September 7, 2010

...Yesterday we had our 3rd TRC experience; it went great! Our language task (100% in Italian) was to pick up a couple guys who were invited to come to church by some previous elders (we were "new" in the area) and take them to a bus, and then ride to church. We were able to talk to them about how their reading of the Book of Mormon went as well as just some casual chatting. I couldn't say a ton- the two guys were extremely chatty, but I was able to understand most of what they were saying and get a couple of words in myself! Anyway, after that portion of the TRC we were able to actually teach (in English - and next week is our last time we'll teach in English) the same two guys. One was named Alessandro and the other Giorgio. Giorgio was kind of crazy - he'd talk almost nonstop and he'd kind of be all over the place, but we were able to keep our conversations going in pretty much the right direction, and the lesson we taught - the plan of salvation - went really well. We started strong, shared strong testimonies and personal experiences/insights throughout, and the spirit was strong; we all were edified.

Another cool thing that happened last week was the fireside on Sunday. One of the presidency of the MTC spoke, along with his wife, 2 sons, and a son-in-law (President Clegg and relatives). Guess what - 4 of the 5 went to Italy on missions (President and Sister Clegg presided over the Milan mission, and their two sons both went to Rome). The things that really stood out to me were how involved the members were. I don't remember if I told you already, but a reason they consolidated the missions in Italy was because as the number of missionaries decreased, the member missionary work increased and the baptisms increased greatly as well.

Also, the other district going to Italy that's been here for 6 weeks longer than we have just left early this morning, so we said our goodbyes last night. We had a "family home evening"- more like a zone testimony meeting with treats and laughing and stuff. It was exciting to see them so excited to get out into the mission field; I can't believe I'll be joining them in 6 weeks! Anyway, we had a lot of fun last night before we all went to bed, and the anziani even left us notes on the napkins on the table we set - they've been an awesome example! Now there are only 9 of us Italian missionaries out of about 2500 missionaries in the MTC - we're going to try to live up to the standard the others set and try to be an example to all of the missionaries in the MTC by being super outgoing, happy, friendly, helpful, and focused/dedicated. Ci Stiamo (we're down [for it]!)

Italian Missionaries at the MTC