Well, this is really weird. I never really saw the day coming that i would be writing my last email. I wish i could explain to all of you how im feeling right now. But i cant. Im definitely excited to be home again but its been really hard saying bye to everyone. But then at the same time it doesnt seem real and im going to really be hit hard on friday i think.
This week was sweet though! Baptism in the sea! It was the coolest thing i have ever seen. I spoke and all went well. The mom was there and bore her testimony as well. I really hope this is her stepping stone to come back to church. (im soooooo hot right now this is going to be a short email because we are all dying!!!!) Elisa was so happy! She is just the cutest thing. Gentile is the perfect word to describe her. Hopefully i can send pics today, if not, just know that you will see them all this weekend! It was so nice not having to fill a font! There were no problems in that area. Sunday she got confirmed and her mom and dad were both there. I have a really strong connection with her mom. I know i needed to meet her and there is a reason Elisa was baptized before i left. I love her. Im so grateful for internet so i cant continue to talk to these people i love!
We are leaving but we should come back to finish this. hopefully ill write more tonight. If not, know that i love you and that ill see you and talk to you soon!!! Holy cow! LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A couple hours later im finishing this. We just went bowling with some other anziani and it was great. Its too hot to be outside so it was perfect. Ill get some pics attached to this.
As far as the rest of the week, its pretty much just been saying good bye to everyone. We had an awesome fourth of july bbq with a couple in our ward. They have been married since september and are the best ones. It was so fun. We made sloppy joes for them, ate hotdogs and pancakes. Plus sorella ivory shared her tradition with us and we made a flag cake. It was so cute. I LOVE them. He is counting on me being here in Italy next May for his birthday. I hope i can really make it!! I am so grateful for the people i know here in Ladispoli. President Kelly always says its the best ward and it really is. It has grown so much in the past 10 years and the members are all really strong. We dont even have tons of less actives that we can really visit.
On sunday, bishop passed me a note asking me if i wanted to say bye to the ward before i go. As soon as i read the note i got choked up. It was a disaster. I just cried the whole time. Literally. They have become my ward and it was the hardest thing to look at these people i love and know it wasnt going to be the same the next sunday. For the first time, standing up and bearing my testimony to them, it hit me that i really was leaving. I hope one day you all get to come back here and meet them. Friends and family included. They have such a big piece of my heart. I served here for 9 months and have loved every minute of it. Im convinced that i couldnt have done that in any other city.
Tomorrow morning ill finish packing my bags and be on the train at 11 to go to Rome. The dying missionaries are all going to see the temple and then we have to be at the office at 230. It doesnt seem real at all. I have finished saying bye to most people here, just another family in the ward tonight, and then tomorrow morning ill have to say bye to Raffaella and Giorgia. thats going to be the hard one. I think Giorgia is coming with us to the Termini station in Rome. Im sure some tears will be shed there. I just love her with all my heart. Oh, and also Umberto is soooooo cute. He is coming to say bye to me in the airport!!! haha. We leave early but he didnt care. He just wants to come and salute me one last time!
I wish i could explain to you how i feel. I had a really cool experience during the sacrament on sunday and i know i have done what i needed to do here. I love being a missionary. I love it. I have learned and understood the importance of our message a little bit more every day. I didnt serve a perfect mission but with time i have understood that that was never expected of me . I love this Gospel. I love my Savior. I have developed a much closer relationship with him over the last year and a half. I know that He loves me and im grateful for His sacrifice for me. individually. Thank you family and friends for your support during my mission. We are far apart but i have felt your love and prayers. Literally. I cant wait to tell you about all the people I love! I might even try and cook something italian for you! Haha. Thanks for being with me through all of it! I love you!!!! I cant wait to see your faces!! Pray for me during my travels! Its going to be friday the 13th! Love you all!!!!!
Love,
Sorella Buma
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