Hi,
This week has been AMAZING!!!! We have 5 new investigators, all of whom are incredible! Also Sunday we had district conference in Florence, and I got to see all the members in La Spezia! It was so fun to see them all!
Our first new investigator of the week is Giuseppe. We met him a couple weeks ago on a bench as we were trying to find the address of a referral. We talked to him for a few minutes, and he said that he's trying to find peace and hope, because right now he doesn't have either. He met with the missionaries a few times 10 years ago and even went to a baptism. We had an amazing appointment with him! He talked about how he feels the Spirit when he's around us and when we talk about the Gospel. He's recently divorced and has a 14 year old son who think we're a little weird, but likes us for the most part. Giuseppe has had such a hard life, but he still has such a sweet spirit. He's wonderful!
Next is Rita. She's in her late 20's and is from Nigeria. I love working with Nigerians! They have so much faith and want so much to do what's right. She's a referral from a member in our branch. We met with her Monday, and she loved the movie The Restoration! She wants to come to church this Sunday.
Monday night we met with Vincenzo, and older man that sometimes comes to our english class. He is such a sweetheart! We had a good talk about the Book of Mormon with him. He's not necessarily interested in becoming a member any time soon, but he did promise to read a chapter a day and pray. He's one of those investigators who doesn't know he's an investigator. We have a couple of those!
Tuesday we met with Mary. She's incredible! One of the elders here met her on the bus last week, and gave us her number. She's also recently divorced and has two kids and two grandkids who she absolutely adores! She is one of the most genuinely sweet people I've ever met. We had a great lesson about the Atonement and how it can help us with all of our problems. She has a lot of faith!
We had another appointment last night with Neytil, the Albanian who I talked about last week, and he is now officially an investigator! He is amazing! He more or less taught the first lesson himself in the form of what he's always thought should be part of Christ's true church! He talked about how infants shouldn't be baptized, because they aren't even old enough to make the choice and make a covenant with God, and how baptism should be by immersion because that's how Jesus was baptized. Then he said that he's always thought that there should be another prophet on the earth, because there were prophets in the Bible. And that was before we even mentioned anything about Joseph Smith and the Restoration! He had read almost all of the Book of Mormon and was so excited to tell us the stories he read. He remembered every single little detail! He's so wonderful, and SO prepared for the Gospel! Saimir, a recent convert in the branch who's also Albanian, came with us and bore an amazing testimony. They quickly became friends and are going together to a young single adult activity this week in Florence!
Dielle is still doing great. She is so sweet. She has problems reading, so hasn't read the Book of Mormon yet. We're trying to find it on CD for her so she can listen to it. She's so adorable. I love going to her house and visiting with her! I feel like she's my sister!
I love you all and hope you are doing well. I love losing myself in this work. President Acerson said last zone conference that "the best way to improve ourselves is to seek to bless the lives of others." It is so true! When we lose ourselves and focus on the well-being of others, we find more happiness and joy than we could ever find by focusing on ourselves. I love seeing the light in people's eyes as they feel and start to recognize the Spirit. I love seeing the changes that this Gospel brings. This Gospel is so amazing! We belong to the same church that Christ Himself belonged to. It's true, and I love it!
Vi voglio tantissimo bene!
Sorella Hawkey
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22, 2009
Hi!
This has been such a great week! We have met with Dielle already four times, and she came to church on Sunday!!!! She is absolutely incredible! She calls us her "stelline," which means "little stars." She's so cute! She is really starting to see the importance of the Gospel and the peace and healing she can find through the Atonement. I'm SO excited for Dielle! It's amazing the things she's been through, and how strong and full of faith she is.
Saturday morning, there was an activity at the school of some kids in our branch, and it was American Day. Every now and then they have activities where they learn about other cultures. So Sister Furia (the mom of the kids) invited us to come. It was kinda fun to hear American stories and eat American food! We also met tons of people, and even gave away a few copies of the Book of Mormon!
Saturday afternoon we went to a baptism. A guy in Pistoia got baptized, but the baptismal font is here in Prato, so we got to go. I love baptisms! During the baptismal service, he bore his testimony, and it was so strong and so pure. He's from Nigeria, and he talked about how even though he's far away from his family, he's found a family in the church. I feel the same way. There are so many wonderful members here who have invited us into their family while we're serving our missions. I love the members here so much!
Sunday evening we met a man from Albania who wants to take the lessons. He met Sister Millis a few months ago, and she gave him a Book of Mormon, but they hadn't made contact again until Sunday. He said that since then, he rented the movie The Other Side of Heaven, and really wants to learn what we believe in. He said that he's always wanted to get baptized, but has never found the true church, so he never did. He's amazing! We have an appointment with him later on in the week, and we're really excited!
This week during my studies I've been reading a lot about our hearts. The scriptures talk a lot about the condition of our hearts, and as I've thought about it, I've realized that the desires of our hearts truly influence our actions. I love the scripture in Alma that talks about the Spirit bring a mighty change of heart. And I heard a quote in the MTC by a world champion pole vaulter. When he was asked how he jumped so high, he said, "I just throw my heart over and the rest of me follows." I've been trying to purify my heart, and make the desires of my heart align with the will of my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and that through his grace, our hearts can be sanctified and purified and we can be more fit to live with Him again someday.
Vi voglio tantissimo bene! Buona settimana!
Sorella Hawkey
This has been such a great week! We have met with Dielle already four times, and she came to church on Sunday!!!! She is absolutely incredible! She calls us her "stelline," which means "little stars." She's so cute! She is really starting to see the importance of the Gospel and the peace and healing she can find through the Atonement. I'm SO excited for Dielle! It's amazing the things she's been through, and how strong and full of faith she is.
Saturday morning, there was an activity at the school of some kids in our branch, and it was American Day. Every now and then they have activities where they learn about other cultures. So Sister Furia (the mom of the kids) invited us to come. It was kinda fun to hear American stories and eat American food! We also met tons of people, and even gave away a few copies of the Book of Mormon!
Saturday afternoon we went to a baptism. A guy in Pistoia got baptized, but the baptismal font is here in Prato, so we got to go. I love baptisms! During the baptismal service, he bore his testimony, and it was so strong and so pure. He's from Nigeria, and he talked about how even though he's far away from his family, he's found a family in the church. I feel the same way. There are so many wonderful members here who have invited us into their family while we're serving our missions. I love the members here so much!
Sunday evening we met a man from Albania who wants to take the lessons. He met Sister Millis a few months ago, and she gave him a Book of Mormon, but they hadn't made contact again until Sunday. He said that since then, he rented the movie The Other Side of Heaven, and really wants to learn what we believe in. He said that he's always wanted to get baptized, but has never found the true church, so he never did. He's amazing! We have an appointment with him later on in the week, and we're really excited!
This week during my studies I've been reading a lot about our hearts. The scriptures talk a lot about the condition of our hearts, and as I've thought about it, I've realized that the desires of our hearts truly influence our actions. I love the scripture in Alma that talks about the Spirit bring a mighty change of heart. And I heard a quote in the MTC by a world champion pole vaulter. When he was asked how he jumped so high, he said, "I just throw my heart over and the rest of me follows." I've been trying to purify my heart, and make the desires of my heart align with the will of my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and that through his grace, our hearts can be sanctified and purified and we can be more fit to live with Him again someday.
Vi voglio tantissimo bene! Buona settimana!
Sorella Hawkey
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009
Hi everyone-
First of all, thank you everyone for the easter notes!! It was the best easter basket ever! It was so fun to open all the eggs, and get notes from all of you guys. Thanks!
It's been another great week here in Italy. We've been super busy! We have a new investigator named Sylvana. She's the mom of one of the elder's investigators, and they're a great family. GianLuca is the son, and he's great! Last week we visited Sylvana and read the story of Christ's resurrection together. She was so touched, and bore a powerful testimony of the Savior. I adore her, and am really excited to work more with her.
Friday afternoons we do service for an inactive member of the branch, and we clean her house and do her ironing. She's so cute! She follows us around and points out spots we missed dusting and tells us what we can do better. She's a typical Italian! She also has us iron EVERYTHING! Including her dish towels, her four year old grandsons swimsuits, and his underwear! She's a riot.
Friday we met an amazing woman named Dielle. She's from Albania, and was married to an Italian for awhile, but he was abusive and she left him. She has two beautiful little girls. We gave her a pamphlet and told her that we have a message of peace and happiness. She started crying and said that that's what she's been searching for her whole life. We had an appointment with her yesterday, but her four month old was sick and she had to take her to the doctor. I'm SO excited for Dielle!
Sunday nights we sing as a district in centro as finding work. We met a tons of people and got some great contacts! Sorella Millis and I got there a little early, and were going to walk around a talk to people for awhile until the elders got there. We were walking past the duomo (the main church in Prato) and everyone was gathering outside. We asked an old couple what everyone was waiting for, and they explained to us that the duomo in Prato has a belt that belonged to Mary that one of the priests or someone received from Jerusalem hundreds of years ago. Every year during easter, they have a big ceremony where the bishop of the church goes on the pillar outside (which was carved by Donatello, just as a little sidenote) and shows the crowd the belt of Mary. There was a band dressed in traditional clothing that marched through the streets and ended at the duomo, then the bishop came and showed everyone the belt. I love the traditions here! It's especially interesting to celebrate holidays like easter in a country so steeped in Catholic traditions.
My mission is still amazing. It's such a great blessing to be here! I can't believe that I have less than a year left! I'm so grateful for the opportunity we had this past weekend to celebrate easter. Christ lives again. He rose from the tomb that first easter day, so that we can all live again one day, too. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I love the talk Elder Wirthlin gave a few years back in conference called Sunday Will Come (or something to that effect). That Friday that Christ was crucified was a dark, horrible day. But three days later, He rose again. Elder Wirthlin goes on to explain that each of us have dark, depressing days in our lives. We have times of deep despair, where we see no light at the end of the tunnel. But Sunday will come. Because of the sacrifice our Savior made for us, Sunday will come. We will find peace and happiness, and the Savior's sacrifice will remove our feelings of despair and grief. I love my Savior so much! I am forever indebted to Him and forever grateful for all He did for each one of us.
Vi voglio tantissimo bene!
Sorella Hawkey
First of all, thank you everyone for the easter notes!! It was the best easter basket ever! It was so fun to open all the eggs, and get notes from all of you guys. Thanks!
It's been another great week here in Italy. We've been super busy! We have a new investigator named Sylvana. She's the mom of one of the elder's investigators, and they're a great family. GianLuca is the son, and he's great! Last week we visited Sylvana and read the story of Christ's resurrection together. She was so touched, and bore a powerful testimony of the Savior. I adore her, and am really excited to work more with her.
Friday afternoons we do service for an inactive member of the branch, and we clean her house and do her ironing. She's so cute! She follows us around and points out spots we missed dusting and tells us what we can do better. She's a typical Italian! She also has us iron EVERYTHING! Including her dish towels, her four year old grandsons swimsuits, and his underwear! She's a riot.
Friday we met an amazing woman named Dielle. She's from Albania, and was married to an Italian for awhile, but he was abusive and she left him. She has two beautiful little girls. We gave her a pamphlet and told her that we have a message of peace and happiness. She started crying and said that that's what she's been searching for her whole life. We had an appointment with her yesterday, but her four month old was sick and she had to take her to the doctor. I'm SO excited for Dielle!
Sunday nights we sing as a district in centro as finding work. We met a tons of people and got some great contacts! Sorella Millis and I got there a little early, and were going to walk around a talk to people for awhile until the elders got there. We were walking past the duomo (the main church in Prato) and everyone was gathering outside. We asked an old couple what everyone was waiting for, and they explained to us that the duomo in Prato has a belt that belonged to Mary that one of the priests or someone received from Jerusalem hundreds of years ago. Every year during easter, they have a big ceremony where the bishop of the church goes on the pillar outside (which was carved by Donatello, just as a little sidenote) and shows the crowd the belt of Mary. There was a band dressed in traditional clothing that marched through the streets and ended at the duomo, then the bishop came and showed everyone the belt. I love the traditions here! It's especially interesting to celebrate holidays like easter in a country so steeped in Catholic traditions.
My mission is still amazing. It's such a great blessing to be here! I can't believe that I have less than a year left! I'm so grateful for the opportunity we had this past weekend to celebrate easter. Christ lives again. He rose from the tomb that first easter day, so that we can all live again one day, too. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I love the talk Elder Wirthlin gave a few years back in conference called Sunday Will Come (or something to that effect). That Friday that Christ was crucified was a dark, horrible day. But three days later, He rose again. Elder Wirthlin goes on to explain that each of us have dark, depressing days in our lives. We have times of deep despair, where we see no light at the end of the tunnel. But Sunday will come. Because of the sacrifice our Savior made for us, Sunday will come. We will find peace and happiness, and the Savior's sacrifice will remove our feelings of despair and grief. I love my Savior so much! I am forever indebted to Him and forever grateful for all He did for each one of us.
Vi voglio tantissimo bene!
Sorella Hawkey
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8, 2009
Ciao tutti!
So another change of plans...I'm in Prato! I'm still with Sister Millis, though. This whole transfer has been strange and confusing. But I love Prato and am excited to be here! Prato means meadow, and it's absolutely gorgeous! It's a cute little Tuscan town with small, windy cobblestone streets, gorgeous vineyards, and rolling Tuscan hills. There are fields of flowers everywhere. I love it! It took me awhile to understand the Tuscan accent, though. Every region in Italy has a different accent. When I first got here, I had no idea what they were saying! My district here is a lot of fun. There are 4 elders here. They made me "Welcome to Prato" cinnamon rolls. My only complaint about Prato is that there are massive rats here! They are about the size of a large cat, and they have huge long tails. And they are everywhere! And those who know me know I HATE rats!!! I freak out everytime I see one, and Sister Millis just laughs at me! Our apartment is gorgeous, though! It's the nicest one in the mission. We have a huge balcony, where we do language study in the sun. It's gorgeous spring weather here!
Last Wednesday I left Rome to come to Prato. I had to ride the train by myself, which was really strange, since I literally haven't spent a second alone in 7 months! I wasn't worried about anything happening, but I was worried about how I was going to switch trains with all my luggage. It was a really stressful day with everything going on, and I was praying to find someone to help me with my luggage. I got up to use the bathroom in the next train car over, and I saw 2 elders! They were traveling to Pisa to do some stuff for their visa. I was able to sit with them the whole way and they carried my luggage for me. Some might call it a coincidence, but I heard once that a coincidence is a small miracle in which the Lord chooses to remain anonymous. I know the Lord's hand was in that. The elder had his appointment for his visa set 6 months ago for that exact day that I was leaving. And off all the hundreds of trains each day that go from Rome to Florence, we both ended up on the same one. I was very grateful for that little tender mercy from my Heavenly Father!
General Conference was amazing! It's always so wonderful to hear the Prophet and Apostles, and other Church leaders. I always love conference. Unfortunately in Italy we don't get to watch the Sunday afternoon session, but I'm excited to read it later. We had a few investigators who came to a session, and they loved it.
I'm having fun getting to know the members here and our investigators. Last night we went with the branch president, elders, and a few members to a less active sister's house to sing hymns to her and invite her to come back to Church. The Spirit was so strong, and she bore her testimony at the end! She said she'll come back to Church! The members are so great and so willing to help with missionary work. I love the members here! They make so many sacrifices and dedicate themselves so much, even though it's incredibly inconvenient for them. They are amazing!
I love my mission so much! I know I say that every week, but every week it becomes more meaningful to me. There truly are no words to describe the mission experience. It's incredible!
I love you all! Thanks for your prayers and your support! Buona settimana! Buona Pasqua!
Vi voglio bene!
Sorella Hawkey
So another change of plans...I'm in Prato! I'm still with Sister Millis, though. This whole transfer has been strange and confusing. But I love Prato and am excited to be here! Prato means meadow, and it's absolutely gorgeous! It's a cute little Tuscan town with small, windy cobblestone streets, gorgeous vineyards, and rolling Tuscan hills. There are fields of flowers everywhere. I love it! It took me awhile to understand the Tuscan accent, though. Every region in Italy has a different accent. When I first got here, I had no idea what they were saying! My district here is a lot of fun. There are 4 elders here. They made me "Welcome to Prato" cinnamon rolls. My only complaint about Prato is that there are massive rats here! They are about the size of a large cat, and they have huge long tails. And they are everywhere! And those who know me know I HATE rats!!! I freak out everytime I see one, and Sister Millis just laughs at me! Our apartment is gorgeous, though! It's the nicest one in the mission. We have a huge balcony, where we do language study in the sun. It's gorgeous spring weather here!
Last Wednesday I left Rome to come to Prato. I had to ride the train by myself, which was really strange, since I literally haven't spent a second alone in 7 months! I wasn't worried about anything happening, but I was worried about how I was going to switch trains with all my luggage. It was a really stressful day with everything going on, and I was praying to find someone to help me with my luggage. I got up to use the bathroom in the next train car over, and I saw 2 elders! They were traveling to Pisa to do some stuff for their visa. I was able to sit with them the whole way and they carried my luggage for me. Some might call it a coincidence, but I heard once that a coincidence is a small miracle in which the Lord chooses to remain anonymous. I know the Lord's hand was in that. The elder had his appointment for his visa set 6 months ago for that exact day that I was leaving. And off all the hundreds of trains each day that go from Rome to Florence, we both ended up on the same one. I was very grateful for that little tender mercy from my Heavenly Father!
General Conference was amazing! It's always so wonderful to hear the Prophet and Apostles, and other Church leaders. I always love conference. Unfortunately in Italy we don't get to watch the Sunday afternoon session, but I'm excited to read it later. We had a few investigators who came to a session, and they loved it.
I'm having fun getting to know the members here and our investigators. Last night we went with the branch president, elders, and a few members to a less active sister's house to sing hymns to her and invite her to come back to Church. The Spirit was so strong, and she bore her testimony at the end! She said she'll come back to Church! The members are so great and so willing to help with missionary work. I love the members here! They make so many sacrifices and dedicate themselves so much, even though it's incredibly inconvenient for them. They are amazing!
I love my mission so much! I know I say that every week, but every week it becomes more meaningful to me. There truly are no words to describe the mission experience. It's incredible!
I love you all! Thanks for your prayers and your support! Buona settimana! Buona Pasqua!
Vi voglio bene!
Sorella Hawkey
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6, 2009
Dear Parents,
I apologize. I hadn't thought of contacting each of you about the earthquake until this afternoon. We have talked to the affected missionaries' parents and are trying to keep them up to date with things that are going on, but I am now realizing that each one of you are worried and would like to know how things are.
First of all, you should know that all missionaries and members are safe. Two families from the L'Aquila (pronouned lock-wee-lah, with the emphassis on "lock") branch have lost their homes, but are otherwise unharmed.
We awoke this morning at about 3:30 a.m. and felt our bedroom gently shaking and swaying. One of our daughters later said that it seemed so gentle, she decided it wasn't worth getting out of bed because she was so tired and didn't think anything would fall on her. I mistakenly thought that it was just a mild tremor here in Rome, although it lasted for some time (perhaps up to a minute). Just a few minutes later, the phone rang and President answered saying, "Are you OK?" It was the elders in L'Aquila: Elder Brothers, Elder Brock, Elder Wheeler, and Elder Grigg. They said they had felt the building shaking and ran out in their pajamas. When the got outside, they gathered and said a prayer. They immediately felt calm and at peace and knew they would be all right. They realized later that they were the only ones who were calm and, thus, were able to better help those around them.
When things had calmed down somewhat, they ran back inside for warm clothes. The building did not look damaged at all and they said they did not feel like they were in danger. Later they would dash back for food, money, passports, and clothing. We asked that they try to get everything at once so they would not have to return to the building just in case there were aftershocks. They were also to wait for officials to come and inspect the building and let them know whether it would be safe for occupancy.
We did not know how bad the earthquake was and President Acerson got up and checked the internet. While he waited for the next half hour, nothing appeared, so he called the missionaries asking for updates every hour or so.
At 6:00 a.m., one of the missionaries' parents called and told us that it had been on the news in the U.S. We checked the internet and found quite a bit of information at that point and called all the parents of the missionaries who were affected. (It was a 6.3 earthquake with L'Aquila as its epicenter.)
The roads in the area have been closed so that engineers can inspect the many tunnels and bridges that surround L'Aquila. This has made it impossible for us to get in or the missionaries to get out. However, they have reassured us that they are safe and happy to be of service in so many ways. The members fed them a picnic lunch and they said they have plenty of things to keep warm -- it's an otherwise beautiful day as far as weather is concerned.
They have checked on the church which was in the center of the city and have reported that it is unstable with cracks in the ceiling and walls. They will not enter this building again. They are also being careful to not place themselves in harm's way as they help others.
I was not at home for the most of the day and was shocked when I returned this afternoon and saw the pictures on the internet which showed the devastation that had occurred there. I know you are seeing those pictures and are extremely worried. I asked the elders there to take a picture of their apartment building and send it to their parents so they could reassure them that this is not the case where they live. They have told us that their building is probably one of the safest in the area as it is not close to the city center and is modern and well built.
Some missionaries felt the tremor west of L'Aquila to Rome and east of L'Aquila to Pescara, but all are well.
I will try to keep things posted on our family blog. Go to www.acerson.com and click on Acerson Family Blog for more information and pictures as we receive them. Feel free to email us back and let us know if there are questions that we have left unanswered.
We ask you to pray for the residents of L'Aquila and continue your prayers on the behalf of our missionaries and all those others who faithfully serve around the world.
Con affetto,
(with affection),
Sorella Acerson
(President is in Florence interviewing missionaries today, but is always available by phone)
I apologize. I hadn't thought of contacting each of you about the earthquake until this afternoon. We have talked to the affected missionaries' parents and are trying to keep them up to date with things that are going on, but I am now realizing that each one of you are worried and would like to know how things are.
First of all, you should know that all missionaries and members are safe. Two families from the L'Aquila (pronouned lock-wee-lah, with the emphassis on "lock") branch have lost their homes, but are otherwise unharmed.
We awoke this morning at about 3:30 a.m. and felt our bedroom gently shaking and swaying. One of our daughters later said that it seemed so gentle, she decided it wasn't worth getting out of bed because she was so tired and didn't think anything would fall on her. I mistakenly thought that it was just a mild tremor here in Rome, although it lasted for some time (perhaps up to a minute). Just a few minutes later, the phone rang and President answered saying, "Are you OK?" It was the elders in L'Aquila: Elder Brothers, Elder Brock, Elder Wheeler, and Elder Grigg. They said they had felt the building shaking and ran out in their pajamas. When the got outside, they gathered and said a prayer. They immediately felt calm and at peace and knew they would be all right. They realized later that they were the only ones who were calm and, thus, were able to better help those around them.
When things had calmed down somewhat, they ran back inside for warm clothes. The building did not look damaged at all and they said they did not feel like they were in danger. Later they would dash back for food, money, passports, and clothing. We asked that they try to get everything at once so they would not have to return to the building just in case there were aftershocks. They were also to wait for officials to come and inspect the building and let them know whether it would be safe for occupancy.
We did not know how bad the earthquake was and President Acerson got up and checked the internet. While he waited for the next half hour, nothing appeared, so he called the missionaries asking for updates every hour or so.
At 6:00 a.m., one of the missionaries' parents called and told us that it had been on the news in the U.S. We checked the internet and found quite a bit of information at that point and called all the parents of the missionaries who were affected. (It was a 6.3 earthquake with L'Aquila as its epicenter.)
The roads in the area have been closed so that engineers can inspect the many tunnels and bridges that surround L'Aquila. This has made it impossible for us to get in or the missionaries to get out. However, they have reassured us that they are safe and happy to be of service in so many ways. The members fed them a picnic lunch and they said they have plenty of things to keep warm -- it's an otherwise beautiful day as far as weather is concerned.
They have checked on the church which was in the center of the city and have reported that it is unstable with cracks in the ceiling and walls. They will not enter this building again. They are also being careful to not place themselves in harm's way as they help others.
I was not at home for the most of the day and was shocked when I returned this afternoon and saw the pictures on the internet which showed the devastation that had occurred there. I know you are seeing those pictures and are extremely worried. I asked the elders there to take a picture of their apartment building and send it to their parents so they could reassure them that this is not the case where they live. They have told us that their building is probably one of the safest in the area as it is not close to the city center and is modern and well built.
Some missionaries felt the tremor west of L'Aquila to Rome and east of L'Aquila to Pescara, but all are well.
I will try to keep things posted on our family blog. Go to www.acerson.com and click on Acerson Family Blog for more information and pictures as we receive them. Feel free to email us back and let us know if there are questions that we have left unanswered.
We ask you to pray for the residents of L'Aquila and continue your prayers on the behalf of our missionaries and all those others who faithfully serve around the world.
Con affetto,
(with affection),
Sorella Acerson
(President is in Florence interviewing missionaries today, but is always available by phone)
April 1, 2009
Ciao tutti-
I'm enjoying my last couple hours in Rome, and then I'm going to Pistoia. I leave this afternoon. I'm really going to miss the people here, but I'm excited for Pistoia. I've heard amazing things about the city and the people. It's President's other favorite city, besides La Spezia.
Saturday was Tanya's baptism! It was such a beautiful experience! Ever since her baptism, that's all she talks about. She keeps saying that she's walking on clouds. Her daughter, Yana, also had a great experience. Yana has been a member for a year but is struggling with her testimony. Watching her mom's baptism was wonderful for her. She felt the spirit so strongly and has really changed since then. I feel so blessed to have been able to take part in some small way in that baptism. I wish all of the people we teach could see how important the Gospel is and have the desire to enter into the sacred waters of baptism. It's such a great blessing we have to be members of this Church, and I want everyone to partake of the same blessings!
Friday nights we volunteer at the food bank, and we met so many great contacts this last week! The people there are so incredibly humble and so grateful for everything they have. They have so little and have so many struggles, yet have so much gratitude. I know I have so many blessings, but I don't always remember to show my gratitude. I take things for granted a lot. But I'm trying to better express my gratitude for my Heavenly Father for the many, many blessing I have.
I love my mission so much and am so grateful to be here! I love this gorgeous country and the beautiful people! This is the most amazing experience of my life. I've come to truly know my Savior, Jesus Christ. I've learned so much about His life and His Gospel and have grown closer to Him than ever before. I've learned a lot about the power of prayer. It is such an amazing gift that we have to communicate directly with our Heavenly Father! The Gospel is amazing!
Vi voglio bene! Buona settimana!
Sorella Hawkey
I'm enjoying my last couple hours in Rome, and then I'm going to Pistoia. I leave this afternoon. I'm really going to miss the people here, but I'm excited for Pistoia. I've heard amazing things about the city and the people. It's President's other favorite city, besides La Spezia.
Saturday was Tanya's baptism! It was such a beautiful experience! Ever since her baptism, that's all she talks about. She keeps saying that she's walking on clouds. Her daughter, Yana, also had a great experience. Yana has been a member for a year but is struggling with her testimony. Watching her mom's baptism was wonderful for her. She felt the spirit so strongly and has really changed since then. I feel so blessed to have been able to take part in some small way in that baptism. I wish all of the people we teach could see how important the Gospel is and have the desire to enter into the sacred waters of baptism. It's such a great blessing we have to be members of this Church, and I want everyone to partake of the same blessings!
Friday nights we volunteer at the food bank, and we met so many great contacts this last week! The people there are so incredibly humble and so grateful for everything they have. They have so little and have so many struggles, yet have so much gratitude. I know I have so many blessings, but I don't always remember to show my gratitude. I take things for granted a lot. But I'm trying to better express my gratitude for my Heavenly Father for the many, many blessing I have.
I love my mission so much and am so grateful to be here! I love this gorgeous country and the beautiful people! This is the most amazing experience of my life. I've come to truly know my Savior, Jesus Christ. I've learned so much about His life and His Gospel and have grown closer to Him than ever before. I've learned a lot about the power of prayer. It is such an amazing gift that we have to communicate directly with our Heavenly Father! The Gospel is amazing!
Vi voglio bene! Buona settimana!
Sorella Hawkey
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