ones we are now teaching are pretty solid. We have 2 baptismal dates, we lost a solid investigator because she moved to Rome, and we have some new people. We have just worked harder and we've covered more ground. My companion is helping me work on stuff and I am helping her. This has been the quickest I have meshed with someone, we just started off on a good note and kept getting better and better as we go along. It's been great.
We went up to this lookout point and taught a lesson up there...it's just...you just can't even imagine. Pictures don't do it justice, but I'll send some anyway. Sun shining over the ocean, the apartments and houses cover these hill and they are all different colors, green, clouds. It's just amazing. THEN yesterday we went to another point up on the mountains but closer to the ocean...you can just see everything, way out into the ocean, the sun was out (that's a rarity), and it was warm and just beautiful.
This is probably the city I'll want to spend the most time in when you all come to get me...There is so much to see. Most of it is just sitting and looking at what is around.
But when it really comes down to it, after the food and the culture and the beauty...the part that makes it the most worth while will always be the people. The good people, the good members, are always the best part. They are solid, they want to serve God. It's an amazing example of faith and hope.
The Gospel is spreading here in Italy...where the start of this whole confusion is...the Gospel light is confounded the wise and calling all souls who will hear the simple cry of ''come unto me''. It's moving forward. I got your email Mom about the story from the general authority. That is amazing.
The missionary sacrifice is one that can bless the lives of millions...I hope I have blessed the lives of just a small few. I know that this is the work of the Lord and Saviour. He calls us, and when we follow Him straightway, we are blessed. I know He guides us and He will never leave us alone as long as we are on the path.
I am proud to be on the path. I am here because I love God. I want to serve Him.
I know blessings beyond number and imagination are in store for those who will love Him too. I have seen the truth of this gospel change lives. I have watched a light grow in the eyes of someone who had no hope. This is real life. This is what it's about. I am a witness of the truth.
I'll leave you with the testimony of an Anziano here. He said, ''I love suffering, because I love growing''. He coldn't be more on point.
We came to this earth to be tried, and our trials bring growth and change and joy. Nothing is perfect in this life, except the Gospel, but through that same perfect gospel in the next life we can experience perfection and perfect joy.
I can promise that you will feel those blessings as you follow Him.
What a bright future you have!
Until next week
I love you to eternity and back
Sorella Carlock
Well, it's just me again, freezing my bottom off. ha ha. Just kidding, it's not that cold.
How are you all? What's going on with you this week? Any Valentine's day plans.
Surprise, surprise there is Valentine's day here...it's actually just another Saint holiday...cioè it's la festa di San Valentino. Whatever, it's the same.
Well this week we had 4 investigators in church! Woo hoo! That's the most we have ever had here in Genova, since I've been here at least.
Also we had a lesson with an investigator and without even asking her, she brought a friend! WOW! We're excited.
On a silly note, my toothpaste is blue! Now I know you're looking ''wow great, that's original''...the foam is blue too! It's really cool...it gets all foamy in my mouth and its this darker blue...it's funky.
Remember when I was in a trio for those 3 weeks with Sorella O'Connor and Sorella Durfee? Well, Sorella Durfee is going home now, she's about to finish her service...next Thursday to be exact and I'm so sad. Just because I won't be able to be with her all the time now.
That also means that Sorella Hoppe, my lovely trainer, is leaving too. They came in at the same time. I haven't seen her since October and I am really sad because she lives in Germany and it will be really hard to see her again. She wants to come see New York and she said I could come to Germany...sooo, we'll see. I'm just sad because I love her and I don't want her to be finished.
--
There are some new things...well old things being re-emphasized...that President wants us to do. There are these things in the mission here called POPP charts. Basically it's like teaching a 2 minute lesson, kind of like a Teach-to-Find.
Scripture
Principle
Question
Testify
it's a really good way to improve teaching and bearing powerful simple testimony. He has asked us to make sure we do these drills. When I was more consistent with them, they really helped me and so I want that back and I'm going to do them.
Also President really wants every missionary to do language study every day. Sometimes it's hard...we get so busy and then we don't have any time to sit down and study. He wants us to make sure we speak well enough that our prayers and our teaching is Italian...not English Italian...which is a completely different language. The grammar in English is NOT the same in Italian and sometimes its hard because if you don't study, you can't learn that.
I'd say Heavenly Father has really blessed me with my Italian...I'm doing ok. I am picking up colloquialisms and different words. He has really helped and ALL of the credit is His. I am very blessed. I am not fluent yet because I have a lot to learn but I'm learning quickly.
All of the things President wants us to work on focus more on exact obedience...I don't want to be a half-baked cookie if you know what I mean. You can ate a cookie that still soft in the middle, it ''gets the job done'', but a well-done, soft moist cookie thats been baked for the proper amount...it's just awesome. I want to be an awesome cookie. ha ha. I want to be exactly obedient and I have really been trying to improve in that way. I'm getting better.
--
We are having some success here. Some of the people have disappeared but the ones we are now teaching are pretty solid. We have 2 baptismal dates, we lost a solid investigator because she moved to Rome, and we have some new people. We have just worked harder and we've covered more ground. My companion is helping me work on stuff and I am helping her. This has been the quickest I have meshed with someone, we just started off on a good note and kept getting better and better as we go along. It's been great.
We went up to this lookout point and taught a lesson up there...it's just...you just can't even imagine. Pictures don't do it justice, but I'll send some anyway. Sun shining over the ocean, the apartments and houses cover these hill and they are all different colors, green, clouds. It's just amazing. THEN yesterday we went to another point up on the mountains but closer to the ocean...you can just see everything, way out into the ocean, the sun was out (that's a rarity), and it was warm and just beautiful.
This is probably the city I'll want to spend the most time in when you all come to get me...There is so much to see. Most of it is just sitting and looking at what is around.
But when it really comes down to it, after the food and the culture and the beauty...the part that makes it the most worth while will always be the people. The good people, the good members, are always the best part. They are solid, they want to serve God. It's an amazing example of faith and hope.
The Gospel is spreading here in Italy...where the start of this whole confusion is...the Gospel light is confounded the wise and calling all souls who will hear the simple cry of ''come unto me''. It's moving forward. I got your email Mom about the story from the general authority. That is amazing.
The missionary sacrifice is one that can bless the lives of millions...I hope I have blessed the lives of just a small few. I know that this is the work of the Lord and Saviour. He calls us, and when we follow Him straightway, we are blessed. I know He guides us and He will never leave us alone as long as we are on the path.
I am proud to be on the path. I am here because I love God. I want to serve Him.
I know blessings beyond number and imagination are in store for those who will love Him too. I have seen the truth of this gospel change lives. I have watched a light grow in the eyes of someone who had no hope. This is real life. This is what it's about. I am a witness of the truth.
I'll leave you with the testimony of an Anziano here. He said, ''I love suffering, because I love growing''. He coldn't be more on point.
We came to this earth to be tried, and our trials bring growth and change and joy. Nothing is perfect in this life, except the Gospel, but through that same perfect gospel in the next life we can experience perfection and perfect joy.
I can promise that you will feel those blessings as you follow Him.
What a bright future you have!
Until next week
I love you to eternity and back
Sorella Carlock
Forty: February 5, 2014 Genova
Come state?
Tutto bene?
I don't have much to say this week.
It's been going well. I'm still having some health issues, the same things but because I stopped daily taking care of it, it's kind of come back. So I'm taking my medicine! WOO HOO!
It's getting a lot colder here and its really been raining- It's not too bad though because of my coat and boots.
---
For the month of January, we met our goal for new investigators and we even set some baptismal dates.
We even set one with a woman who we have been teaching for quite a while, about 2 months.
We are really excited. Heavenly Father has really blessed us. I am excited for the success we can have in this next month.
BTW, we started setting goals on a monthly basis, so it's a little different when we are trying to set goals for baptisms or things like that. It's cool though. More organized I think.
Well....let's see.
We took some pictures of things, so I'll be sending those to you.
I am so excited for you to watch the Olympics! I love the Olympics. Enjoy them!
---
We have this investigator who is awesome. She is so in tune with everything. She loves the book of Mormon, she lives all of the laws, every night we call her and read & pray with her.
We are all excited about her upcoming baptism and we are hoping good things with come! She is great and I can't wait for her to experience the cleansing power of the Atonement through Baptism.
To kind of record all of my thoughts and inspirational quotes and mission memories, I started this journal...maybe I told you already- I really like it. I call it my Italy journal. Right now it only has missionary stuff, but I want to put cool Italian things in it to remember my missionary time.
I really want to remember everything. I have never been more happy, more sure of who I am, more pleased with life, and just close to Christ.
There are so many scriptures in the ..scriptures ha ha, where Christ simply says ''come unto me'', and I think that's my new mantra. It just starts and ends with Him. He is the way!
---
Eva your Italian is amazing. It is really good. I have no idea what the word spalare means, so you're already teaching me! Keep up the buon lavoro! :)
----
I hope everyone is well.
To kind of give me a big boost, I have been reading over past emails that you have all sent me that I have printed out.
I feel like I lost the missionary I was at the beginning, like I'm a good missionary now but I want to be the missionary that follows all of the good advice you have given me.
Like....I want to be 100% ya know? Then again, its not entirely possible and it takes time, and everyone would like to be 100%, 100% of the time, but its not that way.
Basically, is there any advice that you would give me to help me to give it all.
My goal is to leave it all behind and put all the cards on the table, diciamo (--let's say).
What worked for you?...other than coming unto Christ! ha ha I'm working on that more.
----
I have been seeing a lot of success here. In the work, in the changes I'm making, in progress with working with ward members..everything really. I am so happy. I love being here and I love the way that I feel as a missionary. It just feels good...take away all of the blessings, the work, the Spirit, the lessons, the prayers....it just plain feels good, right, fulfilling.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am not perfect- but I can be, in the nest life, through Him. I believe in Jesus Christ, but more importantly I believe Him, I believe what He has said. I know it is true. I know that I am never alone, ever. I know He loves each of us.
I know we are an eternal family. I can feel it, I can tell. We will be together forever.
We are going to take some good pictures today so you'll have some good stuff for next week. BE HAPPY! SMILE! DO GOOD THINGS! PRAY!
You are loved. You are listened to. You are never alone. You are mine. You are His.
I love you.-
Sorella Carlock
Tutto bene?
I don't have much to say this week.
It's been going well. I'm still having some health issues, the same things but because I stopped daily taking care of it, it's kind of come back. So I'm taking my medicine! WOO HOO!
It's getting a lot colder here and its really been raining- It's not too bad though because of my coat and boots.
---
For the month of January, we met our goal for new investigators and we even set some baptismal dates.
We even set one with a woman who we have been teaching for quite a while, about 2 months.
We are really excited. Heavenly Father has really blessed us. I am excited for the success we can have in this next month.
BTW, we started setting goals on a monthly basis, so it's a little different when we are trying to set goals for baptisms or things like that. It's cool though. More organized I think.
Well....let's see.
We took some pictures of things, so I'll be sending those to you.
I am so excited for you to watch the Olympics! I love the Olympics. Enjoy them!
---
We have this investigator who is awesome. She is so in tune with everything. She loves the book of Mormon, she lives all of the laws, every night we call her and read & pray with her.
We are all excited about her upcoming baptism and we are hoping good things with come! She is great and I can't wait for her to experience the cleansing power of the Atonement through Baptism.
To kind of record all of my thoughts and inspirational quotes and mission memories, I started this journal...maybe I told you already- I really like it. I call it my Italy journal. Right now it only has missionary stuff, but I want to put cool Italian things in it to remember my missionary time.
I really want to remember everything. I have never been more happy, more sure of who I am, more pleased with life, and just close to Christ.
There are so many scriptures in the ..scriptures ha ha, where Christ simply says ''come unto me'', and I think that's my new mantra. It just starts and ends with Him. He is the way!
---
Eva your Italian is amazing. It is really good. I have no idea what the word spalare means, so you're already teaching me! Keep up the buon lavoro! :)
----
I hope everyone is well.
To kind of give me a big boost, I have been reading over past emails that you have all sent me that I have printed out.
I feel like I lost the missionary I was at the beginning, like I'm a good missionary now but I want to be the missionary that follows all of the good advice you have given me.
Like....I want to be 100% ya know? Then again, its not entirely possible and it takes time, and everyone would like to be 100%, 100% of the time, but its not that way.
Basically, is there any advice that you would give me to help me to give it all.
My goal is to leave it all behind and put all the cards on the table, diciamo (--let's say).
What worked for you?...other than coming unto Christ! ha ha I'm working on that more.
----
I have been seeing a lot of success here. In the work, in the changes I'm making, in progress with working with ward members..everything really. I am so happy. I love being here and I love the way that I feel as a missionary. It just feels good...take away all of the blessings, the work, the Spirit, the lessons, the prayers....it just plain feels good, right, fulfilling.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am not perfect- but I can be, in the nest life, through Him. I believe in Jesus Christ, but more importantly I believe Him, I believe what He has said. I know it is true. I know that I am never alone, ever. I know He loves each of us.
I know we are an eternal family. I can feel it, I can tell. We will be together forever.
We are going to take some good pictures today so you'll have some good stuff for next week. BE HAPPY! SMILE! DO GOOD THINGS! PRAY!
You are loved. You are listened to. You are never alone. You are mine. You are His.
I love you.-
Sorella Carlock
Thirty-nine: January 29, 2014 Genova
My hands are practically numb as I type because the door of this little hole-in-the-wall internet place is open. Also, it might snow today, so the world is practically ending! Ha ha just kidding.
But, it's cold. It doesn't snow much here.
I am happy. I am healthy. I think I am losing weight....I don't know. I am getting stronger, if not losing weight, then losing fat. I have a lot of muscles. I feel strong and powerful but not in like a body builder way.
I'm trying to learn to appreciate my body more, it is really a marvelous thing to have a body.
We are having a lot of success is Genova. We have an investigator who is elect, ready, so prepared...words cannot describe her. ...also a bonus, she looks like Audrey Hepburn and speaks English because she lives in London when she isn't in Genova.....I so badly want you to meet her.
She feels the spirit so strongly and she searches for truth and light. She has been thrown a lot of bad stuff but she keeps going and searching and ...finding! I love her.
We are working hard with the ward and we are all doing it together. The work is moving forward. I feel so much more fulfilled.
I have been wearing my glasses for this whole week. I like it because I feel more put together and more cute, I guess. Sometimes as a missionary, you just kind of feel dumpy. ha ha. Part of life, I guess.
Nine months on Saturday. wow- I've --become a so much better version of me. I have learned how to really pray and feel the Spirit. I have followed God's plan for me. I have become more of who I want to be.
I have only a half left as a full-time missionary....I mean this with all sincerity...I do not want to come home. I don't want to leave, I could do this forever...maybe with a weekend break to have you come here to visit, but I want to keep doing this.
In italian, an RM is called an ex-missionary.....i hate that. If you really commit, you never un-become a missionary- you just become a full-time member missionary- if you did everything within the right spirit. I truly believe that. Its a high standard, but the Celestial Kingdom is the highest glory, so it evens out.
Well, Mommy, I have realized this week that I am becoming you!
Meno male (it means 'less bed', so in this case it would be like phew, not too bad)
I do things that you do or phrase things the way you would.
The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, and you're a good tree so I think I'm ok-
As a proper missionary, here is my invite for the week. This just pooped into my head.....listen to church music, efy. whatever else...if you have a negative thought, recite the first vision...
'I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun
which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me,
I saw 2 personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description standign above me in the air.
One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other- This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!'
OR quote another scripture
sometimes when I cant sleep or a feel scared or I need to feel happy, I recite that or sing a song like they say to do in primary.
The thing that brings me the most hope is the first vision, it testifies of the strength of faith and personal revelation.
Whatever. It may help you.
I am so grateful for Heavenly Father being such a huge part of the plan that He created for me. I am grateful for His love and the warmth of His light and the Light that is His Son, Jesus the Christ.
He has healed me, molded me, and refined me.
There is a song I like and it says the mistakes of the past don't define you, they refine you,
and its true, you make a mistake and its like a huge piece of you just was ripped away, like you cant be made whole, but in reality, all the mistakes leave the finer surface exposed.
Diamonds are made with lots of heat and pressure for a looong period of time.
You're mistakes or weaknesses are shaping YOU! You can become a different person through the love and grace of Jesus Christ
My new favorite scripture is Moroni 10: 32
Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him!
That is my other invite. Let Him in! Let Him help you and love you, like only He can!
For my halfway mark, on Saturday we will go to a little cafe or foccacceria and sit and relax and just be in Italy for lunch. I just want to sit back and enjoy the changes I've seen in myself and all those around me. The world just has a different light now and its worth admiring.
I love you, my dear ones, all of you.
Thank you for supporting me and loving me.
Don't you ever give up, there is always a way out...it's usually through Jesus Christ. After all, that is what He was sent to do. To lift up His people and heal their wounds.
I know He lives, I know with as much surety as one with faith in Him can have. I have not seen Him, but I don't need to. I have felt His cleansing power and it has healed me.
Clean through and through...
That is my missionary message. He lives, He has shown us the way, He heals all wounds, and He waits for us at the gate to accept Him.
I know this message is true. I have lived it and watched it change the hearts of men. I have seen miracles here in Italy...and they still keep coming.
I love OUR Father in Heaven with all that I am...and I am learning how to love Him even more. I love OUR Saviour and Redeemer.
And I love you, Tanney! Evie! Mommy!
You are the greatest treasure of this life.
Know that I love you and pray for you. Know that you are not alone!
I love you,
Sorella Carlock
But, it's cold. It doesn't snow much here.
I am happy. I am healthy. I think I am losing weight....I don't know. I am getting stronger, if not losing weight, then losing fat. I have a lot of muscles. I feel strong and powerful but not in like a body builder way.
I'm trying to learn to appreciate my body more, it is really a marvelous thing to have a body.
We are having a lot of success is Genova. We have an investigator who is elect, ready, so prepared...words cannot describe her. ...also a bonus, she looks like Audrey Hepburn and speaks English because she lives in London when she isn't in Genova.....I so badly want you to meet her.
She feels the spirit so strongly and she searches for truth and light. She has been thrown a lot of bad stuff but she keeps going and searching and ...finding! I love her.
We are working hard with the ward and we are all doing it together. The work is moving forward. I feel so much more fulfilled.
I have been wearing my glasses for this whole week. I like it because I feel more put together and more cute, I guess. Sometimes as a missionary, you just kind of feel dumpy. ha ha. Part of life, I guess.
Nine months on Saturday. wow- I've --become a so much better version of me. I have learned how to really pray and feel the Spirit. I have followed God's plan for me. I have become more of who I want to be.
I have only a half left as a full-time missionary....I mean this with all sincerity...I do not want to come home. I don't want to leave, I could do this forever...maybe with a weekend break to have you come here to visit, but I want to keep doing this.
In italian, an RM is called an ex-missionary.....i hate that. If you really commit, you never un-become a missionary- you just become a full-time member missionary- if you did everything within the right spirit. I truly believe that. Its a high standard, but the Celestial Kingdom is the highest glory, so it evens out.
Well, Mommy, I have realized this week that I am becoming you!
Meno male (it means 'less bed', so in this case it would be like phew, not too bad)
I do things that you do or phrase things the way you would.
The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, and you're a good tree so I think I'm ok-
As a proper missionary, here is my invite for the week. This just pooped into my head.....listen to church music, efy. whatever else...if you have a negative thought, recite the first vision...
'I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun
which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me,
I saw 2 personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description standign above me in the air.
One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other- This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!'
OR quote another scripture
sometimes when I cant sleep or a feel scared or I need to feel happy, I recite that or sing a song like they say to do in primary.
The thing that brings me the most hope is the first vision, it testifies of the strength of faith and personal revelation.
Whatever. It may help you.
I am so grateful for Heavenly Father being such a huge part of the plan that He created for me. I am grateful for His love and the warmth of His light and the Light that is His Son, Jesus the Christ.
He has healed me, molded me, and refined me.
There is a song I like and it says the mistakes of the past don't define you, they refine you,
and its true, you make a mistake and its like a huge piece of you just was ripped away, like you cant be made whole, but in reality, all the mistakes leave the finer surface exposed.
Diamonds are made with lots of heat and pressure for a looong period of time.
You're mistakes or weaknesses are shaping YOU! You can become a different person through the love and grace of Jesus Christ
My new favorite scripture is Moroni 10: 32
Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him!
That is my other invite. Let Him in! Let Him help you and love you, like only He can!
For my halfway mark, on Saturday we will go to a little cafe or foccacceria and sit and relax and just be in Italy for lunch. I just want to sit back and enjoy the changes I've seen in myself and all those around me. The world just has a different light now and its worth admiring.
I love you, my dear ones, all of you.
Thank you for supporting me and loving me.
Don't you ever give up, there is always a way out...it's usually through Jesus Christ. After all, that is what He was sent to do. To lift up His people and heal their wounds.
I know He lives, I know with as much surety as one with faith in Him can have. I have not seen Him, but I don't need to. I have felt His cleansing power and it has healed me.
Clean through and through...
That is my missionary message. He lives, He has shown us the way, He heals all wounds, and He waits for us at the gate to accept Him.
I know this message is true. I have lived it and watched it change the hearts of men. I have seen miracles here in Italy...and they still keep coming.
I love OUR Father in Heaven with all that I am...and I am learning how to love Him even more. I love OUR Saviour and Redeemer.
And I love you, Tanney! Evie! Mommy!
You are the greatest treasure of this life.
Know that I love you and pray for you. Know that you are not alone!
I love you,
Sorella Carlock
Thirty-eight: January 22, 2014: Genova
I can't even describe how happy I am. All of these miracles. It's proof! Yet again, proof that prayers are answered and our Heavenly Father loves us!
It's proof!
I can't wait to see you again, to hug you, and be able to tell you ''I know this is true''. Sometimes I kind of feel like Alma, someone who knew the darkness, who knew what it felt like to really live in the world, who has since turned to the true and right way....
This email today will probably be a lot about the Atonement
I am a living testimony of its reality. I am new and changed...and it all started with prayer. Prayer is real communication with our Father in Heaven, our Loving, Kind, Real, Living, Caring Father.
He so wants to listen to us. He wants us to hear His voice too, guiding us back to Him.
This is real! It's true!
----
whew, it's an emotionally exciting P-Day already!
anyway!
I'm sick again! YAY!
not only do I have the ''winter bug'' as says our medical person, aka a stomach thing (its not bad, my stomach just never settles)....I ALSO have sinusitis! YES! 2-for-1 deal!
Ha ha, other than the fact that it stinks and we have to slow down a lot, I'm really ok. It's actually been quite an interesting experience. I'm just kind of laughing at myself...maybe I should be worried since I'm like always sick, but for now, I'll just laugh a little. I'm going to go to the pharmacy and get Benadryl because I'm not congested, just inflamed so the medical sister told me to get something to stop the swelling.
---
Other than that, our work is REALLY picking up.
Instead of having transfer goals, the church has asked missionaries to set monthly goals so that all the numbers and progress can be properly and orderly recorded. For January our companionship goal for investigators was 12...we have 2 weeks left and we already have 9! And we are setting some baptismal dates this week....
There are so many people here that are so ready for baptism! It's amazing. We ...eh, Heavenly Father gave us really prepared people! It's been a really great few week and a half with Sorella Harward. I'm really enjoying it and we're doing great things.
-----
We started going to the ward council. On the way home, we rode home with the Relief Society president. She was so sweet to us, she said ''even though you are missionaries and far from home, you are still a part of this relief society and if you need a mom, call me. I get it, and we're here for you''
I really love Genova. There is a spirit here, an energy as Sorella Harward says, that makes us feel like the city is about to explode...in a good way...ha ha. like with success and knowledge of the gospel. It's tangible, you can feel it.
It's like the city is in a little bubble of loooove :)
God's love. they all just don't know it yet, and that's why we're here!
-----
To describe Genova a little more. it's all hilly and open wide.
it's a long city along the coast, it is long but doesn't extend much inland so its long and skinny, but short in the other direction.
There is the beautiful Italian port and sea. We have beautiful giant clouds that are bright and colorful at sunset. You would be blown away by the sunset here....its amazing.
It rains a lot, but it never gets cold cold cold. the lowest I've felt is 7 degree celsius. Not too bad.
I love Genova because it has history, old buildings and ...well, to put it this way, it's lived a life! Ha ha.
----
I'm sorry I don't have much to say this week. I will have pictures next week. I'm sorry I haven't sent many lately. We'll be taking some today. We are going to IKEA again! for another toilet seat. yeah hooo!
I just cant even describe these experience that I am having. Once in a lifetime. I will never regret this. All I see is how much I have changed as a person and how much I have seen others change. it is beautiful.
I love the people we teach.- All women, most are over 35. We have 2 people that are so ready for baptism. They teach us the lessons...giving testimony, jumping ahead.
One woman...we were teaching the restoration to her and she was like ....''well if Jesus died and the authority was lost, who came next? there had to be someone else... it was Joseph Smith right?'' ....sooo amazing.
Another we taught the law of chastity and she said things like we respect our bodies because they are special and when we do these bad things, we can't progress or feel the Spirit. It damages our spirit.
SO AMAZING. There are so many special, special people here. Genova is ..I just don't want to leave!...but if I'm needed elsewhere next transfer, I'll go. I go where I'm useful, ya know!
Well, I think this is all for this week.
1 week and 3 days til I have made it halfway---
then I get to double my success and work harder and learn more!
..ehh well that starts now...it doesn't magically appear, but ...I can see the blessings of serving a mission already---but I see them for all of eternity.
A mission is a special type of commitment.
I am so grateful for all of the support I have been given
I love you my dear ones :)
Every single second of the time I've spent wearing this name tag has been full of progression and learning. I love every single second, every one.
You have given me, and so many others greater blessings than you can see.
I will forever be grateful to you and your help and guidance while I have taken this big leap of faith. Thank you. I love you :)
---
I love you all so much I can't even explain.
I know that this Gospel is the true and only way back to our Dear Father.
I know that Jesus Christ, His Son, atoned for us, so that we could become clean and pure enough to stand in His and His Father's glorious presence and fell accepted.
I know that prayer is the key to a happy life.
I know, with a surety that cannot ever be denied, that OUR Father in Heaven is an active part of our lives. I love Him with my whole heart, and I am luckily learning how to love Him even more.
I know these things are true.
In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Until next time
Sorellina ;p
It's proof!
I can't wait to see you again, to hug you, and be able to tell you ''I know this is true''. Sometimes I kind of feel like Alma, someone who knew the darkness, who knew what it felt like to really live in the world, who has since turned to the true and right way....
This email today will probably be a lot about the Atonement
I am a living testimony of its reality. I am new and changed...and it all started with prayer. Prayer is real communication with our Father in Heaven, our Loving, Kind, Real, Living, Caring Father.
He so wants to listen to us. He wants us to hear His voice too, guiding us back to Him.
This is real! It's true!
----
whew, it's an emotionally exciting P-Day already!
anyway!
I'm sick again! YAY!
not only do I have the ''winter bug'' as says our medical person, aka a stomach thing (its not bad, my stomach just never settles)....I ALSO have sinusitis! YES! 2-for-1 deal!
Ha ha, other than the fact that it stinks and we have to slow down a lot, I'm really ok. It's actually been quite an interesting experience. I'm just kind of laughing at myself...maybe I should be worried since I'm like always sick, but for now, I'll just laugh a little. I'm going to go to the pharmacy and get Benadryl because I'm not congested, just inflamed so the medical sister told me to get something to stop the swelling.
---
Other than that, our work is REALLY picking up.
Instead of having transfer goals, the church has asked missionaries to set monthly goals so that all the numbers and progress can be properly and orderly recorded. For January our companionship goal for investigators was 12...we have 2 weeks left and we already have 9! And we are setting some baptismal dates this week....
There are so many people here that are so ready for baptism! It's amazing. We ...eh, Heavenly Father gave us really prepared people! It's been a really great few week and a half with Sorella Harward. I'm really enjoying it and we're doing great things.
-----
We started going to the ward council. On the way home, we rode home with the Relief Society president. She was so sweet to us, she said ''even though you are missionaries and far from home, you are still a part of this relief society and if you need a mom, call me. I get it, and we're here for you''
I really love Genova. There is a spirit here, an energy as Sorella Harward says, that makes us feel like the city is about to explode...in a good way...ha ha. like with success and knowledge of the gospel. It's tangible, you can feel it.
It's like the city is in a little bubble of loooove :)
God's love. they all just don't know it yet, and that's why we're here!
-----
To describe Genova a little more. it's all hilly and open wide.
it's a long city along the coast, it is long but doesn't extend much inland so its long and skinny, but short in the other direction.
There is the beautiful Italian port and sea. We have beautiful giant clouds that are bright and colorful at sunset. You would be blown away by the sunset here....its amazing.
It rains a lot, but it never gets cold cold cold. the lowest I've felt is 7 degree celsius. Not too bad.
I love Genova because it has history, old buildings and ...well, to put it this way, it's lived a life! Ha ha.
----
I'm sorry I don't have much to say this week. I will have pictures next week. I'm sorry I haven't sent many lately. We'll be taking some today. We are going to IKEA again! for another toilet seat. yeah hooo!
I just cant even describe these experience that I am having. Once in a lifetime. I will never regret this. All I see is how much I have changed as a person and how much I have seen others change. it is beautiful.
I love the people we teach.- All women, most are over 35. We have 2 people that are so ready for baptism. They teach us the lessons...giving testimony, jumping ahead.
One woman...we were teaching the restoration to her and she was like ....''well if Jesus died and the authority was lost, who came next? there had to be someone else... it was Joseph Smith right?'' ....sooo amazing.
Another we taught the law of chastity and she said things like we respect our bodies because they are special and when we do these bad things, we can't progress or feel the Spirit. It damages our spirit.
SO AMAZING. There are so many special, special people here. Genova is ..I just don't want to leave!...but if I'm needed elsewhere next transfer, I'll go. I go where I'm useful, ya know!
Well, I think this is all for this week.
1 week and 3 days til I have made it halfway---
then I get to double my success and work harder and learn more!
..ehh well that starts now...it doesn't magically appear, but ...I can see the blessings of serving a mission already---but I see them for all of eternity.
A mission is a special type of commitment.
I am so grateful for all of the support I have been given
I love you my dear ones :)
Every single second of the time I've spent wearing this name tag has been full of progression and learning. I love every single second, every one.
You have given me, and so many others greater blessings than you can see.
I will forever be grateful to you and your help and guidance while I have taken this big leap of faith. Thank you. I love you :)
---
I love you all so much I can't even explain.
I know that this Gospel is the true and only way back to our Dear Father.
I know that Jesus Christ, His Son, atoned for us, so that we could become clean and pure enough to stand in His and His Father's glorious presence and fell accepted.
I know that prayer is the key to a happy life.
I know, with a surety that cannot ever be denied, that OUR Father in Heaven is an active part of our lives. I love Him with my whole heart, and I am luckily learning how to love Him even more.
I know these things are true.
In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Until next time
Sorellina ;p
Thirty-seven: January 15, 2014 Genova
A fun Italiano experience.
so in Milano on monday, we thought to grab a snack...ha ha, I laugh, but you'll get why in a sec
So in the train station is a cafe. we bought a hot chocolate and a croissant.
Sorella Harward and I sat in this little train station cafe, with trains passing by and it was all foggy outside. Beautiful, peaceful....
I just cant describe it the right way.
I love Italy.
----
I'm trying to get all of my memories together. I started an italy/mission journal...wow...basically I'm like scrapbooking, shoot me! ha ha.- no but it's pretty. I have my call and blessings and pictures in it. I love it. I wish I had started it sooner. oh well, I have it now.
I want to remember every second.
I'm really going to miss Italy when I come home. There is just a strong spirit here. Yeah, there isn't a lot of gospel knowledge here yet, but there is a peace in the lifestyle.
lunch hours (1pm -3)
taking trains
cafes
family
the beach
food
love
it's beautiful-
I want to bring as much back with me as I can
I'm trying to gather recipes and listen to people when they talk about how or what they eat.
----
There are 2 sisters in my apartment that are at the end of their service, and so it gets me thinking about the person I want to be at the end and what I want to have accomplished. I think it's good for me because it helps me remember that I need to be the right kind of missionary and person.
I had my transfer blessing yesterday and Heavenly Father said that I will grow in this transfer and that my many righteous desires will continue to increase as I work. he said I have been doing my best-- it was so nice to hear.
For District Meeting, I gave the spiritual thought about prayer.
I should have a Preach My Gospel in my bookshelf - pages 93-94 ish there is an activity, a chart and it tells you to rate your prayers. it helped me realized how sincere or insincere I am and how I can strengthen my side of the communication with Heavenly Father. Its great. read the section called ''pray with faith''.
STRENGTHEN YOUR PRAYERS....for if you think about it, prayer is the basis of everything.
you need to ask to receive, you pray to show faith, you thank Him through prayer.
Prayer is the first thing we do in the morning and the last at night...quindi, if your prayers aren't good, your days wont be much better.
I love you all. I hope my letters are helping you and I'm giving you all the things that you need. if not, let me know.
I'm here for you too!
I love you all, all of you, anyone who is reading this!
I love you and I hope that you know you are a child of a God who loves you!
I love my Saviour.
I love this church, this truth!
I love my Father in Heaven and I will forever be grateful for His love and care for me.
I know that what I am teaching is true.
It's funny because I think I am my own biggest investigator...or rather, His.
I know....I know...I know this is true!
Sorella Carlock
so in Milano on monday, we thought to grab a snack...ha ha, I laugh, but you'll get why in a sec
So in the train station is a cafe. we bought a hot chocolate and a croissant.
Sorella Harward and I sat in this little train station cafe, with trains passing by and it was all foggy outside. Beautiful, peaceful....
I just cant describe it the right way.
I love Italy.
----
I'm trying to get all of my memories together. I started an italy/mission journal...wow...basically I'm like scrapbooking, shoot me! ha ha.- no but it's pretty. I have my call and blessings and pictures in it. I love it. I wish I had started it sooner. oh well, I have it now.
I want to remember every second.
I'm really going to miss Italy when I come home. There is just a strong spirit here. Yeah, there isn't a lot of gospel knowledge here yet, but there is a peace in the lifestyle.
lunch hours (1pm -3)
taking trains
cafes
family
the beach
food
love
it's beautiful-
I want to bring as much back with me as I can
I'm trying to gather recipes and listen to people when they talk about how or what they eat.
----
There are 2 sisters in my apartment that are at the end of their service, and so it gets me thinking about the person I want to be at the end and what I want to have accomplished. I think it's good for me because it helps me remember that I need to be the right kind of missionary and person.
I had my transfer blessing yesterday and Heavenly Father said that I will grow in this transfer and that my many righteous desires will continue to increase as I work. he said I have been doing my best-- it was so nice to hear.
For District Meeting, I gave the spiritual thought about prayer.
I should have a Preach My Gospel in my bookshelf - pages 93-94 ish there is an activity, a chart and it tells you to rate your prayers. it helped me realized how sincere or insincere I am and how I can strengthen my side of the communication with Heavenly Father. Its great. read the section called ''pray with faith''.
STRENGTHEN YOUR PRAYERS....for if you think about it, prayer is the basis of everything.
you need to ask to receive, you pray to show faith, you thank Him through prayer.
Prayer is the first thing we do in the morning and the last at night...quindi, if your prayers aren't good, your days wont be much better.
I love you all. I hope my letters are helping you and I'm giving you all the things that you need. if not, let me know.
I'm here for you too!
I love you all, all of you, anyone who is reading this!
I love you and I hope that you know you are a child of a God who loves you!
I love my Saviour.
I love this church, this truth!
I love my Father in Heaven and I will forever be grateful for His love and care for me.
I know that what I am teaching is true.
It's funny because I think I am my own biggest investigator...or rather, His.
I know....I know...I know this is true!
Sorella Carlock
Thirty-six: January 8, 2014 Genova
Ciao Carissimi
So...it's Transfer week, and I'm losing my collega. Sorella O'Connor is going to Muggiò, which is a little city just north of Milano.
My new companion is Sorella Harward. She was in my zone in Milano, so I know her fairly well. She is on her 11th transfer out of 12. She's an opera singer. So she's older, and I'm still going to be junior companion.
--------
Well this past week, actually Saturday, we had a REALLY CRAZY DAY!
First we went to a catholic funeral, for the mom of a member....
I know that our church is true!
We made guacamole! WOO HOO! mango guacamole
We started this thing. its called the Negative Notebook.
When we say something negative, we write it down. It's our way of being accountable and trying to change....no one wants to get out a notebook and write your quote down! So we try to be less negative. It's funny...and a good way to change.
We went way up into the mountains that day to visit a new convert
No joke, I thought we were in Uruguay. Every time we go there, it feels like Uruguay. Beautiful and ...i don't know, but I love it!
We run into this man that we had a prayer with when we were up there last and he says, ''come with me, I have something for you in my tent'', and we were saying ''we have to catch the bus, it comes in 5mins''. he says ''if you know it'll come in 5 mins, we can run, it'll be quick''
He's old and it's about 100 meter away, and there isn't another bus that comes...til the next morning.
What did we do? we ran, with this old man, to this house and in the backyard was this mound of wood under a canvas. He says ''è la mia tenda''...so we don't want to go in but Sorella Durfee goes in and we're just walking in to keep sight of her.
We get in and he hands us 3 wooden mangers. (I felt like I was Tanney and that lady in his mission when she said, 'here take this jug') it was great. I loved it. SO now i have a handmade wooden manger.
We ran from this tent to catch the bus, arms waving with a manger in hand still and the bus stops and we get on. Along with the mangers, he gave us lindor truffles....some filled with champagne....I don't like champagne...I bit one...as a guinea pig to make sure they didn't have alcohol...they had alcohol, because just a few days before another investigator gave us cherry candy liquors, and ....apparently it's a common thing.
Missions, man.
Then on the way back, we found a less-active woman who hadn't been to church in years.
Needless to say, that day was crazy and adventure filled...Sorry it was so messy. I don't have much time and I want to get it all in there.
---
also, running after busses waving my arms is kind of a normal thing here. it's really funny actually because, I know I look crazy, but if it gets us to the bus, meno male!
----
I think I'm becoming a food snob. I don't think I'll be able to handle coming back to the states very well because everything here is so fresh. Everything comes from an orchard and its sooo good. I'm going to have to be rich so I can buy imported foods or something....no preservatives!
---
Eva I hope you got my letter.
Thank you for sending your blessing to me.
Happy Birthday :)
'Don't fail your driving test! :)
----
Tanney, I hope you got back to school safely and that your semester is starting well!
Don't forget to have some fun and enjoy it!
You are the best older brother ever and you are such a great example of success and faith to me.
I love you.
-----
Mommy I hope you are well and happy.
I hope you are WARM
If I can do anything for you, let me know.
If you have any good advice, don't hold back...just saying ;)
----
Also,
I want you all to know that I know God lives. He is our Father and we are His children. He guides us and blesses us, because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.
He gave us His Son so that we would ALL have this opportunity of living with Him again.
The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture that can help us all come to know Christ even more. It testifies to us of His divinity and His love. It was translated by a called prophet so that we could bring ourselves closer to the Saviour.
I know this is His church, that He leads and guides it. I know it. I know that it's true.
I love you all. Keep going. Keep giving it your all, and I'll keep trying to do the same.
This transfer is going to change my life. I know it. I feel it. We're going to see and do miracles in the name of the Lord.
I love you with my whole heart, but I love Him more.
In His name, even Jesus Christ. Amen-
So...it's Transfer week, and I'm losing my collega. Sorella O'Connor is going to Muggiò, which is a little city just north of Milano.
My new companion is Sorella Harward. She was in my zone in Milano, so I know her fairly well. She is on her 11th transfer out of 12. She's an opera singer. So she's older, and I'm still going to be junior companion.
--------
Well this past week, actually Saturday, we had a REALLY CRAZY DAY!
First we went to a catholic funeral, for the mom of a member....
I know that our church is true!
We made guacamole! WOO HOO! mango guacamole
We started this thing. its called the Negative Notebook.
When we say something negative, we write it down. It's our way of being accountable and trying to change....no one wants to get out a notebook and write your quote down! So we try to be less negative. It's funny...and a good way to change.
We went way up into the mountains that day to visit a new convert
No joke, I thought we were in Uruguay. Every time we go there, it feels like Uruguay. Beautiful and ...i don't know, but I love it!
We run into this man that we had a prayer with when we were up there last and he says, ''come with me, I have something for you in my tent'', and we were saying ''we have to catch the bus, it comes in 5mins''. he says ''if you know it'll come in 5 mins, we can run, it'll be quick''
He's old and it's about 100 meter away, and there isn't another bus that comes...til the next morning.
What did we do? we ran, with this old man, to this house and in the backyard was this mound of wood under a canvas. He says ''è la mia tenda''...so we don't want to go in but Sorella Durfee goes in and we're just walking in to keep sight of her.
We get in and he hands us 3 wooden mangers. (I felt like I was Tanney and that lady in his mission when she said, 'here take this jug') it was great. I loved it. SO now i have a handmade wooden manger.
We ran from this tent to catch the bus, arms waving with a manger in hand still and the bus stops and we get on. Along with the mangers, he gave us lindor truffles....some filled with champagne....I don't like champagne...I bit one...as a guinea pig to make sure they didn't have alcohol...they had alcohol, because just a few days before another investigator gave us cherry candy liquors, and ....apparently it's a common thing.
Missions, man.
Then on the way back, we found a less-active woman who hadn't been to church in years.
Needless to say, that day was crazy and adventure filled...Sorry it was so messy. I don't have much time and I want to get it all in there.
---
also, running after busses waving my arms is kind of a normal thing here. it's really funny actually because, I know I look crazy, but if it gets us to the bus, meno male!
----
I think I'm becoming a food snob. I don't think I'll be able to handle coming back to the states very well because everything here is so fresh. Everything comes from an orchard and its sooo good. I'm going to have to be rich so I can buy imported foods or something....no preservatives!
---
Eva I hope you got my letter.
Thank you for sending your blessing to me.
Happy Birthday :)
'Don't fail your driving test! :)
----
Tanney, I hope you got back to school safely and that your semester is starting well!
Don't forget to have some fun and enjoy it!
You are the best older brother ever and you are such a great example of success and faith to me.
I love you.
-----
Mommy I hope you are well and happy.
I hope you are WARM
If I can do anything for you, let me know.
If you have any good advice, don't hold back...just saying ;)
----
Also,
I want you all to know that I know God lives. He is our Father and we are His children. He guides us and blesses us, because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.
He gave us His Son so that we would ALL have this opportunity of living with Him again.
The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture that can help us all come to know Christ even more. It testifies to us of His divinity and His love. It was translated by a called prophet so that we could bring ourselves closer to the Saviour.
I know this is His church, that He leads and guides it. I know it. I know that it's true.
I love you all. Keep going. Keep giving it your all, and I'll keep trying to do the same.
This transfer is going to change my life. I know it. I feel it. We're going to see and do miracles in the name of the Lord.
I love you with my whole heart, but I love Him more.
In His name, even Jesus Christ. Amen-
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