Oh, just a cool note... I finally got a hold of Anziano Knutson (from the MTC). He is serving right now in Palermo, where Anziano Boscia is from! He knows his family really well - they go over quite often for lunch! Let me tell you about the week.
Eze is doing awesome (he's Godsent's friend from Nigeria)! He came to church and loved it again. In fact, in one of the lessons we were reading from the conference ensign, and after the first couple things we read (and we hadn't even explained what it was) he said that he wanted one. After I explained what it was, it only increased his desire to have one! As he continues to learn more about the gospel, he gets more and more excited to be baptized! He's one of the most solid investigtors I've ever had - he is available often, he shows up to appointments, he always answers his phone, and he embraces the gospel!...
We have 2 absolutely amazing new investigators - Greta and Juan. They're from Peru. Greta is about 25 and Juan is her dad, about 50. They came to a baptismal service last saturday and felt great and made some friends. Then, last sunday, they came to a christmas concert and loved that as well. Afterwards, we taught them with a member that completely made the lesson. By the end of the lesson and prayer (which Juan was saying), Juan, Greta, and Tessy (the member) were in tears. It was really cool because Juan is pretty hard-headed. When we met them on the street a couple weeks ago he tried to go away as Greta talked with us. He came reluctantly to the baptism. And, he came again to the concert. I was able to connect really well with him (he's a really funny guy - he has a really sarcastic, serious humor - so I was able to joke and laugh with him). He opened up and softened up a lot. Greta, on the other hand, has been really strong from the start - she's super outgoing and fun to talk to, and she just loves everything that we give her!
Like I just mentioned, on sunday there was a Christmas concert. This worked a miracle for me in a really interesting way. My love for people grew. I don't really know how, but being there, seeing lots of beautiful families (many that I knew from Prato and others that I am beginning to love here in Florence) with their tiny and energetic children and the happiness on their countenances did this for me. Also, I was able to give all of myself to the investigators that we had there - Greta and Juan. It's been a long time since I've been able to connect so well spirit to spirit with an investigator and experience so much joy together. I'm so grateful for that little tender mercy of the Lord in helping me love others more fully and want to continue to do so.
Buon natale!
Buone feste!
Auguri!
-Anziano Barnes
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