Buon Giorno tutti!

We didn't have a lot of "number" success (which really isn't the important thing when it comes down to it) this week, but it was a good week for me: I was spiritually edified, had a good attitude, served and worked probably harder and more effectively and with better intentions/motivations than ever before, and, of course, it was Christmas!  One of my goals - probably the biggest goal for me this week - was to have a pure desire to serve (to "desire the salvation of souls" and do things out of charity).  I'm not perfect, but I definitely have felt the Lord helping me become who he would have me to be.  And I think it's because of this that I was able to have a good time, despite the lack of "success."

We found a mom and a 17 year old boy from Albania this past week.  However, when we went back the second time, they had no interest whatsoever - I don't think I've ever seen anyone so bored during a lesson!  ...

We were able to see Len_Lo this past week, and he's still doing pretty well.  He has continued to read the Book of Mormon every day (as far as we know) and he is coming to better understand the gospel and the reasons behind why baptism is important. ...

Piero, our recently baptized friend, is still doing great!  Even though he's only been cigarette-free for about 3 1/2 weeks, he says that even the smell of cigarette smoke makes him feel sick - he has no desire whatsoever to smoke!  It's amazing to see the reality of becoming "born again" after being baptized and recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost!

This week we've eaten at members' homes a ton; we had 4 meal appointments!  The food was absolutely delicious (and way too much) - what I was told in the MTC is true - they just keep bringing out more food and setting it in front of you and they expect you to eat everything.  At one meal appointment, the appetizer would have constituted a meal back at home (some open face sandwhich type things with a meat spread, some bread with some sort of sweet peper topping, and then some dried raw ham, some salami, and some cheese to put with some homemade bread varieties) .  And then they brought out the first, first dish (pasta with a "mexican" style tomato and meat sauce), and then a second, first dish (lasagna).  Then we had the first, second course (some sort of chicken with a side of a potato and onion bake), and then a second, second course (some delicious slow-cooked pork with a side of peas).  Then they brought out some fruit.  Then came the first round of dessert (some pineapple cake that reminded me of stawberry shortcake back home), and then a second round of dessert (a panettone with raisins and almonds).

That was just one meal appointment - but everywhere we ate we had several courses and left without any space left in our stomachs!  To each of the members we shared a thought based on either gratitude or something from/about the Book of Mormon.  I hope we were able to help them in some way!

...

Oh, maybe I should share some stuff that I did for Christmas...  We went to midnight mass - it was kind of boring.  However, it was interesting to see some of the huge differences between the restored church and an apostate one!  I was reminded about how much I appreciate having our church and being able to be edified by the Spirit!  Anyway, Christmas morning we slept in (until about 8:30 - longer than I've slept in for a long time... especially for Christmas morning!).  We opened a couple presents (from family and little things for each other) and some christmas cards/letters (Oh, thanks to everyone that sent me stuff - I love hearing from you all!).  Then we went to lunch with some members, played some games, and then we went to the church to call our families.  That definitely was the best gift I recieved this Christmas.  It was weird being away from home for Christmas, but there is nowhere I'd rather be and nothing I'd rather be doing!

Anyway, thank you all, and Happy New Year!

-Anziano Barnes