Hi everyone,
Happy Thanksgiving! Tomorrow we're celebrating with a lunch together as a district, along with an older couple in the branch. This Thanksgiving I definitely have much to be thankful for as I am here in this beautiful country serving the Lord. I love every minute of it!
Wednesday night we had an amazing lesson with Ilaria and Alfredo! They ask such great questions, and give equally great responses to our questions. They understand well and truly want to learn. They are so prepared for the Gospel! They asked us if they could borrow The Restoration DVD so that they could show her brother, Maurizio. They came to Church again this week, and brought Maurizio with them! They are such good little missionaries, and they don't even know it! All three loved Church. We had an amazing talk between Sunday School and Sacrament meeting (while they were taking a smoke break. Don't worry, we're teaching the Word of Wisdom soon!) All three are coming to a baptism in the branch on Sunday, and we're then going to invite them to be baptized! They are wondeful.
Saturday we met with Carla. She invited a friend from the branch, an awesome guy named Giacomo. He's so sweet to her. We talked about Jesus, and watch Finding Faith in Christ. After the movie, we were having a great discussion with Rita (Carla's mom) and Giacomo. She apparently got bored, because in the middle of the conversation stood up and said, "Ok, we leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Now I'll go get the food." We love Carla!
The Susans are doing well. Investigator Susan has been really sick, so we didn't meet with her last week. But she came to Church with her kids, as usual. I introduced the Susans to each other on Sunday. Apparently they already know each other and don't like each other, so it ended up turning into a bit of a cat fight. Nigerians are very vocal and passionate about their opinions. It was actually pretty funny. Less-active Susan brought a friend with her to our appointment yesterday! She always introduces us to her friends and invites them to learn more about the Gospel. She's also such a great little missionary.
Caterina, the friend that Susan brought, is now a new investigator. She's from nearby and they live together. She is really quiet and timid, but asked some good questions and seems to have interest. We have another new investigator, Isabella. She is an ex-investigator from several years ago. We stopped by her house yesterday and she immediately invited us in and started asking us questions. She's really cute. (Side note: her room is covered in pictures of Michael Jackson!) We had a really good talk about the Gospel and how it brings us answers to our questions. She mentioned that the sisters in the past said that they had their own personal testimonies of the Gospel, and she asked us if we, too, had personal testimonies. We bore our testimonies to her and she said that she wants to know for herself. We're really excited to meet with her again next week.
I've been reading in the Doctrine and Covenants lately, and a few verses have already really stuck out to me. In section 6, verses 33-37, it says:
"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you. Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven."
I love these verses so much. There are so many beautiful things in so many small verses. But one thing that I especially love is the end. Christ invites us all to look unto Him in every though. Then the next words he says are "Doubt not, fear not." When we are continually focused on our Savior, we have no room for doubt and fear.With Him, all things are possible. He helps us overcome our doubts and fears. He suffered and died for usso that we can return to live with Him again. He is our Savior and our Friend. I am so grateful for Him.
Vi voglio tanto bene! Buon giorno di ringraziamento!
Sorella Hawkey
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
November 18, 2009
Ciao!
Transfer calls came last night, and I'm staying with Sister Nelson in Cagliari! Yay! We're excited. So last week we had a Mexican lunch with the Vincedomini family. They are so much fun! They have 3 boys, ages 10, 9 and 4, who are SO cute! I hung out a lot with the youngest one, Gabrielle. We read lots of books together and drew pictures.
Thursday we taught Odian, one of the elder's investigators. They had to go out of town, so we taught her. She's so great! She's getting baptized next week and is so ready. She's from Nigeria. She asked us tons of questions about the mission and said that she wants to go someday. She's only 24, and would be a GREAT missionary!
Thursday we also met with a new investigator, Catherina, for the first time. She's an older lady who has lost almost all of her hope and faith in this life. She has had a lot of trying times and wonders if God really exists. Despite all of her doubts, she listened intently and really wants to believe. We're excited to continue working with her.
Friday was the sad day that we passed Pierpaolo off to the elders. We really do think he'll work better with the elders, but it was still sad that we won't be teaching him any longer. We taught about the Restoration along with the elders. It was a great lesson! He is so in tune with the Spirit. He craves to have the Spirit in his life and learn more about his Savior. Whenever we read any verse of scripture with him, he analyzes it and gives great insights. He came to Church on Sunday and loved it! Pierpaolo is amazing and so ready for the Gospel!
Ilaria came to Church on Sunday, and brought her boyfriend! It was the first time we met him, and before they came, Ilaria had explained to him the Restoration and the baptism that she came to. They both asked great questions during Gospel Principles and loved Church! They can't wait to come back next week. We have a lesson with them tonight. They are so cute!
Monday mornings we have a district meeting and talk about our work. The elders told us about their investigator who they haven't been able to find for a few weeks now. He's a 14 year old boy from Romania who doesn't have a phone, so they had no way of getting ahold of him. They described what he looks like, and told us that if we see him to talk to him and get his dad's phone number. So Monday afternoon we were at a store buying something for an investigator, and we decided to take a random street that we had never been on before to get to where we needed to go. We were just walking along our way, and saw a young boy who looked Romanian on the other side of the street. We looked at each other and said, "I bet that's Saimir!" He saw us right after that and came running over to us and said, pointing to our nametags, "I know your friends!" We talked to him for awhile, along with his cousin. We called the elders so that they could talk and set up an appointment, and we got the dad's phone number. The Lord truly always looks out for each one of us.
This Gospel is amazing! A few days ago I read Joseph Smith history, and one part really stuck out to me. Joseph Smith said, referring to all of the opposition he faced, "It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?"
I love that he was determined to be "a disturber and an annoyer" of Satan's kingdom. He didn't just passively sit by and let things happen. He took an active stance to fight the bad and help the cause of God. It's not enough for us to just believe in the Gospel but then do nothing about it. There are far too many bad things in the world, and we need to take a stand to be a disturber and an annoyer of all of those things. It is only then that righteousness will prevail.
I hope you all have a great week! Vi voglio bene!
Sorella Hawkey
Transfer calls came last night, and I'm staying with Sister Nelson in Cagliari! Yay! We're excited. So last week we had a Mexican lunch with the Vincedomini family. They are so much fun! They have 3 boys, ages 10, 9 and 4, who are SO cute! I hung out a lot with the youngest one, Gabrielle. We read lots of books together and drew pictures.
Thursday we taught Odian, one of the elder's investigators. They had to go out of town, so we taught her. She's so great! She's getting baptized next week and is so ready. She's from Nigeria. She asked us tons of questions about the mission and said that she wants to go someday. She's only 24, and would be a GREAT missionary!
Thursday we also met with a new investigator, Catherina, for the first time. She's an older lady who has lost almost all of her hope and faith in this life. She has had a lot of trying times and wonders if God really exists. Despite all of her doubts, she listened intently and really wants to believe. We're excited to continue working with her.
Friday was the sad day that we passed Pierpaolo off to the elders. We really do think he'll work better with the elders, but it was still sad that we won't be teaching him any longer. We taught about the Restoration along with the elders. It was a great lesson! He is so in tune with the Spirit. He craves to have the Spirit in his life and learn more about his Savior. Whenever we read any verse of scripture with him, he analyzes it and gives great insights. He came to Church on Sunday and loved it! Pierpaolo is amazing and so ready for the Gospel!
Ilaria came to Church on Sunday, and brought her boyfriend! It was the first time we met him, and before they came, Ilaria had explained to him the Restoration and the baptism that she came to. They both asked great questions during Gospel Principles and loved Church! They can't wait to come back next week. We have a lesson with them tonight. They are so cute!
Monday mornings we have a district meeting and talk about our work. The elders told us about their investigator who they haven't been able to find for a few weeks now. He's a 14 year old boy from Romania who doesn't have a phone, so they had no way of getting ahold of him. They described what he looks like, and told us that if we see him to talk to him and get his dad's phone number. So Monday afternoon we were at a store buying something for an investigator, and we decided to take a random street that we had never been on before to get to where we needed to go. We were just walking along our way, and saw a young boy who looked Romanian on the other side of the street. We looked at each other and said, "I bet that's Saimir!" He saw us right after that and came running over to us and said, pointing to our nametags, "I know your friends!" We talked to him for awhile, along with his cousin. We called the elders so that they could talk and set up an appointment, and we got the dad's phone number. The Lord truly always looks out for each one of us.
This Gospel is amazing! A few days ago I read Joseph Smith history, and one part really stuck out to me. Joseph Smith said, referring to all of the opposition he faced, "It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?"
I love that he was determined to be "a disturber and an annoyer" of Satan's kingdom. He didn't just passively sit by and let things happen. He took an active stance to fight the bad and help the cause of God. It's not enough for us to just believe in the Gospel but then do nothing about it. There are far too many bad things in the world, and we need to take a stand to be a disturber and an annoyer of all of those things. It is only then that righteousness will prevail.
I hope you all have a great week! Vi voglio bene!
Sorella Hawkey
Thursday, November 12, 2009
November 11, 2009
Ciao!
I hope you're all doing well. Last week I celebrated my one year in Italy anniversary! We celebrated Italian-style by playing soccer and eating gelato with a bunch of our investigators and contacts. My team won, by the way. I, of course, was the lone American girl on a team of all Italian men, but still. We had a lot of fun.
Thursday we were trying to meet a member, but there was a ton of confusion as to where we were meeting. (Mostly due to the Catholic's worship of the Madonna. You may be wondering how that relates to us getting lost, but trust me, it does. Long story) Anyways, as we were lost, we ended up missing a bus that would take us to our correct destination. It was frustrating because we were already late. But we got on the next bus that came, and there was Ilaria! She was having a really bad day and was so happy to see us! She seemed to realize that it wasn't coincidence that we ran into each other. It seems like every time I either miss a bus or the bus just doesn't come, I end up running into someone who really needs to see us. So then we got to what we thought was the correct desination, but once again, we got lost. So waiting at the bus stop to get on a different bus, we met an amazing woman named Lidia! She's from Romania and is so cute! She came to english class last night and wants to meet with us sometime to talk more! I love how the Lord is always in charge and always knows what He's doing, even when we don't.
Saturday we met with Carla again. She's so cute! We had a lesson on families and made friendship bracelets with her. Well, we made bracelets while she watched us. She gets cranky if there's not food, and her mom said we couldn't eat until the bracelets were done, so she sat there and glared at us for awhile. But then she forgave us as soon as food was on the table and we were all friends again, complete with matching bracelets!
Both Susans came to church on Sunday! Investigator Susan even wore a skirt for the first time! He kids get better behaved every time they come to Church. They are learning a lot in Primary and love it. We are trying to get her "husband" interested, but it's a work in progress. They are doing all the paperwork to get married soon! We're so excited! We want to plan her wedding for her. So as soon as she gets married, she will get baptized!
Less active Susan is also doing great. She asks such great questions during the lessons and truly wants to start living the Gospel again. She has such a beautiful smile that just brightens up everything around her. We love her!
Yesterday we went over to help Sister Espis, the branch president's wife. They are such an amazing family! The poor thing just had surgery last week and can hardly get out of bed. So we went over for a few hours to clean her house, do laundry and make lunch. We also made her a birthdya cake, since it was also her birthday. It was so fun! She sat in bed and told us stories from her mission for awhile.
Well, those are the week's highlights. Today we're going with the elders to a member family's house out in the country for lunch. They're cooking Mexican food. I'm very intrigued as to the Italian version of Mexican food, so we'll see how it goes.
A couple scriptures that I read this week: Isaiah 41:10 says "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 43:1 "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."
When we are on the Lord's side, we have no reason to fear. He gives us the strength that we need to face whatever life brings. He is with us always, right by our side. He knows us by name, for we are His children. He loves us with a perfect love. With Him, we will always succeed.
Vi voglio tanto bene!
Sorella Hawkey
I hope you're all doing well. Last week I celebrated my one year in Italy anniversary! We celebrated Italian-style by playing soccer and eating gelato with a bunch of our investigators and contacts. My team won, by the way. I, of course, was the lone American girl on a team of all Italian men, but still. We had a lot of fun.
Thursday we were trying to meet a member, but there was a ton of confusion as to where we were meeting. (Mostly due to the Catholic's worship of the Madonna. You may be wondering how that relates to us getting lost, but trust me, it does. Long story) Anyways, as we were lost, we ended up missing a bus that would take us to our correct destination. It was frustrating because we were already late. But we got on the next bus that came, and there was Ilaria! She was having a really bad day and was so happy to see us! She seemed to realize that it wasn't coincidence that we ran into each other. It seems like every time I either miss a bus or the bus just doesn't come, I end up running into someone who really needs to see us. So then we got to what we thought was the correct desination, but once again, we got lost. So waiting at the bus stop to get on a different bus, we met an amazing woman named Lidia! She's from Romania and is so cute! She came to english class last night and wants to meet with us sometime to talk more! I love how the Lord is always in charge and always knows what He's doing, even when we don't.
Saturday we met with Carla again. She's so cute! We had a lesson on families and made friendship bracelets with her. Well, we made bracelets while she watched us. She gets cranky if there's not food, and her mom said we couldn't eat until the bracelets were done, so she sat there and glared at us for awhile. But then she forgave us as soon as food was on the table and we were all friends again, complete with matching bracelets!
Both Susans came to church on Sunday! Investigator Susan even wore a skirt for the first time! He kids get better behaved every time they come to Church. They are learning a lot in Primary and love it. We are trying to get her "husband" interested, but it's a work in progress. They are doing all the paperwork to get married soon! We're so excited! We want to plan her wedding for her. So as soon as she gets married, she will get baptized!
Less active Susan is also doing great. She asks such great questions during the lessons and truly wants to start living the Gospel again. She has such a beautiful smile that just brightens up everything around her. We love her!
Yesterday we went over to help Sister Espis, the branch president's wife. They are such an amazing family! The poor thing just had surgery last week and can hardly get out of bed. So we went over for a few hours to clean her house, do laundry and make lunch. We also made her a birthdya cake, since it was also her birthday. It was so fun! She sat in bed and told us stories from her mission for awhile.
Well, those are the week's highlights. Today we're going with the elders to a member family's house out in the country for lunch. They're cooking Mexican food. I'm very intrigued as to the Italian version of Mexican food, so we'll see how it goes.
A couple scriptures that I read this week: Isaiah 41:10 says "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 43:1 "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."
When we are on the Lord's side, we have no reason to fear. He gives us the strength that we need to face whatever life brings. He is with us always, right by our side. He knows us by name, for we are His children. He loves us with a perfect love. With Him, we will always succeed.
Vi voglio tanto bene!
Sorella Hawkey
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
November 4, 2009
Hello!
I'm trying to mix up how I start my letters every week, because it always ends up being the same thing. Sorry! Life truly is good. We have 2 new investigators from last week! One is Pierpaolo. He comes to english class. A few weeks ago, Sister Nelson gave the spiritual thought at the end of class, and she invited everyone to write down questions of the soul that they have and bring the list next week. Pierpaolo is the only one who actually followed through with that. He gave us a letter and asked if he could meet with us. He watched the movie Finding Faith in Christ with him, and he loved it! At the end of the lesson, we asked him to pick who would pray, and he volunteered. Halfway through, he started crying. After the prayer, which was beautiful, we talked about the Spirit and he recognized that that is what he felt. He came to the branch Halloween party on Friday and out of nowhere asked me what one has to do to become a member of the church. He loved that everyone in the branch is a normal person. He especially loved that the branch president was in the middle of the room jump roping with all the primary kids. I talked to him about baptism and the importance of being baptized by authority. He said, "So my baptism into the Catholic church isn't valid, then?" I said no, and he was totally cool with it. We had another lesson last night about the Plan of Salvation, which he completely accepted and loved! Pierpaolo is in his mid 40s, recently divorced and has 2 sons. He is so prepared for the Gospel and just soaks everything in!
Our other new investigator is Carla. She's 24 but mentally handicapped and has the capacity of an 8 year old. She's the daughter of 2 active members in the branch but has never been baptized. She stopped coming to church once she was in Young Womens, because she didn't like who people treated her like a small child. She knows the Gospel well, though and loves singing hymns! We visited with her Saturday and taught her how to make brownies. She had a blast! She loves to cook. Then we had a great lesson, which she pretty much taught herself. She's so sweet and so cute!
Friday we had the branch Halloween party. In Italy, no one ever has the calling of the activities committee, so the missionaries end up being the party planners. Which is fun for me! It ended up being a lot of fun for everyone! The elders made a haunted house type thing. Everyone loved it! (Except for the 4 little kids that they made cry) Most of the people went in there at least 2 or 3 times. A ton of investigators came, and a lot of inactive members! It was great.
Walter is doing great! He taught us one of the lessons last week and did a great job. He has a strong testimony and a deep knowledge of the Gospel. He loves doing missionary work! He especially loves coming to lessons with us to help us teach. He's great! We're trying to find him a wife.
Both of the Susans are doing well. Investigator Susan is still waiting to get married, but accepts everything we teach her and comes to church. She loves the Gospel! Less-active Susan came to the Halloween party and brought 7 friends with her! We've had a few more lessons with her, and she really does want to come back to Church.
The work continues to move forward. I've been studying in Moses lately. One story I love is when Enoch gets called. In Moses 6:31-32, it says, "And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good." Enoch had doubts. He knew his faults and that his capabilities were limited. But the Lord is in charge, and he makes more of our capabilities than we can do alone.
Only one chapter later, in verse 13 says "And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him." Enoch was nervous about his calling because he was slow of speech. But when he trusted in God, his speech was so powerful that the earth trembled! I love at the end of the verse that it says that "so powerful was the language which GOD had given him." It doesn't say that Enoch took a speech class, or practiced public speaking. It doesn't say that he did anything of himself to become better. Instead, he trusted in the Lord and was willing to be an instrument, and God gave him the abilities that were necessary to fulfill his calling.
Buona settimana! Vi voglio bene!
Sorella Hawkey
I'm trying to mix up how I start my letters every week, because it always ends up being the same thing. Sorry! Life truly is good. We have 2 new investigators from last week! One is Pierpaolo. He comes to english class. A few weeks ago, Sister Nelson gave the spiritual thought at the end of class, and she invited everyone to write down questions of the soul that they have and bring the list next week. Pierpaolo is the only one who actually followed through with that. He gave us a letter and asked if he could meet with us. He watched the movie Finding Faith in Christ with him, and he loved it! At the end of the lesson, we asked him to pick who would pray, and he volunteered. Halfway through, he started crying. After the prayer, which was beautiful, we talked about the Spirit and he recognized that that is what he felt. He came to the branch Halloween party on Friday and out of nowhere asked me what one has to do to become a member of the church. He loved that everyone in the branch is a normal person. He especially loved that the branch president was in the middle of the room jump roping with all the primary kids. I talked to him about baptism and the importance of being baptized by authority. He said, "So my baptism into the Catholic church isn't valid, then?" I said no, and he was totally cool with it. We had another lesson last night about the Plan of Salvation, which he completely accepted and loved! Pierpaolo is in his mid 40s, recently divorced and has 2 sons. He is so prepared for the Gospel and just soaks everything in!
Our other new investigator is Carla. She's 24 but mentally handicapped and has the capacity of an 8 year old. She's the daughter of 2 active members in the branch but has never been baptized. She stopped coming to church once she was in Young Womens, because she didn't like who people treated her like a small child. She knows the Gospel well, though and loves singing hymns! We visited with her Saturday and taught her how to make brownies. She had a blast! She loves to cook. Then we had a great lesson, which she pretty much taught herself. She's so sweet and so cute!
Friday we had the branch Halloween party. In Italy, no one ever has the calling of the activities committee, so the missionaries end up being the party planners. Which is fun for me! It ended up being a lot of fun for everyone! The elders made a haunted house type thing. Everyone loved it! (Except for the 4 little kids that they made cry) Most of the people went in there at least 2 or 3 times. A ton of investigators came, and a lot of inactive members! It was great.
Walter is doing great! He taught us one of the lessons last week and did a great job. He has a strong testimony and a deep knowledge of the Gospel. He loves doing missionary work! He especially loves coming to lessons with us to help us teach. He's great! We're trying to find him a wife.
Both of the Susans are doing well. Investigator Susan is still waiting to get married, but accepts everything we teach her and comes to church. She loves the Gospel! Less-active Susan came to the Halloween party and brought 7 friends with her! We've had a few more lessons with her, and she really does want to come back to Church.
The work continues to move forward. I've been studying in Moses lately. One story I love is when Enoch gets called. In Moses 6:31-32, it says, "And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good." Enoch had doubts. He knew his faults and that his capabilities were limited. But the Lord is in charge, and he makes more of our capabilities than we can do alone.
Only one chapter later, in verse 13 says "And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him." Enoch was nervous about his calling because he was slow of speech. But when he trusted in God, his speech was so powerful that the earth trembled! I love at the end of the verse that it says that "so powerful was the language which GOD had given him." It doesn't say that Enoch took a speech class, or practiced public speaking. It doesn't say that he did anything of himself to become better. Instead, he trusted in the Lord and was willing to be an instrument, and God gave him the abilities that were necessary to fulfill his calling.
Buona settimana! Vi voglio bene!
Sorella Hawkey
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