3/9/2014 The people are back

Heather Hastings

Augosto is over, the people are home from vacation, and the buses and metro are PACKED. It makes it fun to contact people when your faces are shoved up against each other. Ok, it's not that bad at all. But sometimes...

SO much happened this week! We are seeing a lot of miracles and have met some wonderful people. I am learning to love this place so much. the first ten minutes of the morning are the hardest part of the day! but then, I'm happy I get over myself and we start exercising. Life is good. 

So we had a friend from Roma come on Friday last week and she came out with us for the day. Alessandra, and she wants to go on a mission. She's pretty much awesome. We are also teaching a boy in a family right now so that he will want to be baptized.

Some background: Italy has some law that you have to wait 3 years until a divorce can be final. Well, many people get excommunicated as a result of that... this family is great, though. Two cute kids Alex (5) and Diego (8). The Mom used to be a member and the dad is not a member, and they are not actually married. So the mom wants her son to get baptized. If they get married, then she wants to get married. Passo per passo. Step by step. 

Also, Italians eat four course meals, Pasta or rice, bread and salad, meat, fruit, dessert. They eat this fun lunch. Then have a snack around 5. Then they eat dinner at 8pm or 9pm. Well, we got fed by italiani three times this week. This family with the boys I just mentioned, they fed us dinner one night. We went over to teach Diego and then the mom was cooking dinner. So we ate super fast then hurried home. Let me just say, it's super fun to go to bed with a plump and full belly :) 

Our old bap date ditched us. Literally, she moved across town and won't contact us. But we have a new date with this super awesome Donna Priscilla! She is so amazing, I can't believe it. 21 September. We are also working a mom and son from Peru. Laura e Dani, and they are very sweet also. 

The big miracle this week: we got a referral from the Anziani  to teach a girl at English course. She got lost and came late to the class, but we ended up teaching her three days in a row to prepare for her English test on Monday. I will just say that when I get home, there's a lot I need to learn about English because I don't know why we do anything! Beside the point. So, we helped her dictate and read and conjugate English, and we taught her in the church, and left a spiritual thought all three times. The first time: she cried. The second time: she wanted to pray, and said she needed that. The third time: she talked her heart out, cried, we gave her words of hope and watched Grazie a lui and then she wanted to pray again. I don't know what all to say, but she was just so cool! Some people are lost and hopeless and have boyfriends who tell them they are worthless, but I know that is not true! 

We are children of God and he loves us so very much. If you're reading this, you are worth the world! You are worth the life of our savior, Jesus Christ. Isn't that amazing? That is why I'm here, and I love it!

So sorella carter is giving me singing lessons. We sing a hymn every companionship study. It's fun...

Oh, and that adorable kid Diego? He said I have a French accent. Well, at least I have an accent! I'll work on that :)

Well we went to Como lago last week and the weather was perfect! The hike was basically all steps, but it was bellisimo! So pretty.  I think that's about it. Next week, I'll tell you what a typical week is like with all those details. So much happens. I'm always so tired, but today are taking a p-day rest to sleep and enjoy ourselves and scrivere letters. It has been good.

On Sunday both missions are fasting for the temple because it has been halted again. but, we  got five new investigators this week and we have a bap date September 21!

I am excited. We get to listen to it in English because there are enough members here (Filipinos) who speak English. Score.

Lingua per la settimana:

The gn sound blends together, like in lasagna. So here's a phrase for you: 

l'Angnello di Dio. (Lamb of God)

whereas l'angelo is angel, and sounds like angel.

See the difference?

la mia famiglia: This week I want you to get onto familysearch.org and make sure your name and info is on there. I know people are moving and stuff, that's cool. At least think about it :) I want all of our family to get connected and be accurate on that site. BUT, more importantly, I need information on people. Write me a little story about yourself, brothers and sisters, mom and dad, grandparents and great-grandparents. What's your story? Just a few sentences. Please MAIL them to me, you can type it and use dearelder. Thanks! You have until the end of October.  Friends and others can use the website, too! It's good stuff. Grazie!

Well, I love you all! You're so great. I am so happy, life is good, and I'm in Italy! What?! Where has time gone? I've been here for a month! Anyways, enjoy the photos, be happy, love everyone, SMILE, and remember you are loved :) have fun and enjoy ya'lls week. Send me mail today if you have any, because next Tuesday is zone Conference which means... awesomeness! other missionaries! And... mail :) Oh, and there is a super cool broadcast for le sorelle that we get to watch that night. I'm excited!

Vi voglio bene!!!

Sorella Hastings =)

Love and Be Loved