How are you???
I just started reading your email and I saw what you said about Elder Holland's talk...
What you didn't know, but what I did, is that that sister missionary was serving here...He was speaking out his granddaughter, who I lived in Genova with. That was her. Makes it more special huh?
Speaking of Conference...wow.
So, the main message that I got out of that is...
STAY IN THE MAINSTREAM OF THE CHURCH.
obedience, patience in trial, foundation of faith in Christ, charity.
I loved it. Like last time, and like for next Conference, we don't get to watch the Sunday afternoon session so I'm going to order the ensign when it comes out.
Anyway...it was an incredibly spiritually uplifting conference. Just stick to the basics. Just stay on the right path, step by step. It doesn't have to be fancy.
I love all of the hymn choices too. For the first session of Conference, my companion and I went to the church, where it was just us two and a YSA.
As we sang 'Choose the Right' I felt the whole world singing together and I got choked up. We stood there in that chapel and sang with the whole world...''choose the right, choose the right, let God and Heaven be your goal''...maybe it doesn't seem sacred to anyone else, but I felt the power of a strong testimony as just us 3 stood there and sang. Sometimes you do stand alone, but at least you're standing.
Here in Vicenza, there is a senior couple so for saturday afternoon and sunday morning (which we have to watch here on Sunday), we watched at their apartment.
OK BACKTRACKING::::
Let me explain Vicenza.
Army Base...wow...So there are 2 wards, well 1 ward 1 branch (italian)
I haven't met a lot of the members from either but it is soooo weird talking to people in English and teaching Americans. We went to the Base and I ate Taco Bell...yeah I know but I had to. You just have to eat something gross- go big or go home right?
There is the main base and then all of the homes and stuff are at a place called Villaggio. We've been there a few times.
Vicenza is beautiful. its wide and flat. There are fields and beautiful ville, or actual homes. There are wisteria flowers everywhere. beautiful. We are on bikes here. YAY...not. UGH. its hard. Between having to not flash everyone and trying to balance and not getting hit by a car, it's been an interesting experience. First day, we went out....handle bars were loose and so I fell because the bars and the wheels went in the opposite directions. I sent a picture of my ripped skirt and bruised and cut leg. Also, the seat really hurts my butt...so thats a little bruised too.
What? I'm not complaining! Ok I am....its hard. But I'm getting the hang of it. Picture this, me....thats enough of an explanation, but me...on a bike in a skirt, praying out loud the whole time, just trying my hardest to not run into the wall that is NOT moving beside me...although I think it is. I'm learning lots.
MY COMPANION
Let's just talk about her for a little.
She is in her 3rd transfer
Her name is Sorella Warncke
....guess where she is from...just guess....
Ok I'll tell you...Hamburg, Germany...
My companion is German- my second German companion.
Yes, the Lord has a lovely plan which involves German companions for me and I am sooo pleased.
We have had some good fun together. She wants soo much to be obedient and to do the right thing. I'm trying to be a good example. I love her.
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Well....I don't know what else to say...
I know that God has been blessing you. And I am so glad that I get to hear about it every week. Its not easy not knowing what the future holds, but we didn't know what life would be like before we came to Earth, and look at us now! It takes faith, maybe even just baby steps of hope for faith, every day. As we continue with what we can give to Him, He will make up the difference every time.
I pray for you and think of you often. I don't miss you...I'm sorry...You're just not far away from me. Especially during Conference, but even now, I don't feel like you are far away.
I know that God wants me to be in Vicenza. When I got the call, it felt right. It was hard to leave Genova because we had worked so hard and we didn't want anything to get passed over. But I know, more than ever, that I am supposed to be here and that I am needed. He has prepared me throughout my service to come here and help these people...I'm trying to do my best.
I know that God lives and love us because I haven't fallen off my bike since that first time...and also for many other reasons. But what I'm saying is that He is guiding our lives, and He can guide us even more if we only let Him.
I love you and your emails.
Never give up. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING if you use all of your strength, which includes His strength too.
I love you more than earthly words can express
Sorella Carlock
PS- Eva read p 219 of PMG...its about your calling!!!
Also did you hear all of the cool stuff about genealogy in conference??
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