I'm leaving on a jet plane

Ciao Famiglia!
   Come State??  I have so many things to tell you.  LIke always.  And there just isnt tons of time...  First things first!  Giorgia was baptized this week!!!  It was such a great day!  Oh man.  I have been waiting with her for these 6 months for her dad to finally give her permission.  It was awesome.  It was such a feeling of pure joy to watch her be baptized.  I am so grateful that i had the opportunity to stay here in catania for it.  I am so proud of her.  Besides her mom, she really has no support.  Her grandma, especially, is really catholic and was not very happy.  But Giorgia knew what she was doing and why she was doing it and she got baptized!  The weird thing was that her dad wasnt worthy to baptize her so someone else in the ward performed the baptism (that wasnt the weird part).  The weird part was that he was in the circle when she got confirmed!!  i guess its up to the bishop to say yes or no and the bishop was in the circle and didnt say anything.  From what we last knew, he was smoking and stuff and hasnt been to church for a long time!  It was just a little stress moment.  Till we realized that really we cant do anything.  Anyway, then the next day he and giorgia's little brother were in church!  I havent told you anything about her brother but he is 9 and really doesnt like to do anything that relates to the church.  Wont listen to lessons, pray, or go to church.  But the last couple times we have asked him to help us teach giorgia and he said yes!  And he will even read scriptures.  Im hoping that soon the sisters can work with him and he can be baptized too.  It was so amazing to see the whole family in church together.  I hope that Giorgia and her example can help her dad get back to church!  Such a nice guy just a little lost.
      Lidia.  SO GREAT.  She had her interview and will be baptized on saturday.  6 pm my time.  So sunday was fast and testimony week here.  She asked us if she could go up.  We said yes but were a little nervous what she would say. she got up and bore a perfect testimony.  The ward was so impressed!  Which is great because its giving them a really good reason to accept her.  You all know how they kind of struggle of that.  But everyone knows who she is know because she got up.  And the ward is really helping will her baptism.  So we are so relieved.  It was a really scary thing talking to them about her getting baptized.  We were just really scared they were going to say no.  But everything is going great and she is really excited.  its going to all come together before i go!
      We also had zone conference this past week.  Im really lucky because i will get to rome right before the zone conference there.  So i get 2 this transfer:)  By the way, our mission goal for baptisms every month is 20 and we got 19 last month!  We are so close!  And president said that for october it looks like we might make the goal.  Which is awesome because its growing! I love hearing about the baptisms happening here!  I love these people and i want to find them all in the temple!  Anyway, i really loved something that my president talked about.  he talked about 1 Ne. 7:17-18.  How when Nephi prayed to be unbound, but asked for strength to free himself.  He didnt say, "Heavenly Father, i dont want this trial in my life.  Make it go away."  Instead, he simply asked for strength.  I thought about how many times i have simply said, I dont want this.  Please take this trial from me.  Which is fine to ask for but more important is to make sure we are asking for strength to do the Lords will.  I loved it!  I cant explain it like President Kelly can but maybe after the second zone conference I can say it all a little better.  maybe thats why i will have 2 this transfer.  So i can learn more.  Man, so many things that im learning and so many that i have to learn still.  Thank goodness our heavenly father is so patient with us!
      The "miracle monday" is recorded on the USB that sorella askew has so im not going to write about it.  But i know that the lords hand is in this work.  i have seen way too many miracle to deny that.  it was such an amazing day!  Especially our last appointment.
      Well thats all for today.  My last time writing from Catania.  Its going to be great coming back here with my family!  I love this city!  wish me luck on my flight to rome by my self.  And that my bags arent over weight... haha.  Im nervous for that.  Talk to you next week!  I love you all.  thanks for everything you do for me!
Love,
Sorella Chelsea

Conference!

Hello Family!
     How are you all doing??  Thanks for your emails.  Its always such a treat to open my emails and read how you all are doing!  Sounds like you watched conference and all is well.  I LOVED conference.  We were laughing on sunday morning about how excited we were to get to spend the whole day watching conference.  I have always loved conference but its just different being a missionary.  I loved talking to people about the special weekend we were going to be having because there is a prophet on the earth today and he was going to speak to us.  (I said this to one lady and she is now an investigator!  She said that she really wanted to hear what this prophet had to say to us in these days.  Pretty sweet!).  Anyway, i loved it all.  I want to hear what they talked about in the last session because we cant hear it here.  Lots of good things i learned though.  It was interesting to listen to it and be thinking about our investigators that needed to hear that specific talk.  I really loved the talk from elder hales because he talked about waiting on the Lord.  So many people we are teaching, and i guess everyone in the world, has so many trials but i loved how he explained why we have them!  I wont reccount all the talks because you all heard them but it was just great!
    Next, we have a baptism this week!  Giorgia is getting baptized and im SO excited i cant stand it.  Everything is all done.  The primary and her mom took care of everything.  I practiced "Keep the commandments" to play for her but then they decided it would be great if someone else in the primary (cutest little boy ever) played for her.  So i practiced for nothing.  But it was fun.  I have found a love for playing the piano but now i never have time to practice.  ATTENTION SIBLINGS:  you cant say i didnt tell you this.  Keep practicing your instruments.  It is so important.  I wish so badly i could just play the piano.  And the members would be so grateful too...  YOu will appreciate it so much in the future.  I was the dumb teenager that quit and i regret that a lot.  Anyway, she is really excited for her baptism and is as ready as an 11-year-old can be.  I love her so much!  I will be sure and send you pictures.  she also wants to try pancakes so next week we are going to make them with her as a little celebration.  Its going to be great!  Think about us on saturday at 5 my time!
     Lidia.  Ya know how we were worried about her still smoking? We had been really blunt with her the time before and asked her if she was still smoking because her breath smelled like smoke.  Well, the next time we went she didnt smell like smoke!!!  We asked her how it was going and she said that she hadnt been smoking and that we couldnt tell her she smelled like smoke because she really hadnt! We taught her tithing the other day and all was well.  Also, she went to church sunday morning and had an interview with our bishop.  We told him that we just kinda wanted his imput on whether she is ready or not.  We have tried calling him a bunch to see how it went and we havent gotten a response yet.  But for now we are saying "no news is good news."  Hopefully that is right and she can be baptized the following week!
    We have found a new "finding" technique that i love.  We just ask people if we can sing a hymn for them really quick at the door.  Usually we sing I am a Child of God.  We have been surprised at how many people say yes.  I have NEVER gotten anyones number from doing house and we have gotten like 10 already!  Its awesome.  Tons of people still say no but at least there are some that are saying yes!  We even got let into a ladies house (super catholic!) and taught her a little lesson!  Then she loved it so much she took us down to have a little lesson with her niece and her niece's family.  She is pretty catholic too but at least we got a return appointment with her.  Its been fun!  Its so funny to watch people's faces when you ask if we can sing for them really quick.
     Last thing before i have to go.  Well, remember how i drank alcohol the other week?  This week it was coffee... haha.  So we were singing to people and this guy invited us in.  we couldnt go in because there wasnt a woman home but he said he would bring us almond milk at the door (which is soooo good. i have had it but my companions hadnt.  its a big sicily thing).  Sister lecates got it first and drank the whole thing really fast because she liked it.  THen sister askew.  she only drank about half.  I had one sip of mine and immediately knew this wasnt normal almond milk.  Then the guy says, "Ya i mix it with coffee because i like it better that way..."  Haha i think sorella askew was crying because she was laughing so hard.  Anyway, then it was really awkward so we left...  Good times.
      Well that is all for me this week, i think.  We have zone conference tomorrow and interviews with president!  Im really excited for that.  Hopefully we will be able to make a more sure plan of when im going to Ladispoli.  Because at this point i really have no idea.  I think its just kinda when i want to go.  Ill let you know how it goes next week.  Thanks for your prayers and support.  Its felt and needed.  I love you all!  Have a great week!  Know im always praying for you!  I have been out 8 months.  That is nuts!  Time is flying.  and i hear it just gets faster and faster...  Ill see you all before you know it!  Vi Voglio Bene!
Love,
Sorella Chelsea

Conference!

Ciao Famiglia!
     Come state??  I just want to tell you all how excited I am for this weekend.  CONFERENCE!  We are going to the Bays sunday to watch the 2 saturday sessions.  Then the Italian ward will let us watch the sunday morning session (at 6 pm here) in english in church.  So sunday is going to be session after session.  Im so excited for that!  So necessary.  ANd im grateful we can watch it in English.  I dont know how much i would get out of it in Italian.  Its sad here though because we never get to see the sunday afternoon.  I will just have to read it when it comes out in the Liahona.  Man... We have to wait too long.  Haha.  Sigonella is going to do a Relief Society activity and watch the relief society session.  I told sister bay they need to do that while im still here!  I hope that is possible.  Also, you all can know that sunday morning while you are watching conference i will be watching it at the same time!  It will just be 6 pm for me instead:)
       Next, i love my companions!  It has been a great week!  Sister Askew goes home at the end of the this transfer so im trying to learn as much as i can from her.  She LOVES finding and its contagious.  She is always always talking to someone on the bus or any little time we have.  And i am learning to love it even more!  Its a little awkward at the first but then its great!  The first contact of the morning or afternoon is always the hardest but then its just fun.  Its fun talking to people and getting to know them.  I LOVE IT!  S. Askew is an awesome missionary and i really am sooooo grateful to be with her for a little bit.  Her dad lives in Draper and her mom lives in Arizona so she is from both places.  Sister Lecates is great too.  She has been out 2 transfers (3 months) more than me.  She is so fun too!  its fun to be learning together.  She is from Highland.  So we are all just right there in the same area.  Man, i have so much to learn haha.  They tell me my language is good but i just have such a hard time believing them.  I think sorella Lecates and i speak about the same.  Sorella Askew speaks beautifully.  That is my language goal by the end of my mission. To speak like sorella askew:)  She also served in Ladispoli she has been telling me all about it.  Im really excited to go there.  Its going to be a different world!
      Lidia is still doing great.  We are a little worried about the smoking thing because sometimes her breath smells a little like smoke.  but she says that she is not smoking so.... It could be that her kids still smoke in her house.  I dont know.  I really hope she isnt (she has little candies all over her house to help her) but we are just going to be very observant of this.  Other than that she is doing great.   She has to work this weekend and so she cant watch conference and she is super sad.  A lady in our ward told her she could come watch it later on the internet at her house though!  Also, we told the bishop about her baptism date and he said its great.  We were really worred about it after the ward fiasco but it sounds like everything is good to go!
     Giorgia is awesome too!  Right now she is praying to know exactly who she wants to baptize her.  Im really proud of her for sticking with the decision that she knows is right even though her dad and her grandparents dont really support it at all.  She is awesome!  I love her so much!  I hope that i will be able to play the piano for her... Im a little nervous about it.  I need to find some time to practice.  maybe sister bay will let me use their piano on sunday.  that would be great.
      Anyway, I think thats pretty much it for me this week!  Lois, thank you for the package and kimberly for the pictures!  I was soooooo happy to get them!  and now... DONT SEND THINGS TO THE BAYS ANYMORE:)  we are scared that i will be gone before it gets there.  Just send things to the mission home for now!  Thank you all so much for your love and support.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANI AND DIANE!  I hope its a great birthday.  I love you all and miss you but really love where i am!  And ill be home before you know it!  Kinda freaks me out!  Have a great week!  Dont forget to email me!  You are always in my prayers!  Have fun with Brother Bradleys (anziano medina) family!  Send pics!

Love,
Sorella Chelsea
    

Still in Catania

Hello Family!     As always thanks for your emails!  I cant believe school has started and next time i write, emily will have started at BYU.  I feel so so so old!  Good luck Em!!  Its going to be so much fun.  I remember my first year.  Haha so many good times.  I remember that i saw the Kjar's (i think that is how you spell it) son my first day and he asked if i was doing ok because i looked like i was going to cry.  I think i was just stressed about getting to my next class or something but it was funny.  I have tried to look happier on campus ever since then.       So we had a great week in Catania as usual.  We had Zone Conference this week!!!  That is my favorite thing of the transfer.  There is just such a renewed motivation to give my all to this work.  We had a little sisters conference at the beginning.  It was so great.  We talked about making lemonade out of lemons.  I loved hearing that we all pretty much have the same worries and concerns.  None of us are alone and we can know that we are all in this together.  It make me fee like i wasnt crazy.  One of these is that people, as sisters, dont take us as seriously.  We are the sisters and the anziani are the missionaries.  It was good to hear that not only in Catania but every where else its like this.  So together now we can help each other think of ways that we can change this.  we dont have the priesthood but we are here doing the same thing.  People just see us more as the cute sister instead of missionaries.       In Zone conference we had like 4 or 5 missionaries bear their testimonies because they are going home.  Anziano Medina was one of these.  It hit me really hard how short my time here is.  I already have less than 11 months and that is going to FLY!  Its so important that i treasure this time because before i know it, im going to be one of these missionaries that has to bear their testimony and be dreading it.  It was crazy to watch them.  It was like they were in shock that this day had come.  I loved hearing that the mission was the hardest thing they had done but they love the mission more than anything.  I still have time and i need to be grateful for that!  Make sure i use every day to the best of my ability!       More things, I got my permesso this week so im officially legal in Italy!  So great!  Haha.  Man its always a good time there.  There are just so many people and its NUTS!  The poor people that work there dont have anymore patience.  It was pretty easy though, and now everything is good to do!  I had to call the office to tell them when my permesso expires and they told me that they had me in the computer as going home in feb!  They were like good thing you called or we would have gotten you a ticket for feb!  Anyway, they told me my going home date which is super weird that i already know.  July 13...  Strange.  Anyway, thank goodness i dont have to think about that yet.  I have lots to do here in Italy before then!       Right now i have a different companion for a day.  We are doing exchanges.  Her name is sister tutt and she is the same age as sorella pearson in the mission.  We will be together till tomorrow night.  Things are going good with sorella tinoco but its nice to have a little change for a bit.       To answer questions, im feeling much better.  Everything is good.  Its super hot here.  Someone told us that after the middle of august it cools down  and that is just not the case.  It has definitely gotten hotter!  Summer can end now.  I wouldnt be sad about that! haha.  My italian seems to be the same.  Im sure its getting better slowly but its hard to see from my point of view.  I dont know.  Its a constant battle for me.  I really know that im understanding more.  Unless its a random topic i understand pretty much everything.  But then i open my mouth and... haha.  I dont know.  Im sure im too hard on myself.  But yes, slowly its getting better.  I dont think i need anything from sister bay.  Just a hug would be nice!  Im so grateful i have them here.  I love that i have been able to have my family in Italy here with me.  They take care of me.  I think im good though.  I have been spoiled with packages (from both families...)  thanks Dad and Lois and fam for the package and letters this week by the way!!!  I LOVED IT!!!!!  Im all taken care of here.       I dont have time but i want to tell you really quick about eleonora.  She found a job!  Good thing.  BUt it doesnt pay very much and now we can only teach her on saturday and sunday.  So her baptism is going to be moved back and we dont know if it will be this transfer.  Im praying we can make it work!  It just has to!  I have no doubt that she will get baptized, i just hope that i am here to witness it!  And really its good that she found some work.  She needs that for sure.  Now we just need to find a way for her to still get baptized this transfer!       I think thats it!  It was a good week.  Hot, but good.  thanks for all the love and support.  I got emails from my friends and family this week and also letters from my friends!!!  Thank you so much!  You have no idea how much it means to me.  I know everyone is so busy so it means a lot that you take time to write me.  just know that it doesnt go unappriciated.  I love you all very much.  Good luck in your first weeks of school!  Know im praying for you and love you all so stinkin much!  keep writing!  Vi Voglio un sacco di bene!!!!  Love, Sorella Chelsea

6 months??

Ciao Famiglia! 

     I feel like i have a lot to say this week so I will jump right into it.  First, I am a third done with my mission.  I really can believe that!  Its crazy to me that its august already.  Mamma mia.  It kind of scares me.  Just that this mission is going to be over and i wont have learned the language or all of the things i need to learn while im here. More motivation for me to work harder every day.  I have a lot to learn, thats for sure.  Anyway, we had lunch with the elders yesterday to celebrate.  It was a lot of fun! 

    Next, this week has been really great.  We have a new investigator and she is AWESOME!  Ok, so we met her on the bus last week.  We hadnt even had an appointment with her yet and she came to church with her 7 year old and 10 month old baby.  She cried through pretty much all of church just so grateful that she found us.  Her husband left her recently and she has NOTHING.  Literally it is the saddest thing.  Its to the point that she doesnt know what she is going to feed her kids the next day and knows that soon if she doesnt pay, she will be on the street.  Its been really humbling for me to teach her.  She is so ready to change her life and try to get on her feet again.  She wants to be a good example for her kids.  She has so many problems but is always trying to keep a smile on her face.  I cant even imagine being her shoes.  Twins in our ward got baptized yesterday and she came with her girls to it.  Oh ya, her 7 year old had autism or something and that is another thing really hard for her.  She is very difficult to control.  All over the place and is very immature for her age.  Anyway, they came to the baptism and before we had a lesson with her to explain what she was going to see.  She said that this is something she wants to work for!  We didnt set a date with her but I really think she is going to be baptized.  She has been reading the book of mormon every night when her girls are asleep.  We are excited! 

    Another humbling experience this week.  We went to a lunch appointment to a less active member with the elders this week.  They are VERY poor too (he is a member, his wife isnt.  THey are like 65 or something).  But it was the coolest thing to watch and listen to this man.  He is so happy and has such a desire to serve others.  They made us so much food, im sure it was most of what they had.  And he loved it!  He loved having us in his house and told us that we all need to come back soon.  He has been coming back to church more too.  Which is great.  He is one of the oldest members of our ward.  He kept saying " I know this isnt much but we are pretty poor."  Man, i have so much and i take it for granted.  This week has been very humbling for me.  To see people that have SO much less than me but are grateful for the things they do have.  We are so blessed!  I cant even tell you.  

     Umm... Next, this is short but we had pizza with a family in the ward and some other ward members the other night.  They have a pizza oven at their house and it is SO good.  I loved being there. It was so much to just be with the members and get to know them better.  We had to leave because it was almost 9 and they tied anziano medina down and told us that they would call our president for us but we couldnt leave yet... haha.  SO great.  Dont worry.  We got home on time.  I love that im getting to know the members better.  Im learning how crucial they are in the work.   Sorella Tinoco is great at working with them and im glad im learning this.  Its something we didnt do too much of when i was with sorella pearson. 

     Language... oh man.  I still feel like im struggling so much.  I dont know why.  Its a matter of me really finding more power in my faith i think.  I heard a story of an elder that struggled so bad.  He was praying every night with all his heart to be able to speak spanish.  He was about to give up and one day it was like his tongue was loosed.  Not saying that exactly this is going to happen to me but its a good lesson for me.  Its not going to come because i have a companion that speaks italian.  It is going to come after heart felt prayers.  Many of them.  And its not just a one time things.  Its continual.  Learning another language comes when we put our trust in the Lord and put it in His hands.  I need to learn this language and He knows that.  I need to do my part though!

     Last thing.  I read mosiah 27:4 this week and it hit me really hard.  it talks about when alma the older was praying for his son to change.  It made me think about the power of prayer not only for ourselves but for our family.  I am so grateful to know that my family is praying for me.  LIke alma, my parent's (and other family member's) prayers are heard and are answered.  I felt the love and support of my family so strong.  Thank you for all your prayers for me.  I need them...  Anyway, read that scripture.  Know that im praying for you and that i know the power of prayer is real.

    As for this week, i think thats all.  Thanks for everything.  Have a great week!  Summer is almost over.  Sounds like everyone is going to have a good last little bit of it.  Ill be grateful when its not so hot anymore...  Thanks for the emails.  Cant wait to hear from you next week!  I love you all so very much!  

Love,

Chelsea   

Week 25--Christmas in July

Hey Fam!

     Ok, my friends are going to KILL me but i did it... I celebrated Christmas in July.  haha.  We couldnt resist.  Every monday we have a district meeting and then eat lunch together after.  This week it happened to be on July 25th and we just had to do it.  I was really sceptical but im so glad i did it haha.  I dont even remember who's idea it was but it turned out great.  We asked sister bay for santa hats and she gave is the hats with a little present for us.  I got earrings that match the necklace she gave me for easter.  So nice of her.  The sisters got the elders something and vice versa.  they got me a watch and some earrings and a CD for after the mission.  they were so excited about what they had gotten for us.  It was SO fun.  Anyway, it was fun.  we have a great district!

      Ok, Next item.  Thanks for the packages!!!  It was the best day to have 2 packages to open.  Thanks for all the pictures.  Everyone seems happy and well.  Im glad to know that you are having fun without me...  Mimi, i got your letter this week. Haha.  I loved your first sentence.  You are welcome that i am here on a mission so that you had the opportunity to go to London.  it sounds like it was a busy and very great trip!  Mom, everything in the package is perfect.  Thanks so much!  it was perfect!  and sister tinoco LOVED her lotion! 

      Great news!  Saturday, the elders had a baptism.  It was so sweet!  you will be happy to know that i played the piano.  Not perfect but i tried.  Haha.  It was a man from the Phillippines.  He lives with a family from the phillippines that comes to Sigonella.  His wife and children are still there so he is living with this family till they have enough money to move to Italy.  Anyway, he was BEAMING.  It was such a sweet moment.   l loved seeing him all dressed in white and knowing that after this, he is going to have a new life.  A life as a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A life with the gift of the holy ghost and all the blessings that come with it.  That's why im here!  So i can help people find this wonderful message.  That Christ's church is on the earth again, we have a living prophet to guide us, and if we live worthy we can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  Its hard at times but its so worth it to see someone right after they are baptized!  its the Lords work and im so grateful to have the opportunity to be here.

     This is good news.  We went and visited a less active family about 3 weeks ago and they ahve come to church every week since!  Its so great!  They dont have faith in the law of tithing but we are working on it.  It brings a smile to my face as i see these parents sitting in sacrament with their 2 little kids.  Im praying that they continue to come and they can find a tiny bit of faith to pay their tithing and trust that really the Lord blesses us so much as we do this.

     Next, a little update on the companion thing.  I am learning that when she says things, i just need to not take it personally.  The other day during companion study she was talking about how she just thinks something and says it.  And how she likes it when people are like this.  I told her its great that she is like that but something I dont want to do.  Most the time the first thing we think is not something that is going to matter in 5 minutes or in the nicest way.  Anyway, I think she is understanding more that im not like that.  I am way more sensative than the people here in italy.  Heres another story.  Kinda annoying but funny that this even happened.  So every morning we read the white hand book together.  Today was about what sisters wear and stuff.  After she asks me if i have any questions for her.  I say no.  She says there is this line under the part that talks about our hair and make-up...  It says that we should have hair at a length that is easy to manage.  then she proceeds to basically tell me that i need to cut my hair.  haha.  Oh mamma mia.  Considering i wear my hear in a bun every day because its so hot i just dont even see why she thinks this is a problem.  Maybe im crazy in thinking that i dont need to cut my hair.  What's everyone's opinion on the matter?

    Also, for all you who thought i was crazy saying that i was getting freckles... just know that its true.  I have freckles on my nose and im starting to get them on my cheeks.  Maybe they will go away in the winter but im definitely getting freckles.

     Well, i need to go but read Alma 57.  I LOVE THE STORY OF THE STRIPPLING WARRIORS.  What an example these young boys were to those around them.  I love it.  Anyway, i hope you all have a great week!  Dont forget to think of me next tuesday for my 6 month mark!  I cant even believe it.  its nuts.  I have a feeling after a year im still going to feel like a baby in the mission.  Cant wait to hear from you all next week!  Vi Voglio bene!  Ci sentiamo la prossima settimana. 

Love,

Sorella Chelsea

P.S.  Mom, how is my pharmacy license coming?

Week 24--Hello Fam!

Ciao! 

Well, how is everyone??  I cant believe that the summer is more than half way over already!  Where in the world did the time go?  Oh, this is random but today is my half birthday... haha.  we are celebrating because we wont be together as a district for my birthday.  So you can all celebrate at home too:)  So sounds like everyone is having a good, busy summer.  Im glad to hear it!  Thanks for all the pictures and updates of what you are doing.  I love hearing it!  Oh and yes, i got 2 packages today for my half birthday haha.  Thanks to both of my families!  We are going bowling with the Bay family tonight so i will get to open them in a couple hours!  Im so excited!

 

As for the week.  I have a story i want to share.  It wont mean as much to all of you because it is hard to describe but it was probably the best moment of my mission so far.  Ok.  So about 3 weeks ago we were doing finding and found this family sitting outside.  They are a big extended family that live all right next to each other.  Anyway, the grandma was outside with about 6 of her grandkids.  We talked to them and they were sort of open but very insistent on praying to saints.  (Our problem every day...)  Anyway, they accepted an invitation to meet with us another day.  When we went the next week and all the kids were waiting outside.  They oldest (13, 10, 8, 8, 5, 3 their ages) had read the restoration pamphlet to all the younger kids and they loved it.  Anyway, other parents were outside this time and we talked about the restoration.  Set up another appointment and basically the same thing happened but we gave them a Book of Mormon this time.  Then we set up another appointment.  This would be the last appointment this summer because literally everyone goes on vacation from the middle of july to september.  Anyway, we are walking there and they live at the bottom of a hill.  As we got to the top of the hill and the kids could see us, they started cheering!   They were SO excited to see us!  We talked to them and the oldest had once again read the Book of mormon out loud to the younger ones.  they loved it!  Also the mom we had talked to read it also and is very excited to read it during vacation and talk to us when they get back.  Anyway, then it was time for us to go... These little kids were SO sad and begging to come with us because they wanted to be with us.  THey were clinging to me telling me they love me and to not forget about them.  After about 5 min they let us start walking but shortly after chased us down the street again.  Finally they let us go and stood and blew us kisses as we made our way up the hill.  I had tears in my eyes saying bye to them.  Its crazy how fast we clicked with my little language skills and everything.  But i really love them so so so much. I want to stay here for another transfer to see them again.  I really think that they are ready for the Gospel.  It was a moment of pure joy for me.  I was so happy to be were i was serving others and my heavenly father.  It is hard work but it is so worth it to bring such an important message to these people i love!

 

Ummm... Also, we had zone conference this week.  President and sister kelly are awesome!  I love them.  President talked about how we can choose to be happy.  Just the thing that i have been working on.  It was such an answer to my prayers.  I had an interview with him this time too.  That is such precious time for me.  It is so evident that he has the spirit with him so strong.  He talked to be about my companion and told me he was so proud of me for my attitude.  He told me that he knew being companions with her would be tough but that he felt complete confidence in me.  That was reassuring.   He told me that he only planned on having us together for 1 transfer but i can have what i want.  If i feel like staying (I told him it was hard but im learning so much and really might want to stay with her) that i can stay.  I love that im speaking better so im actually building relationships with people in the ward and stuff.  So i might want to stay another transfer and then be on my way.  I dont know.  He told me that he wants to keep in touch and and just be open with what i want to do. 

 

As for now, that is pretty much all i have to say.  Etna errupted again apparently but we didnt see anything so, who knows!  Thanks for all the love and support!  It helps so much knowing that Im far away but my family is thinking about me and praying for me.  Know that you are always in my prayers too.  I love you all more than you know.  I miss you so much but love what i am doing.  I love sharing my testimony and feeling the spirit bear witness that what i am saying is true all the time.  Its a blessing!  have a great week and I will talk to you next week.  Oh ya, we had a great lesson with Antonella this week.  She really wants to find the truth but is so scared to leave the traditions of her family.  But she felt the spirit and wants to learn more.  We are excited to see how things go with her!  Ill keep you updated.  I hope we get to see her a couple more times before her long vacation...  OK.  That really is it i think.  LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!

 

Love,

Sorella Chelsea

Week 23--The sky is falling!

Hello! 

Well i'll start out with this story.  The other day we were walking for quite some time to get to this less-active family's house.  Well, I started feeling something kind of like rain drops on my face.  I rub my forehead and there is black stuff on my hand.  My companion started feeling it too and we were SOOOOO confused.  I look up at the sky and above us there is a cloud of black.  And as we continue walking we just get more and more black stuff on it.  we were holding pamphlets above our eyes to keep it out of our eyes.  Haha.  Well, what happened was the Etna, the volcano we had just hiked like 4 days before, errupted!  So there was ash/stuff from the mountain all over the place.  It was pretty crazy.  My hair had so much of this nasty stuff in it.  Plus is was SO humid that day and so we were all stick and just had dirt all over us.  It was pretty funny.  I was so confused what was happening.  It didnt seem to phase the italians.  They say that this is normal... Anyway, it was an experience.  i wish i would have taken pictures but i forgot my camera... Sorry!!

What else... Well I know heavenly father is teaching me many things this transfer.  We had a lesson on Agency in the Sigonella branch on Sunday and it was exactly what i needed to hear.  It is my choice to be happy.  To put a smile on my face or to be frustrated.  It is my choice to not complain and my choice to be optimistic.  Something I have heard all my life but i really needed to hear it Sunday.  it was an answer to my prayers.  There is a great talk in the Liahona from June that sort of talks about this.  Basically it says that we can complain to the Lord and say "Why me?" or we can take a step back and ask "ok, what do i need to be learning from this experience?"  I love it!  Its up to me and I choose to be happy.  To not complain about the hard things in my life but to really take an opportunity to learn from them.  There is also a talk from April conference that says we should feel blessed when the lord gives us trials.  It means that he loves us enough to allow us to grow and knows that we are capable of it.  It also says that our trials are laser pin pointed to us because they are made for us as an individual to learn a specific thing and grow.  Anyway, im learning a lot and i know my father in heaven has so much more for me to learn.  its not going to happen over night and is going to take my whole and more.  But im grateful for the trials in my life that really help me rely and depend on my Savior.

This is soooo random but we were at this house the other day teaching this lady and her TV was on.  Haha, she was watching Hannah Montana.  Keep in mind, she is like 70 or something.  It was so great!   A little reminder of my siblings at home that like to watch it with me:). 

As for the work, we are doing SO much finding right now.  This lady, Antonella, i dont know if i told you about her last week but anyway, she had such a great interest and was SO grateful for the Book of Mormon.  She said right away that this is something she wants to read.  Well, we were supposed to have a lesson with her on Saturday but called us and said that she really doesnt think that she can change religions and so she doesnt want to waste our time.  It was sad...  She cancelled the appointment and now we cant get a hold of her.  Man...  On a happier note, we had a great meeting with our American investigator, john.  The sisters started teaching him in March but he really hasnt made any progress.  He is super depressed and needs the Gospel but wont do anything about it.  he always says "Ya, i know that i need to be praying to God more and that i need to read this book.  Ya, Ill do it" but then we go back and visit and he has done nothing.  For our lesson monday night, i found a quote from an old ensign conference issue where elder ballard (im pretty sure it was him) talked about the Book of Mormon.  JOhn had a HUGE interest in the Ensign.  And this quote really brought a change in him.  He had a completely different light about him.  He had a different, more sincere desire, to read the Book of MOrmon.  So we challenged him to our challenge, to read it in 60 days.  ANd he was SO excited about it.  I am praying so much that this time he really does it!  We also let him borrow our ensign so he could read the talks and he was very excited about that and said that some of the titles really struck his attention.  So it was so great!  Ill keep you updated. 

I think thats all for the week.  Im grateful to be a missionary!  I love that i am able to spend my time teaching others about the Gospel.  It has strengthened my testimony so much!  We have a message that literally changes lives!  thanks for all the support everyone gives me.  It makes being away easier. I know that my family and friends are praying for me.  KNow that i am praying for you too!  Vi Voglio tantissimo bene.  Ci sentiamo la prossima settimana. 

Love,
Sorella Chelsea

Week 22--Fireworks and a happy 4th.

Hello! 

Man, so many things to say this week.  Its been a busy but a good week.  I hope everyone had a fun fourth of july!  Ours was great.   I cant believe that utah changed the rules and now you can have the cool fireworks.  We dont think there are any laws here about fireworks... haha.  Needless to say, at the Bay's house, we saw some pretty cool fireworks.  It was great.  I understand now why when missionaries come home they have a much better appreciation for America.  We sang all the American songs we could think of!  Such a great day.  I love italy and the people here but we are SO blessed to live in America.  At the Bay's for our spiritual thought we read from 1 Ne. 13.  Our country was protected by our Heavenly Father and is where He knew His Gospel could be restored again.  We have so many things to be grateful for as Americans.  I love that chapter!  Read it!  Im also grateful for the Bay's.  THey are so good about making me feel like im just part of the family.  I was really nervous for the Fourth of July because its one of my favorite holidays back home.  They really are such a blessing for me here!

 

So, with the companion, its good but difficult at the same time.  Its a hard transition to go from someone from your own culture and things to someone that has a different culture and speaks a different language.  Its just going to take a little bit of time getting used to everything.  2 people told me yesterday, though, that my Italian is getting better!  So that is good.  She doesnt speak much english but wants to learn so i just speak very slowly.  Most the time though we speak in Italian.  i speak in VERY simple ways but i can get my point across.  She is much better about letting me speak in lessons and such too so that has been really good.  I really hope by the end of this transfer my confidence in Italian is much better.  I know i can carry on a conversation but i get so intimidated by these Sicilians that talk so fast! haha. I love them. 

 

This week i found something in the bible from Sunday School that i love!  Its in Luke 22:42-43.  So Christ asks His Father if this cup can be past from him because it is such a painful, hard thing but then says he will do the Father's will and perform the atonement.  Then it says that angels were sent to help support Christ as he performed the atonement.  Anyway, it hit me really hard.  This week has been hard but I can find comfort in knowing that im not alone.  Heavenly Father doesnt give us things to do without providing a way to do them.  I know that I am supposed to be where I am and with Sorella Tinoco for a reason.  I have a lot of growing to do and its hard.  But like Christ, im not alone.  Also i like jacob 3:1.  I read that this week and it goes right with this! 

 

Good news!  We found 3 more investigators.  And they are so great!  The first is Antonella.  She is 32 and was a referral from a member.  We taught her at his office Thursday and then he brought her to church sunday.  She is so interested and was so grateful for the Book of Mormon and has a big desire to read it.  We are planning on inviting her to be baptized the end of this transfer!  Then we went and taught a less active family in our ward and there was a 20 year old guy and an 18 year old girl there (cousins of the family we teach) and they are our other new investigators.  We taught them and are going to have another lesson with them on Friday.  The guy doesnt want to read anything when we ask to read but then has these great comments to make after someone has read.  So we just need to get him to actually read.  So we are really excited to work with these people!

 

Anyway, I have to go. We are going to hike Etna again because the elders from another city and here and want to go see it.  So that is where we are going for our P-day today.  Hopefully i dont die hiking is this heat haha.  Thanks for everything.  Not a day goes by that im not thankful for my family and friends.  I pray for you always!  LOVE YOU!!!  Have a good week!  Until Next week!

 

Love,
Sorella Buma

 

Something fun and exciting

Hello Family!

Well, how is everyone??  I hope great!  Sounds like all the trips were fun!  Now im just waiting for emily to get back from Thailand and hear about that! 

 

Ok, now i need to explain the title of my email... So, saturday last week we got transfer calls.  So Sorella Pearson answers the phone and President tells her she is getting transferred to Rome 3.  Then he says "Can i talk to your companion?  I have something fun and exciting for her!"  So i get on the phone and he says, "Sister Buma I have something really fun and exciting for you!"  I say, "Ok what is it??"  Then he says, "You are going to be with Sorella Tinoco."  She is ITALIAN!  Holy cow!  Im freaking out!  Haha.  He was saying that he really thinks this is going to be good and that my italian is coming along great.. haha he cant say that cause he has never heard me speak italian.  Anyway, we were thinking that maybe she would be pretty good at English by now because she has been out for a year but her last companion for i think 4 transfers was italian... So im pretty much thinking that she wont speaking English.  Man, i dont know what im going to do haha.  I wont be able to communicate with my companion.   President told me that she is encouraged to learn english so we will help each other.  He also said she is really obedient and super nice.  She is technically from Peru but has lived in Milan for most her life im pretty sure.  Also, her brother is in the same mission and is on Sicily right now and so i have met him before.  I was telling sister bay about it on sunday and i was like "What am i going to say to her when she gets off the train??  Do i say hello or ciao?  Do i say Come sta or come stai or how are you??"  Haha.  This is going to be so interesting.  Im seriously so nervous!!  Im really going to learn Italian fast because i will have to learn it or i wont be able to communicate with her.  Anziano medina says that he wishes he would have had a native companion early on in his mission.  Anyway, if heavenly father thinks that i can do this, then i just need to trust him and trust that it will all be ok.  because on my own, i know that i cant do this.  Thank goodness I dont have to do it alone!

 

Next, We have a new investigator!  We found her doing house.  Her name is Avane and she is from Poland.  Which makes it a little hard but we got her all the pamphlets and a book of mormon in polish.  She has lived here from 6 years so she knows enough italian but she doesnt know very many gospel terms (which is pretty much the only thing i know haha).  She is a care taker of an old, crazy italian man.  Last time we went over there he was just yelling at us to get out because he didnt know us.  Im pretty sure he has alzheimers or something.  Anyway, we are going to have to try and find times when he isnt there or meet her another place because we cant teach while he is there.  She needs the Gospel though.  She is alone here and her 2 children are in Poland.  She has been having such a rough time and needs peace in her life.  We are meeting her tomorrow (Me, a sister from Siracusa and Sorella Lewis because all our companions dont get here till tomorrow night).  Anyway, im really excited!  We just have to talk really slow with her... perfect for me!

 

Oh, this is just a thank you for the packages!  Mom, thanks for the package!  Everything is perfect!  Lois, Thank you for your package too!  Haha, we took a picture in our night gowns.  Im sending them today if i can get it to work.  Jenna, Thanks for the pics!  I wrote you a letter last week just havent bought a stamp yet so it is coming!  YOU WERE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!!!!!  I look at all the pictures you sent me, mom, and also from Jenna all the time and show them to people.  I love it! Thanks!  I LOVE PICTURES!  Everyone else, send more! :)

 

I think that is it for me this week...  Im very sad to say bye to Sorella Pearson but change is good.  Especially for my Italian (probably even more so for my confidence in my italian) this chang is going to be really good.  Lots of things will be different, but it will be so good too.  Pray for me that we can communicate with each other and that it will all work out.  Anz. medina and hill are both stayin too and they promised they would help me too.  Also, I have the Bays.  They are SO GREAT!  They are having us over for the fourth so we can celebrate:)  Have a great week and know that i love you all.  You are in my prayers and im grateful for all the prayers said on my behalf.  Have fun at the baby blessing.  I wish i could be there but right now im where i need to be.  I am so grateful to be able to share my testimony every day!  Im grateful for the the joy in my life because i know this church is true!  It brings me so many blessings!  Dont forget to write me!

 

Love,

Sorella Buma

 

p.s.  Happy Fourth of July!  I cant believe that its already july!!!  That is nuts!  Bring on the summer!  Take some more pictures of Flat Chel.. Oh and i have to say GO BYU!!!!! haha.  thanks for the pic mom!

The first one is when we did chalk and i drew the plan of salvation.  (I didnt write plan of salvation or draw the celestial kingdom... Blame anz. hill for that... haha)

Week 20--Hello!

Ciao Famiglia!  Come state??  I have so much i want to say today and of course, i dont have tons of time so i am going to try and start with the most important things first.  But before that, i just want to say that i cant believe that pretty much my whole family is all over the world this week!  Its been fun to think during the afternoon what everyone would be doing at that time.  Except, i cant realy figure out what em is doing because i have NO idea what time it is in Thailand from where i am.  So mostly i just picture her dying of heat and trying to imagine how great of an experience she is having.

 

Well, first, we had zone conference last week.  Elder Teixiera from the 70 came.  It was AMAZING.  I wish i could explain how i felt but i really cant.  But it was exactly what i needed.  First Sorella Kelly spoke.  She is the nicest person in the world and radiates the light of Christ.  While she was talking I really felt the love my Heavenly Father has for His children.  I know He loves his missionaries and is with me all the time.  Even when im too dumb to realize it.  I know this work is not done by Sister Buma.  And im so grateful for that... haha.  I would be completly wasting time here without His spirit with me.  Sis. teixiera challenged us all to read the book of mormon in 60 days!  Im really excited!  Then elder teixiera spoke and he is GREAT.  He spoke on finding and how to make our finding more effective.  Basically, he gave me the courage i needed to open my mouth!  its been great.  I want to talk to everyone and im doing it by myself  Since friday i have gotten 5 numbers all by myself!  Anyway, his son went to Japan and baptized 7 times what everyone else in his mission had baptized by the end of their misison.  His dad told us that he just talked to everyone that he possibly could.  He wasnt anything so super special but he wanted everyone to know what he knew so he always opened his mouth.  That is what i want to be able to say.  That is doesnt matter how many baptisms i had but that i knew in my heart that i had talked with everyone that the Lord put in my path and gave as many people as i could the opportunity to accept the Gospel.

 

Next, i was reading in 1 Nephi 17 the other day and had a great experience sitting there reading about Nephi building a ship.  The Lord commanded him to build and ship and he had NO idea how to do it but followed what the Lord had told him to do and because of this, the Lord took care of the rest.  if nephi built the ship the lord promised that he would carry them across the sea, make their food sweet, be their light in the wilderness and prepare their way.  I thought about how Nephi building the ship and getting to the promised land is like me being on a mission.  This is where my Heavenly Father wants me and i have NO idea what i am doing but through prayer he is able to teach me how to build a great ship.  He will take care of the rest.  I follow the commandments and do my best and He takes over.  It has been such a comfort to me!  Im so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the examples in it that help me know what i need to be doing!

 

Oh this is random but i wanted to tell you because i loved it.  In our sigonella branch this week i was asked to play the piano for the primary children in sacrament as they sang to their dads.  It was SO cute.  I love little children and their spirits.  I was so grateful for them because my songs were not flawless but they are great no one even paid attention to me!

 

Another random thing, we were on the sigonella base last thursday for a relief society thing they wanted us to come to.  Anyway, so a member is taking us home and we go to leave and the gate starts closing and there is guy in front of it with a big gun.  Oh and all the military members had hard hats on (they never are just wearing these).  so basically they were having what is a called a "shelter and place" and no one was able to leave and no one was able to come onto the base.  It was like this for like a half hour or something.  We still dont know what happened but it was pretty crazy. 

 

I think that is all for me today.  Sorella Pearson is probably leaving me a week from today.  I am going to be sad but its something i know i need.  She doesnt really let me talk in lessons or use the phone which is just something i need to do to learn.  She realizes that she needs to and tells me that she needs to let me talk but then forgets.  Its good for change sometimes because that is how we grow!  Im super nervous for new companion but thats just how it goes.  Ill let you know the verdict next week.  I sure love you all so much!  thanks for your emails and i hope that everyone is enjoying their summer!  Let me know how all the trips went and STAY SAFE!  I miss you but i know that i am where my Heavenly Father wants me to be.  Until next week!

 

Love,
Sorella Buma, Chel, Chels, Scrapper--your pick!

Happy Father's Day

Hello! 

How is everyone doing??  Pretty much all of my family is leaving this week to go and do fun things!  Everyone is going to cool places.  Have fun!  Im so excited for everyone and to hear all about it.  It sounds like everyone is super busy getting everything together for all the trips.  I dont like that part... but getting there is always worth it!

 

Well, i will start by telling you all about Cinderella.  First, it was a ballet.  Second, the Theatre is AMAZING.  I took pictures but really they dont do it justice.  We had great seats in the center in a box on the 2nd floor.  When we come back i want to take you inside this building.  It is soooo old and gorgeous.  During intermission they had refreshment stuff but its nothing like America.  They had a big open room with couches with big glass windows that over looked the piazza.  This room was just as pretty as the theatre.  Its just such a different culture here.  I loved it!  Ok... the only thing that was bad was that the ballet was SO modern.  It was so strange because you are in this beautiful old theatre and then they come out with really modern costumes and everything.  I didnt hate it but i really didnt love it.  It was worth it though to get to be in the Opera house and just experience that. 

 

Here is a little bad news.  I have to go to the dentist next week... I think i have a cavity because it hurts to eat cold things on the right side of my mouth on one of my top teeth.  Anyway, apparently there is a really good dentist here, Sorella Pearson went to him in like November or something.  So i figured that i might as well get it taken care of here where i know there is someone good.  I might just be paranoid... but i want to at least go and see about it.  So that is something i get to look forward to this week.  Sorella said that he is great, speaks perfect english but the only bad thing is that the lady that cleans the teeth just has NO mercy.  Im pretty sure she is way worse than Barb haha.  Im nervous for that.  Sorella was bleeding pretty bad she said...  I hope it goes ok.  I dont understand why all the sudden in the past 2 years i have had cavities.  Is there something i am doing wrong??

 

Other than that its been a pretty normal week.  I have been kind of homesick this week...  I have figured out the phrase "forget yourself and go to work" is a lot easier said than done.  I have been praying a lot recently that I really can 100% give my heart to my Heavenly Father.  I already only have a little over a year left and I dont want it past be wasted at all.  I dont want to come home and have any regrets or feel that i could have served better.  I want to come home knowing that i have returned with honor and served the people of Italy the very best that i could.  Its definitely true that we are our own worst critics.  Sometimes it seems overwhelming to think about all the things that i need to do and change.  I really am so grateful for prayer though and the feeling of love that i feel as a young missionary kneeling down to pray.  I know my heavenly father knows im not perfect but just wants me to be trying every day to be better than i was the day before. And i am so grateful for that knowledge! 

 

Anyway, sorry for the shorter email this week.  It was a good week and we are just finding, finding, finding.  We had SO many appointments fall through this week but what can you do?  We invite and then that is all we can do.  We cant force anyone.  Oh ya, we have zone conference on friday.  Elder Texiera from the seventy is coming.  Im really excited.  I think this is just what i need!  Well, I have to go because we are leaving to drive to Taormina.  Look it up!  Its beautiful.  Ill let you know how it goes!  Love you all!  Be safe in all your travels this week and have fun!!!!!  Happy Fathers Day and Happy birthday BUBBA!  Love you so much!   

 

Love,

Sorella Buma

Week 18--Ciao!

Hello everyone!

As always, thanks for your emails.  I am missing emails from some of my sibblings... YOu know who you are.  Dont forget about me!  I love to hear from you even if it is short.  Thanks for your love and prayers though. 

 

First, the other day we were walking down the street and heard this guy speaking in english on his phone.  so when he hung up we asked him how he knew english.  He says, "well i lived in Utah."  What??  SO random.  He continues to tell us that he studied at BYU for part of his masters.  I was so excited!  A little connection haha.  His professor here knew a professor at BYU and so this guy when there for a bit.  Also, this was a professor that i had and LOVED.  Random story!  But great.  Plus he said that he would meet with the Elders.  So that is great.  Usually we give younger guys to the elders because most of them only want to listen because it is 2 young american girls.

 

Next, we were out trying to find this lady that we talked to at a bus stop.  I had already given my Book of Mormon out that morning so we didnt have with us but she said that we could come to her house and give it to her some day in the morning.  So yesterday we were on her street but couldnt find her last name on the Citto (to get in any apartments you have to ring from the street and then they open the gate).  Plus she told us it was number 24  but didnt tell us the letter.  and there was 24 a b c d.... So we decided to just do some house at these apartments and hopefully find her.  next thing i know, i turn around and she is walking down the street with her daughter.  they were so excited to see us and she had told her daughter about us.  They were just leaving but we set an appointment with them for tomorrow morning.  Also, the last name is wrong on the street thing so it was just such a miracle that they came out at that exact moment.  I am just praying that their hearts will continually be prepared for the message we are bringing to them.  After they left we continued to do house there where they lived.  Someone opened the door so we just went it.  Hiked to the top and worked our way down.  No one would even open the door for us till the very bottom.  Then we found this SUPER old man and this lady that works for him (cooks for him and cleans.  kind of like a nurse.).  She was from Polland and they let us in for a min!  They said that we could come back on saturday morning to see them! 

 

Anyway, we also did finding with the elders with chalk.  Basically you go down to a busy piazza (we went down town on a sunday night) and draw the plan of salvation with chalk on a sheet.  I drew it and i will send pics of it next time.  It was so fun.  tons of people were coming up to us to see what was going on.  I dont know that anyone will have real interest but it went well.  Also we met this young couple from Holland!  Sweet huh! They spoke perfect english! 

 

Other than that, thats all i have to say this week.  Oh and we are going to see Cinderella tomorrow!  its in the opera house but we arent sure if its a ballet or opera.  Our mission pres. gave us permission and said that he loves cultural things.  Ill let you know how it goes.  It should be cool.   its a really old old opera house.  Ill take pics!  Love you all! Have such a great week and dont forget to write me!  Oh and pray i dont die of heat and humidity!  its HOT!  But its worth it.  I know why i am here and i have a testimony of this restored gospel.  I know it has been the biggest blessing in my life.  Im grateful for my Savior and the strength he gives me every day.  I really know i couldnt do this work on my own. 

 

Love,
Sorella Buma

Week 17--Humidity

Ciao Famiglia Mia! 

Mamma Mia!  It is humid here!  And it is just the beginning of June.  Which, by the way, i cant believe it is June already!  That is nuts!  I thought it was bad when it was raining but now i kinda wish the rain was back... Haha.  Just goes to show, we always want what we can't have.  At least im a sister and we just wear skirts.  I cant imagine how the elders feel walking around in pants every day.  Anyway, sounds like everyone had another great week!  School is almost finished and everyone has great summer trips planned!  I look forward to lots of pictures:)

Well, First thing.  Fillipo and Patrizia wont answer our calls or call us back.  Im SO sad about it.  I just wish i could help them understand what they are missing out on.  But, like everyone said, everyone has their own agency and we can only invite.  I really hope that with time we can see them again.  They just need the gospel in their lives.  Anziano Medina talked to their son the other day and he said they are still reading the Book of Mormon and praying as a family.  So at least they are doing that!  But for now, we arent able to see them anymore.  We need to find more investigators! 

Ok this is a tiny story but i want to share it because i was SO happy after.  Well, the other day we were sitting as the bus station and this old lady sat next to me on the bench.  My companion was on the phone but i just opened my mouth and tried to talk to her by myself.  It was GREAT!  I didnt understand every word but i understood enough to carry on a conversation by myself.  My first one ever.  I really felt the gift of tongues. It was one of the neatest experiences for me.  I know i didnt talk well but it was enough that we understood each other.  Plus she was SO sweet and i just really enjoyed it.  She kept looking at me and smiling and squeezing my hand.We exchanged numbers and she said that we could come see her and talk with her sometime.  Oh and it was so cute.  She starts telling me how she plays the piano at the university and then asked if we wanted to come hear her play because it was probably her last day playing.  Unfortunately we were on our way to see someone...  Anyway, she was so great and I will always remember my experience with her.  We just had a little connection.  This is a side note but i am so grateful for anziano medina because he is SO nice and just tells me how good i am doing and is always quick to being encouraging to me.  I really really needed him.

Oh another story.  We were at another bus stop and this crazy lady, no teeth pretty much and eating a block of cheese (Dani would have DIED watching it haha), starts talking to us.  She asks where we are from and we tell her we are American.  Then she looks at me and says, "She Has almond shaped eyes.  She looks Japanese.  Yeah, she is japanese!"  Haha.  Oh my it was great.  Even the crazy italians can see my asian flap. Haha.  So apparently im not American, im Japanese. 

Oh also, I ate Nduja the other day with our district in disrict meeting.  This is what it is.  Spreadable salami (spelling??) which is gross enough.  But then they store it in a pig stomach.  It was so gross!  They made my try it so i ate one bite...  So gross.  Im sure that isnt the worst thing i will eat here which is terrible...  Oh well!  I just dont want people to tell me what im eating to after its over. 

Another thing.  Palermo, the other big city on sicily, stole our senior couple.  so we dont get them here anymore!  its sad.  We were so excited!  Maybe next time...  But for now, it is still just the 4 of us in Catania.  Which is fine.  I love my district.  We have a lot of fun together. 

Last thing.  We are stopping English course till about september and we are going to do a bible study thing.  I am excited to learn more about the bible and do something different but i love my english class and im sad.  Giorgio is my favorite.  He is like 60 or something and is great.  He loves sailing and promised me that when we come back to visit he will take all of us sailing.  So be excited!

OK well, im off.  Thanks for everything you all do for me.  Thanks for all the emails.  And for the letters!  It really is so great when we come home and there is mail!  I love it! Have such a great week and I cant wait to hear from everyone soon!  I love you all!  It is hard being away but i love what i am doing.  I love Italy and i love this Gospel!  Until next week!

Love,
Sorella Buma

The first pic is of our "Family" at the ancient temples in Agrigento.  That is where we went for p-day yesterday.  It was the coolest p-day ever!

Next, my feet tanlines already... haha.  I can only imagine what they are going to be like in about October.

Scale Dei Turchi.  SO Beautiful.  Anz. medina and Hill

Us doing Yogo on the beach... Haha.  It was Great!

Week 16--Transfer 2 has started

Hello Everyone! 

As always, thank you for your emails.  I love them!  I look forward to hearing from everyone each week.  Sounds like all is well. All is well here.  I thought i would start by saying just a couple of things about Catania.  First, it is the hottest city in Italy.  Summer here we come!  Haha.  That means that everyone is going to stink way more than they already do.  haha. Lets just say bus rides are interesting.  We try to not breath.  There are lizards every where.  We have found them in the church and they just kinda creep me out.  they arent big but they are SO fast.  they come out of no where!  Pretty much everyone has a vespa and there is so much traffic that its the only way to get around in a timely matter.  we really want to get one but we dont think that our president would be thrilled about that... haha.  People are super nice here and love Christ but just really arent interested in a new religion.  Basically i love Catania.  Its a big city and im really nervous for when my companion leaves because ill be the one that is supposed to know where im going... haha.  All the streets look the same and they are all one way streets downtown pretty much.  So i need to be paying more attention.  Also, you smell so many discusting smells walking down the streets.  haha.  We dont even want to know what we are smelling.  

 

We have bad news, Fillipo and Patrizia called and said that they dont want to investigate the church anymore because they dont want to pay tithing.  We are going to try to keep working with them but its hard.  It broke my heart when they called.  I just had seen the biggest change in them.  Especially Patrizia.  She is so much happier now and you can see it in her face.  I am hopeful that we can go see them later this week and try to figure it out.  Its just hard because they are SO poor and they dont think that paying tithing is right....  Its one of those things that they wont have a testimony of until they try it out.  There are blessing waiting for them.  I know it.  They just need to take a leap of faith and trust that if they pay the Lord first, they will be blessed.  So right now pretty much we dont have any investigators.  FINDING.  Im actually really excited for it!  We need to trust that the lord will guide us to those that are ready and just get out and work.  Ill let you know how it goes.  We have boxed off some zones on the map that we want to do house in.  Im excited.  Finding always has some good stories. haha.  

 

We have a new missionary here.  New, new.  So im not a baby anymore. His name is anz. hill and he is from southern california.  He just got here thurs night so i dont know him that well but i think he is going to be a great missionary. He has a lot of enthusiam for missionary work.  

 

I knnow this is super short this week but we didnt get as much time this week.  I will try and write some more next week.  I want you all to know that i am so grateful to be a missionary and see literal changes in people as they come closer to their Savior.  I didnt think i would ever be here, especially in Italy but i love it.  I love the people and the message that i am here to share.  Thanks for everything!  I love you all so very much!  Have a great week!  I cant wait to hear from you!!!

 

Love,

Sorella Buma 

Week 15--Ciao Tutti!

Hello Fam!

   Well another week has already gone by.  Its just so true what everyone says.  Days could go on forever sometimes but the weeks seem to go by a lot quicker.  Thanks for all the emails this week!  I Always love hearing how everyone is doing and how things are at home.  Sounds like everything is good.  I like to hear that.  I cant believe that you had a snow storm in utah that big though!  Thats crazy!  I dont think it snows in Sicily...  But maybe by winter ill be somewhere else.  Who knows?  As for now, me and my companion are staying together for one more transfer together in Catania.  Im happy especially because this city is huge and the streets are way confusing so i need to learn it better before she leaves me.  Also, tomorrow Anz. Medina is getting a new missionary!  So i wont be the only new one here!  I am so excited!  I knew the missionaries that are coming tomorrow in the MTC so it will be fun to see who will be in our district with him. 

    Ok, this week was great.  First, Zone Conference.  It was SO fun to meet all the other missionaries serving here that i hadnt met.  There are a lot of us here.  We had p day with them and it was great to get to talk to them and get to know them better.  President kelly talked about desire and how our mission is obedient but he doesnt think that we have quite the desire we need to baptize.  he talked about how we need to make sure our goals are always in our minds and that we are consistantly looking for ways to make our goals happen.  I loved it.  It was such good motivation.  I want to set good goals with my companion for the transfer and then write them down where we see them every day and really try to look to reach them.  Its like faith, we cant just pray for it and expect it to come.  Our desire, like faith, comes as we go out and work.  then we can see how this message is blessing people's lives.  its something i really want to work on!  I had to bear my testimony because i am a new missionary.  It was a really cool experience for me.  I know why i am here and i am so grateful to be on a mission.  I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and i am so grateful for his courage to say a prayer and then to always do what he needed to do.  That one prayer changed all of our lives and i just want people in Italy to know that they can be with their families forever.  That is the greatest blessing.  That this life is just a moment and if we are faithful, we will be so blessed in the next life. 

     Anyway, then we had stake conference this weekend too and president and sister kelly were here for that too.  It was great but i really couldnt understand a lot of it.  With any background noise it is really hard for me to focus on what people are saying.  But Fillipo and Patrizia came and they were so excited to tell those they met about the fact that they are going to be baptized.  I looked over at them during it and Fillipo was crying.  It was such a happy moment for me.  It is such a blessing to see the Gospel change lives and really get to see it first hand.  He kept telling people that he knows this is the true church. SO COOL!!!!!

     K, update on Fillipo and Patrizia.  They were acting weird i think because they havent quit smoking.  patrizia knew it would be hard but i dont think that Fillipo really understood how hard it was going to be.  We went and taught them yesterday with the elders though and explained to them that they best way to stop is just to stop.  because right now they are trying to just taper down.  They didnt seem to really want to do that though.  We are going to see them tomorrow so it will be good to hear how its going.  I love them though.  They want the Gospel and are really trying.  I dont think they will be able to get baptized on the 28th but i really think they will be soon.  They are pretty much our only progressing investigators right now.  we really need to do some good finding.

     Ok last things, Have you taken care of my pharmacy license yet?  I just want to know where thats at.  Ummm... I have had about 20 mosquito bites on my legs so far... haha.  its terrible.  Now i have bug repellant though and we got something to put in our room.  So im hopeful that helps because it stinks to walk around all day when my legs are just itching.  I should have taken a picture.  Its been insane.  and my companion hasnt had any!  I think thats pretty much it for the week.  Thanks for your prayers and letters!  Thats all i need!  To my friends that have emailed me, you will have letters coming your way.  Sorry i cant email you.  it stinks.  But thank you for writing.  Honestly you dont understand how much it means to a missionary.  Well i love you all so much!  Have a great week and i will write you next week! 

 

Love,

Sorella Buma